"Shocking Affront to the Principles of Democracy"

It is ironic that we revolted against King George because of his tyranny. But now the US, with the support of the President under the guidance of the Attorney General, is committing tyranny in spite of the clear prohibitions within our Constitution. And it is the British that are now pointing this out.

Lord Falconer accused the US of "deliberately seeking to put detainees beyond he rule of law in Guantanamo Bay".
BBC online international version 31-Mar-2007

Why is it that an administration who touts the principle of the rule of law is quite willing to ignore them?