Here's an interesting what-if/ethical/legal question...

[BreweryYardRat]

We were watching part of the "Eyes on the Prize" documentary on civil rights in class tonight, and I got to wondering....

Back during the controversy surrounding the admission of James Merideth to Mississippi State University (1962), could President Kennedy have arrested and removed Governor Barnett of Mississipi on charges of treason -- he repeatedly defied federal orders to integrate MSU and permit Mr. Merideth entry -- without touching off a firestorm of racist riots much worse than what really happened (two civilians dead, 35 U.S. marshals injured on the MSU campus.)

I think it would have been doable, if the situation was handled with kid gloves -- that is, Barnett was not "unfortunately shot while resisting arrest," no matter how tempting the idea was. Barnett's death would have certainly have touched off riots, but a full and public federal trial might have calmed the situation and sent a good message.

What do you think?

(No matter what, I think we can all agree Kennedy should have sent in the troops earlier than he really did, though.)

[Thothmes]

1. Probably not

Violation of Federal law is a criminal act. The Constitution of the United States article III defines treason as levying war against the United States, adhering to their enemies or giving aid and comfort to the enemy. disobeying a Federal integration order does not rise to the level of Treason as defined by the Constitution.