Retired judge objects to Inquirer editorial on lawyers

I am an Inquirer addict. I prefer the Inquirer over all other papers, national or local. It’s only when the Inquirer is not available that I buy another newspaper. The Inquirer makes my day.

But I have been jolted from my “Rip Van Winkle” slumber. To say I am insulted by the Inquirer editorial of March 23, 2013, would be an understatement. “Outraged” may be a closer description of what I really feel.

The editorial’s insult, hate, contempt and gutter regard for lawyers or the law profession reeked with the venom of a black African mamba. Through its undiluted, stinging editorial, the Inquirer declared World War III on lawyers who are more than 60,000 strong, including the 949 who have just passed the bar. Include also, the many lawyers in the Inquirer publication, with special mention of my highly respected publisher of the Inquirer, Raul C. Pangalangan.

The only saving grace of the editorial is that it raised to a higher level of wit the advice “first, let us kill all the lawyers.” But remember, as long as there is human society, there will be a need for lawyers. I can also accept the editorial as a valuable contribution to the market of ideas.

All the above said, plus a volume between the lines, I rest my case, but I vehemently protest against the editorial.

—JUDGE JESUS L. GRAGEDA (Ret.), 2nd Floor, Barrios Bldg.,

Quezon St., Panabo City