Source: Wikipedia
In case you hadn’t heard about it, Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH), a man reportedly powerfully in conservative and Tea Party circles, has been accused by former Ohio State athletes of knowing about the activities of Dr. Richard Strauss, the Ohio State University doctor who examined athletes for treatment and research purposes. The doctor committed suicide after he was convicted. Jordan, then an assistant wrestling coach at the OSU, reportedly did nothing about the sexual assaults. I have no opinion on the guilt or innocence of Rep. Jordan in this matter – it’s up to our law enforcement representatives to determine his knowledge of the sexual assaults in the matter.
But I will note that the alleged behavior, which is essentially protecting the power hierarchy, is certainly congruent with the culture of the GOP. True, moderate members are chased out of the Party, and the Tea Party wing has certainly revolted against the establishment. But notice that, so long as ideological purity of the wing is maintained, non-ideological transgressions are tolerated. It’s a symptom of an addiction to power, an allegiance overwhelming that of good sense. It’s also worth noting that the nature of ideological purity will change over time as a function of the membership kicking out the moderates and recruiting ever more extremists from the right.
I have no idea if the allegations against Jordan are truly credible, or if they’ll just fizzle and fade away. I have no animus against Rep. Jordan. It’s simply a note that his alleged behavior would not be surprising in this context.
