A Startling Admission in the Melton Trial

Have we endured so many public integrity trials in Mississippi that we've lost our perspective? Consider John Reeves' opening statement, given at the beginning of the defense case in United States v. Melton. According to the Clarion-Ledger's story, Reeves said:

"A violation of the constitution, by itself, is not a crime."

The Clarion-Ledger story is here: http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20090218/NEWS/902180353/1002/news01

Is that really such a great argument? It's a head-spinner for me to hear the spokesman for a public official admitting that the official violated the Constitution but without "bad purpose." An intent to violate the Constitution IS "bad purpose." The ends, however expedient or worthy, don't justify the means. And in this case, it's not at all clear that the ends were either. Looks like a public official on a power trip to me.

Stabbed In The Brain By Mayor Melton

The Clarion-Ledger, Jackson's daily newspaper, reported today on the latest news conference given by our embattled Mayor, Frank Melton. Mr. Melton is under Federal indictment for leading a group of young men to demolish a house without legal authority. He claims it was a crack house, but eschewed any legal process to secure a court order giving the City the right to destroy the building.

The newspaper reports:

Melton then promised “dramatic steps” to deal with crime in the city, including renewing his youth employment program and enacting a proposed ban on baggy pants. He said the City Council is poised to vote on the ban today. If the council does not pass it, he will through executive order, he said.

What part of the phrase "separation of powers" does this guy not understand? The Mayor does not MAKE the laws; the Mayor does not BREAK the laws. The Mayor enforces the laws that the legislative branch (the City Council) enacts (with his signature or over his veto), and he does it in accordance with constitutional restraints.

This kind of "change-the-subject spin" makes my head hurt. Will somebody please ask the politicians to quit stabbing us in the brain?