What you're trying to say is that most Americans are not civil libertarians. But that is always true, not just after 9/11, and I would imagine is has been true of the masses worldwide throughout history. Majorities are only rarely concerned about the rights of minorities. In spite of this, though, rights do get written into constitutions and are often acknowledged by judges.

And sometimes, when a leader is strong and self-confident enough (Lincoln, LBJ), right-wing populist authoritarianism can be overcome.

Posted at October 1, 2008 6:31 PM in response to Pressure from the Public

I fully expect last-minute pardons for everyone who could remotely be involved. Whether this will stand up without naming names is questionable.
Probably the only upside is that anyone covered couldn't successfully invoke the Fifth Amendment.

Posted at September 29, 2008 12:12 PM in response to The Unmentionable Question

"He's a major dick."

Lt. Commander Dick, if you don't mind! Get your services straight, soldier!

Posted at September 27, 2008 6:16 PM in response to The President of Empire

I think a little impeachment is in order.

Posted at September 27, 2008 6:04 PM in response to Alaska AG Files Suit to Quash Subpoenas

As of the July 9 issue, Peretz is still listed at the top of the masthead as "EDITOR-IN-CHIEF", just as it was before he "sold" the magazine.

Posted at June 29, 2008 2:17 PM in response to Neocon Mentality: World's Oldest TA (Marty Peretz) Attacks Kristof

CT should have stuck with Weicker in '88. By now, he would have switched parties and the state would be represented by two real Democrats.

Posted at June 27, 2008 12:30 PM in response to Lieberman Plays The Wright Card

EastWest: Someone as clever and gracious as you should have the courage to post under his real name.

Posted at June 4, 2008 4:23 PM in response to "Condescension" (Block This Trope!)

Keep her out of the Executive Branch and in the Senate--until 2012. At that time, leave it to the New York Democrats, who might just, uh, make other arrangements.

Posted at May 12, 2008 6:22 PM in response to Obama's VP - Please not Hillary

Appropriate title for this thread: "The Cloning of Petey."
As she clings to the edge of the cliff, should you (a)help her up, (b)stomp on her knuckles, or (c) whistle a happy tune and hope that some great speckled bird doesn't pick her up by the (flagless) collar and drop her on your head?

Posted at May 12, 2008 5:26 PM in response to Clinton Rules: Telling the Fat Lady When To Sing

That analogy is so obvious I wonder why it took someone so long to draw it.

Posted at May 12, 2008 3:24 PM in response to Hillary's White Folks; Obama's Angry and Bitter Folks