Really above the law?

Bob Roegner’s article (“Are sheriffs above the law?” Auburn Reporter, April 12) posited that sheriffs are acting as if they are above the law because of their reluctance to enforce gun control regulations that may very well be unconstitutional.

Roegner goes on to cite Gov. Jay Inslee and Attorney General (and governor-in-waiting) Bob Ferguson as examples of law-abiding politicians. Yet that dynamic duo (Inslee & Ferguson) exhibits a streak of selective obedience that by far outstrips anything Washington’s sheriffs might be contemplating. After all, they refuse to enforce federal immigration laws and they embrace the creation of sanctuaries where illegal aliens are immune from this nation’s laws that most citizens support.

Yes, selective obedience abounds. For example, the city of Seattle chooses to ignore narcotics laws and instead only arrests offenders with hard-drug amounts in excess of 3 grams. Where did that number come from? It’s not in law. It’s totally arbitrary. Illegally parked? No problem if you’re a vagrant. But be prepared to write a check to the city if you’re not.

So, Bob … as to your article, what is your real agenda? Enforcing those laws that you support? Or ensuring our elected leaders act lawfully in all aspects of their dealings? I ask because the elected leaders you held up as a paragon of virtue obey America’s laws on a situational basis. After all, aren’t elastic ethics every politician’s silver bullet?

Do the terms double-standard and hypocrisy ring a bell? Because that’s exactly what you’re giving us here.

– Ken Paul