Remember: good for the goose, good for the gander

A real test of one's principles occurs in the situation where you (or a member of your tribe) violate what you have previously espoused as a one of your principles. I certainly don't want to be guilty of the hypocrisy embodied in IOKIARDI (or IOKIYAR). So, now that the Democrats are poised to take control of the houses of Congress, we must be prepared to "call 'em as we see 'em". While acknowledging that nobody is perfect, we have an obligation to do the best we can and expect the same from elected representatives.

I'm pleased to report that one of my prime sources, the TPM Muckraker, is leading by example in this regard. As I noted earlier today, Nancy Pelosi has endorsed Jack Murtha for House Majority leader. TPM thinks we should know something else about him.

So House Speaker-to-be Nancy Pelosi has thrown her weight behind Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) to be the next House Majority Leader.

Few outside of Murtha's district -- or the corridors of Washington, D.C. -- knew much of Murtha until his outspoken opposition to the Iraq War earlier this year made him a cause celebre among liberals. What else has he been up to this year? In an excellent but little-noticed piece last month, the New York Times brought us up to speed:

In the last year, Democratic and Republican floor watchers say, Mr. Murtha has helped Republicans round up enough Democratic votes to narrowly block a host of Democratic proposals: to investigate federal contracting fraud in Iraq, to reform lobbying laws, to increase financing for flood control, to add $150 million for veterans' health care and job training, and to exempt middle-class families from the alternative minimum tax.

As Murtha put it, "deal making is what Congress is all about." Yessir -- blocking fraud investigations, stonewalling lobbying reform. That's what Congress is all about, isn't it?