The Op-Ed pages of the Times are chock full of Republican apologists today, aren’t they? And, funny thing, they’re all advocating retroactive im[m|p]punity for criminals! [The state of our Republic is illustrated at left.] Of course, some of the Republican apologists are nominally Democrats, but that’s nothing new, is it? Chuck’s headline:

A Vote for Justice

Reach me that bucket, wouldja, hon?

Schumer’s bottom line in two sentences:

Most important, Judge Mukasey has demonstrated his fidelity to the rule of law, saying that if he believed the president were violating [note the careful, lawerly use of the present tense] the law he would resign.

I believe that the cruel and inhumane technique of waterboarding is not only repugnant but also illegal under current laws and conventions.

Ah, yes. The triumph of hope over experience. Saying is demonstrating? A Republican? Are you fucking kidding me?

Nevertheless, Schumers sentences exhibit beautiful, beautiful craftsmanship; they’re tiny, faceted jewels of misdirection, obfuscation, and mindfucking. Look what they do:  Read more