Bob Barr, my hero

I had a friend in high school named Bob Barr. Nice guy.

This isn't the same one, of course, and the former Congressman from Georgia, one of Bill Clinton's most vociferous opponents in the House, isn't really my hero. But it's nice to see at least one self-professed conservative speaking out against the profoundly un-conservative presidency of George W. Bush, a presidency with decidedly imperial ambitions -- unbridled executive power at home, preemptive warmongering abroad.

From the Post, Dana Milbank offers this sketch of Barr. Looks like conservatives don't much like him anymore: "The former Clinton impeachment manager is the skunk at CPAC's party this year. He says President Bush is breaking the law by eavesdropping on U.S. citizens without warrants. And fellow conservatives, for the most part, don't want to hear it."

Of course they don't. They've abandoned principle for partisanship, and, living in a world of almost complete delusion, they actually think that Bush is America's saviour.

Keep talking, Mr. Barr. Some of us are listening to you, even if your fellow conservatives aren't. There is still a great divide between us, to be sure, but your efforts to defend the law in a time of presidential lawlessness are truly appreciated.

(See also Gleen Greenwald at Crooks and Liars.)