The FBI can't get involved unless the Mayor's action violates a federal statute. And, furthermore, it is possible that the Mayor has some form of immunity from prosecution for carrying out the duties of his office (that depends largely on what California law says). And finally, even if there were grounds under federal or state law to prosecute the mayor it is unlikely that a jury would ever convict him.
Patrick Rothwell | Homepage | 02.24.04 - 2:37 pm | #

All that may be true, but the idea to write in came from the FBI itself. He specifically said that such actions by the mayor of San Francisco would fall under his department. I'm no lawyer...just reporting what I've been told...
Mark Windsor | Homepage | 02.24.04 - 2:59 pm | #

DUM DA DUM DUM!
DUM DA DUM DUM DUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!

I don't see how the FBI could get involved in this situation at present. If his honor the mayor defied some sort of federal court order (which I also don't foresee right now) then it would be the Fed Marshals who would be payin him a visit. No, I'm afraid that this is a California mess for the present.
John Hearn | 02.24.04 - 3:18 pm | #

I think this is all the wrong tactic. I say let San Franscisco collect their $65 and give them sham marriage licenses.

Then next April 15th, when they file their federal and California tax returns, claiming "married filing jointly", assess large penalties for filing false and misleading tax returns.

Them let them fight the IRS and tax authorities seizing bank accounts, rather than give them more publicity on the evening news.
Kory | 02.24.04 - 3:52 pm | #

Kory,

You're absolutely right! What a mess this is turning out to be: if some of these guys get in tax trouble, I wonder if they could turn around and sue SF for misleading them? Wouldn't that be hilarious!
John Hearn | 02.24.04 - 4:09 pm | #

Kory, you are a genius. Fighting the IRS is one of the least remunerative things to do that the United States has afforded anyone.
Ed | 02.24.04 - 4:19 pm | #

Pry for San Franciscans, especially natives.
caroline | 02.24.04 - 5:09 pm | #

Kory,

The FBI couldn't get Gotti or Capone, but the IRS could. This is an interesting idea. I keep forgetting that the most effective law enforcement agency in the federal government is the IRS...

Well said,
Mark
Mark Windsor | Homepage | 02.24.04 - 5:31 pm | #

Kory has the right idea.

I am enough of a federalist anyway to think that it ought to be someone in Sacramento cracking down on this nonsense. If Schwarzenegger had the courage he would have done so by now.
Anonymous | 02.24.04 - 5:51 pm | #

Anonymous, you little man! I vill crush you vith my power! Who cares if all of those sissy boys vant to be married, they will all die if they get in my vay!
The Governator | 02.24.04 - 6:08 pm | #

I live in San Francisco, and my grandma, age 90 (whom I live with in the house she was born in) is a native. Pray for her.

Things are crazy here. At this point, I would welcome a military coup.
Brendan Kenny | 02.24.04 - 6:42 pm | #

He's violating state law. Is there a federal law against that?
Sailorette | 02.26.04 - 8:44 pm | #

Sailorette,

Newsom is trying to get the court to rule that the state law that he is violating is contrary to the California state constitution. Since the California Supreme Court just refused to issue an injunction to stop these gay "marriages", Newsom might just get his way. I doubt it will be too long before the U.S. Supreme Court makes a ruling on gay marriage, for better or for worse.
Publius | 02.28.04 - 7:16 pm | #

I doubt it will be too long before the U.S. Supreme Court makes a ruling on gay marriage

I.E., I think it will happen within a year, two at most. That is, of course, contingent on the FMA not being passed and ratified.
Publius | 02.28.04 - 7:20 pm | #