Character

Bush's latest line of defense-- that "eavesdropping saves lives"-- misses the point entirely in its attempt to justify the crime. Nonetheless, it's important for all involved to remember that this isn't about Bush's character or intentions. At issue is the fact that the President, by his own admission, broke the law at least 30 times, instructing the executive branch to ignore the legislative branch and the law of the land. His intentions or reasoning don't matter. This is about something much more fundamental and lasting than George W. Bush-- it's about our system of government, and of the core constitutional principle of checks and balances.

Republicans would do well to remember that a benevolent dictator is still a dictator. We live in a Republic, with three equal branches of government. Or, we did. Much depends on how the legislative branch responds. If it fails to respond appropriately-- at a minimum with some sort of censure of the President, though perhaps more aggressive means are required-- then, as Greenwald points out (below), it seems impossible to believe that any action (blowjobs excepted) will likely provoke the reaction required-- which is to say, putting the brakes on what is clearly an executive branch that believes its power is absolute. A great duty now rests on the shoulders of those in Congress, of both parties; whether it is a burden they can carry with as much dignity as our forefathers is another matter. Ultimately it is their character that will be remembered here, not the President's.