So a work-related incident today made me wonder whether there should be something like protocol for moles. Not the
mammals, but the
spies. With any public policy issue, when sides are taken, it's not terribly unusual for either side of the issue to try and infiltrate the other camp--learn strategies, identify weak arguments, etc. In those circumstances, the moles generally keep to themselves and keep their ears open.
What about those occasions when one side is hosting a semi-public (not closed, but by invitation) forum to present that side--how should the moles behave in that circumstance? It's understandable that there is a desire to see both sides presented (which is why I'm such a fan of the
Federalist Society, by the way). But is it appropriate to ensure your side is presented through disruptive behavior? Going beyond polite questions and into the realm of rude comments not-quite-so-quietly spoken to a neighbor and disruptions with statements and name-calling rather than an actual question.
Tonight as the speaker I had the ... experience of this type performance from an attendee at a small meeting. The kind of thing that makes you wonder when people use the term "civilized society" you know?
What intrigues me most about this kind of behavior is that after that mole leaves the room, the folks left behind (even the ones that are his friends) are left apologizing for his bad behavior. It's an embarassment to the position the mole represents.
Kinda like Joe Biden and the Democratic party, you know? But of course that's an issue for another day.
