Free speech is for Democrats only.

Voting is a Democrat (rather than democratic) right.

Don't worry though, Republicans get something too--legal accountability.

Harry Reid's penalty for influence peddling on sweet land deals for his buddies in exchange for bennies for himself and his family? Millions of dollars, a pass from the legal system and a yawn from the media.

Bob Ney's penalty for the very same offense? 27 months in jail (hey, it could have been 10 years...)

...but wait. The penalty for treason in this country?

28 months in jail.

A firebrand civil rights lawyer who has defended Black Panthers and anti-war radicals was sentenced Monday to nearly 2 1/2 years in prison _ far less than the 30 years prosecutors wanted _ for helping an imprisoned terrorist sheik communicate with his followers on the outside.

Lynne Stewart, 67, smiled, cried and hugged supporters after U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl pronounced the sentence of 28 months.

The judge said Stewart was guilty of smuggling messages between her client and his followers that could have "potentially lethal consequences." He called the crimes "extraordinarily severe criminal conduct."

But in departing from federal guidelines that called for 30 years behind bars, he cited Stewart's more than three decades of dedication to poor, disadvantaged and unpopular clients.

"Ms. Stewart performed a public service, not only to her clients, but to the nation," Koeltl said.

The judge said Stewart could remain free while she appeals, a process that could take more than a year.

Basically, being a Republican is a hanging offense in this country. We're going to need 20 years to clean out all these cockroaches, so don't be silly and get out and vote in November.