[petercooper]

and it's bad to go after people who violate the law with every tool available?

[GrandEagle]

and it's bad to go after people who violate the law with every tool available?

It's not that we are opposed to "going after the bad people". History had proven that government can not be trusted with unrestrained power. The founders also though this was unwise.

"Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." - George Washington

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Benjamin Franklin
This quotation, slightly altered, is inscribed on a plaque in the stairwell of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty: "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

[agitator]

"and it's bad to go after people who violate the law with every tool available?"

The logical conclusion of that argument is summary roadside executions.

The first question is whether the law is legitimate or not. A legitimate government doesn't operate on the principle that whatever is convenient and effective should be legalized and used.