When you hear the phrase "obey the rule of law", how do you react?

[Deja Q]

:shrug:

[whirlygigspin]

1. I reach for my gun

n/t

[kalian]

2. I start cleaning my guns.....

and if they start rounding up people for NOT obeying their "rules
and laws", then I start loading my guns...

[Deja Q]

4. Will Schwarrzie find a way to pick up all those gay couples who didn't

get married?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=1144177

[Bertha Venation]

3. depends on the context:

If one is talking about the San Francisco marriages of civil disobedience, here's how I react:

SHOVE your "rule of law" -- the law is unconstitutional! ". . . whenever any form of government becomes destruc­tive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new government . . ."

[Deja Q]

5. Yes and no

It was more generally speaking, but Governor Groper's (tm) use of the phrase "rule of law" turned me stone cold.

I've got a repuke congressperson in my area who loves that phrase too...

[Bertha Venation]

7. who's the MC?

I work in DC -- no toll, I'll call his/her office on your behalf on Monday. . . .

[DuctapeFatwa]

6. I'd like to see the US and Israel opt for the rule of law, but I am

guessing that this post has to do with the governor of California's suggestion that the mayor of San Francisco abrogate the constitution of the United States in favor of a California law that is in conflict with California's own constitution.

It's a good opportunity for California to remove such statutes and uphold the principle of equal protection under the law.

Until such time as the Congress votes to remove that principle, as well as that pertaining to freedom of religion from the US constitution, THAT is the law, and I would recommend that the governor respect it and shut his pie hole.

[kalian]

8. He won't shut his pie hole....

and that's the whole point. I think this is a new tactic that the
reich-wingers have started. They will drive the sheeple into
submission.
I'm serious here...something bad is happening with our country...

[Droopy]

9. When I hear that phrase

I put on Judas Priest's "Breakin the Law" then after I've gotten psyched up, I ride out on my Harley and go commit a couple of misdemeanors.

[Kamika]

10. when I hear that phrase, I need to know what law

All laws aren't good

[GreenArrow]

11. the Rule of Justice, that's what I'm talkin about

I hate the "rule of law" phrase. It's a cheap and dishonest political catchphrase. The Spirit of a law is what gives it life and meaning, but laws are written so that the words can be manipulated and the spirit perverted. When I hear someone use that phrase, it tells me that their main concern is with the letter of the law, not the spirit of it. When I hear someone use it, I instinctively mistrust that person.

[MurikanDemocrat]

12. Reminds me of James Baker during the 2000 Coup

He bellyached that tune a hundred times. Makes me want to wretch when I hear it.

[mac2]

13. Whose laws and for what reason?

Should I not buy a Farmer's Almanac?

[Devils Advocate NZ]

14. Too bad so few seem to understand what it means...

"The rule of law" is the fundamental basis of democratic states. What it means is that leaders can not rule by proclamation. Of course the US doesn't actually follow the "rule of law" because the President has the ability to issue proclamations (Executive Orders) that can explicitly break any law he or she wishes.

All the President has to do is follow the procedure for creating an executive order, and even Constitutional rights can be ignored.

"The rule of law" is a concept that is meant to empower the people rather than the leaders. Within it is the concept that nobody is above the law, and that all must be treated equally before the law.

Now tell me, does the US system of Government employ these concepts? It sure doesn't look like it to me.

[unblock]

15. i think, "you first"

law and order is usually trumpeted by those who flaut the law themselves.

[Fridays Child]

16. For me, it's an instant reminder of neocon/repuke hypocrisy.

They invoke the "rule of law" meme when it concerns a Liberal and/or a Democrat. But amoral expedience is entirely acceptable when it comes to their own behavior.