The Misanthrope’s Corner

THE ultimate test of a civilization’s collective character is the value it places on idiosyncratic forms of honor. Ours were on heartening display in the public’s reaction to the eleventh-hour kleptomania committed by departing Clintonians aboard Air Force One. More Americans were more shocked by the theft of silverware, dishes, and blankets than ever cared about Monica, Whitewater, and Chinagate combined.

The citizens of Fall River, Massachusetts, reacted the same way when Lizzie Borden was accused of shoplifting twelve years after being acquitted of double homicide. You know God’s in His heaven and all’s right with the world when rock-ribbed Yankees shake their heads and grumble, “Murder is one thing, but…”

About the Author

Florence King

Florence King was a contributing editor of National Review.

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THE ultimate test of a civilization’s collective character is the value it places on idiosyncratic forms of honor. Ours were on heartening display in the public’s reaction to the eleventh-hour kleptomania committed by departing Clintonians aboard Air Force One. More Americans were more shocked by the theft of silverware, dishes, and blankets than ever cared about Monica, Whitewater, and Chinagate combined.

The citizens of Fall River, Massachusetts, reacted the same way when Lizzie Borden was accused of shoplifting twelve years after being acquitted of double homicide. You know God’s in His heaven and all’s right with the world when rock-ribbed Yankees shake their heads and grumble, “Murder is one thing, but…”