Judge Judy says unhappy Americans should move elsewhere

By Andrew Powell (/journals/andrew-powell)

Judge Judy is making her feelings about America clear, saying people who fundamentally want to change the country should consider living somewhere else. According to Fox News, during an interview with USA Today, Judy Sheindlin, 83, described America as her home and said she believes it remains “the greatest country in the world.” She also credited the country with giving her opportunities and success. “If you don’t like this country, go somewhere else,” Sheindlin said. She argued that people should not come to America while demanding changes to the nation’s basic character. Sheindlin said the country’s capitalist system, entrepreneurship and emphasis on excellence are among the qualities that have contributed to its success. Her comments came as CBS marked the 30th anniversary of “Judge Judy” with the primetime special “Judge Judy: Unfiltered, Unforgettable.” The television personality also reflected on what she sees as a growing desire for some elements associated with earlier decades, particularly the 1950s. Sheindlin said many Americans appear to miss a period when people showed greater respect for one another. She pointed to violence, hate speech, antisemitism, racism and family divisions as signs of what she believes has changed. The longtime television judge also said political disagreements have made it harder for families to communicate with one another. She noted that relatives can find themselves divided between liberal and conservative viewpoints and struggle to discuss those differences civilly. Sheindlin has previously connected the success of her courtroom programs to viewers’ desire for rules, law, order and personal responsibility. “People are frustrated in the same way they were 30 years ago,” she told W Magazine. She also said viewers want their neighbors to behave considerately and believe that explanations for bad behavior do not excuse conduct that harms others. The original “Judge Judy” debuted in 1996 and remained on television for 25 seasons before ending in 2021. Sheindlin later launched “Judy Justice,” which is scheduled to conclude in October. Her family has also continued in the courtroom television business. Her son, Judge Adam Levy, stars in “Adam’s Law,” with Sheindlin serving as a producer. Sheindlin has said she intends to step away from appearing on camera but plans to remain involved behind the scenes. Her latest comments add another chapter to the public persona she has built around rules, responsibility and accountability. Watch the video below: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5x-2DQrySH4