OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW DEAN ACCUSED OF SEXUAL DISCRIMINATION

Professor Danne Johnson has filed a Federal Law suit against Oklahoma City University School of Law and against Dean Lawrence Hellman. Professor Johnson allegedly accuses Dean Lawrence Hellman of sexual discrimination and violation of the Equal Pay Act of 1963. According to media reports, Johnson has been an associate professor of law since 2003 and contends male law professors at the school make as much as 52% more than their female counterparts at OCU.

Nothing from my "Law School" surprises me. In particular, any allegation regarding Dean Hellman would be unsurprising to me. My personal experiences with him as an Alumni left me to seriously question whether he has any objective sense of "fairness." Of course, that does not mean he is wrong or guilty in the instance of Professor Johnson - that is a factual finding left for the Federal Court to determine. If Dean Hellman is guilty of sexual discrimination, I hope the Federal Court holds him accountable to the full extent of its power. Dean Hellman should be sent the clear message that he should treat all people with equal dignity and respect - even if he is not guilty of sexual discrimination.

Florida's 11th Circuit - Miami/Dade - Rules Law prohibiting Gay adoption is unconsitutional

While there is no "published" opinion, the news reported that a Circuit Judge in the 11th Florida Circuit (which is a trial court judge in Florida) has ruled the Florida Statute prohibiting gay people from adopting children unconstitutional. The news reported that the Judge butressed that decision with the fact that Florida permits placement of Foster Children with gay people and/or couples. Therefore, the Judge reasoned, that any argument Florida has a "rational basis" in prohibiting an adoption by a gay person or couple cannot stand up. Moreover, the news report stated that the Judge made the ruling based upon concerns regarding equal protection for the adopting parents and stating that such a prohibition would not be in the best interest of the children involved because they were entitled to a "permenancy" and a "loving home."

There can be no doubt that this decision will be appealed by the State (Ex rel Department of Families and Children - or DCF). Of course, it doesn't really matter which way the appellate court rules because that decision will undoubetly set in motion a long series of appeals likely to end up in the United States Supreme Court - or, at the very least, an application for certiorari (review) will ultimately be filed asking the US Supreme Court to review the most recent appellate decision.

The most likely, but not the only, route for appeal will be to exhaust all state courts of appeals and then proceed on the Federal side. The fact that the trial judge ruled, at least in part, based upon "due process", and perhaps other rights guaranteed by the US Constitution, will permit the matter to be heard in Federal Court based upon "Federal Question" jurisdiction. It is likely that the appellate process will take several years before the matter is finally resolved.

Constitutional Law

Well, I've had a bit of an "absence." However, I am proud to announce that I will be teaching the Foundations of Constitutional Law right here in Fort Myers, Florida. I promise a very interesting perspective. Classes will start September 25, 2008 and will meet once a week for twelve weeks. If you are interested in attending, please email rarias129@aol.com to get more information. It promises to be a fun and informative class!!!

Is Free Speech Really Free?

Free Speech, guaranteed by the United States Constitution, Amendment I, may not be free to all. The News Press published my commentary on that subject Wedneday, August 6, 2008. You can view the article by going to the side bar in this blog - under the News Press section. I hope many of you will comment on it on the News Press web page. The article, published this morning, has already received a significant number of comments. Thank you for your support!

Separation of Powers - Judicial Supremacy

From where does the "separation of powers doctrine" emanate? Why is it important to us? Separation of Powers is one key that has made our form of government successful. Essentially, it is a doctrine that keeps the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of our government from usurping the powers specifically reserved to the other branches of government.

Article I of the United States Constitution establishes the Executive branch of government and sets out powers and limitations. Article II establishes the Legislative branch and sets out its powers and limitations. Article III establishes the United States Supreme Court - but states that inferior courts shall be established by the Legislative branch.

