THE CASE OF DON SIEGELMAN

I don't have much time to comment on this now. But the politicization of the Justice Department under President Bush is something we've had on our radar for some time. In a few words, the case of Don Siegelman is not an isolated one - and Karl Rove should be in jail.

A new form of political murder has taken its place -- character assassination. Over the last two decades, the Right has learned how to destroy its enemies without leaving a body. Hit teams roam the country, willing and eager to destroy reputations and careers, with the U.S. press corps as accomplices ... That's a much more effective way to destroy someone than a gun. Bullets only kill the physical body, but character assassination destroys the person's reputation -- and their political effectiveness. Martyrs are a powerful force, but disgraced leaders can't threaten the status quo.

Be sure to watch the "60 Minutes" introduction in the post.

- Mark