[N70Phone]

> as a general rule

To rudely open a dictionary:

"As a general rule" - phrase of general - in most cases.

Agents of the state are supposed to be acting within the law IN ALL CASES.

The SS & SA were operating entirely within the law, if you ignore the times where they weren't.

[cosmicgadget]

Did it seem from how I employed the term "as a general rule" that I didn't understand its meaning?

[N70Phone]

It seemed quite the opposite. That you knew exactly what you were saying, but using weasel words to imply ICE was acting above board without stating any falsehoods that might be challenged.

The rhetorical trick of my reply being that it forces you to either address to the meat of the subject, or leave the statement uncontested.

But congratulations, conceding the argument rather than ousting yourself as a fascist was the better choice.