Foley cover-up a metaphor for modern Rethuglicanism

Publius makes an important point about the House leadership's cover-up role in the Foley mess:

But putting all that aside, what’s most damning about the Foley controversy is that it perfectly captures in one quick and easy metaphor everything that’s wrong with the modern GOP. Foley symbolizes what happens when you cast aside any concern for policy or public well-being for political power. In this sense, the Foley controversy shouldn’t be seen in isolation, but should be understood as a manifestation of the same forces that brought us Iraq, Katrina, torture, and the Medicare bill debacle.

Obviously, all people have political leanings. And all things being equal, you want your side to do better. But there are — there must be — limits to one’s willingness to elevate politics over policy. There has to be some point — not unlike the “low” point that alcoholics hit before they seek rehab — where you look at yourself and realize that you’ve crossed the line and that things have to change.