Downton in D.C.

The "Today Show" reported that a congressman decorated his D.C. office "in the style of Downton Abbey" replete with red flocked wallpaper and late Victorian furnishings. The question is did he go whole hog? Did he replace that modern electric lighting with Downton-era gas? Does he summon his staff with a funky bell and cable system like we see at the beginning of the telecast? Do his butlers, valets, and footmen sport white-tie formal wear? Is his staff relegated to a subterranean room for meals? Do the plot lines of his Congressional life develop at a glacial pace perked up only by the acerbic comments of his mother who bears a striking resemblance to Maggie Smith? Actually, the controversy is not related to "Downton" (Who would dare criticize the favorite fantasy show of middle-aged women everywhere?) but where the Congressman obtained the funds for the lavish office decor. And perhaps a bit of jealousy from his Congressional peers with their sterile 21st century Steelcraft office furnishings. I was project manager for the new Boston District Facility back in the 80s. It included Sales Offices. We got a heck of a deal from our contractor and actually had money left over when the project was complete. I always left the choice of furnishings to the people who would actually work there (within budget). The District Manager decided to spend some of the largesse on expanding his corner office and installing a "chandelier" there. When the Regional Manager visited Boston for the Grand Opening, he was taken aback. "Dufton, this guy's office is bigger than mine. His desk is bigger than mine, and i don't have a chandelier. You will change this!" The Boston District Manger didn't last long, by the way. Will the same fate befall the "Downton"-loving Congressman? Is his office better-furnished than John Boehner's? Will there be consequences? The proverb states, "The blade of grass that sticks up is the one that will be cut." On the other hand, that bit of "Downton" in D.C. could be quite the tourist attraction. "I know he is not our Congressman, but after we tour the Smithsonian and the White House, could we visit his offices? I've always wanted to ring a bell and have a butler appear."