Where have you gone, John Wayne?

In this day and age it's not every day you get a United States Congressman who, in the words of the Times:

-Pleads guilty to taking at least $2.4 million in bribes to help friends and campaign contributors win military contracts,

-Tearfully acknowledges his guilt and says "The truth is, I broke the law, concealed my conduct and disgraced my office. I know that I will forfeit my freedom, my reputation, my worldly possessions and, most importantly, the trust of my friends and family."

-Faces up to 10 years in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and forfeitures,

-Is known both for his combative conservatism and his emotional outbursts

-Was a highly decorated Navy fighter pilot in Vietnam

-Goes by the nickname 'Duke' and lives, while in Washington, on a 42-foot yacht named the Duke-Stir (owned by one of the military contractors)

-Receives, as illegal gifts, a Rolls Royce and a graduation party for his daughter.

I don't know, is it just me or should we feel a little sorry for Representative Randy Cunningham (formerly R-San Diego--what is it with politicians there?)?

His crimes are so old-fashioned and almost touchingly naive; who takes a Rolls as a bribe nowadays?! Hasn't he heard about PACs and 527s?

And somehow, I can't imagine Tom DeLay saying:

"In my life, I have known great joy and great sorrow. And now I know great shame. I cannot undo what I have done. But I can atone."

Photo of Randy Cunningham by the AP/ Lenny Ignelzi