Opinion : Letter to the Editor: Lady Justice peeking under the blindfold

I eagerly opened the Op-Ed you published yesterday as soon as I read the title! "Is Lady Justice still blindfolded and the scales of justice balanced?"

The question is one that hits home for me personally, and the answer is a resounding NO! Unfortunately, our judicial and criminal justice systems have not only removed Lady Justice's blindfold but have seemingly locked her away entirely!

I may not have always felt this way... but I do fully support honest, ethical, and compassionate officers of the law, particularly elected sheriffs, who are directly accountable to the people they serve. That being said, far too often I have witnessed selective enforcement, prosecutorial overreach, and a legal system that appears to serve political interests rather than blind justice! We must ask ourselves: who truly benefits from the current system? The integrity of our justice system depends on fair trials, due process, and equal treatment under the law-free from political weaponization, bias, and systemic corruption, regardless of political affiliation or public opinion.

Mr. Steigelmeyer raises important concerns about "lawfare," the use of legal mechanisms to target political opponents. This is not a partisan issue-it is a fundamental threat to the rule of law! When justice becomes a tool wielded for political gain rather than a safeguard of individual rights, we all lose. If people lose trust in the courts, they lose trust in the very foundation of our democracy.

Throughout history, individuals who have challenged the status quo have often faced harsh penalties, not necessarily for their actions, but as consequences meted out under color of law in response to the threat they pose to established power structures. This misuse of the justice system to suppress dissent is a clear indication that Lady Justice is no longer blindfolded. We must also recognize that the more laws and restrictions that we argue for and allow to be passed, the greater authority we hand over-right along with our civil liberties. Every new law is another potential tool that can be used to control, silence, or criminalize individuals who refuse to conform.

But at least there is some good coming out of all this political nonsense-everyone is finally paying attention! People who once trusted the system without question are now seeing its flaws, recognizing the dangers of government overreach, and demanding accountability. Awareness is the first step toward meaningful change.

That is why I proudly stand with those that advocate for comprehensive criminal justice reform, ensuring due process, transparency, and accountability. The people of Iowa-and America-deserve a system that protects the rights of the accused (INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY!) while upholding justice for victims.

Justice should never be about politics. It should be about truth.

Respectfully,
Ashley Meredith