DEAR EDITOR:

Nobody likes to be told “what to do” or “what you can’t do,” but to have an open societal function, one that provides safety, health, protection from harm for all, such rules, regulations, aka “Laws,” must be in place and, more importantly, followed.

So many of those who subscribe to the “Don’t Tread On Me” doctrine simply don’t understand why or how, without a thought, they go to the local grocery store, drive down the highway, enjoy a walk in the park, and feel safe and healthy while performing that undertaking.

Why? It’s due to the many rules, regulations, and laws that ensure our food, drink are safe and healthy, our highways are designed and monitored for safe driving, and our air, land, and water are free from dangerous pollutants.

Many of these laws are enforced by the “Don’t Tread On Me Government,” whether that be federal, state or municipality.

When such laws are ignored by those who are placed in a position to enforce them, the danger of that lack of recognition seeps into society. If those in power don’t care about the law, why should I?

The ignoring of “Federal Law,” those which were created under the guidance of the constitution, is extremely important; when ignored, they weaken our democracy, place a crack in the democratic foundation. If ignored, the structure can crumble.

One specific law, one that many find difficult to accept, is the “International Humanitarian Law” (IHL), which is the law that applies to “War.” The IHL sets rules as to how wars are fought; it intends to minimize suffering, protect civilians, and those not directly involved in the conflict.

Another law, or rule of procedures that must be understood and followed, applies to “Police Powers.” These procedures are guided, followed by enforcing both the “Fourth Amendment” protecting against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the “Fifth Amendment”, due process, and self-incrimination.

What they do, when followed, is to remove the expression: “police are not the judge and jury” and ensure that their role is to investigate and arrest, not to determine guilt or mete out final punishment.

Recent law enforcement actions and conflict actions are being questioned by many scholars as to the proper adherence to such applicable laws, and with valid concern.

This discussion can become lengthy, but to focus on what is apparent, what is happening on the federal level, I’d like to end with a quote:

“Ours is a government of liberty, by, through, and under the law. No man is above it, and no man is below it.” (President Theodore Roosevelt)

God Bless America.

JOHN P. LESEGANICH

Canfeld