No Simple Cobbler from Connecticut

In 1776 -- not the year but the wonderful musical play depicting the events in that year  that culminated in the adoption of the Declaration of Independence -- Roger Sherman begs off being named to the committee responsible for drafting the Declaration by singing these words:

I cannot write with any style 

Or proper etiquette.

I don't know a preposition 

From a predicate.

I am just a simple cobbler 

From Connecticut.

Indeed. But a simple cobbler sufficiently esteemed by his real world contemporaries for  his common sense, good will, industry, and virtue to be selected by them to represent Connecticut as a member of the state's delegation to the Second Continental Congress.

Although those who comprised that Congress recognized and often spoke and wrote that self government depends upon a virtuous citizenry, Connecticut currently is bereft of such virtue. In its place we see the calculated duplicity of the ambitious political careerist Richard Blumenthal, renowned primarily for his sharp elbows, relentless pursuit of self aggrandizing  publicity, and lies.

Even though he admitted -- only during the past week after being publicly exposed -- that he falsely claimed to be a Vietnam War combat veteran (as well as other resume enhancing credentials), Connecticut Democrats chose him as their U.S. Senate candidate. The Obama White House also is supporting Mr. Blumenthal's candidacy.

Mr. Blumenthal, currently Connecticut's attorney general, says he "misspoke" when he repeatedly made the false claims. He shrugs off suggestions that his prevarications may reflect a disqualifying character flaw by claiming he merely "misplaced a few words."

Connecticut, how could you? Just look at the photographs of the man accompanying the relevant articles to which links are provided below. His image is a caricature of rapacious ambition. Like his record, it is neither adorned nor softened by the slightest hint of integrity or scruples. Julius Caesar would have spotted the lean and hungry look instantly. Note the hard eyes, constantly on the lookout for the main chance for a big political score.  

Perhaps Mr. Blumenthal's support is due to his suitability to replace the corrupt Christopher Dodd as a true representative of Connecticut, and to fit in well with the other contemptible charlatans sitting in the U.S. Capitol's upper house. Or perhaps it his status as an alum of Ivy League Institutions, where he presumably did learn how to write with style and proper etiquette, as well as the difference between a preposition and a predicate. That he did not learn virtue is clear and understandable as that has long been disparaged in, and banished from those elite institutions.

For more about the contemptible Mr. Blumenthal see the May 19 post that appears below under the title Euphemisms and Misuse Debase the Language . . . and More, and/or this report, and/or this essay,  and/or this earlier one.

Simple virtuous cobblers obviously have become extinct in Connecticut . . . and we all are the poorer for, and endangered by their absence.