On the Norquist Tax Pledge

So, as the fiscal cliff talks continue, some Republicans seem insistent on demonstrating that they are spineless cowards who are completely unwilling to take a stand in the name of principle.  The most recent example?  The expressed willingness by some to ignore Grover Norquist's anti-tax pledge.

Grover Norquist, or "The Overlord"

Now, this is not going to be some defense of Grover Norquist, though he most certainly has the right idea.  No, this has far more to do with the liberal obsession over him and the feckless politicians on the "right" side of the aisle who want to violate the tax pledge they took.

First, the obsession.  It is highly aggravating when people talk about Grover Norquist like he is God.  Not only is it aggravating, it is bizarre when they act like he has some sort of power over them to force them to not raise taxes.

Norquist is a man.  Nothing more, nothing less.  He is not some terrible god of thunder who will strike down politicians who stray from what he believes is right.  Neither is he important nor powerful in any meaningful way.  I don't say that to slight the man, for as I said before, he has the right idea.  However, it is shameful and embarrassing when people on both sides try to use him as a scapegoat for their feckless behavior.  Stop and own up to your actions.

Then there are the people who want to ignore the tax pledge that they have taken.  Now, one can argue about whether or not the pledge is a good idea, workable or what have you.  The problem does not lie in the pledge itself.  It lies in the fundamental character flaws that cause one to break a pledge for political expediency.

After all, let us be honest.  The Republicans who are banging the anti-Norquist drum are not doing so because they have had a legitimate change of heart.  They are doing so because it is (seemingly) politically expedient for them to dump fiscal conservatism to look like they are being "bipartisan."

Of course, the correct term is "cowards."

They are cowards for two reasons.  The first is that they are turning their backs on a principled position, as I mentioned before.  Instead of taking a stand for the right thing, as they were elected to do, they are instead more worried about their careers.

However, and perhaps more damning, is their willingness to reject the pledge.  Do their words have no meaning?  They made a promise, no matter what one thinks of its importance or wisdom.  This is not some fickle pinky swear on a schoolyard playground.  They are adults.  Their words have meaning.  And when they say they are willing to break their word for such a cheap reason, it diminishes them, their office and the political system as a whole.

They should be ashamed.