Gov. Doug Ducey added his voice Tuesday to those of politicians like President Trump in criticizing athletes who "take a knee'' during the Star-Spangled Banner.

It’s not because the lawsuit was politically motivated. Everyone knows how unapologetically brutal politics can be. And it’s not because the lawsuit was brought to defame Ms. Cortes, either. Placing your name on a ballot is the functional equivalent of sending the world an open invitation to attack your character.

Arizonans of all stripes who love their state have gotten together twice a year for almost a half-century to address the issues facing the state and recommend public policy solutions.