On a related note, Jesse Walker cites MLK’s critical distinction between legality and justice

On a related note, Jesse Walker cites MLK’s critical distinction between legality and justice, and

adds a critical distinction of his own:

I think the political rhetoric of the ’80s hit its low point when Oliver North’s apologists tried to

defend his Iran-contra operation as an act of King-like civil disobedience, as though there were no

difference between citizens refusing to respect unjust laws and officials refusing to respect the legal

limits on their power. I suppose it’s only a matter of time before someone trots out the same argument

to excuse the NSA’s illicit wiretaps.

It won’t be long. Witness Judith Miller’s application of the principle in her courageous stand for

the rights of all statists:

The right of civil disobedience is based on personal conscience; it is fundamental to our system and it

is honored throughout our history.

In a protest against the US’s continued presence in Iraq and the continuing Russian aggression and

human rights abuses in Chechnya, prominent human right’s activist Said-Emin Ibragimov began a hunger

strike to raise awareness on November 16. His condition has grown grave; at this time he appeals for

others to join him in solidarity, as has Yelena Bonner, Andrey Sakharov’s widow. The situation in

Chechnya is complex and ugly; however, these protestors do not seek a violent solution, are entirely

seeking a peaceful solution. The Jamestown Foundation assessment discusses current human rights abuses

in Chechnya and the Russian response. For additional information contact Banchik Nadezhda, columnist

for Zapad – Vostok and Viche, at Nadia76@sbcglobal.net.