AS THE ROMAN'S DID. I have never been able to agree with those who say that present-day America is "going to total ruin just like the Roman's did!"
The older folks used to say: "Going to Hell in a hand basket."
The comparison doesn't seem valid in so many ways, but it is given another round when any sex-oriented scandal gains headline status in D.C. governmental areas.
We have such a situation now in the actions of Congressman Mark Foley (R), Florida who has been exchanging explicit, sexy letters with a fifteen year-old former page boy. The big difference this time around is that since this is a time in which we are heading into mid-term elections. the important thing about it all is that if the Democrats can keep them causes on the Republican party rather than on just one of their number, it could be the lever needed which might change the election to Democratic advantage. "They have been in power too long....stagnant, rotten to the core!...despicable conduct! Replacement! " Voters have been known to respond well to such accusations - and if they b e true or false seems to make very little difference as long as the scandal background remains intact.
Foley has resigned; consigned his bodily self to an alcoholic treatment center to avoid on-camera encounters of the least kind kind and to lay claim to the common "drink made me do it" placard he can now show. That is about the sum and substance of what we are now seeing and hearing. Precedent in such cases urges that such affairs be forgotten as soon as possible lest they stir up others like it. This one seems to be tagged to continue a bit longer than usual.
This sex offense can bed classed as being rather "mild" when compared to others which have existed or are extant within the District area including northern Virginia and the edge of Maryland as well.'
The whole thing doesn't even come close to the fall of the glory that was ancient Rome, does it? By his time, they would have worked in several murders, a suicide, perhaps a sedition or two, and a seduction as well. Infidelities would have, at least, been mentioned.
Some few critics have far more severe views than I. Each newly revealed case - as they continue to happen - might lead me to accept their harsher version of the era in which we live.
Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 10-3-06 [c424wds]
