I suppose first was the decision by the Republican party and Administration to heavily tout an Amendment to the Constitution regarding Gay Marriage (that is, they're apparently not in favor of this). While Democrats and others accuse the Republicans of political point scoring to take the public's mind off of current woes, it's not as if this is the first time they've brought this up. This is not a fly by night political pointscoring exercise; this is a long term political pointscoring exercise carefully polished and wheeled out whenever things look a little wobbly for the party in power. The amendment didn't carry in the Senate - this time - but it will certainly be back. A note to the Log Cabin Republican organization - why are you with that party? I mean, seriously.

The Democrats have been trying mightily to look squeaky clean of late, to make the most of their 'culture of corruption' slogan (they've finally started trying to come up with slogans). Unfortunately, a certain Congressman allegedly caught on tape discussing bribes, and then having bales of cash taken out of his freezer (I've heard of freezing your assets, but not like this) is proof enough, if any were needed, that corruption in politics knows no party line. If it's of any comfort, it seems that British Civil servants are setting the yardstick by which corruption should be measured. While cash for votes is unpleasant, we don't yet have Ted Kennedy leaving cups of vomit in Arlen Specter's office closet (and a breakdancing competition in the Senate would be worthy of recognition as a new and terrible crime against humanity).

Speaking of the Democrats, I'm getting more depressed at their prospects come November. It seems the Democrats are starting to coalecese around the platform that It's Okay To Not Have A Platform. While this is laudible from a democratic let's-get-everyone's-feelings-and-opinions sense, it leaves me feeling lacking, and I'm a sympathizer. It is Not Okay To Not Have An Easily Articulated Message. One thing Republicans do right is they have a message, they stick to it, and they run with it (that the message may be false, bad, dumb or just plain wrong does not hold them back - which again could be considered a strength. Consistency! Resilience! Steadfastness!).

Last but not least, Bush was in Hungary this week, on a state visit. He compared the Hungarian uprising of 1958 to Iraq's struggle of the present, and declared that the Iraqi people were inspired. I'm not sure what inspiration Iraq may take from a brutally oppressed nation's failure to win freedom while the world (including the United States) stood by and watched, but perhaps I'm missing something...

Great piece as usual. Very insightful.

In regard to the Democratic platform I think I heard a story about it last week. It was so "careful" and politically correct it made me want to vomit. Something about loving America, apple pie, virgin cheerleaders and Chevy's. But seriously, it looked like the platform was the worst of group decison making. Bascially they watered it down to supporting the minimum wage, immigrants, and some other plank that wouldn't offend.

My take: Lets put Kerry, Feingold and Dean in charge, get rid of Pelosi, Reid, and Clinton....and lets start to kick some ass again.

Ahh, Ms. Clinton - you know, I really like Bill. He will be judged well by history I think, once all is said and done. With his work in Northern Ireland, his efforts to secure peace in Europe, and his memorial library serving Slick Willie cigars (true!) there is a lot to commend.

And then there's Hilary. Blech. But I'll be returning to her in future...

The Democrats have some decent options when the time comes, but all of that will come to not a lot, without a message. A leader without a message is just some guy yelling in the street (Well, at least we know Dean has a set of lungs on him!)

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