What You Should Know

By Former NYC Councilman
Rev. Ruben Diaz
Bronx County

BLACK ROBES MATTER
The Attacks Against
The Supreme Court Justices

You should know that a few days ago, Community Leader Richard Soto and I were having a dialogue about the lack of respect and attacks against one of the Branches of our Federal Government. In the United States of America, our government has (3) three equal branches: The Legislative Branch, The Executive Branch, and The Judicial Branch.

It is important for you to know that the Fathers of this Nation, in their quest for a nation based on Liberty developed a Federal Government composed of these three branches. The reason for three branches is to ensure that the government would not become dictatorial or tyrannical. Therefore, they developed a government that operates on a system known as "Checks and Balances". The purpose of “Checks and Balances” is to ensure that one branch does not usurp powers that are not within their authority. Therefore, the branch usurping unauthorized powers would be in violation of the Constitution, which stipulates that these branches are equal in powers and operate independently to ensure that this country remains a nation that was founded on Liberty.

The Legislative Branch: Is composed of two Houses. The House of Representatives, with the congressional members and the Senate with the Federal Senators. These two Houses are known as The Congress of the United States. Both Houses of Congress (Legislative Branch) work together and are responsible for legislating (creating laws), declaring war, passing, and balancing the Federal Budget, and ensuring the welfare and betterment of their congregational districts.

The Executive Branch: Consists of the President of the United States, and his Cabinet Members. The Executive Branch is responsible for the security of the country, foreign Affairs, the security and well-being of the U.S. Citizens, and residents of this country. The President is the Commander in Chief and is responsible to approve or veto legislation once approved by Congress and sent to the President.

The Judicial Branch: Consists of the Supreme Court (The Highest Court in The Land) composed of nine Justices. The responsibility of these Judges is to interpret the law in accordance with the United States Constitution. When a legislation or (Case) reaches the Supreme Court, the Justices determine whether the law or Action presented is in accordance with or violates the Constitution of this Nation. The Judicial decisions or opinions of this court are determined with a majority for or against. Members of the Judicial Branch are famously known for their Distinguished Black Robes.

The laws that are on the books mandates that every Citizen of this nation, the President, and Elected Officials, must and are expected to Respect, and Adhere to our laws especially when they deal with our Judicial System. In this country you are not to influence the Judges or conduct demonstrations, make threats, terrorize, conduct Peaceful or Religious protests in front of the residences of Judges for the purpose of intimidating them or exerting pressure on their decisions, to do so is a crime.

According to the laws, passed and approved by the Legislative Branch (The Congress), when such acts are committed, they are criminal acts which violate the peace and attempt to influence the members of the "Black Robes". When such criminal acts are committed it is the responsibility of the Executive Branch (The President) to intervene to protect the Justices and integrity of the highest Court in the Land. As the President it is his duty to uphold the law and denounce these actions and order the arrest of anyone who is in violation of this law because “Black Robes Matter."

Federal Law #18 U.S. Code 1507 stipulates: “Whoever with the intent of interfering with, obstructing or impeding the Administration of Justice or with the intent of influencing any judge, jurors, witnesses or court officer, in the discharge of his duty, pickets or parade in or near a building housing a court of the United States, or in or near a building or residence occupied by such Judge, Juror or Court Officer or with such intent uses any sound truck or similar device….Shall be fined under this title or Imprisoned not more than one year or both.”

My dear reader, we are seeing daily, in our news media, elected leaders from the Legislative Branch (Congress members) encouraging, participating, promoting, and motivating their supporters to violate the very law they instituted. They encourage disrespect for our Judicial institution and vital branch of our government. With this criminal act they devalue and disrespect the Black Robes and fail to see that “Black Robes Matter”.

It greatly saddens me to watch that even the Executive Branch (The office of the President and his Cabinet) fail to denounce these actions against the Black Robes. Instead, they are participants, which is clearly in violation of the Independence and autonomy of the Judicial Branch. These criminal acts and lack of enforcing the law sends the message that the Black Robes Opinions only matter when they conform and are to the liking of the political party and ideology of those in power.

This is the very reason why the founding fathers had the wisdom to know that inorder to secure this country Three Branches of Government would be needed, for such a time as this. We pray that the Justices do what is right and Constitutional, and not be intimidated.

As for me, I continue to be the lone voice of one who cries out in the wilderness, in prayer, and loudly proclaim that "Black Robes Matter."

I am the Reverend Ruben Diaz, and this is What You Should Know.