The United States Supreme Court ("S.Ct."), under the leadership of Chief Justice Marshall, declared in Marbury v. Madison (1803) that the S.Ct. had the authority to determine whether or not a law was "Constitutional." While there was some discussion about this seeming expansion doctrine, it was not seriously questioned (and under today's standards Justice Marshall would be forced to recuse because it was he, while acting as Secretary of State, that did not publish certain judicial appointments prior to his departure and that gave rise to the facts). The doctrine was not squarely addressed again for about 150 years! In Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the S.Ct. affirmed its role in passing judgment on whether or not a law was "Constitutional."

Why is this important to us today? Unlike most state Supreme Courts, established by each individual state's constitution, the Chief Justice of the S.Ct. is appointed for life. In most states, Supreme Court Justices are appointed for life, but there is a rotation for the duties of "Chief Justice." Additionally, in several states - even appointed for life - the state Supreme Court Justices are subject to a "retention ballot" by the people every so often. In the S.Ct., however, the position of Chief Justice is a life time appointment with no check or balance.

Our current S.Ct. Chief Justice is quite young. Clearly, President Bush wanted to appoint not only the most qualified individual, but someone who would occupy that position for as many years as possible - and, of course, someone who had a philosophy similar to his own. It is in that way a President can continue to impact our government and society long after he leaves office.

There are many questions of supreme import coming before the courts. The judicial branch of government, far and away, has the most power of all branches within our system. That means the issues of most societal import will ultimately be decided in courts and the men and women deciding them will largely be those appointed for life. No matter where you stand on today's issues, you must fully understand how our government works in order to fully and meaningfully participate by expressing your opinion within our system. The point of this article is that all Americans need to have a deep understanding of the internal workings within our judicial system and how that branch of government impacts us on a daily basis.

The issues of abortion, same-sex-marriage, stem cell research and partial-birth-abortion are among some of the important issues. To succeed, a society must build. Part of that building is deciding the issues of import - which we can do upon a foundation of bedrock, or burrowed into the sand. Drilling into the bedrock of the documents that founded and set out the initial structure of our society and learning for oursevles the principles upon which those documents were drafted is important for every American. It is through that reading we can avoid making decisions while standing in the political sands manufactured by office seekers that intentionally shift under our feet to maximize their approval rating.

The issues of import will not be decided by Obama or McCain. No, Sir! Those issues will not even be decided by the legislators we send to Congress as our representatives - though they may pass laws on the issues. Ultimately and with absolute finality, as the "supreme law of the land", the S.Ct. will decide those issues. First, the S.Ct. will determine whether a law passed by the people and signed by the President is itself "Constitutional." Second, the S.Ct. will determine - in various facts and circumstances - whether or not a constitutionally acceptable law has been applied in an unconstitutional manner.

WOW! Now that is power! The future of our society ultimately rests with men and women that have a life-time appointment. Does this mean they are free to make the righteous, correct, moral decisions with political impunity and without fear of career reprisal? Perhaps. It also, however, could mean that they are free to explore and advance their own political agenda - whether mainstream America agrees with it or not - without opposition.

Republican or Democrat - it doesn't matter. The choice we make for President of the United States is going to give that person the power of appointing Federal Judges for life and, perhaps one or more S.Ct. Justices for life. Those choices will impact the next generation ... or infect the next generation, depending upon your view of the world. Accordingly, I urge each citizen - I implore you for the soul of our Nation - to critically think through your own value system and to make a diligent search of the documents on which this great nation was founded. There is no excuse for irresponsible voting. We have the highest literacy rate in the world and the Internet provides us instant access to those revered documents. Look at them! Read them! Understand them! Compare them to your own value system - with a complete understanding of the principles on which they were written - then search yourself and make the decision you believe to be right in your heart. Again, Republican or Democrat, it does not matter on which side of the issues we each fall individually - so long as we make an informed choice about the direction in which our country will go. It is our duty as citizens to make an informed decision in which we honestly believe!!

Church & State - Have we gone too Far?

