To the editor:

In light of the recent deportation of immigrants by 47 in using the Alien Enemies Act from the 18th Century, I was dismayed once again with the new administration’s overreach. In the aftermath the administration felt the need to double-down on its policy of non-transparency in not releasing the names of those shuttled off to the El Salvador prison.

One of 47’s most loathsome sycophants, Steve Bannon, defended the concealment of the deportees’ identities. He spouted his usually callous opinion that even if there were an innocent gardener among those deported, “tough break for a swell guy.”

It reminded me of an old Rockford Files episode in which James Garner is mistreated by a power-hungry prosecutor, William Daniels, who tramples Rockford’s rights. In the end Garner lambasts Daniels for his abuse of power and makes the point that the system is to protect the innocent and that not a single injustice in the pursuit of justice should be tolerated.

A recent issue of The Journal showed up with a column by good old conservative columnist Cal Thomas. As I skeptically perused his headline, I was shocked to read words that seemed contrary to what the current administration has been doing. “Due process for all, or none.” It sounds as if Cal was running contrary to the administration’s lawless agenda. And that’s exactly what he wrote in his column.

What a breath of fresh air. Here’s a conservative with whom I routinely disagree, and I rejoiced that he was able to recognize the nefarious nature of 47’s unfettered attempt to govern, and he was able just to say, “No.” Congratulations, Cal. I hope more conservatives, going along for the ride in the wake of the current administration, can likewise recognize when there’s a line to be drawn in the sand. I applaud you, Cal Thomas.

Keith R. Klawitter

Morgan