What's Important 9

Ninth in a series.

A bit of repetition, but this one isn't just important; it's vital. As Newsday's editorial board writes: "Forcing the government to prove it acted within the law when locking someone up is a key legal protection that separates the United States from the world's hell holes. That check on tyranny has been missing in action at Guantanamo."

This is true. And that's why it is important to note that the vote was 5-4. And even more important to note that the four justices in dissent are all the kind of judges McCain has promised -- by name -- to look for if he gets elected. Three of the five in favor are the kind of judges Obama has promised to look for should he get elected.