It's the Rule of Law, stupid!

Can't we say anything succinctly, simply, bluntly?

The Democratic (and moderate Republican) position can be stated in four short words: the Rule of Law. The choice in coming elections is this: when we battle terrorism, are we going to stand up for the Rule of Law or not?

If we don’t, who are we? But even if you don't care about the touchy-feely stuff, if we don’t, we create more terrorists and we lose help from the rest of the world. Create more terrorists, lose help. In other words, it’s stupid, too. In five (5) words, we can say not standing up for the Rule of Law means we will lose. Keep at it and you can make it four (4) words -- and even shout it: MORE TERRORISTS, LESS HELP. One of the most effective ad slogans of all time used the identical formula.

I can’t believe most Americans would not agree with this if presented in such stark, accurate terms. It applies to all the power grabs by this administration: using torture in violation of international law, claiming the President is not subject to any checks and balances under the Constitution, and not even bothering to try making sure it is actual terrorists who are spied on and convicted. It all means, besides losing our freedoms, a gigantic loss of respect throughout the rest of the world. More terrorists, less help. Tell us how that helps us fight the war on terror, Mr. President.