PUTNEY — As a perennial left-field candidate, I would like to issue a public statement to Attorney General William Sorrell regarding the Vermont Yankee decision.
Obviously, I was disappointed by the Jan. 19 ruling by Judge J. Garvan Murtha on the continued operation of the Vermont Yankee nuclear reactor.
I am concerned that the beating Sorrell received last year from the Roberts court - over the state law against pharmaceutical industry using private records to intimidate and bully our doctors - will deter him from taking a stand.
Sorrell's failure should not be used as political cover to surrender the will of the people in this case.
According to Vermont Law school professor Pat Parenteau, Entergy was able to change the focus from the statute itself to the inattention of the legislature. Parenteau suggests, “Most courts, when they interpret statutes, stick to the text of the statute.”
To me, there are obvious grounds for an appeal. Even if there were no such grounds, the people of Vermont deserve an attorney general who stands up for our interests regardless of the powerful forces opposing the people.
Bill, if you fail in your obligation to appeal this decision, I will “occupy” your upcoming primary for attorney general.
As a candidate for attorney general, I would raise money from individuals, corporations, unions, super PACs - anyone willing to support my quixotic escapade. My platform would be an unyielding and radical offensive in the name of children, the elderly, consumers, and the workers.
Wealthy corporations and individuals have had unlimited power to run roughshod over the people for too long. I would use any power at my discretion to throw a monkey wrench into the gears of power. Finance, real estate, insurance, pharmaceutical, military industrial - I would work 100 hours a week to make their lives as miserable as the law will allow.
The people of Vermont deserve an attorney general who will stand up for their interests.
William Sorrell, this is your opportunity to be that attorney general.