Did our founding fathers really mean that we should not allow our children to pray at school? If so, why is it that the Army has "Chaplains" - mostly Christian, although recently there has been a specific effort to include other religions - for the specific purpose of ministering to soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines? The Chaplains are on active duty, paid by the government, to hold religious services for and minister to other government employees. Is this an unconstitutional conflict of Church and State? Seriously, how could it get any more DIRECT ... hired by the government to spread God's word to government employees!!! That seems much more direct to me than saying a prayer at school because it is a "public building." I'm not offended if Jewish Americans or Muslim Americans want to hold their own prayer groups at school ... why are the Christians persecuted? Why not let everyone hold a prayer group? Here's a thought ... LET'S BE TOLERANT AND ENCOURAGE COMMUNICATION AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE GROUPS! Wow ... what a novel idea!

A city government seal (Edmond, OK) is not permitted to contain a "cross" as a SMALL part of it's official city seal (see the 10th Circuit Opinion, Certiorari to the US S.Ct. denied). Yet all of the money spent in that same little town (and used to pay those 10th Circuit Court of Appeal Judges) has "IN GOD WE TRUST ON IT!" I am sure that someone can "justify" this with legalese, but the truth is that we are engaged in a double standard.

One must put the separation of Church and State in historic context. At the time of the Constitution's birth, many Americans had come from Europe, where the Church controlled the State or was the government. In view of that historic reality, it seems a much more reasonable interpretation that our founding fathers, and hence the Constitution, separated Church and State because the drafters did not want to restrict religion (many came here to AVOID religious persecution) but rather wanted to make sure the Church never became the government. This stands to reason. If a specific Church became the government, or had undue influence in governmental matters, such a situation would reduce the "freedom of religion" the framers were trying to protect by permitting a larger Church to squeeze out smaller Churches or "freeze" out minority religious views.

Have we now gone too far? Have we now, as a Nation, alienated God? Remember, the three major religions of the world all worship the same God ... Christians came from the Jewish people and worship the same God (with a dispute about Christ's role) and the Muslims worship the same God as well. In seeking to protect "Freedom of Religion" have we now limited it?

Same Sex Marriage - Florida's Law

The News Press was kind enough to publish an article for me wherein I set out Florida's legislative law on same-sex marriage. Essentially, in the wake of California and Massachusetts actions other states have passed legislation to ensure that same-sex marriages are not recognized in their own states. Marriage, and for that matter divorce, have always been left by the Federal government to be dealt with at the state level. Traditionally, through comity, each state has recognized the connubial formalities performed in another state - even if the actual requirements are or were different. Today, some are worried about states making decisions with which they disagree and want to acknowledge that particular state's right to make such decisions and also acknowledge their own state rights to disagree. So the law becomes more complex. The link to my article can be found on the left side of this page. Please also note that there is an interesting counter piece published by the News Press just below my article on the same page. This certainly gives, as one commentator put it, a well rounded view.

Some Responses From The News Press Article

The following are some of the responses to my article regarding same-sex marriage that were posted on the News Press page. Thank you for your comments!

