Does the Rule of Law Still Matter at All in America?

Michael Mukasey United States Attorney General Washington, D.C.

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Dear Attorney: As one who was born in America to parents here legally, I am extremely proud to be a citizen of the greatest nation in the world. For all her warts and shortcomings, America is still the most spectacular success story in recorded human history. Because of my vested interest in America, it is my opinion that preserving the culture, language, and tradition of this marvelous land for future generations should be a top priority for any administration, regardless of political party. My purpose in writing is to express my concern that the Bush administration, like others before it, has lost sight of the fact that America is great because we operate under the rule of law. We Americans are no less competitive, disagreeable, or combative than are people in other societies--but we adjudicate our differences within the framework of law. Unfortunately, it now appears as though our government--including President Bush, Congress, the Department of Justice et al.--have decided not to enforce all laws. For instance, it is common knowledge that anywhere from 30-38 million illegal aliens are in America. These migrants, mostly from Mexico, cost American taxpayers hundreds billions of dollars each year for public services to which illegal aliens are not entitled. My question, Mr. Attorney General: Why does the Bush administration, including the Department of Justice under your leadership, refuse to enforce America's immigration laws? Why are illegal aliens not rounded up and returned en masse to Mexico or other country of origin? How can any government official who has taken a sworn oath to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution refuse to enforce all laws? After the events of September 11, 2001, it is truly astounding that America's borders remain unsecured. Five years after the most deadly attack on American soil and the Bush administration is still unable to control who enters and who leaves this country? In 1986, the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 was enacted to impede the flow of illegal aliens into America. This law imposed severe sanctions against employers guilty of hiring illegal aliens, and provided for the deportation of those here unlawfully. How can the United States government blithely ignore IRCA? Like most Americans, I work hard for far too little money. I pay taxes, stop for little old ladies at crosswalks, and obey the law. Even when most inconvenient to do so. Perhaps I am the fool for withdrawing money with my ATM card instead of a gun; stopping at red lights that take forever to turn green; paying for food when shoplifting would be quicker and cheaper, and otherwise obeying stupid, boring laws that are nothing more than a danged nuisance? The question, Mr. Attorney General, is profound: Does the rule of law still matter at all in America?