[SketchySeaBeast]

> The cases where they exercise this power are very often extreme, and unpopular. And as the sheriff is a real public servant and not a hired gun (which I mean literally, in the case of most police departments) they serve at the pleasure of the people.

Aren't those two statements in exact opposition?

[Proziam]

Not at all. Using marijuana laws as an example.

Federally, marijuana is very illegal. However, it is very popular, and almost nobody is still supporting its criminalization. So, many sheriffs decided to basically refuse to enforce the laws. IIRC there were also cases of interferance with enforcement by federal agencies. This protected the citizens from what is seen as a severe overreach by the federal government.

To me, that is the essence of serving the will of the people.

[SketchySeaBeast]

But not enforcing marijuana in that case wouldn't be "often extreme, and unpopular".

[Proziam]

The war on drugs, which led to extraordinary harm to many people and communities, could certainly be categorized as extreme and unpopular. Could you elaborate on what you mean?

[SketchySeaBeast]

I just realize you mean that they use their power to not enforce something when that thing is "very often extreme, and unpopular. " The way you said it "The cases where they exercise this power are very often extreme, and unpopular." seemed to me to indicate that their choice to enforce their action was extreme or unpopular.

[Proziam]

My apologies, I didn't realize at the time of writing that the sentence could have been interpreted differently. The err is mine.