For every "rule," there is always an exception which proves it. When I decreed that law schools harm writing skills, I was reflecting on an age-old sentiment that law schools destroy more writers than any other cause. This is true, and there is no form of human life lower than a lawyer, especially a run-of-the-mill lawyer who needs to make money.

But that does not mean that there are not lawyers who are excellent writers, as well as excellent legal writing. This marvelous 1995 Law Review article proves it.

Reading about how the chaotic nature of democracy renders it difficult for truly centralized control to take form reassured me. Rule by special interests always makes me think of California Governor Jerry Brown's plan to get rid of the infamous "three Martini lunch" back in the 1970s by eliminating the tax deductions and other incentives. Who could oppose getting rid of such an awful thing as the three Martini lunch? Sure, maybe you make a few businessmen pay a little more in taxes, you screw a few restaurant owners, but what major special interest lobby could possibly object to this breath of fresh air?

The unions, that's who! In particular the Hotel and Restaurant Workers Union, which correctly saw that eliminating this tax break would cause mass layoffs in the food industry, and worse yet, would lead to the failure of many downtown businesses -- which meant no more dues-paying union workers at those restaurants. They unions threw a fit -- a perfect example of rule by special interest.

But that example is mild. What is really bad is when special interests are allowed to trump the national interest on major issues such as the 9-11 Commission. Saudi lobbyist Jamie Gorelick is a perfect example. I would be willing to overlook a conflict of interest by one single member, but Gorelick's utter betrayal of the public trust made me think of another member of the Commission.

http://atrios.blogspot.com/2003_08_03_atrios_archive.html#106047081353987631

Fred Fielding.

That's the guy who was identified as Deep Throat. The story was suppressed, but Instapundit reported on it. I tried to blog about it, but as a new blogger I didn't get much attention.

Again, if I held my nose, I might be able to allow for the possibility that Deep Throat -- coverup artist extraordinaire -- could serve on the Commission. But a Saudi lobbyist AND Deep Throat? On the same commission?

Does that pass the smell test?

Frankly, I smell something rotten.