The Rule of Law versus Might Makes Right

Police officers should not be above the law. Politicians should not be above the law. Businessmen should not be above the law. Mobs should not be above the law. Athletes should not be above the law. Musicians should not be above the law. Actors and actresses should not be above the law. Clergy should not be above the law. Ethnic groups should not be above the law. Educators should not be above the law. Lawyers should not be above the law. Court justices should not be above the law. Clearly, however, they often are.

That is why the rule of law matters. Dusty old documents, with all their imperfections and lack of foresight, have neither enemies to attack nor friends or family or patrons to favor. Better by far to follow them, amending their flaws as we go, than moved by passions and fickle winds to twist their meaning beyond what their words could ever convey.

Yes, carefully and courageously amend them as needed! But let them guard and guide us in the process. The alternative is a society completely at the mercy of the powerful. We ain't seen nothin' yet.