E.J. Dionne Hurls Boulder Through GOP "Family Values" Facade

[kpete]

E.J. Dionne Hurls Boulder Through GOP "Family Values" Facade

"When confronted with an issue, do politicians focus on narrow political imperatives or do they care most about the well-being of children and families? The politicians should have asked that question in Foley's case, and they should ask it about a lot of other issues, too."


'Family Values' for All of Us

By E. J. Dionne Jr.
Saturday, October 7, 2006; Page A23

We need to have a long talk about the meaning of "family values."

The "we" here is our country, and the discussion should be encouraged by the shameful behavior of Mark Foley and the reaction, or non-reaction, of the House Republican leadership.

Over the next few weeks the argument will be partisan in nature, because that's what always happens during an election campaign. Democrats will rightly argue that the Republican brass seemed far more interested in ignoring Foley than in doing anything that might endanger their grip on power. The Republicans should pay a price, and I suspect they will.

But in the long run, this episode should be our national opportunity to break free from empty, politically driven rhetoric that has nothing to do with strengthening families and everything to do with electoral advantage.

much more at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/06/AR2006100601371.html
via:
http://iddybud.blogspot.com/2006_10_07_iddybud_archive.html#116023377830632778

[rodeodance]

1. go ej!