Maybe it’s not justice, but the law should obeyed

First it was Ted Stevens, and now it’s Vic Kohring and Pete Kott.

Prosecutors dropped the ball. That’s putting it lightly.

Whether you believe them to be guilty or not, the reason they may be released — and get a new trial — is because they didn’t get a fair trial the first time. The defense has every right to expect to see what the prosecution has against its client. When the prosecution withholds information, particularly information that could help the defense, then it isn’t fighting the good fight.

In Kohring’s case, why hide information? Video clearly shows Kohring accepting cash from people who wanted to buy his votes in the legislature.

A fairly competent member of the Valley’s Youth Court would be able to prosecute that case.

By withholding information, the prosecutors didn’t just fail at their jobs, they will cost all of us more by going through another, expensive trial. As usual, the lawyers win. Both sides will charge enormous fees and we’ll pick up the tab.

And it’s not only likely, but probably, Kohring will end up where he is now, back in a prison in the Lower 48.

In the unlikely event that he is acquitted in the next trial, he will have gained his freedom, but surely his political career is over.

Anybody who would vote for him in the future is out of their mind.

Legend has it that when somebody bought Kohring lunch, he would order two meals so he could have supper later.

Our leaders don’t have to be wealthy to do a good job, but think of it this way: If you are so broke you can’t afford three squares a day, and have to sleep in your office because you can’t afford a room for three months, then your morals and character have to be deep and strong. Otherwise, when you’re hungry, you might accept a meal or some cash from someone who doesn’t have the state’s best interests in mind.

A coach once said losing is like being a prostitute. Once you get used to it, it gets easier and easier.

Who knows how easy it started getting for Kohring?

Who knows where the bottom would have been for him?

What we do know is he’s already costing us more money because a group of lawyers who are paid to be smart were inept, or cheaters. Maybe both.

At least their boss is doing the right thing. Now he needs to send them packing and put the bill for this second go-round on their credit cards.

Vote today

Don’t forget to go to your polling place today so you can help choose the new mayor of the borough.