There's A silver Lining Even In Cruise Ship Mishaps

       I suppose you've all heard about the latest cruise ship that had a fire and had to return to port. It's hard to imagine all the problems that have befallen cruise lines of late. Like hitting a coastline and half sinking, losing your electrical power, losing engines, fires and more fires. It sure isn't reminiscent of the"Love Boat" years, now is it?
       I'm sure that cruise ships have, over the years, had their share of problems. I seem to remember one even being attacked by pirates, but I don't ever remember hearing about so many problems. It can only be explained by one of two reasons. Either the 24-7 news cycle has caught up with the idea that they can fill air time with something new and exciting, or there really is an unexplained rash of new incidents of serious problems aboard these floating hotels.
       Whatever the reasons or causes of all these problems, I can see a silver lining in these mishaps. I think it would be a wonderful gesture if we arranged for our Congress to enjoy an all expenses paid cruise aboard the next cruise ship to have a mishap like one of those that have taken place on the open sea.
       How about one where first the communications systems fail, then the sewer blocks up, then they lose power, and nobody knows where they are. It just might be that a few weeks together with no working toilets might bring them closer together. Failing that, perhaps some of the least desirable, most controversial legislators might be assisted in leaving the ship via gangplank, blindfolded.
       Of course then we'd have to contend with an enraged 24-7 news industry. They'd want to know who took Congress and for what reason? Where is the House and Senate and what secret mission are they on? At that point it would be advisable to throw your TV out the window before you are driven insane. The upside is that our government might actually be able to work.