Respect for Law

A recurring theme in the past few years is that Republican-led state legislatures in Red states, as well as the U.S. House of Representatives, have continually attempted to undermine the rule of law.   Several states have recently passed laws that criminalize state efforts to comply with or enforce federal law, such as the Affordable Care Act.   Some states have attempted to criminalize state efforts to enforce federal gun laws.   The Republicans in the U.S. House and Senate have repeatedly acted to starve agencies that they don't like of funds to operate and refused to confirm anyone to head those agencies in blatant efforts to torpedo the will of the majority.   Isn't there an issue here of basic respect for the law?   The Affordable Care Act passed Congress, was signed by the President, and withstood challenges in the U.S. Supreme Court.    How can a responsible elected official possibly justify trying to undermine legally enacted programs such as the Affordable Care Act?   How can a responsible state legislator vote to criminalize attempts to enforce federal gun laws?   Our system is based on representative government and our representatives deliberating and enacting law and regulations on the basis of a majority vote.   How can our government possibly function if the losing minority continually acts to obstruct the functioning and enforcement of duly enacted programs and legislation?   When an elected official raises his hand and swears to uphold the Constitution and laws of the country or state, then shouldn't he or she be held responsible for doing that?    Many Republicans crow about their patriotism and love of the concept of democracy.   It appears to me, however, that many of those sanctimonious Republicans have shown a basic contempt for the very idea of democratic (little "d") rule.   There are many people holding office in our state and national governments that have no business being there.   A willingness to respect and follow the law should be a basic requirement for those making law.