Let’s suppose that, contrary to American political philosophy and tradition, Plato was right, and we need a philosopher king to achieve an excellent society.

The question then arises, is George W. Bush that philosopher?

If so, then the power grabs he’s been undertaking — suspension of habeas corpus, warrantless domestic spying, lying us into war, recess appointments to avoid advice and consent from the Senate — should not trouble us in the slightest.

If, on the other hand, you believe that
– an enormous deficit
– thousands of dead Americans
– tens of thousands of horribly wounded Americans
– absent health care policies
– failed energy policy
– dubious environmental policy
– cronyism — Harriet Miers, for the love of God
– to say nothing of a personal history of failure

are indications that Bush isn’t the king Plato had in mind, then, America, you had better wake up. For starters, contact your representatives before Alito is confirmed to the Supreme Court, where his philosophy of presidential power could tip our country further toward banana republicanism.

And to those who reflexively approve of anything Bush does: Remember, you won’t always have a Republican President. Would you want Hillary Clinton to have the sort of power Bush is demanding for himself?