Librarian's Rant

...this seems a bit extreme.

Today I got an automated email from Terry McAuliffe, saying goodbye (it's also on the Dems website). I mean, I know he tried, but, well, the party's a mess, Terry, and part of that HAS to be cuz of you. I wish him well, but it's past time for a change. I have my doubts about Howard Dean's ability to work with the entrenched Dem leadership, but I want to give him a chance and I hope they do, too. If nothing else, he brought record numbers into the discussion--if he can keep them there and make their voices heard, it can only do good for the party, and help restore some balance in the nation. And, no, I don't mean I want the Dems to take everything back (no, really!)--what I want is *balance*. You know, as in checks and balances, which have been completely thrown out the window. As in a balance even within the main parties--don't tell me moderate Republicans with any kind of clue feel like they're being heard!

The Dems need to learn to fight back, and fight back hard. Like the recent attacks on Sen. Harry Reid. I mean, he's not my first choice for Minority Leader, and can have the force of presence of a bowl of oatmeal, but his comments weren't racist, as the pundits would have you believe. See the real text of what he said and the ridiculous responses to it at Media Matters. We need to learn to stay on message--Republicans, esp. those on the right, are brilliant at message. They've made a minority view into a national policy agenda. That takes cajones. Dems need to grow a few pair. I wait to see what Howard can do.

...Arthur Miller has died. A great playwright. The Crucible has been (once again) of remarkable relevance in recent years.

From BBSpot. Too funny.

Publicly, Representatives are touting "national security" on the urban legend issue, but privately they say the real reason is preventing embarrassment. In January, a bill almost made it out of committee that would've forced Starbucks to sell coffee to the armed forces in Iraq. The bill was in response to a hoax circulating in e-mail that Starbucks was refusing to provide coffee to the army, because it did not support the war. Fortunately, a staffer found the hoax debunked on a web site, before the bill made it to the floor for a vote.

Snopes.com people! Seriously. I love this part:

'The ACLU contends that this law would violate free speech rights. "Congress cannot limit constitutionally guaranteed rights, just because they are too dumb to realize something is a piece of fiction. We are confident the law will be overturned," said Chief Counsel Elliott Spence.' [all emphasis and disdain mine]

We can't regulate stupidity. Dude!

(and yes, this is satire, for those who have emailed me...what? my sarcasm wasn't biting enough, I guess.)

Thanks, Tracey, for the day's amusement.