The disgraceful kowtowing of the formerly anti-imperial Republicans

Contrary Trump, recognition of Democrats’ past and probable future failings here is no argument for Republicans making matters worse. It is the very opposite, a blaring caution that each expansion of power one party seizes for itself will in due course be exploited and escalated by the other in an endless cycle of increasing lawlessness and decreasing accountability to the public.

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Yes, this is a difficult lesson. Yes, sticking to this stuff means you don’t get your exciting policy agenda enshrined in law without delay or compromise. Yes, you’ll miss opportunities to pass bills and build walls you may sincerely believe are the shrewd and ethical choice. But rule of law is worth it anyway. A “government of laws and not of men” is not sexy, but it’s miles better than the alternative.

Perhaps the most troubling thing about all this is it’s not as if we have no Cassandra. Warnings about the dangerous precedent Trump’s emergency will set are plentiful — indeed, the president acknowledged as much in his comments at CPAC.

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