While heading the New York City Police Department, Theodore Roosevelt vigorously enforced unpopular blue laws. In a society protected by laws, Teddy reasoned, it wasn't up to him overlook some statutes while enforcing others. To those New Yorkers who disliked his zeal in arresting tavern owners, he gave this advice: talk to your elected officials and have them repeal those blue laws.Bully advice!
In The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt,
Edmund Morris recalled the future president's statement to the press about his actions.I do not deal with public sentiment. I deal with the law. How I might act as a legislator, or what kind of legislation I would advise, has no bearing on my conduct as an executive officer charged with administrating the law.But Roosevelt wasn't the Chosen One, so what did he know?
There is a tremendous amount of misinformation regarding the Arizona anti-illegal immigration law. All it does is reinforce federal law. But of John Morton, who leads Obama's Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, the Arizona Republic says "his agency will not necessarily process illegal immigrants referred to them by Arizona officials."
Fox News confirms Morton's stance.
We are a nation of laws.
I think.
One thing is for sure...we live in dangerous times.
Related posts:
California Collision: Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and Yosemite
150 years ago today: Theodore Roosevelt born
My Mississippi Manifest Destiny: Teddy Bear
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