We occasionally hear that those inclined to criminal activity might more often refrain if they had greater respect for the law.  Building that respect, we are told, depends on the criminal wannabee's view of its fairness and equity. 

If that is true, then the tone of President Obama's reaction to today's decision in Citizens United is unfortunate to say the least.  In a statement that was disrespectful if not snarling, the President said:

"With its ruling today, the Supreme Court has given a green light to a new stampede of special interest money in our politics. It is a major victory for big oil, Wall Street banks, health insurance companies and the other powerful interests that marshal their power every day in Washington to drown out the voices of everyday Americans. This ruling gives the special interests and their lobbyists even more power in Washington--while undermining the influence of average Americans who make small contributions to support their preferred candidates."

One might wonder whether a more fitting reaction by the President of the United States  --  one better designed to build respect for law  --  would have been:  "While I disagree with today's opinion, I of course do not doubt the Court's authority to decide First Amendment issues, and I understand that reasonable minds can differ on questions about campaign finance.  I shall work with Congress to craft new legislation to rein in excessive spending by private interests in a way consistent with free speech rights and the Court's ruling."

One might also wonder what the volcanic reaction would have been if President Bush had given anything approaching Obama's angry slap when the Court handed down its opinion in Boumediene.