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Summarized by Kent Larsen
Congressman Seeks Resolution Against Judge for anti-Mormon and Bias Remarks
(Resolution to condemn McDonald introduced in Congress)
Portland OR Oregonian (AP) 15Feb00 N6
The Associated Press
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON -- Representative John Conyers, a Michigan Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee has introduced a resolution condemning U.S. District Judge Alan McDonald's notes written in court, which appear to disparage minority religions and races, including Mormonism. Conyers' resolution condemns McDonald for "bringing the appearance of improper racial, ethnic and religious bias upon the Federal Judiciary."
The Spokane, Washington Spokesman-Review broke the story last week that McDonald had a practice of exchanging notes with his staff during court proceedings. The notes seem to disparage Blacks, Hispanics, Mormons and others, according to the newspaper's account, first published January 30th. McDonald, who didn't comment for this Associated Press story told the Spokesman-Review that the notes were private and had been misrepresented.
However, critics say the notes are grounds for a judicial misconduct investigation, which was launched last week by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. Conyer's resolution could go even further, triggering a judicial impeachment resolution.
During one proceeding, McDonald responded to a note from one of his staff that claimed a Mormon in the court room was a con man. In his response, McDonald wrote, "Yes, and in my experience, a Mormon money man makes the Jews and Chinese look like rank amateurs!"
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