In yet another blow against ethics, Republican Sen. John Ensign returned to the capital today to handshakes from colleagues. What does this say of his colleagues? Do they condone his behavior?

Senator John Ensign called for Bill Clinton and Larry Craig to resign over sexual misconduct, and then cheated on his wife with a married staffer. This "defender of marriage" should have the dignity to resign now.

But dignity is in short supply in politics. Therefore, it is business as usual in the nations capital. Does his affair mean we cannot trust him to speak for his constituents?

If nothing else, it lessens his authority on ethics issues but we already know that any talk of ethics reform from politicians is nothing more than hot air. If you cannot live up to the vows you make to your spouse in front of God then how can you be trusted to live up to your promises to the people who put you in office?

The 'ole boys club' ethics wins again.