In politics, goes the proverb, a man must learn to rise above principle. Republicans certainly are doing a good job resembling that maxim -- and with bad results assured. President Bush's political savant Karl Rove was the cock-of-the-walk this month bragging that conservatism has become "the dominant political creed in America." Surely it must be one of those off-brands because what's been passing for conservatism these days is quite troubling. Let's start with Rick Santorum. Pennsylvania's junior U.S. senator this week is planning to introduce a bill that would raise the minimum wage.