No backtracking on the rule of law

THE BUSH administration still does not understand that Americans want a return to the rule of law. Legislation, of any kind, that is retroactive is particularly odious (``White House proposes retroactive war crimes protection," Page A8, Aug. 10). How can one arrange one's behavior unless one has a clear understanding of the law? Of course, it is worse when new crimes are created retrospectively; but even creating retrospective protection is unwise -- it is just like re-dating stock option grants to ensure a larger payoff.

Especially at this time of heightened terrorist activity, we must maintain our commitment to the rule of law. Without that, we have lost our fundamental values.

MARTIN G. EVANS
Cambridge