But a sad chapter in our national life is coming to an end.

Last week, in the latest sad chapter, the 54-year-old author was found guilty of drug use and possession.

He portrayed himself as a victim of "the saddest chapter in French legal history."

"I hope that after tomorrow that this sad chapter in our state's history is finally put to rest."

One wonders how many more sad chapters this tortured nation can endure.

"This sea change marks the end of a long, sad chapter."

Instead, he called it "a very sad chapter in our recent history" that had "cost the country terribly."

"This sad and unfortunate chapter in Connecticut history is closed."

This trial has been a sad chapter of American history, and I have a heavy heart.

The language law is just one such sad, small chapter.