>Speaker Newt Gingrich (R) was a history professor, a science-fiction fan,
even
>the coauthor of an SF book. He will not run for Speaker and will probably
>resign from Congress.
>
>Senator Patrick Moynihan (D) was one of the few highly intelligent people
in
>the Senate. He will not run for reelection in 2000.
>
>The shepherds are gone, and with them the last vision beyond the next
>election. Now the hungry, snuffling pigs rule with their bellies.
>
Chris Cox, who is running for Gingrich's old job, has been favourably evaluated by Reason magazine, so I think there are still some brains in Congress. The former wrestler who was elected Governor under the Reform party ticket, is by according to many accounts, a libertarian who favours gay marriage and drug legalisation.
Gingrich had a genuine enthusiasm for ideas, so his departure is a great loss.
Regards
Jason Soon