it's hard to see a clearer example of the double standard in our political culture than this: van jones was forced to resign because he once may have been part of the 911 truther movement, while there are numerous members of congress who are part of the birther movement who have not faced any serious pressure to resign.
in this country right now, the crazy fringe of the left is unacceptable whereas the crazy fringe of the right is all but indistinguishable from the "mainstream" right.
