Not so Good News CSPOA

Not so Good News CSPOA

by Michael Peroutka

Hello, my name is Michael Anthony Peroutka.  I’m an attorney in the State of Maryland, a former County Councilman, and a co-founder of the Institute in the Constitution. 

Today I have the privilege of speaking to you on behalf of the Constitutional Sheriffs and Police Officers Association of which I am a member.  And my brief remarks are intended for SHERIFFS, POLICE OFFICERS AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS.

In the Constitution of my State of Maryland, at Article 44 it states, “That the provisions of the Constitution of the United States, and of this State, apply, as well in time of war, as in time of peace; and any departure therefrom, under the plea of necessity, or any other plea, is subversive of good government, and tends to anarchy and despotism.”

There are many who are saying that this current crisis makes it necessary to suspend the exercise of Constitutionally protected rights, including the freedom to practice religion, freedom of assembly and association as well as the freedom to move about freely without molestation. But this is precisely what Article 44 addresses and forbids. 

In point of fact, no governor, in any state, has the authority to suspend the Constitution.  And any attempt to do so is an act of lawlessness and a violation of his/her oath of office.

When you took your oath of office, you swore obedience and fidelity to the United States Constitution and the Constitution of your state.  You solemnly declared THAT YOU WOULD ALWAYS FOLLOW THE CONSTITUTION.  You did not swear allegiance to a mayor or a governor or a judge or a president.

I’m encouraging you to remember that solemn promise and to live up to its terms.

Right now, as your country is in peril, it is especially crucial that you rededicate yourself to this noble calling and duty.

Your fidelity to your oath and to the rule of l aw requires you to abstain from enforcing any edict or order from a Governor or any executive which lacks constitutional authority.

Your duty requires that you resist such edicts and orders and that you act in such a manner as to shelter and protect the citizenry from all acts of lawlessness, even and especially when it originates from civil authorities.

For additional information, please visit our website at cspoa.org.

I thank you for your kind attention.  God Bless America.