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Answering Paula. Your response sounds politically correct, its just like hearing Obama on the subject. Except that, that is not the Full Gospel. A careful reading will debunk your theological theory. Jesus said He came not to change God’s moral law (Matthew 5:17-20). God’s character is Grace, He is love but also LAW! America is in deep trouble due to the confusion Christians have for lack of knowledge of God’s ethics.6/25/2008 5:36:55
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I have read several of the previous articles (Judge) Michael Chionopoulos wrote in the News Press. I researched him after the article he wrote about marriage and the First Amendment. We are truly fortunate to have such a well accomplished constitutional scholar here in Fort Myers - and I agree we should hear more from him. I, for one, would like to hear more about how Florida can pass the laws talked about in his article without violating the United States Constitution? I am hetrosexual, but much like the author below, Mr. Chionopoulos, I don't see how stopping same-sex marriage in another state matters to us. Nor do I see, Sir, how stopping it here in Florida matters to us. Do you think we have no homosexuals in Fort Myers? Do you think permitting them to have a marriage license makes them more homosexual? Mr. Chionopoulos, you are a brilliant scholar and I hope the News Press permits you to Answer. Keep writing! You make us think and we all need that!!6/25/2008 5:26:56 PM
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As a judge, you know all too well that the minority view isn't always what's fair or Constitutionally right. Just as blacks and whites have been allowed to intermarry (despite majority opposition that most likely still exists), homosexuals should, too. The adoption, as you also know, is a slippery issue. Gay parents who adopted in another state or country may move to Florida, where they by darn should be recognized as that child's parents, as they are. I don't think we Christians should point to the Good Book to cut off people's humane rights, any more than we should slap fishes on our bumpers. Probably the best advise is to do What Jesus Would Do. And based on the Gospels, I believe Jesus would love homosexuals, and care far less about following any laws than showing Our Father's grace. An Okie6/25/2008 2:12:14 PM As a judge, you know all too well that the minority view isn't always what's fair or Constitutionally right. Just as blacks and whites have been allowed to intermarry (despite majority opposition that most likely still exists), homosexuals should, too. The adoption, as you also know, is a slippery issue. Gay parents who adopted in another state or country may move to Florida, where they by darn should be recognized as that child's parents, as they are. I don't think we Christians should point to the Good Book to cut off people's humane rights, any more than we should slap fishes on our bumpers. Probably the best advise is to do What Jesus Would Do. And based on the Gospels, I believe Jesus would love homosexuals, and care far less about following any laws than showing Our Father's grace. Paula

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ("PTSD")

Regrettably, many men and women are returning home from Iraq and other areas of the Middle East with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ("PTSD"). There has been much discussion about the topic of PTSD. In fact, some people do not even believe it exists. Rather, some believe it is a way for malingering soldiers to bilk government medical retirements. The truth is that while some individuals may abuse the system - like any other system - PTSD is real. It causes depression, leads to substance abuse and, in severe cases, suicide.

What causes PTSD? There is a division among experts, but most can agree on the basic fact that PTSD occurs when an individual participates in or witnesses violence that is incomprehensible. It simply traumatizes them. Most soldiers, men and women, have a certain "bravado" to maintain. After all, they are "soldiers" and "leaders" ... they are "TOUGH!" As a result, they repress their emotions because it is not "soldier-like" to be "sensitive" and emotional. As a result, their mind has to process the horrors of war without the benefit of communication.

What cures PTSD? There is a deep division among experts on this subject. Some think that it is necessary for the suffering individual to "purge" - to talk it out and get rid of the emotions. On the other hand, this particular author believes there is little, if any, benefit in such an approach. Rather, the most effective therapeutic approach is to reassure the traumatized person that they do NOT have to re-live the horror and trauma to get better. Rather, the cure is so simple it mystifies all those with PhDs and other significant psychological education and training.

The real cure: 1) Reduce situational anxiety to the fullest extent possible. Realizing that all stress inducing circumstances in a one's life cannot always be controlled, it is important to exercise full control over those stress sources that actually can be reduced; 2) Simultaneous to reducing situational anxiety, increase adaptive coping skills. Adaptive is emphasized because this is where most soldiers and others suffering from PTSD go wrong - they engage in in maladaptive coping skills, i.e. alcohol abuse, drug use etc. Some examples of adaptive coping skills are: weight lifting; bicycle riding; running; golf; chess; writing; reading etc.

The combination of reducing situational anxiety and increasing adaptive coping skills will bring PTSD under control in a brief period of time and usually without any medication. Nonetheless, it should still be done with the assistance of a health-care professional. The reason it is necessary to involve a health care professional is to ensure that the coping skills are effective; to monitor progress; and, in some very significant cases, it is important because in order to reduce situational anxiety it may be necessary or advisable for the suffering person to use anti-anxiety medications such as xanax or other benzodiazepine based medications and, perhaps, even an anti-depressant while they develop the positive coping skills to overcome the PTSD.

REAL AMERICAN HERO

It does not take a Congressional Medal of Honor, Silver Star etc. to be a "Real-live-Hero." Each and EVERY member of the 45th Infantry Brigade from the Oklahoma Army National Guard - called "Thunderbirds" because of the patch that they wear on their uniform - is a no kidding, "Real-Live-Hero!" Currently serving in Iraq, the 45th has a very non-traditional mission. Indeed, the Commanding General - in the photo provided - is like the Mayor of the International Zone (one of the most dangerous places in Baghdad). However, the 45th soldiers are spread all over Iraq in support of specific missions. Brigadier General Deering, though, is still responsible for them, as well as the airmen and sailors under his Command in the International Zone.

