A CUSHION FOR THE HAMMER
The Republicans have changed a party rule that would remove Tom Delay from its House leadership if he is indicted. Yes, I understand the reasoning. Is it fair to force somone to lose their leadership position merely because of unproven allegations? After all, a prosecutor can indict a ham on rye. And wouldn't a rule like this give a heck of a lot of power to rogue Democrat prosecutors?

Sure. Good arguments against the rule. But that doesn't change the fact that it was stupid of Republicans to change the rule only now that Tom Delay is under threat of indictment. The proper responses should be (1) ask The Hammer what the heck this whole indictment thing is all about, (2) leave the rule in place, (3) investigate whether this really is a politically motivated act on the behalf of the Democrat prosecutor, if so (4) refer the matter to the Justice Department, and (5) if indicted, then worry about whether you think it really matters and only change the rule then.

But for crying out loud, don't change the rule in a fashion that makes it appear that you expect your leader to be indicted and you don't give a damn. That's just plain stupid.