Meese’s View of Miranda Rule

I find Chief Gates’ remarks on Meese’s view of the Miranda rule interesting on two counts.

First, Gates writes that “unfortunately we in law enforcement are not gifted with the profound thinking and writing skills of your editorial staff.” It is obvious that no one would ever accuse Gates of profound thought.

Second, why is it that the only argument that politicians (elected or appointed) can ever muster about quite serious constitutional issues is that a majority of the people are opposed or in favor of something?

My understanding of the Constitution is that it was constructed to protect the minority from the passions of the majority.

Gates maintains that 75% of Californians are opposed to the Miranda rule as presently interpreted. I am willing to wager that 75% of Californians never heard of the Miranda rule and that one would be lucky to find that 1% of Californians could even tell you what it is.

Finally, I wonder if the passion for majority rule is such that if 75% of Californians wanted Chief Gates to jump off the Colorado Street bridge, would he do it?

HARVEY PULLIAM-KRAGER

South Pasadena