Ah, in these shifting, rapidly changing times how reassuring to learn that some basics are forever.

Just two days after retaking the House and promising to end the "culture of corruption," Rep. Charles Rangel and a dozen other congressmen rubbed elbows with business leaders in sunny Panama.

They attended a conference in Panama City's luxurious $190—per—night Caesar Park hotel — which has a sauna, pool and 24—hour casino "all set in a lush tropical setting more like a resort than a business hotel," according to its Web site.

While some members say they paid their own way, the conference had big—bucks corporate sponsors, including Pfizer, Citibank, AT&T, American Airlines and Time Warner.

The Democratic revolution:  Off with the old, on with the old.

Ethel C. Fenig   11 14 06