A Letter to a Great American: The Honorable Charles Burton

Honorable Charles Burton
Palm Beach Court, 15th Circuit
205 N. Dixie
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401-4522

Dear Judge Burton:

I join many Americans who have complimented you for your fair and firm judgment in the hand counting of ballots in Palm Beach County which was viewed by the nation. I am sure you are quite accustomed to hearing praise from those who are pleased with your judgments. But many on both sides of the political spectrum noted and praised your behavior even before the final outcome which they knew might not be pleasing to them. That is indeed a rare compliment.

In my perspective from thirty years in dealing with the opinions and passions of the public, the national controversy of the past two weeks has been tremendously beneficial. It has allowed the citizens of this nation to see our judiciary at all levels in action on a matter of the highest importance. They witnessed the meaning of due process. They saw how the law should be interpreted, and followed—in plain language that they could understand. They saw human beings called judges rise above any personal preferences and do what was just and fair.

I heard a phrase quoted by an attorney during the trial today in the court of Judge N. Sanders Sauls that I think characterizes your behavior and fairness in handling the controversial recount in Palm Beach County. “The best of men do what men do best.” I think this is why so many, including Judge Sauls, volunteered with no prompting, “You sir, are a great American.” Judge Sauls should know. He wears the same robe with dignity. This nation will long remember you both.

/s/ Bill Wattenburg