Where Cornyn stands on other issues is hardly relevant to the point at hand: Cornyn has a long-standing, deep-abiding interest in open access, an interest which is admirable, and certainly explains why he might have a genuine interest in the prosecution of Aaron Swartz.

A discussion, let alone a democracy, cannot function if one requires everyone to agree with them on every sub-point of every item related to the topic of question.

I agree completely. I'm not suggesting that people can't applaud overtures towards open science or open access or an accountable DOJ. I'd just hope to maybe shape and direct the applause, so we're clear what its real target is.

I like Richard Posner, for instance, but I'm disquieted by how quickly the Reddit/HN crowd decided to lionize him once he came to a conclusion they liked regarding patents. Posner for SCOTUS! from people who understand the abstract from one case he worked on. Sheesh!

In politics, ignoring distasteful aspects of a person's politics in favor of a shared goal is called, "building a coalition."

Ban = not apply federal funds toward, right?

That would be correct.. And in related news, the Feds have banned me from cleaning the bathroom at home. Woot.