Response to SJ Merc Asking for a Comment on the "Padilla Video"
Opinion by Dave Johnson, SVGOP Chairman
Hi Ethan,
I cannot comment specifically on the Padilla video, as all I have to go on is overheated press reports.
However, there is an overarching issue in play here:
Federal officials have every right to enforce federal laws in California cities, whether it's Treasury, Homeland Security, or the FBI.
Any Federal, local or State officials or representatives are out of bounds when they try to obstruct , avoid, or negate those Federal organizations and their enforcement of Federal laws.
The people of California should be extremely wary when representatives and officials start normalizing and encouraging violent obstruction of Federal officials doing their jobs - as this recalls the intimidation and terrorizing that characterized the Reconstruction Era South.
People in California should forcefully reject any politician who thinks they can personally stand in the doorway of a public school (like George Wallace opposing integration) or disrupt a Homeland Security officer doing their job and somehow try to stop Federal Laws from being enforced.
The rule of law is the rule of law. And certainly the laws of the US and its Constitution are what need to be followed.
And no one is above the law.
And anyone who is in a position of power - In Silicon Valley or anywhere in California - should NOT be encouraging people to ignore, undermine or sidestep that fundamental principle.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Dave Johnson
SVGOP Chairman
408 540-540-8984