Each 45th soldier now serving in Iraq ducks missiles on a daily basis. He or she continues to do their job, with pride and distinction, while being routinely shot at and having people try to run them over etc. Does not matter who you are, how much money you have, what you think of the current White House, what you think of the war itself or what you think of the upcoming elections; we can all agree, with the greatest of pride, that every 45th soldier is a "REAL-LIVE-HERO" to whom we owe the deepest sense of gratitude!

Recent Trips Abroad - Domesic Violence Prevention

In some recent travels, the cultural perceptions of both Americans and attitudes toward or about Domestic Violence began to emerge into trends. First, and not the least bit surprising, is that Americans are quite disfavored among most of the world. Generally, our Nation is seen by foreigners as self-serving, over-indulgent, arrogant and full of people with a misguided sense of entitlement. Of course, since that perception is fairly accurate when it comes to our Nation as a whole - and particularly those under the age of 30 - there is not much to be said about it. Foreign Governments, on the other hand, still welcome Americans by the droves - or at least our dollars (even as devalued as they have recently become). As you can see by the photo, this is not your average "public" place and was enjoyed at the invitation by one of import - as well as attending, and being invited as the key-note speaker, at a regional international symposium on Domestic Violence Prevention.

The issue of Domestic Violence Prevention simply must stay in the forefront of our minds. Here, in the United States, Domestic Violence has reached a pandemic level. Yet, our government continues to ignore it because to do something meaningful about it does not bring about social change fast enough for one to take political credit. Indeed, sponsoring a State Bill that would cost significant tax dollars leaves a Senator or Representative politically vulnerable at the next election. An opponent can spin the topic: "Senator X voted to spend $X,XXX,XXX.xx on this program ... WHERE ARE THE RESULTS FOR ALL YOUR MONEY?" Of course, meaningful programs will take a generation to ripen and bear social fruit. So, politicians continue to side-step the issue while America's children remain unprotected and, in many cases, are quickly converted to either predators or victims by the abuse itself.

HARD WORK - Family Values in Different Cultures

Now *THIS* is "hard work" ... but someone has to be a skilled diver!! After all ... "FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!" Outside the US things are *VERY* different - airport security in some small countries is, virtually, non-existent. You can also see my article below where I talk about Grand Parental rights and begin go get a feel for how other cultures have a completely different perception on what is right or wrong with respect to family values and, more importantly, how the governing law should reflect the family values of their culture. We must ask ourselves, do our current family laws in Oklahoma accurately reflect the social value system of family values that is maintained by the average citizen? Do we have special interest groups making (or trying to make) laws that deviate from the majority core values held by Oklahomans at large? These questions must addressed head on for Oklahoma to continue healthy growth. Economic policies are important, but if we are not accurately legslislatively addressing the needs of the next generation where are we really going economically?

Grand Parental Rights

Here is a new spin on our traditional thoughts of "Grand Parental Rights!" In the United States, and particularly in Oklahoma, Grand Parental rights has been the focus of much legislation. Essentially, attempts to legislate into a gap where in the more commonly non-traidtional home grand parents are not alienated from their biological grand children by a former daughter-in-law or son-in-law with custody who is resistent to allow, as primary custodial parent, their children to visit with the "other side" of the family.

However, today I am in a country where the law permits grand parents to sue for support from their family. Yes, that's right ... grand parents have the right to LEGALLY COMPEL their grand children to permit the grand parent to live with the grand child and to LEGALLY COMPEL the grand children to take care of a sick or elderly grand parent. This is a culture in which the nuclear family is so important, yet being westernized by the day, so that the legal powers to be have cemented their heritage by law.

