“At the foundation of our civil liberties lies the principle that denies to government officials an exceptional position before the law and which subjects them to the same rules of conduct that are commands to the citizen.”

Now if only the courts... and congress... would put that into action...

Anon, Reston - This may be the first time we agree! Only, I would add Executive Branch to the list.

I don't think you can depend on Congress or the Executive Branch to put this into action. If they did act, it would be a dog and pony show. It will take the will of the people and independent council (not appointed by the government) to act. How about the Federal Grand Jury? Maybe some hot shot lawyer would like to take the people's case to the Supreme Court. Or, citizens should come up with a People of the USA Court or tribunal to try these s.o.b.'s Also, I would like to revisit the Court's decision on Bush vs. Gore based on the 14th Amendment. What happened to protection of the voter's right that his/hers vote be counted?

Things might possibly be different if the members of congress had to live under the same laws that we do.

If I can't do it, the person representing me can't do it. Those acting in color of office contrary to authority in a de jure representative republic needs be tried and dealt with accordingly.

Like exempting themselves from Obamacare? Must be a lousy health care plan if they want nothing to do with it, but good enough for the taxpaying cattle.

Civil liberties (as distinguished from other liberties) is a subdivision of the subject matter's entirety - "liberty". When civil liberties is used as a stand alone description of rights and law's administration, it is uniquely used as a despot's tool to commit tyranny and other heinous acts on humanity.

Yes, Brandeis took a stand against progressives ( socialist ), and their designs for monopolizing industry. He stood against the likes of J. P. Morgan. Knowing Liberty as a whole had been trampled under foot by socialist elite during the war of northern aggression against the south. What other phrase than "civil liberties" could Brandeis have used ? none !

So why aren't half the politicians in prison?

Praise the Lord,... and pass the tax rebates!