It's only June, but we may have already witnessed this year's most repulsive public utterance.

In an interview with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, that state's Republican Party Chairman, Dennis Milligan, suggested that the death of thousands of innocent Americans would be an appropriate price to pay in order to unite the country behind the president.

?At the end of the day, I believe fully the president is doing the right thing, and I think all we need is some attacks on American soil like we had on [9-11], and the naysayers will come around very quickly to appreciate not only the commitment for President Bush, but the sacrifice that has been made by men and women to protect this country.?

Running a very close second to Milligan is California Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, who in an April 17 hearing said, referring to the president's critics: ?I hope it's your family members that die when terrorists strike.?

Such statements are specimens of leader-worship, not patriotism.

Let us stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.