Wit

You know what is missing in American politics, wit. We've gone from " I did not attend his funeral, but I sent a letter saying I approved of it" to "where's the beef" to "I voted for the 87 billion before I voted against it" The first quote was from Mark Twain. May his heir soon appear, for this election season will drag on for us all by the time it is done. The final quote was from John Kerry's unsuccessful 2004 campaign.

The English have always had decent political wit. Take the following example. Prime Minister Disraeli was questioned after giving a speech in parliament why he substituted misfortune for calamity in the speech. His rationale was in the form of an example."The difference between a misfortune and a calamity is this: If Gladstone fell into the Thames, it would be a misfortune. But if someone dragged him out again, that would be a calamity. "

There is the 18th century classic as well. John Wilkes speaking to John Montagu, earl of sandwich had the following exchange. Montagu said, "Sir, I do not know whether you will die on the gallows or of the pox." Wilkes replied "That, sir, depends on whether I embrace your principles or your mistress."

History thread of the Day
http://history-forums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=31632#post31632