What happens when both sides are hypocritical

There are strange things afoot in Washington these days. Congressional Democrats are extolling the virtues of the rule of law, constitutional protections and procedures, and the role of the Senate as a "cooling saucer."

Republicans, on the other hand, are now quoting Stalin, advocating a judicial revolution, violating principles of federalism, and linking arms to protect a majority leader so corrupt, even the Wall Street Journal admits he has an "odor."

This would seem like a momentous turn of events if it wasn't the case that the minority waxes constitutional every time the other party raises its victory flag. In the 90s, the Republicans used the judicial filibuster, opposed foreign interventionism, and had at least a nominal respect for the rule of law and federalism. For God's sake they proposed abolishing the Department of Education! Our Democratic friends supported just about every Clinton-led foreign excursion, a plan to nationalize health care, and opposed the filibuster when it was used by Republicans.

So as we soak up the republican (emphasis on the small "r") talk from the Democrats, let's remember that in Washington, principles are ephemeral.