Walmart and the rule of the law

To the Editor:

I am still trying to comprehend Julia Dolan’s statements (West Newsmagazine, Sept. 5, “Former mayor sues city of Ellisville, residents over recall action”) when she said the lawsuit is a violation of the First Amendment and of direct democracy and “We have the right to participate in government” and “It’s encouraged in the First Amendment.”

America does not have a “direct democracy.” Switzerland does.

The Article 9 Alliance has had every opportunity to protest, yell, scream and holler in their attempt to shutdown the Walmart development. What Ms. Dolan does not have is the right to recall elected officials on the whims of the public opinion (see Wisconsin) – that is “mob rule.”   The only way to get rid of politicians is by the ballot box and not by the passions of the mob.  You see, Ms. Dolan, a direct democracy is rule by the mob, and we do not have that here in America.

The way that Mr. Pirrello will be held accountable is through the next election, by his constituents.

Just think about it, Ms. Dolan. You may use your constitutional rights, located in the First Amendment (speech and assembly), to stand out on the corner of Manchester and Clarkson, in the future, with your sign disparaging Mr. Pirrello and Walmart, after the complex is built.

I am sorry to say Ms. Dolan and Mayor Paul, our constitutional system is based on the rule of law (the Walmart development was voted for by a vote of 5-2 in Council), and Wal-Mart has the same protections in our laws to build a store on an empty lot that is producing zero prosperity.

Robert T. Kerr

Ellisville