Now, the principle focus of the discovery being conducted by the Jones lawyers during this period was not on the merits of their client's case.

CNN: Transcript: White House Counsel Ruff's opening statement

"But as far as investing taxpayer dollars and making a strong public policy effort, we think the principle focus should be on encouraging abstinence, " he said.

CNN: Gaps found in young people's sex knowledge

Our guiding principle has been to focus resources on targeting high-risk areas in order to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in Federal programs, while increasing flexibility and reducing burden for grant recipients wherever possible.

WHITEHOUSE: Partnering to Reform Federal Grants

Peter Harrison, the firm's chief executive, told BBC News that the demonstration did not focus on efficiency, but rather a proof of principle.

BBC: Petrol from air: Will it make a difference?

The second part, on just the general principle of paying for tax cuts, is while it is interesting to behold the sudden focus on this among Republicans.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

This line of thinking ignores the principle of indirectness (or obliquity), which shows that in a complex interactive environment, a direct focus on a single goal can elicit reactions which tend to prevent the achievement of that goal.

FORBES: Is Delighting The Customer Profitable?