Obama says a country without rule of law 'will not succeed' — but he's willing to override Congress

Speaking to the Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders this week, President Obama touted the rule of law as vital to a nation's success:

Obama explained that though some short-term success might be possible in the absence of the rule of law, long-term failure would be inevitable.

As civil libertarians have readily pointed out, Obama's comments are incongruous with his willingness to defend the NSA's unconstitutional activities, to ignore laws which contradict his campaign promises, and to govern by "pen and phone" if Congress does not pass his preferred legislation. Speaker of the House John Boehner recently announced his desire to sue the President on charges of lawlessness.

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