Essay question: Tip O'Neill said "all politics is local." Discuss.

I apologize, Boston. Mayor Curley was a veritable statesman.

Sorry about that, Providence. 

Mayor Cianci had an entrepreneurial turn of mind, that's all.

I misunderstood, Newark. 

Mayor Addonizio was entitled to have a couple of friends he could count on.

Beg pardon, Atlanta. Mayor Campbell was a politician, just not an accountant.

Now I see, Chicago. Mayor Daley simply liked to get things done.

Sad day, Socorro, Texas.

It's taken a while, D.C., but you're trying to show us there's life after Mayor Barry.

I acknowledge your tradition, Syracuse. 

Mayor Alexander gave you many years.

Sincere regrets, Baltimore. 

Mayor Dixon was just as entitled to over-shop as I am 

(although I use my own money).

As always, New Orleans, you have my heart.

And to you folks in Tenessee, dealing with Vice-Mayor Blakely of Mount Carmel, 

I offer compassion, not the snide chuckles you may have heard from me earlier.

So please, folks. 

Stop telling me Anthony Weiner jokes for a while. 

He does that well enough by himself.

All you other towns and cities, too numerous to name:

democracy is its own reward.

I am taking a break from newspapers for a few weeks. 

Instead I am reading The Diary of a Provincial Lady, 

which was recommended by my friend R as, if not an antidote, then at least an anodyne. 

And if any of the run-up to elections, or back-to-school shopping, 

or figuring out when the loan against the 401K has to be put back,

or whether that strange rash is just an allergy to polyester,  

is getting to you, allow me recommend  this delightful little collection 

of pre-WWII first world problems to you as well.

Where is Tammany Hall when you need it?

That's what I want to know.