Presidents and the Constitution

A strict observance of the written laws is doubtless one of the highest virtues of a good citizen, but it is not the highest. The laws of necessity, of self-preservation, of saving our country when in danger, are of higher obligation. To lose our country by a scrupulous adherence to written law would be to lose the law itself, with life, liberty, property and all those who are enjoying them with us; thus absurdly sacrificing the end to the means. -- Thomas Jefferson, 1810

[ George W. Bush, like Franklin Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln before him, were not without justification in their unconstitutional exercise of presidential powers in order to honor their higher oath to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States". Acting decisively to keep the country safe from another 9/11 attack for the remainder of his two terms in office will place him in high esteem, despite his methods and failings, in the eyes of future historians. -- Kirt]