If, then, you praise men because they kill . . . you must praise [Lewis]; if you praise men who are ready to die for their country, you will praise him; and if you applaud those who show any courage superior to the rest of mankind you will applaud him.

Background: This passage is an excerpt from William E. Doster’s defense of Lewis Powell.

What is the main idea of this passage?

Lewis should be commended for his actions, because he displays courage.
Lewis should be punished for his actions against his country.
Lewis is superior to all other soldiers, because he protected the nation.
Lewis is an oppressor and can be seen as a danger to the nation.