[Intolerant in NJ]

...the truly best and brightest of the Empire retired to their quarters and their books, and looked only inward...this would be perfectly understandable in today's world...when many of the best positions go not to the truly best and brightest, but to those of the correct race and sex...when the power hungry, especially in government, do all they can to sidetrack the best and the brightest who threaten to thwart their relentless quest for control and authority...when taking a public stand determined through one's experience and knowledge but contrary to the prevailing politically correct, leftwing ideologies inevitably leads to ridicule and character assassination...after awhile it may come to seem that what's left of society really isn't worth the trouble to try to turn it around, and a cozy chair and intriguing book my look like the best of all possible worlds.......

[AlbionGirl]

after awhile it may come to seem that what's left of society really isn't worth the trouble to try to turn it around, and a cozy chair and intriguing book my look like the best of all possible worlds.......

Not that I'm one of the best and brightest, but I find myself retreating and wanting a hermetic existence. Imagine those who are truly talented and love their Country...imagine how they feel when they compare their credentials against many of our Senators; who after all are supposed to be our conscience and deliberators.

It really is frightening, because the caliber of elected official is continuing on a downward spiral, IMO.