Quite an interesting twist on the United States thought of "grand parental" rights. Think about it, in the United States we usually just put our elderly in an "Old person warehouse" ... a nursing home ... where they can live out their lives with little quality, but with equally little inconvenience on our own lives.

Who is missing the issue? If we "had" to take care of our own biological foreparents we might actually save enough federal funding so that our own grandchildren would be able to pay off Bush's war ... as opposed to our great, great grandchildren! Interesting cultural twist on the same term "grand parental rights!"

Reaction to House Bill 1026 Statutory Divorce Requirements

WOW! I was just informed of some of the comments posted by people regarding the Article published in The Oklahoman on March 22, 2008. I'm so flattered that I wanted to share them with you.
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Judge Chionopoulos shares much wisdom in the article. We have many great jurists here in Oklahoma and Judge Chionopoulos was one of best.

Laure, Oklahoma City - Apr 3, 2008 8:45 AM
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This well written article makes a lot of sense and provides clarity to the otherwise confusing message of HB 1026. I agree there needs to be counselling and serious attempts at keeping a marriage intact but eliminating incompatibility and other reasons for divorce is not the answer to having a long term marriage. In today's society of accepting a woman's "right" to have unwed births as the norm then perhaps we need to start there in the law to preserve the sanctity of marriage? And as for reasons for divorce and what marriages should strive to be, as in life long commitments, then perhaps we need to be stating terms from the bible, where it is addressed in specific terms and not a House Bill trying to reduce divorce statistics? I appreciate Judge Chionopoulos' insight and writing style, and wish he were still on the bench here.

E, Newcastle - Mar 25, 2008 11:37 AM
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I am very impressed with Mr. Chionopoulos' summary of divorce information. I am an advocate for marriage but even a stronger advocate for marriage education. Oklahoma offers a multitude of opportunities for free and convenient relationship and marriage education. I appreciate Mr. Chionopoulos' information and enjoyed his perspective on HB 1026.

Anna, Oklahoma City - Mar 25, 2008 8:40 AM
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I wholly agree with Judge Chionopoulos' opinion that incompatibility should be retained as a ground for divorce in Oklahoma. Although it is easy to point to lower divorce rates in fault-based states like New York and thus conclude it must be because of the absence of incompatibility as a ground for divorce, that conclusion does not hold water. Too many socioeconomic factors come into play to draw such a simple conclusion. One such factor could be that the medium age for first marriages of men and women in New York is about five years greater than in Oklahoma. The 2005 Census records medium ages for first time marriages of men/women respectively as New York 29.3/27.3 verses Oklahoma’s 25.6/23.5. As Judge Chionopoulos states, requiring one person to blame the other for a divorce to go forward sets a bitter tone from the outset that permeates the proceedings and serves only to line the divorce lawyers' pockets. The focus should be on "think before you act" both before one marries and again before one decides to divorce. If the State is to act at all in this area it should be to provide counseling and other assistance during these times rather than creating and/or escalating animosity between the parties at the outset a divorce.

Cathy, Oklahoma City - Mar 25, 2008 8:23 AM
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This is not so much about Judge Chionopoulos, although many, many people realized in hind-sight that they were very, very wrong for rushing to judgment (especially as lawyers and judges) and some have even said so, as much as it is about the topic of whether incompatability should be excluded as a statutory ground for divorce. I do a lot of divorce work and I agree with the Honorable Judge Chionopoulos; eliminating incompatability from the grounds permitting divorce would only add more emotion and bitterness to already volitile situation. Without being able to plead what amounts to "no-fault", one person or the other will have to "prove" that the opposing party actually did one of the remaining 11 grounds. It is nonsense for the Oklahoma Legislature to believe that they can "force people to stay married!" Oh, by the way, we probably should not talk about all of the shining examples of marital fidelity in our State Capitol as examples!!! Judge Chionopoulos is right, making it more difficult to get married and enacting legislation that forces good initial decision-making and personal/moral accountability is more solid policy making then making it difficult, more costly and more traumatic for the children. My personal opinion about Judge Chionopoulos notwithstanding, I must agree with the comments below - he is, indeed, a brilliant jurist. Perhaps he should be in the Oklahoma Legislature setting policy? He seems to at least understand it, which is apparently more than can be said for those who would pass laws without having a grasp on how they impact the "average person."

