You have heard the old witticism that a grand jury will indict a ham sandwich? That is, that in the right mood, a legal authority will go after anything. Yet actually convicting ham sandwiches is not the American tradition. Throughout most of its history America has benefited from the adherence of its leaders to a spirit of fair play.

This goes beyond abiding by the written laws, or the Constitution. American tradition also includes  taking the right course of action, doing what is in the best interest of the Country, even — or especially — when not legally required.