I have been on the planet 78 years, and in all that time I have never seen such hypocrisy. In a recent Herald article regarding Sheriff Fortney’s comments, the governor states “We cannot have individual law enforcement officers arbitrarily deciding which laws they’re going to enforce and which laws they’re not.”
I seem to remember that the governor, several mayors and a few politicians have decided not to enforce federal immigration laws. They have illegally declared the state, some cities, and counties as sanctuaries for people ignoring our Federal laws. How is that any different than what the sheriff is doing with refusing to enforce unconstitutional mandates from the governor.
The oath of office the sheriff took says “I will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
Short of a declaration of martial law, please show me where in the Constitution a governor has the authority to ban gatherings of more than ten people, church services, close schools or restrict the “ability to peacefully assemble.” Sheriff Fortney has it exactly correct. While such activities may not be the smartest thing one can do to avoid the virus, the government has no constitutional authority to impose many of the restrictions they are touting as having the authority of law.
John Branthoover
Arlington
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
