[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.

[Intolerant in NJ]

It really is frightening, because the caliber of elected official is continuing on a downward spiral, IMO...IMO you're quite right - I almost said "I feel your pain", but that would have been too pointed a reminder on how low the supposedly best and brightest in public life have really fallen today.....