SH, Oklahoma City - Mar 24, 2008 9:51 PM
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PS - I saw the allegations in The Oklahoman, but did The Oklahoman ever even tell a follow up story as to the investigation outcomes on Judge Chionopoulos? If so, I missed it.

Kersten, Norman - Mar 24, 2008 6:07 PM
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WOW! Much activity on Monday from a Saturday article. I did read it - and I have appeared in front of Judge Chionopoulos. It is true, as they have already said, he is a brilliant jurist. So, it is really no surprise that he is keeping up with Oklahoma Domestic law and still trying to have a positive impact on Oklahoma families. While we Cleveland County lawyers tend to stay out of Oklahoma County politics, it was apparent to everyone in Oklahoma that Judge Chionopoulos was not treated fairly. Judge Chionopoulos was denied the basic "due process of law" that, as a Judge, he was required to maintain for everyone else. This article shows me two things: 1) The man is truely a legal scholar far beyond most of those who don a robe; 2) Even after the gross injustice with which he was treated, he cares enough to try and make a positive difference in the lives of Oklahomans. I commend him for being so selfless. With the Presidential elections coming we hear "Its about the Economy, STUPID!" As for Oklahoma jurisprudence, regardless of what county, I would like to say in domestic law "Its about the children, STUPID!" That seems to me to be what Judge Chionopoulos cares most about even now. He should be given an apology and an award. I don't know him, where he is, or what he is or was but I do know he cared about the children in the cases I had and evidently, even after the unjust and shameful manner in which he was treated, he evidently still cares about the children. Good for him and Thank You, Judge Chionopoulos, where ever you are at this point.

Kersten, Norman - Mar 24, 2008 6:06 PM
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This is an example of "good-common-sense" (something we, as Oklahomans, like to pride ourselves in having) that proves Judge Chionopoulos should be on the Oklahoma Supreme Court. I appeared in front of him. As this article demonstrates, he knew the rules and could see the "big picture" of how those rules would have real impact on real lives. Now, rather than having one of the most brillian jurists on the bench, the man who appeared on television as the attorney for his accusers is on the bench. How much and what has he published? Wow! The article specifically did not say where Judge Chionopoulos is now or what he is doing. Judge Chionopoulos, if you read these comments please know that your knowledge is sorely missed from the bench. Your acceptional knowledge of both evidence and procedure actually made "justice" more than a mere word.

Julie, Oklahoma City - Mar 24, 2008 3:59 PM
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As an attorney who has advised divorce clients, I agree that HB 1026 is a train wreck in disguise. Lt Col (Ret) Chionopoulos has written a most articulate and helpful article that will hopefully open the eyes of the Oklahoma legislature and citizenry. This poignant article is indicative of Judge Chionopoulos’ common sense and statute-driven approach to the judiciary. What a loss to Oklahoma! Oklahoma "Good Ole Boy" politics drove out one of the most honest, professional, hard-working jurists to have graced the Bench!

Concerned, Oklahoma City - Mar 24, 2008 2:28 PM
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Judge Chionopoulos makes an excelent point - divorcing people have enough opportunity to say ugly things about each other. Why structure the legal system so that the ugliness is institutionally required? I always believed, no offense to the other judges there, that he was the most significant legal scholar on that floor. It is truely a loss to Oklahoma that he was victimized. I understand that two investigations revealed no evidence of wrong-doing, yet we lost the Judge that was most aggressively collecting child support. At the same time, the man who appeared on television for the accusers is now a judge. Things that make you go "Hmmmmmm?"

George, Oklahoma City - Mar 24, 2008 1:06 PM
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Mr. Chionopoulos has a good point about educating people before they get married, but doesn't this bill seem like a drive to make every marriage in Oklahoma one of Keating's cherished 'covenant' marriages?

