9th Circuit Court Of Appeals – Judges Not Smart

Are Justices of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals nuts?  Maybe they are just so out of touch with the real world they have not hear of the recent General Services Administration debacle?  Of course they may have heard of the GSA Las Vegas fling but figure nothing has really been done about that event so why should they worry.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has jurisdiction over nine states including Hawaii but that doesn't mean they have to plan a judicial conference there at a cost of $1.1 million.  I think these people better wake up and smell the aroma of smoldering taxpayers!

The Ninth Circuit defends the conference as essential and not wasteful.

“As part of the Third Branch of government, the Ninth Circuit is fully aware of its responsibilities as a steward of public funds,” Circuit and Court of Appeals Executive Cathy A. Catterson said in a statement to ABC News today. “The conference is authorized by law ‘for the purpose of considering the business of the courts and advising means of improving the administration of justice within the circuit.’ The conference fully adheres to these goals, providing an exceptional educational program and the opportunity to conduct numerous business meetings that further circuit governance.”

The 9th Circuits' website says the conference is educational and not frivolous and recreational activities will not be reimbursed by the 9th Circuit.  RIGHT!  The judicial conference is scheduled for Aug. 13 to Aug. 16  and features sport fishing, a golf tournament, yoga, surging lessons, stand-up paddle board lessons, Zumba dance classes, tennis, a day trip to the Upcountry Maui, a snorkel trip and an activity called the “Aloha Experience.”

I guess these people figure what's a million or so dollars when we're billions and billions in the whole to China.  It's time we put a stop to all this wasteful spending that in no way will make the judicial system better or more efficient.

Conference?  Haven't they heard of Skype?  Webinars?  Plug in and get a snack tray from Sam's.  Quit wasting our money!