In the midst of a tidal wave of Republican lobbying and bribery scandals, the GOP is moving into action. Will they curb any of the lobbying? No. Censure any of their own who did wrong? No. Limit their own corrupt fundraising in any way? Of course not. Hell, they’re even supporting Tom DeLay for re-election this year, a Republican who has been indicted fer crying out loud. The GOP has simply shut down the Ethics committee, once used with gleeful impunity to attack Bill Clinton at every possible chance.

So what will they do to clean up their act? Why, cut off Democratic means of fundraising, of course! Specifically, the 527 groups, mostly effective on the Democratic side. Organizations like MoveOn.org, which advocate Democratic causes. Who cares if they’re not involved in any lawbreaking or corruption? Who cares if the GOP leaves their own sleazy money machine intact despite massive illegalities? Who cares if the only “reform” the GOP has implemented so far has been one that will only increase lobbying to fill GOP coffers? This is an election year, dammit! We have to break laws and fill up on bribes while cutting the other side off at the knees!

Politics is perception. So long as the GOP can be seen as going after some kind of political action group, they figure Americans won’t be able to tell the difference.

Are they right?