Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) recently told Glenn Greenwald that the United States’ legal system — with its respect for the rule of law and citizens’ civil liberties — has been the envy of the world for years. But as we’ve departed from our principles, others are following suit.
“[T]here has been an erosion in the world with the rule of the law,” Dodd said. “Having led the world in the rule of law in the post-World War II period, and having nations reluctantly moving in the direction we were moving in, and they now see the U.S. has retreated, and they are making a hasty retreat themselves.”
Rick Perlstein pointed to Exhibit A.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Friday signed into law the controversial Interception of Communications Bill, which gives his government the authority to eavesdrop on phone and Internet communications and read physical mail. […]
Secretary General Welshman Ncube of the MDC faction led by Arthur Mutambara called it a “final straw to the curtailment to the liberties of Zimbabweans.”. […]
But Communications Minister Christopher Mushowe said Zimbabwe is not unique in the world in passing such legislation, citing electronic eavesdropping programs in the United States.
Was Mugabe inspired by Bush? It’s unlikely; Mugabe didn’t need an extra motivation for a power-grab. But as Glenn noted today, “[T]he fact that such powers exist here does provide a potent refutation for those who want to suggest that Mugabe is doing anything extraordinarily tyrannical.”