To the Journal editor:

In the Declaration of Independence, the founders of this nation set forth 26 complaints against King George of England. They enumerated “… a long train of abuses and usurpations pursuing invariably the same Object … to reduce them (the 13 colonies) under absolute Despotism …” Among these complaints were that, 1. “He has … sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people.” 2. “He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the consent of our legislatures.” 3. “He has endeavored to prevent the population of these States, for that purpose obstructing the laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither …” The Founders concluded that King George was a Tyrant who was … unfit to be the ruler of a free people.” They put everything on the line by pledging to each each other, their “Lives” their “Fortunes” and their “sacred Honor.”

Knowing that their very existence was at stake, They fought the British for eight long years to stop these abuses and to secure their independence. After the war, they established a Constitutional Republic. In the Constitution, the Founders specifically recognized “… the right of the people to peacefully assemble, and to petition the Government for redress of grievances.” (The First Amendment)

They also said that, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches, and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath and Affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” (The Fourth Amendment)

Now we have armed, ICE and Border Patrol officers roaming our cities and towns in full military regalia and gear; wearing masks; not wearing name tags; arresting adults and children with no reason other than the color of their skin; breaking into peoples’ houses without warrants; and shooting bear spray and throwing tear gas canisters at peaceful protesters. This is not what law enforcement is supposed to be in this country. It flies in the face of everything our Founders fought and died for, not to mention those who fought and died in subsequent wars. Moreover, this leads to violence, witness the Minneapolis shootings. The United States of America is in enough trouble already, but if this does not stop, we will be in even more.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Al Edgar is a retired U.S. district judge.