#earthrunes

*********

August is at a lively debate of prelaw students. Unofficial, of course, but he got dragged along

"The woman's the most qualified candidate they've had in years. And we NEED someone with public defender experience on the bench of the Supreme Court" Kayla says, agitated. That's Kayla's problem, she's passionate to the point it can be used against her.

"Can you support your hypothesis?" Brody counters

"Oh come on," She huffs

Surprisingly, he's made a dreamer or two here. These are people with drive, ambition, and yes, currently dreams

"Everyone remember to get a copy of your LSAT...." Isaac jokes, as he often does. "We might want to explain to Congress how law school works one day"

Pizza is passed around. Pepperoini and Sausage on one, A veggie pinapple thing for another

And there are cheesy sticks with dipping sauce

August smiles as he listens, pizza on his plate.

"A full breadth of the law, a full understanding, is required for true and proper interpretation of the constitution," Alexis squeaks. Poor shy thing. She's slowly coming out of her shell, "Kayla is correct. "

"Plus they're racist assholes trying to shut her down," Kayla nods

"Oh give them some credit. They're assholes with an agenda. THey'd do the same to a white nominee, they'd just try different tacks" Isaac says

"Very likely" Brody nods

"I have seen some interesting sidebar conversations in forums outside law." August offers softly (as he often does) "Impacts outside the Court."

"he speaks" Isaac grins approvingly "Lay it on us, August. So far the one thing we agree on entirely is that assholes are involved"

that gets some chuckles or even a laugh, but they all turn to August

"Outside of legal fourms and groups, I have seen more interest and awareness in people of color, especially women, in the process of selection for SCOTUS. Pride in themselves, by proxy. Interest in legal professions, in general. One can hope, and work for, sustaining this. Encouraging minorities and the disenfranchised not only with words but also with material help; funds, resources, information.... in being involved in our legal processes on any level."

"I know that I find her inspiring, did before she got nominated" Kayla says "August has a point. I got a little sister who thinks I'm boring, but she loves Jackson"

"Well, your sister is clearly a keen judge of character" Isaac mimes weaving back out of slap range

"But is SCOTUS meant to be inspiring? " Brody asks pragmatically "Should inspiration be a factor? the purpose is justice, not celebrity"

"Should -justice- be inspiring?" August refines the question.

"Mmm" He thinks it over

"I'll concede it helps the judicial process when it's success is lauded" Brody says

"Inspiration to others pursuing the legal and judicial field is of benefit, giving a wider pool to draw from thus more meritorious" Alexis nearly whispers

"It could, perhaps, even inspire confidence in the legal system, which must be to the good, yes?"

"It certainly has taken a hit" Isaac admits

"I suppose one can't ignore the powerr of perception"

That concession from Brody

August nods. "There is power in Believing."

"But we also must pursue truth in law, or it becomes a ... " Alexis blushes "A popularity contest"

"Truth and Justice; you cannot have one without the other."

"Hear hear. " Kayla says taking another bite

"We've done it, gang," Isaac jokes "We've saved the judicial process and the American legal system. Next on our docket?" He leans back

Some napkins are throw at him

August chuckles but does not throw anything.

"We're agreed in theory... how do we practice it."

"Start with the personal level" Alexis suggests "Control of self, and one's behavior"

August nods "Looking inward, examing oneself."

"Is that enough?"

"Squeal like a rat when you catch someone else cheating the system" Isaac says "And hope it doesn't burn your own chances ttto progress?"

"Better add 'and get evidence' to that" Kayla says

August considers this. "Certainly observing standards and integrity are important. Isaac, you mean taking action against violations of Truth and Justice?"

"Corruption, that kid of thing" he says

"Perhaps there's a step or two between inward examination and responsibly reporting violations? I would think that after examining oneself, demonstrating those behaviors that lead to Truth and Justice are important."

"Walk the talk" Kayla nods

"I suppose this is where that empathy I'm terrible at comes in" Brody observes

a few chuckles at that deadpan delivery

"We would have to behave in ethical, honest, inclusive, truthful and just ways."

"Well shit. Guess I'll go for politics instead. Nice knowing you all" Isaac declares lightheartedly