WS, your point about the method and the end result are well taken by me. I weary of how we trounce figures in the public eye for their personal lives in general. I'd much prefer to deal with Thomas and his lack of experience and legal viewpoints than whose pubic hair was on a coke can.

Ever since Watergate we have this overwhelming need to dig into the personal lives of pols. Watergate was a crime. And, to quote Bill Maher, a blowjob is not a crime...or even if it is in some states, its not an impeachable offense. Watergate gave us a new breed of journalist which tried to emulate the in depth probing of their predecessors, but would go to any lengths to get a story.

I certainly detested Bork's viewpoints, but his knowledge of Constitutional law was beyond question. We fought the viewpoint, but if he had won out, things would be different a bit, but at least I'd have the feeling I was listening to the opinion of an educated and knowledgable man. If we had fought Thomas on the same grounds, he would have been turned down......and I'm left with a man whose opinions I do not respect; not because of any moral issue, but simply on grounds of knowledge.

I'm waiting now to hear all of the dirt that will be dug out on Lieberman and Cheney. Be assured that their political views will take a backseat to the first hint of some indiscretion.

Spaw