Crime without consequence

  Listening to the news yesterday for a little bit, didn't really watch the entire broadcast as It can put a damper on the festivities, I refrained from writing about it. The thing was, I heard this reporter doing an interview with some politician regarding immigration. Now this person was saying how we need to protect our borders, and how no one is above the law, and how illegals in the country are indeed a big problem. Yes, very concerned. When asked about the incoming administrations policy of enforcing deportation orders the mood changed. Well, Trump plans to deport everyone, even those that aren't criminals! Just because they are in the country illegally that doesn't make them a criminal! Well, duh, yes it does. The very definition of criminal is breaking the law, engaging in an illegal activity like crossing a sovereign border without proper authority to do so. If you leave your front door open and I go inside your home that is called burglary. In Maryland the charge is based on intent. If you just go inside to admire things and do not break, disturb or steal anything, it is criminal trespass, a misdemeanor. Still a crime.

  I have addressed most topics over the years. This is one that remains a hot topic for me. What I want to know is, does motivation matter? Are good intentions enough to override the law. That seem to me to be the thinking behind a great deal of this stuff. Sure, they crossed the border illegally, broke the law, committed a criminal act, but they didn't hurt anyone or steal anything, so it's alright. Is that what the law says? It's only illegal when you commit additional crimes? Is there a one criminal act limit that I'm not aware of? If I only break the law once I get a free pass on that. Hey, this is the first time I robbed the bank, I should get a pass. I'm not a criminal you know, just short on cash. 

  Punishment is based on the law and there is plenty of leeway in all of our laws. First degree, second degree, third degree, misdemeanors. violations and the list goes on. How many times have you been charged with crimes in the past. How severe where those crimes? What were the circumstances? All of that and more is considered before a sentence is levied. Crossing the border illegally is a criminal act that carries a possible sentence of deportation. Anyone crossing the border in that way must be held accountable. They get their day in court. If they get deported it is because they broke the law!

  As a citizen of this great nation, and a veteran to boot, which law do I get to break without having to face any consequences. Now I haven't broken many, at least I haven't been caught doing so, but I'm getting older now. I'm thinking I may want to use that free pass in the near future. I get one crime, isn't that the thinking? Crossing the border illegally, robbing a bank, speeding or whatever. One crime without consequence. In fact, you can't even call it a crime if I only do it once. That's what I heard that politician saying. As long as it is only one crime, it's fine. No questions asked.