Disclosure: I worked for the Lamont campaign doing web design and production and some writing for the official blog (from 9/5/06 to 11/07/06).
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Right and Wrong
Sen. Lieberman today again refused to call for Speaker Hastert's resignation, lamenting that the Foley scandal has "become another partisan frenzy in Washington" thanks to those demanding accountability from the Republican leadership.
But take a look at this partial list of the individuals and publications (many right-wing) who have done what Sen. Lieberman apparently cannot bring himself to do - call for Speaker Hastert to resign immediately:
This is not about partisanship, this is about right and wrong. Democrats and Republicans alike have unconditionally called for Speaker Hastert to resign in the face of the facts that have been revealed so far.
That Sen. Lieberman either won't - or can't - do what so many Republicans and Democrats, moderates and conservatives and progressives, have already done, is telling.
But take a look at this partial list of the individuals and publications (many right-wing) who have done what Sen. Lieberman apparently cannot bring himself to do - call for Speaker Hastert to resign immediately:
The Washington Times — "House Speaker Dennis Hastert must do the only right thing, and resign his speakership at once."
Human Events, conservative magazine -- "I think he has to do this for the team, he has to step down.''
Michael Reagan, conservative commentator — "Any member of Congress who was aware of the sexual emails and protected the congressman should also resign effective immediately."
David Bossie, president of conservative organization Citizens United — "Speaker Hastert had knowledge of Congressman Foley’s inappropriate behavior and chose to protect a potential pedophile and powerful colleague over a congressional page."
Maggie Gallagher, conservative columnist — "With great power comes great responsibility. Memo to GOP House leaders: Have the decency to accept responsibility and resign from leadership. Or come November, I vote to let the other side put their bums in charge."
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) -- "[I]t is clear that there was knowledge of improper, immoral, and possibly criminal behavior, and the leadership did nothing about it," she's quoted as saying in a statement from her office. "That leadership should go[.]"
This is not about partisanship, this is about right and wrong. Democrats and Republicans alike have unconditionally called for Speaker Hastert to resign in the face of the facts that have been revealed so far.
That Sen. Lieberman either won't - or can't - do what so many Republicans and Democrats, moderates and conservatives and progressives, have already done, is telling.