Jackson Free Press

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.

Previous Commentsshow

(It wasn't technically from the judge, was it?)

DonnaLadd

Jan 12 2007

I love editors.

Brent Cox

Jan 12 2007

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!

Kacy

Jan 12 2007

I think Brent caught it and fixed it. Or, I'm crazy. Either way, you're fine, Kacy. ;-)

DonnaLadd

Jan 12 2007

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.

Doc Rogers

Jan 12 2007

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."

Ex

Jan 13 2007

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.

Brent Cox

Jan 13 2007