“Census at Risk From Glitches And Attackers,” New York Times, Friday, July 5, 2019
“Census at Risk From Glitches And Attackers,” New York Times, Friday, July 5, 2019
July 6, 2019
Dear Editor,
The portrait of Andrew Jackson, perhaps Donald Trump’s only presidential role model, hangs in plain sight in the Oval Office. As Trump comes closer and closer to defying the Supreme Court ruling on the census/citizenship issue, the aura of Jackson, a well-known “Indian Hater” becomes a matter of grave concern. Will Trump, a well-documented “Immigrant Hater,” imitate his exemplar?
In 1832 the Supreme Court, under the leadership of Chief Justice John Marshall, struck down a Georgia law that gave the state power to regulate the travel of white people on Native American lands. In Worcester v. Georgia the court ruled that the federal government, not states, in particular not Georgia, had the sole right in dealing with Indian Nations. This was in direct conflict with President Jackson’s Indian Removal Act of 1830. This Act intended to move southern tribes west of the Mississippi River thus clearing vast fertile acreage for additional cotton production and, of course, slavery. The Supreme Court had supremely ruled. The Indians would stay. But then Jackson, himself, overruled the Supreme Court.
“John Marshall has made his decision;” he cried in blatant disagreement, “now let him enforce it.” Marshall remained silent. No effort to enforce ensued. And Jackson proceeded with the removal of the Cherokees. And so came the abomination known as the “Trail of Tears.” Defiance had won.
Andrew Jackson hangs in the Oval Office. Where will Trump hang?
James C. Ryan
July 6, 2019
Dear Editor,
The portrait of Andrew Jackson, perhaps Donald Trump’s only presidential role model, hangs in plain sight in the Oval Office. As Trump comes closer and closer to defying the Supreme Court ruling on the census/citizenship issue, the aura of Jackson, a well-known “Indian Hater” becomes a matter of grave concern. Will Trump, a well-documented “Immigrant Hater,” imitate his exemplar?
In 1832 the Supreme Court, under the leadership of Chief Justice John Marshall, struck down a Georgia law that gave the state power to regulate the travel of white people on Native American lands. In Worcester v. Georgia the court ruled that the federal government, not states, in particular not Georgia, had the sole right in dealing with Indian Nations. This was in direct conflict with President Jackson’s Indian Removal Act of 1830. This Act intended to move southern tribes west of the Mississippi River thus clearing vast fertile acreage for additional cotton production and, of course, slavery. The Supreme Court had supremely ruled. The Indians would stay. But then Jackson, himself, overruled the Supreme Court.
“John Marshall has made his decision;” he cried in blatant disagreement, “now let him enforce it.” Marshall remained silent. No effort to enforce ensued. And Jackson proceeded with the removal of the Cherokees. And so came the abomination known as the “Trail of Tears.” Defiance had won.
Andrew Jackson hangs in the Oval Office. Where will Trump hang?
James C. Ryan
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