Hey, the system is working in Iraq

Well, I hear today that the rule of law is alive and well in Iraq. Alleged war criminal Saddam Hussein had a meeting with a lawyer today, barely a year after he was pulled out of a filthy hole in the ground. That is, on the average, several months sooner than political prisoners could expect to wait for a visit from an attorney while Saddam was in charge of the country.

More good news? Hussein can expect a speedy trial, with interim government officials hoping to get him tried, convicted and executed before scheduled elections in January. "We understand that one of the foundations of western jurisprudence is the right to a speedy trail" said Interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, adding "once we get a little practice with rapid prosecution, then we can move on to other fine western principles, like rules of evidence and impartial juries." What about the concept of innocence until guilt is proven? "Hey, take it easy," says Allawi, "we have to crawl before we can walk."