"It was the best of times; it was the worst of times," says Macon Telegraph's Charles Richardson of the concluding days of the '04 election season.

"The best of times:"

The title to a 10-24-04 post says it all: "Yes! Yes! -- Macon Telegraph Endorses Sen. Kerry. Bring it on baby, bring it on!"

"The worst of times:"

A 10-29-04 column in the Macon Telegraph reads:

"Blatantly false and misleading attack ads and negative campaigning have been the rule rather than the exception in many races. Democrat Denise Majette, in her U.S. Senate race against Johnny Isakson, and Republican Calder Clay, in his challenge to U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall, have been two of the most egregious offenders. They should be ashamed, and we hope they have not done themselves or their campaigns any favors."

(Charles my friend, if it was not you who wrote these wise words and words to the wise, they sure seem to have your name on them. If I assumed as much in error, I will print a retraction. And hey, Georgia, and especially Middle Georgia, appreciates what you and your fine paper deliver each and every day.)