Do as I say, Not as I do

John McCain has been abducted by aliens and secretly replaced with an imposter. That's the only explanation with which I can come up to account for his behavior. I once greatly respected this man--I thought he had character, stood for his beliefs, and wouldn't compromise himself to play politics. In other words, he was a beacon of honor and integrity in a landscape otherwise devoid of such qualities. But, over the past several months, I have come to see that I was wrong to have such a high opinion of him. He's a politician, just like the rest. No better and no worse. But, not the guiding light hovering above the fray. Maybe it was an unfair characterization; perhaps the standard was too high. It pains me, though, to see him go back on his word and reverse his stance on issues that he had formerly championed. Here is his most recent example: "McCain Taps Cash He Sought to Limit." Campaign finance reform was his issue--he gave us McCain-Feingold and we applauded him for trying to counteract the big money influence in political campaign spending. Now, we read this:

"In his early efforts to secure the support of the Republican establishment he has frequently bucked, McCain has embraced some of the same political-money figures, forces and tactics he pilloried during a 15-year crusade to reduce the influence of big donors, fundraisers and lobbyists in elections."

McCain's reasoning for the reversal--I don't want to be at a disadvantage if everyone else in the race is doing it. So much for standing up for what you believe. It would appear that he can walk the walk so long as as it's easy and won't cost him anything. But, when things get hard or there is risk involved, watch out for sudden changes in direction. Just ask McCain's new bff, Jerry Falwell.