This is why...

the rest of America does not take the Religious Right seriously on any day other than Election Day (where they can muck things up through their sheer numbers). I mean, come on!

I'm hurting, therefore someone must be responsible

Schmoliticians who moonlight as baseball fans have probably heard of the drunk driving death of Josh Hancock, a relief pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. Seemed like a senseless, avoidable tragedy. But this just in! The bar that served him drinks beforehand, in combination with a motorist whose vehicle stalled in the highway after being cut off by another car, and the tow truck driver who stopped to assist said motorist are responsible for Hancock's failure to:

1. refrain from driving even though his blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit


2. drive the speed limit


3. refrain from talking on his cell phone while driving


4. wear his seatbelt


5. hide his pot better

I mean, it is always tragic when someone dies, but in this case, it seems fortunate that only the drunk driver was killed, and no innocent bystanders were hurt, as so often is the case.

For his father to sue these people for his son's poor choices is the height of the current "everyone's a victim" mindset in America. Americans, listen up: sometimes bad shite just happens to you, and no one is to blame! So feel bad, by all means, but then suck it up and realise that the legal system cannot make you feel better.

A Juicy One For My Conservative Friends

This is just poor. A healthy cabal of Democrats is stripping the proposed new ethics bill. I'm disappointed. Yes, I understand that now that we're in power, all those sweet, sweet abuses could be ours.

But that's not the point. This is both a doable campaign promise (which are rare enough) and the right thing to do. Its a real opportunity. Get it done, and make it meaningful guys.

Memorial Day--For Commemoration or Protest?

This Memorial Day, John Edwards is calling for Americans to voice their support for US soldiers and Marines AND their opposition to the Iraq War. Some say that this is inappropriate--that Memorial Day is a day for remembering those who have served/gave their lives for our country and should not be politicized by making it a day of protest. Edwards' point is that dissent is patriotic--perhaps the most patriotic thing we can do as Americans--and is, in and of itself, a way to honor our fallen soldiers. An article in Salon by Joe Conason (can't link to it since it's now in the archives and you need to register) posits that while Edwards has a valid point, it's above the heads of/too subtle for the average American. Instead, he will alienate many who see his initiative as an offensive political stunt. What say you?

Stunning Revelations of Bush Admin Skullduggery

Perhaps the most stunning part is that John Ashcroft appears of have shown integrity, bravery, and a commitment to the rule of law that I never would have suspected.

As for the Bushies, their actions were reprehensible. Period. This might not be stunning, but the depths to which they were willing to sink (and Andy Card's disgusting attempt to pretend nothing had happened afterwards) shocks even a jaded observer like myself.

I'm sure you've all read the accounts by now, but the Post article I've linked to is really the best work on the subject.

Speaking of cold bodies

Jerry Falwell has died.

I probably do not have to say what I thought of the man. And I don't think the evangelical movement will be weaker without him.

So in the vein of "hate the sin, love the sinner", I'll offer a "rest in peace, sir".

The body ain't even cold yet!

Wow, so much for standing by your man. Deputy AG Paul McNulty's resignation isn't 24 hours old, and the AG publicly drops all responsibility for the U.S. Attorney firing scandal at his feet!

I've never seen this blatant a scape-goating...well, ever, I don't believe. Not that McNulty's role has been exemplary or a healthy portion of blame cannot be laid at his door, but geez. Its especially weird since the horses are out of the barn on this scandal. Does Gonzalez really think that tarring his deputy at this point in the game is going to save him from the horrendous performances he put on in front of Congress and in the press, or the unending stream of lies and half-truths coming from both Justice Department and White House spokespeople? Come on!

Gonzales is so incompetent, he can't even be evil correctly.

Chalk one up for Big C!

This isn't about politics, per se, but I thought it was an interesting little article. Since nothing has been posted for awhile, I thought it would not be too distracting.