MORE ON OBAMA ADMINISTRATION ETHICS:

If we read between the lines of Mr. Obama’s ethics rules, there is indeed some rhyme and reason. If one is deemed highly talented, then almost any ill deed can be glossed over: “Tom made a mistake, which he has openly acknowledged. He has not excused it, nor do I. But that mistake, and this decision, cannot diminish the many contributions Tom has made to this country, from his years in the military to his decades of public service,” Mr. Obama said. However, anyone with genuine standards would argue that indeed such a transgression does diminish a citizen’s standing, regardless of past accomplishments.

Needless to say, in the old evil empire of the Bush administration, a nominee who failed to tip a waitress enough would be subject to confirmation rejection. In the bright new Obama administration it is a wonder that Rep. Charles Rangel hasn’t been appointed ethics czar.

Give ’em time.