The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1926-06-05
THE LAW ENFORCEMENT FARCE

preston OF crime.
There is, very evidently, wocful lack of sin
cerity and honesty of purpose the part Of law
enforcement forces both civil and federal, in all
cities, counties and states at this day and time
We have the laws, covering crime of every
nature and degree, and we have countless num-
Der of officials and officers sworn to enforce them
In officer of the law sees that he is ply
sically unable to cope with situation, he has
authority to deputize any number of citizens to
aid him in the discharge of his duties, however
desperate hazardous they may be. This would
appear to be splendid system, about as good as
could be desired-but it doesn't seem to work sue
cessfully. In fact, in the face of conditions as
they exist today, the people of this country are
forced to acknowledge that it shows miserably
poor percentage of efficiency.
Citizens know that if all public officials and
officers of the law would faithfully adhere to the
statutes and with fearless honesty~and fairness dis
charge the sworn duties that devolve upon them
this country would need no law enforcement
leagues, and there would be no need to file in
functions against criminals to keep them from
continually violating the law. American citizens
is simply ridiculous to pass law, clearly stating
the penalty for its violation, and then pass law
for the enforcement of that law
This preposterous pretense of law enforce
ment is today the greatest farce ever staged in a
civilized country, and it reflects seriously upon
the intelligence and integrity of the American
people.
Thn Itch
sions that Enthusiastically clear and as
forcible may be desired Every shade of mean
ing can be lucidly indicated in manner easily I'M
derstood. Laws be written so plainly and
pontedly that misunderstanding of their intent |
and purpose would be almost impossible.
The law originally intended to be fair
The law intended for justice to be done in every
submitted to its tribunals for verdict The
law contem lated that it would take as long to try
a poor for murder as it would man of great |
financial wealth The law did not intend that the
little bootegger should be hauled into court while
the big whiskey rings continue unmolested in
their nefarious trade. Primarily the law was in
tended for the protection of good citizens and to
provide punishment for vioators of its statutes.
arraigned in its courts, whether they be rich or
pocr, wise or ignorant, men, women or chill
dren.
But the universal craving for the almighty
dollar is thwarting the noble intents and purposes
of the Jaw of our land today. Citizens cannot be
censured for concluding that the statutes have been
interpreted" and Construed" and their econ
ifvt't
become the servant of special interests and the
convenience of the wealthy
Officers of the law in America are allowed
more latitude and empowered with more authority
than they have been before The sacred
sanctuary of the home is disturbed by them at will
Citizens Unfortunately stopped and searched
on the public highways. Almost every personal
privilege dear to the heart of the true American
has been rutlessly swept away in the of the
law. until the cherished liberty of this coun-
try is almost thing of the past Yet crime stalks
rampant throughout the United States every pass
ing day leaving a record of crime far greater than
that of all other civilized countries combined.
This colossal machine of corruption, this pre-
posterous pretense at law enforcement, this whole
sale evidence of fabulous income from small salary
are all grinding upon the most patient and
conservative of the American citizens.
They not going to stand for this dis
graceful state of affairs very much longer. There
is certainly coming fast as time can bring it
about revolt in scope and magnitude unequalled
since the annals Of time. Obsolete laws will be
eliminated and statutes will be prepared. re
written in unbiased and intelligent way so that
every expression will be clearly and fully under
stood. In their long pent up righteous indignation
the American citizens will rise up as one and de-
mand sane laws and officials and offieersswho will
see to their enforcement without fear or favor.
There viii be housecleaning in public Of
fees and shake-up among Officers of the law