In the world of public discourse, no scandal evades the sharpened edge of discretion.* This is a lesson that is harsh and learned oft slowly, that no matter how good your intentions, if your means are a terror in and of themselves, the public will turn a cold shoulder. When information disseminates freely, the question then becomes no longer of ‘press relations’ but of honorable conduct. Either that or you may muddle through and hope for a great revolution in public depravity and apathy.

Unfortunately, as long as virtue has a lamp-stand, its champions will have a watch-tower.  When information, and at last people, flow completely freely, the test of fire shears any vice that cleaves to the breast of the public act. The only option for the wicked will be to stomp out the voice of the virtuous on account of the voices of the base; to disarm the vigilant on account of the lax; and so forth. It may also be sufficient to drown out the good with the wicked as well. Beware this, for its banner is ‘relativism’.

And to be honest, The Sage is a fan of Jefferson and Paine. Well, up to the point that the latter supported of all things the French Revolution. Tommy… what the hell? 

The Sage has it on some confidence though, a bit of living in France cured ol’ Tom of that particular malady. Wisdom is oft a rod!