Leaders are supposed to lead. They set the tone for how their
organization is to be run. They establish their expectations of
what their organizations' moral and ethical standards should be and
expect everyone to follow them.
Have you ever heard out of Hastert's mouth "this is the way it's
going to be and we will tolerate no less," or words to that effect?
Have you heard him make any bold statements against ethical
breaches, self-serving pork, or any of the other crap that has
taken root under GOP control -- at least any the media has latched
on to? Yeah, he's supposedly "taking responsibility" for the Foley
lapse, but what the heck does that really mean? Calling for an
investigation? Big step! And as far as Hastert condemning it...gee,
that's really stepping out bravely when one of your soldiers has
been hitting on teenagers.
Sure, Hastert is probably personally ethical (as much as anybody
who has to compromise with Democrats on laws is capable of
doing)...nice guy...former wrestling coach...but does training
grapplers make you qualified for one of the three or four most
important leadership posts in the country?
Life is full of leaders taking the fall because of failures
amidst their subordinates. Happens in the corporate world all the
time. Coaches and managers in professional sports suffer the blame
when their players underperform, whether it's their direct fault or
not. Joe Girardi got fired by the Florida Marlins this week and his
team performed above expectations!
The only difference with Hastert is the imminent election and
the distasteful prospect of Democrats in control of Congress. So
does the fact that the competition is gaining override the need to
replace a leader who has allowed corruption to take root and
Byrd-style earmarks to proliferate? And if attempted pedophilia on
the part of one of your members, after all the other ethical
problems under your tenure, does not make it time for removal, then
when is it time?
Besides, Jed, I don't buy the premise
that Hastert's removal (or getting a commitment to not run for
leadership again) dooms the GOP. There are plenty of good reasons
for rank-and-file House Republicans -- many of whom undoubtedly
feel the same way that many conservative pundits calling for
Hastert's resignation feel -- to move now. No quivering lip or
tearful apology needed...just tell Denny "thanks for your service"
and let Boehner step in, at least until the next Congress. Hastert
is not a good face for the party right now and his
Soros/ABC-blaming is proving it. Boehner is still relatively new in
his post so for him to take interim control improves the image
while controlling the damage.
topics:
Earmarks, Sports, Law