Concerned, Central Oklahoma - Mar 24, 2008 12:22 PM

Oklahoma House Bill 1026 - Family Law

The Daily Oklahoman published my article on March 22, 2008 regarding Oklahoma House Bill 1026. There is an electronic link on the left side of this page so that you can view the article (on the left side of this page under "The Oklahoman" heading, it is the article on "Statutory Divorce Grounds"). Please feel free to leave your comments with The Oklahoman. The HB, as proposed, could impact a significant number of Oklahomans. If you feel strongly enough about the issues raised, you should contact your Oklahoma Representative or Oklahoma Senator.

CHIME- China India and the Middle East

The News Press, in Fort Myers, printed an article that I wrote on China, India and the Middle East. The article focuses on the economic possibilities that exist between those, and perhaps other, countries. Ultimately, if the United States fails to pay close attention to world economic strategies we could find ourselves paying $5.00/gallon at the pump. As it stands now the price of oil is settled at the highest in history. What are we doing to lower the price and/or develop alternative fuel sources? What should we be doing to lower the price and/or develop alternative fuel sources? Obviously, our foreign policy has much to do with the current price-per-barrel. Moreover, the new administration - democratic or republican - will need to deal with foreign policy from a fresh perspective. Please comment with your thoughts and ideas ... please read the article, there is a link on the left if you are so inclined ... if you read the article, feel free to comment as provided by the News Press ... and please feel free to comment here and send me thoughts for other articles that you would like to see. Thank you!

Injustice of Justice - Spiritual vignette

The toughest part about being a "fighter" is knowing when *NOT* to fight! So, as a fighter (with a name like Chionopoulos, I *had* to be tough), faith becomes the most important weapon. This is being discussed in "The Injustice of Justice" - which is a book and a work in progress.

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. 8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. 9 For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land (emphasis added). Psalm 37

Perhaps we can all learn something from this - the wicked and the righteous alike!

Ocean Training!

Ocean training is some of the most interesting training in the world. Of course, temperature is always an issue. The human body, on average, looses heat 25 times faster in water than in air .... brrrrh! So, it all depends on where you train. Here are a couple of playful pictures ... once the real work was done. Taking off my mask and regulator at 60' was fun ... the nearby barracuda (not pictured here), not so much fun. Can you tell by the reef where this was taken? Hint ... not in the US! Who knows where I'll be next! Life is an adventure ... live, laugh, swim, bike, run and have fun! Life is just too short to let the little things stop you from getting all you want out of it!!

Divorce and The First Amendment

I am pleased to announce that The News Press published my article - a link to it can be found on the left hand side of this page - regarding divorce and the First Amendment. Domestic Judges have a tough job. They constantly seek to balance time honored, sacred constitutional rights against the best interest of children. We should all thank them for their service.

New Articles

The Fort Myers Press has reviewed two of my articles... one on constitutional law and divorce and one on CHIME -China, India and the Middle East and has decided to publish both of them in the future. I will let you, those who are interested, know when they will be published and I will do my best to create a blog discussion regarding the issues. I will look forward to your comments and critiques. Thank you.

COMING SOON - An Article on CHIME

What is CHIME? It is an acronym for China-India-Middle-East. Essentially, some think that China is trying to re-weave the "silk road" along which goods flowed in the 13th Century. The article will discuss potential socio-economics of such a policy/plan. It has been accepted for publication and, once published, a link will be posted here.

The Injustice of Justice - Opening

Now, in consideration of this new project, the opening should go something like:

First, I would like to thank all of those who supported me.
There are too few to name. Second, this story is NOT based
upon the truth. Indeed, great literary care has been taken
to avoid shocking the moral conscience of the reader by telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God.

I have completed most of the initial character development and a couple of chapters. There are also several publishers already interested in the story! I may show a few "teasers" here as this project develops!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all! I hope the New Year brings to each person (yes, I really mean "everyone") good health and unprecedented prosperity!

The unscientific and imperfect survey taken on this page regarding interest in reading a book on the Injustice of Justice revealed that 88% of those who responded were interested in reading it. Thus, it is now a "work in progress."