If sports officials made as many bad calls as the average government official they would all be gone. But umpires and referees are watched by interested fans who know the rules, and care about the outcome. Elected and appointed officials are watched by a press that depends on them for access, and hardly anyone else.

RUMINATIONS In the magical realm of the Great Decider, victories abound, but the situation gets tighter. Morally superior, we have recourse to torture only when we’re forced to. by Joan Hoagland Milder

As teenage boys during World War II we stood on the edge of the dance floor, hands in pockets, feigning nonchalance, debating the merits of girls jitterbugging with each other ― squabbling about why we wouldn’t approach any one of them.. Height, weight, attitude were discussed. No one mentioned we were afraid of rejection, or [...]

Republicans are upset over Democratic bills being proposed in the house. They think Democrats want to micromanage the war in Iraq. So ― isn’t that the next step up from no management at all?

The party in power did nothing but wrong, so we elected Democrats who do nothing at all. They temper every action with fear of what Republicans might say ― why? Politicians’ rarely discuss reality, and anyone who believes them is too out of touch to ever vote Democratic. If Democrats cut off funds for continuing [...]