Tuesday, May 23, 2006

GOP Politically Tone Deaf

Congressional Republicans and Democrats agree on one thing: the FBI has no business raiding Congressional offices in pursuit of lawbreakers.

Given the 'throw the bums out' mood prevalent today, I wouldn't want to be an incumbent standing between law enforcement and criminals who happen to have been elected to office. Whatever their concerns about separation of powers, the GOP better find a way to make it clear that they want to see criminals caught and prosecuted.

Here's a political playbook with some useful suggestions:

Like Lincoln, our first Republican president, we intend to act "with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right." To restore accountability to Congress. To end its cycle of scandal and disgrace. To make us all proud again of the way free people govern themselves.

...FIRST, require all laws that apply to the rest of the country also apply equally to the Congress


I don't want this to seem like a cheap shot; it's not that simple. But the GOP has got to realize that their tone is not winning them any fans.

Update: Welcome, readers of Captain's Quarters, and thanks Captain, for the traffic. While you're here, check out some of my earlier speculation on ethics - or just browse.

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