Who let this guy in?

President Bush, told by a critic he should be ashamed of his policies, defended the government's secret eavesdropping program Thursday and said he would not apologize for listening in on the phone and e-mail conversations of Americans talking to people with suspected al-Qaida links.

A man who identified himself as Harry Taylor rose at a forum here to tell Bush that he's never felt more ashamed of the leadership of his country. He said Bush has asserted his right to tap phone calls without a warrant, to arrest people and hold them without charges and to revoke a woman's right to an abortion, among other things.

He was booed by the audience, but Bush interrupted and urged the audience to let Taylor finish.

"I feel like despite your rhetoric, that compassion and common sense have been left far behind during your administraiton," Taylor said, standing in a balcony seat and looking down at Bush on stage. "And I would hope from time to time that you have the humility and grace to be ashamed of yourself."

This was in North Carolina, by the way. I'm sure the Secret Service agent responsible for sweeping the arena of anyone with anti-Bush bumper stickers or T-shirts will promptly be sacked.

By the way, isn't that nice of the Prez to let Mr. Taylor finish. He's such a firm believer in freedom of speech. That's why it's news whenever anyone deviates from the "I likes you!" script that is de rigeur at these town halls.

[UPDATE] Good AP story on Harry Taylor, the man who spoke up to the President. A key excerpt:

Afterward, Taylor was approached by Barry Richards, a 42-year-old town manager from nearby Cabarrus County. Richards shook Taylor's hand and told him how glad he was that Taylor had spoken. Then came the punchline. "I 100 percent disagree with everything you said, but I'm glad you said it," Richards said [...] Bush ought to be able to handle a little criticism, Richards said. "I know he probably likes the warm, fuzzy campaign appearances, but it's OK to get a cold prickly too."

Maybe we're finally finished with that whole "dissent=treason" nonsense. I respect Richards' disagreement and I'm glad he respects mine. Maybe we're getting back to rational debate in this country.