What fun I had when I heard about Tom Delay being indicted. As it happens today was a day off from work and I decided to visit the beautiful campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. Every Wednesday at the FSU campus there is a huge flea market. It is the one day of the week where thousands of students take time in between classes to set up tables, to express points of view or sell things or just socialize in the Student Union.
I was walking around campus for about an hour when I decided to slip into the library to catch up on the news. (I can't go more than an hour without checking). As I was getting ready to leave the library I caught the breaking story that Tom Delay was indicted. I posted it immediately on my site - then I knew what I had to do. I rushed from the library to make my way back to the Student Union. I was on my way to the College Republican table. Surely, I thought, there would be no one better than myself to break the news to them.
When I got to the overfilled Union I first saw the table for the College Democrats. "Have you heard about Tom Delay" I asked. They hadn't. So I told them and we exchanges high fives, handshakes and hugs with my new friends. After the brief celebration I asked "where are the Republicans?" I had to stay focused. "Over there" they pointed - two tables down. Off I went to spread the news.
"Hey, have you guys heard about Tom Delay?" Nope. "Well he just got indicted!" I said with obvious joy. They looked a little pissed off and got quite redfaced but had a retort. "Well Cindy Sheehan got arrested two days ago". Hmmm. Following the news I see foolish counterarguments from a distance but now it was close up. These young Reds have been paying attention to their training. A meaningless counterargument is better than none at all. But really, Cindy Sheehan in the same category as Tom Delay? Not even close. Arrested for protesting a war is comparable to an indictment for money laundering? Even less comparable. After pointing out these points the young Republicans at the table turned their backs on me and reached for their cell phones. I guess they were looking for the new talking points of the day.
In 3 1/2 weeks I move to New York City. If this was my last day walking the campus I so adore I certainly am happy it ended on this note. I have had many good times and quite a few political discussions on the Florida State campus over the past 20 years. So many memories it would take days just to think about them all. How nice then that today's final chapter had such a satisfying conclusion.
also posted at http://www.mqablog.com/