Jerks in History

[L Verge]

I have to agree with Joe on this. We need to recognize that social standards 150 years ago were quite different from ours. Once we adjust our thinking, history will often make more sense.

As for Dan Sickles's shooting of Philip Barton Key: Sickles was a cuckolded husband - another situation that warranted a duel. Key was a philanderer; the fact that he came from a very prominent family did not excuse his behavior. Likewise, Sumner berated one particular man to the extreme over what was an ill of all American society. This was crude and uncalled for - especially from a member of Congress. Brooks's actions were no worse than Sumner's words to the society of that time.

There are societies in the world today that would see nothing wrong with what Brooks or Sickles did. It is a question of honor to their way of thinking. Be careful, they may be coming to a neighborhood near you.