What a difference a week makes.

One week, Seal Team Six invades a sovereign country, commits burglary, theft, assault, and murder upon non-resisting occupants of a home in Pakistan.

A week later, Seal Team Six is concerned for their safety and the safety of their families.

The rule of law should work in both cases. That no one should be subject to home invasion, assault and even murder, no matter what their crimes.

We tried the Nazi war criminals after World War II.

We did not terrorize their families.

We did not shoot their wives and children. We did not simply execute them to save the trouble of a trial.

The rule of law protects everyone, no matter how horrible their crimes. Everyone is entitled to a fair hearing, to present evidence, and to be held accountable for their acts. Unlike shooting unarmed innocents in a darkened home.

The rule of law distinguishes us from terrorists. It marks us as willing to hold ourselves to a higher standard than common criminals.

The current lifetime recidivism rate in Georgia is about 67 percent. We could have the police execute everyone they arrest and cut that to zero.

But we won't. Because we believe in the rule of law. That arbitrary and capricious executions are wrong. That everyone should get their day in court.

And so should Seal Team Six, along with everyone in their chain of command. They should be publicly tried for their crimes under the laws of Pakistan.

Members of the U.S. military observe the rule of law during their honorable service to country.

Being a member of Seal Team Six should require no less.

Patrick Durusau is a Covington resident whose columns run on Fridays.