The Last Refuge. Self-styled patriots are trying to impose constraints on political speech, accusing anyone who criticizes the president of undermining the war effort. By Paul Krugman. [New York Times: Opinion]

never in our nation's history has it been considered unpatriotic to oppose an incumbent's re-election.

...

Some timid souls will suggest that critics of the Bush administration hold off until the war is over. But that's not the American tradition [~] and anyway, when will this war be over? Baghdad will fall, but during the occupation that follows American soldiers will still be in harm's way. Also, a strong faction within the administration wants to go on to Syria, to Iran and beyond. And Al Qaeda is still out there.

For years to come, then, this country may be, in some sense, at war. And all that time, if Mr. Racicot and his party are allowed to set the ground rules, nobody will be allowed to criticize the president or call for his electoral defeat. You know what? If that happens, we will have lost the war, whatever happens on the battlefield.

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