BY NOT ENFORCING LAWS, LEADERS LOSE LEGITIMACY

In reference to the June 28 letters about the enforcement of
immigration, the law provides government with two rules.

Both are important to sustain the sense of solidarity with the
citizenry -- a solidarity that is the only sure basis for the strength
of the republic. They are: # When lawmakers enact a law, but do not
require its enforcement, they lose public support. Therefore they must
act consistently, not in the heat of the moment. # When lawmakers find
that enforcement causes more societal damage than it prevents, they
must be courageous. Admit the mistake and change the law.

If these rules had been followed, we'd not be arguing about
immigration, the failed drug war, the so-called terror war or the
stalemated venture in Iraq.

Lawmakers must read history to help them anticipate the outcome of
their actions, then provide leadership.

Too few do that now.

JOHN CHASE

Palm Harbor