It's just the way Ohio is set up

Here is a relatively interesting read about child support and "the court system" in Ohio. I find the push-pull viewpoints to be quite sad. But it is typical of the "that's just the way it is" attitude I see in local and state government.

Re-entry Roadmap: A 25 Point Strategy Toward Restoration

Ohio Department of Youth Services to undergo changes for "juvenile parolees."

The state's juvenile prisons are trying to develop a better way to prepare youths for life after their release because about half are locked up again within three years.

Providing the youths more job training, help finding employment and mentors to offer advice are among the planned changes at the Department of Youth Services, according to a report released Monday.

Snarky comment to follow...
You mean you can't just turn a juvenile offender loose and expect them to magically turn into a good citizen?!?!?! I'm shocked! Shocked, I tell you!

Oh...and my favorite headline..."
State to try new ideas to reduce youth prison recidivism."
REALLY? NEW ideas?!?!?! Again, I'm shocked!!!
End of snarky comment.

I'm back, part deux

OK...going to give this academic blogging one more try. It should give my brain some exercise away from the emotional junk that fills it up most of the time. Watch out blawgers...I'm back (again)!

Rant Alert: Angry Mommy at Law

A very small article from Thursday's PD states that one of the candidates for Juvenile Court Judge was removed from the ballot for using her maiden name.

The candidate, Jennifer Martinez, has issued a news release on her website.

So let me get this straight.

A woman is not legally required to change her name upon marriage--I think we can all agree that would be fairly blatant gender discrimination.

Attorney Martinez filed her petitions using the only name she legally possesses.

The Board of Elections gave her bad advice about the use of her name.

The attorney who filed the protest did not file in the proper place but the protest happened to be "in the building" on time. (Attorneys being the people who are supposed to know the proper places for filing things.)

I am astounded at the absurdity. It would almost be comical except that it removes a well qualified attorney from the ballot.

This is so clearly not a case of a person choosing to run on a politically advantageous name. How can this even be categorized as her "maiden name" if she chose not to change her name. What do they consider to be the last name of a married male?

I hope that the Court of Appeals corrects this situation so that Attorney Martinez can focus on running for Juvenile Judge.

Well at least this quiz thinks I got it right:

You Should Get a JD (Juris Doctor)

You're logical, driven, and ruthless.You'd make a mighty fine lawyer.

What Advanced Degree Should You Get?