Fall In Line, Or Fall From Grace

We teach children to stand up for their principles. We tell them that just because others do it doesn't mean it's right. Unfortunately, as two East End elected officials are discovering, the political arena often doesn't endorse these notions. Political heterodoxy can be hazardous to political health.

United States Representative Michael P. Forbes was the first Republican to assert that Speaker Newt Gingrich should step down because of the ethics scandal surrounding him. A handful of other Republicans later came to that conclusion, but most of them faithfully toed the party line. Because of his stand, The New York Times reported this week, Mr. Forbes is being shunned by some of his fellow Republicans.

County Legislator George Guldi strayed from the Democratic fold in refusing to support its choice for presiding officer, Steven Hackeling, because of his opposition to Peconic County. Last week Mr. Guldi was not invited to a Democratic caucus, which he views as retribution.

It is ironic that in a country that ennobles free speech and independent spirit, those we elect to uphold these principles do their best to discourage them from being put into practice.