Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

Democrats, full of zeal to rid the Congress of its culture of corruption, can't even follow their own rules. (Let's ignore for the now the fact that they haven't passed any of their reforms into law since taking power.) Last week, Rep. Jack Murtha went after two Republicans who had questioned an earmark for the National Drug Intelligence Center in Johnstown, Penn., which is in Murtha's district. Murtha reportedly threatened to make sure they didn't get any earmarks if he didn't get his.

Sounds like something Tom DeLay was famous for, doesn't it.

Well, Murtha's threat is a violation of the House's new rules under the Democrats. The two Republicans are seeking a vote on a reprimand for Murtha's violation of the rules -- a violation he doesn't deny committing.

So, why the title of this post? Well, that is courtesy of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. (via The Wall Street Journal [link for subscribers only])

Ms. Pelosi took a stab at defending Mr. Murtha on the Sunday TV shows, saying she had "no idea what actually happened" during the exchange, but thinks Mr. Murtha's a great guy in general. "I do know that Republicans caused quite a stir," she said.

Oh, those pesky Republicans. Democrats are such good people, it's just those Republicans who make them so mad! I mean, they love Republicans, but when they make you angry, you just have to hit them. It's done out of love.

Sound like the excuses of a batterer?