On the same day as the State of the Union address (which nicely kept the event out of the public's attention) the House ethics committee was revamped to protect Majority Leader DeLay and to purge the two most fair-minded members. Relieved of duty because they did their duty to their country, even if the actions of the committee reflected criticism of a member of their party.

For the Bushies, though, absolute loyalty is required; any hint of independent thought or criticism is seen as heresy and punished accordingly. The two new members appointed to the committee -- Reps. Lamar S. Smith (R-Tex.) and Tom Cole (R-Okla.) -- have contributed generously to Mr. DeLay's legal defense fund.

It wouldn't surprise me if Reps. Kenny Hulshof (R-Mo.) and Steven C. LaTourette (R-Ohio) found themselves unseated the next time they are up for re-election. The Bush administration tolerates no apostates.