Wanting power for the wrong reason

I'd like to register a disagreement with a point of view that many Democrats may have and which Neil the Ethical Werewolf has given voice. The context of this is a discussion of what might happen when and if the Democrats gain the investigatory power that comes with being in the majority.

As I've argued before, massive investigations of Bush Administration malfeasance could be useful in doing long-term damage to the Republican Party.

The purpose of having the power of subpoena should not be to bring long-term damage to the Republican party.

It should be stopping the Republican Party from doing long-term damage to the United States of America.