It is a tradition in pubs in Ireland that the final song of the
evening is The Parting Glass.
And
all that I’ve done, for want of wit
To memory now, I can’t recall
So
fill to me the parting glass
Good night, and joy be with you all.
As I look back on a career in the law, capped as a trial
court judge for 26 years, there are in fact some
things I’ve done, for want of wit, that I can recall – though thankfully, not too many.
I look back on the privilege it has been to serve the people
of Minnesota, of the First Judicial District
of that State, and especially the people of my home in Sibley County. I have tried my best to live up to the trust
that you have placed in me by judging as best I can, with out fear or favor or
the hope or promise of reward – other than that reward that comes with the
knowledge that this day, I have done my duty.
When I was appointed to the bench in February, 1988, I knew
that there were other candidates that knew the law better than I did. There were others that had a bit more
experience than I did at the time. In
short, there were other candidates that were at least as qualified as I
was.
But it was I that was chosen to wear the black robe and make
decisions that have impacted the lives and fortunes of hundreds of people since
that day I raised my right hand and took the oath of office.
Harry S Truman said, “There are probably hundreds of people
better qualified than I am to be president, but they weren’t elected.” I surely can relate to that sentiment. I know there are smarter, more patient and
likely better qualified people who could do a better job than I. (We trust one will be appointed to take my
place.) But, they weren’t chosen to be
the judge in Sibley
County – I was.
So, I recall the final chorus of that Irish pub-closing
song:
But
since it fell unto my lot
That I should rise, and you should
not,
I
gently rise and softly call
Good night, and joy be with you all!
Thank you for this opportunity to serve you. Good night, good bye, and Joy and Justice be
with you all.
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Next Week: The
Party’s Over …
