Glenn Greenwald: Those weak losers who care about “law”

[tularetom]

11. There's a much simpler principle at work here

One that should be familiar to any present or former government employee who was expected to get things done within the framework of policy, guidelines and rules that are endemic to any bureaucracy.

Namely,

"It's much easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask permission"

I do not advocate using this principle in the area of national security. But it isn't hard for me to believe that some people might. Like Cheney. Especially when he pretty much knew there would be no consequences.