In defense of flip-flops

Do politicians have the right to change their minds?

Much was made over John Kerry's supposed change of heart over the Iraq war. Nevermind that this was a mis-characterization of Kerry's position, idiot statements like: "I voted for it before I voted against it" just beg for "flip-flop" mockery.

The most recent example of political two-stepping comes to us from Senate Republican leader, and prospectiove presidential candidate Bill Frist who, edging away from the radical winger "pro-life" no matter who it kills precipice, has taken a stance favoring federal funding for stem-cell research.

This has had the effect of bringing forth howls of betrayal from the Dobsonite right, while wringing cries of "flip-flop" from those on the left still stinging from the Kerry debacle.

And while both reactions are entirely understandable, let me pose this question for my cohorts in the left and moderate reality-based communities: Is it better to castigate those who've wandered from the fact-based fold, or is it better rather to welcome back such prodigal sons?

For, while short-term political advantage may lie in exposing Republican hypocrisy whatever its source, isn't it in the country's best interest to encourage all politicians, whatever their stripe, to come back to the center (if not the left)?

For as the last decade has demonstrated, there are times when Republicans will control the government. And as much as I desire the end of their rule, must we not accept the sometimes it is inevitable? And that being the case, would we not all be better off if Republican rule was mitigated by the more moderate impulses buried deep beneath the wingnut veneer so many have adopted in order to win Republican primaries?

Since the 90's the Republicans have successfully managed to shift the middle to the right, to the detriment of everyone except multi-national corporations and televangelists. Is it not possible that, by welcoming any Republican shifts back to the true center, that we can move the middle back to the middle?