The Tom DeLay Defense

4:47 pm EST April 21st, 2009 | News | 4 Comments

Powerline objects to the idea that the Obama administration might investigate elements of the Bush era that broke the law. Their argument boils down to the idea that this is just so rude.

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4 Responses to “The Tom DeLay Defense”

  1. Quaker in a Basement says:
    April 21, 2009 at 4:58 pm

    Their argument boils down to the idea that this is just so rude.

    Well, to be fair, within certain circles, taking notice of the extralegality of the behavior of one’s fellows is regarded as declasse. It is a mark of breeding and gentility to, as Nooners would have it, “just keep walking.”

  2. Sean D. Martin says:
    April 21, 2009 at 6:10 pm

    Toward that end, they have sometimes tried to criminalize what are essentially policy differences.

    Yes. We wouldn’t want to criminalize things which aren’t really criminal. Like getting a blowjob, fer instance.

    OW: Their argument boils down to the idea that this is just so rude.

    I don’t see that. Looks to me like it boils down to “This is a play by Democrats to discourage Repubs from public service.” (“the prospect that they may be subjected to criminal prosecution if the next administration is Democratic could well tip the balance in favor of remaining in private life.”)

    Still screwy logic, since Dems would be equally discouraged in fear the next administration would be Republican.

  3. Ian Aleksander Adams says:
    April 21, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    Honestly, I think prosecuting criminal actions might discourage ANY criminal actions by elected officials. Which is kind of the effin point, right? Ideally?

  4. Sean D. Martin says:
    April 22, 2009 at 1:42 pm

    IAA: Honestly, I think prosecuting criminal actions might discourage ANY criminal actions by elected officials. Which is kind of the effin point, right? Ideally?

    Exactly. Which is why it is important to actually investigate and, where criminal acts are found, prosecute. Regardless of who it is.

    Otherwise the message sent, blazingly clear, is that you can do whatever you want while in office because you will never be held to account for it.