Law

While considering the fine sentiments expressed in the old Ba'athist Iraqi constitution, Tim Worstall takes a spin on one of my favorite hobby horses:

The words on the paper are not quite so important as how they are interpreted and used.

Well... That depends in part on how much your political culture values rule of law for its own sake, or in other words whether, given good laws, it can sometimes rise above its own worst instincts. Rotten laws faithfully upheld are no bargain, but it's easier to fix broken laws than broken culture.

Feel better now? Don't. All other things being equal, a bad constitution is a bad thing.