On Townhall.com I discussed the ominous parallels between giving an award to a statesman whos accomplished almost nothing and Hollywood insiders weirdo defense of international, jet-setting rapist Roman Polanski. My point was that people tend to relax their standards for the people they like, remaining harsh to the people they oppose.
Though I picked on the liberalish mindset, I want to make one thing perfectly clear: This is not a problem limited to the Left.
I remember Republicans of my younger days thinking that Richard Nixon got a raw deal. True enough. Nixons two predecessors did nearly everything he did. But lets remember: Nixon got justice. Or nearly so.
What hes getting right now is none of my business.
Theres also the delay that I saw in conservative reactions against Tom DeLays obvious corruptions. And Im not talking about his recent stint on Dancing With the Stars. Im talking about his fancy footwork — and that of his supporters — in Congress.
The tendency to support a double standard — leniency for friends and cohorts, hanging judgments for enemies and opponents — is not new. It will never go away. But that doesnt mean we shouldnt surprise ourselves by sticking up for principle especially for those on our side.
This is Common Sense. Im Paul Jacob.