FBI’s search and the separation of powers

Re “Bush Seals Jefferson’s Seized Files,” May 26

The purpose of the principle of separation of powers is to keep the government as a whole and its various components from becoming tyrannical and corrupt -- to make it accountable. The separation of powers is what justifies the Justice Department’s actions. None of us really wants the fox to guard the henhouse. Our leaders seem to interpret the constitutional principles that safeguard our liberty as really serving their own interests and their elitism.

MITCHELL HARRIS

La Verne

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Re “Concern About Search by FBI Is Bipartisan,” May 24

At least the FBI bothered to get a search warrant before tossing Rep. William J. Jefferson’s (D-La.) office. Isn’t it interesting that the sheep in Congress have been essentially silent for years while the White House has bent and broken law after law intruding into the lives of ordinary Americans, but they manage to awaken from their stupor, locate their spines and stand up on their hind legs to bleat in horror when the spotlight turns on one of their own? It seems some parts of the Constitution are important after all.

BOB KERTESZ

Los Angeles

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It is unclear to me whether search- and-seizure protections extend to an office in a publicly owned building occupied by a publicly elected official. Despite whether Jefferson has a privacy right to what might be public record documents, it makes me uneasy that he suddenly has House Speaker Dennis J. Hastert (R-Ill.) as a friend. This situation looks an awful lot like members of Congress, scared of what may be found in their offices, hiding behind a flimsy separation of powers argument.

AMELIA TIMBERS

Santa Cruz

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If the FBI can search my workplace, it should also be able to search the office of a member of Congress. The last time I checked, they work for voters. Would lawmakers from both sides of the aisle be squawking and posturing like they are now if Jefferson were being investigated for a violent crime? Congress’ concern over violating the separation of powers only strengthens the public’s growing contempt for the “I’m above the law” attitude held by some of our illustrious leaders. It seems to me that any member of Congress who spouts separation of powers has a separation from reality issue.

LARRY O’BRIEN

Altadena