Four Republicans on an ethics panel cleared state Rep. Phil Hart of any wrongdoing.

They may speak for their party, and perhaps even echo a voice for other legislators. But as much as their ruling was fully expected last week, it most assuredly did not represent the will of the people.

Hart, who defiantly refused to pay income taxes for several years and now owes hundreds of thousands in back taxes, interest and penalties, serves on the House Revenue and Taxation Committee. That committee assignment will remain intact, thanks to the ethics panel. And it will continue to make a mockery of the committee's legislative efforts.

Hart did not receive so much as a reprimand, not surprising because fellow Republicans held four of the ethics panel's seven seats. Also predictably, all the Republicans sided with Hart, and all the Democrats sided against him.

We do not see this as a party issue or even a political one. This is an issue of right and wrong.

Until Idaho and federal laws change, citizens are required to pay taxes on their income. We can disagree, we can even raise a little hell, but at the end of the day we have to pay, each and every one of us.

Hart didn't. Had he protested and all the while paid, we could respect his position. We might even agree with him.

Instead, Hart dodged his obligation as an Idaho and American citizen. He has tried to justify his action standing on allegedly high moral and constitutional ground, but we see nothing moral or constitutional about it.

Despite the mess he's made, Hart's record will reflect not even the slightest blemish. This miscarriage of justice will leave a lasting pockmark on the face of Idaho.