Apr 14 2009
When The Bad Guys Make The Law
Cowboy stories are notorious for their depiction of local marshals and sheriffs who have been bought by the big cattle ranchers and wealthy men of the day. Similar accusations have been circulated in current times regarding some law enforcement and organized crime.
When a person finds himself or herself on the wrong side of this sort of law, where do they really stand? Catlow by Louis L’amour deals with this issue extensively. Does a person’s moral obligations begin and end with the law? There are certainly situations that are not governed by law which could be considered wrong. Does the opposite hold true? Are there times when the going against the law is the right thing to do? If so, how does one make the determination that the law truly is corrupt, immoral or unjust?
In the old west, the adage “might makes right” really did reign supreme in many lives. Those who had the ability to enforce their will also had the ability to turn the course of history and to establish their own civilization.
