Jackblog - cox
The Divine Right of Mayors
As every student of history knows, most of humanity’s governments have been led by men who believed their authority derived from a “Divine Right of Kings.” The rule of law did not exist, as "law" was simply whatever the king felt suited his purposes.
One revolution and a couple hundred years later, Richard Nixon proved that even constitutional republics aren’t immune to imperial leaders. “When the president does it,” he explained, “that means it is not illegal”.
In Jackson, our own King Frank adores the Divine Right of Mayors. The law forbid him from carrying a gun onto school grounds, but he wanted to, so he did; the law be damned. When he pled no contest to breaking that law, one condition of his probation was that he not drive the Jackson Police Department’s Mobile Command Unit—but he wanted to, so he did; and the law be damned.
In response, a probation service official sent King Frank a letter reminding him of the conditions of his probation. Imperious men are rarely persuaded by stern letters, however, and I doubt this is the last time we will see King Frank thumbing his nose at the law. The question is, when he does it the next time, will the law or the king prevail?
I imagine King Frank is actually asking himself the same question as he glances up from the warning letter to admire the Mobile Command Unit. Let’s hope King Frank is also a student of history and remembers what happened when King George and President Nixon got the answer wrong.
posted by on 01/12/07 at 09:43 PM. [printer-friendly version]
COMMENTS
posted by ladd on 01/12/07 at 10:00 PM
For my own sanity, Donna, I'll assume that you removed the reference to "the judge", 'cause I've read and re-read Brent's post and can't find the *&^%$ judge anywhere! <wink>
posted by Kacy on 01/12/07 at 10:14 PM
posted by ladd on 01/12/07 at 10:19 PM
Problem with law enforcement relative to public officials, it's selective. Get caught with two FBI files in your possesion, go to jail. Get caught with 1,000, no foul, no harm even when they show up two years later. All depends on where your power lies. And that, is usually with the mob.
Frank is betting the mob keeps his hiney outta of the pokey. Only time will tell and now that the CL is dogging him, seems a risky proposition.
posted by Doc Rogers on 01/12/07 at 10:20 PM
After reading this blog heading, I can't help but think what would happen if Frank Melton ever uttered the words "La Ville, c'est moi."
posted by Ex on 01/13/07 at 03:19 AM
Ex, I would love to hear him say it directly, as his actions have been implying it for months. By contrast, whatever criticisms one may have of the rest of Jackson's government agents, most do recognize a democratic process to which they are ultimately accountable. The most striking aspect of Melton's behavior is that he seems genuinely not to understand that he is subject to that process as well--that he is not the walking embodiment of the State.
posted by Brent Cox on 01/13/07 at 12:26 PM
[Kamikaze] The Media Fix Is In
J.T.: Amen to pushing a positive Jackson. And, yes, it is a movement. And, it is moving.
Aug 27, 2008 | 06:17 PM
Ban the Paddle?
ladd: A lot of kids in all our schools are "scary smart." Many just haven't had the chance to prove it, yet. On the not-know-how-to-ask-a-str anger-a-question point -- how many strangers are completely ...
Aug 27, 2008 | 05:33 PM
Ban the Paddle?
Tom Head: The kids I've met from the Jim Hill Civil Liberties Club are SCARY smart (they're not just the future; they're ready and able to get out and do stuff now), and the idea that anyone would consider ...
Aug 27, 2008 | 05:15 PM
Ban the Paddle?
ladd: you mentioned people should try to find out what is really going on with this generation. Damn right I did. And any given day, you will find up to 20 young people in their teens and 20s in my offices, ...
Aug 27, 2008 | 05:12 PM
Ban the Paddle?
ladd: Baquan, it's simple really: You generalized about all young people with statements like these: Discipline does not work any more on kids, whether it is beating them or putting them in time out. Young ...
Aug 27, 2008 | 04:49 PM
Ban the Paddle?
baquan2000: To Tom Head - lets just agree to disagree. You put yours in time out for stealing or cussing, while with mine, they will just have to meet their maker when they attempt to try it!? Sorry - I will ...
Aug 27, 2008 | 04:41 PM
Ban the Paddle?
baquan2000: Donna you did a good article a while back on this generation, where I think you mentioned people should try to find out what is really going on with this generation. Maybe what I said, was to ...
Aug 27, 2008 | 04:28 PM
Ban the Paddle?
Tom Head: Or for selling bad weed. Or for sleeping with your girlfriend. Or... Right. We teach the same pro-violence message with the Iraq War and the death penalty, too, not to mention when leaders go around ...
Aug 27, 2008 | 04:04 PM
Ban the Paddle?
ladd: That is a vast generalization about young people, baquan, and extremely offensive. I'm more impressed with young people today in their teens, and even tweens, than I ever have been. And the numbers bear ...
Aug 27, 2008 | 03:39 PM
Ban the Paddle?
baquan2000: after reading all the posts above; whatever it is we are doing; it is not working? Discipline does not work any more on kids, whether it is beating them or putting them in time out. Young men do ...
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