A reader writes:
Your point [about the rule of law] is well taken, and I would imagine a Sir Thomas More of modern sensibilities would likely agree with you. But I am not sure he is the shining example of opposition to torture via abuse of executive authority. I have great respect for the man (and the movie), and have affection for him due in no small part due to his vicious enforcement of law, but certainly there is someone less famous for brutal torture techniques that you could invoke to oppose brutal torture techniques.
The Dish 