Drive-Bys

JihadGene is back, and says he thinks he's finally getting his mojo back. He also says, "It's Friday! Let's Dance!"

Alrighty, then. How 'bout a little Mojo A-Go-Go? (Naughty, but ought to do the trick.)

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Speaking of dancing, apparently my beloved DWTS is going to be sleazing up the small screen this year. Let's hope she only lasts one episode. Seriously, hasn't Pamela Anderson used up her 15 minutes of fame long ago? If they get that slimy almost son-in-law of a former Alaska Governor, too, I'll be boycotting this year. There are some people I won't read about, right about or put up links for, and he's one of them. Yuck.

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The Hypocrite-in-Chief is at it again:

[T]here is a sense that something is different now; that something is broken; that those of us in Washington are not serving the people as well as we should. At times, it seems like we're unable to listen to one another; to have at once a serious and civil debate. And this erosion of civility in the public square sows division and distrust among our citizens. It poisons the well of public opinion. It leaves each side little room to negotiate with the other. It makes politics an all-or-nothing sport, where one side is either always right or always wrong when, in reality, neither side has a monopoly on truth.

This is rich, coming from the guy who's favorite mantra is "Blame Bush!"

Civility also requires relearning how to disagree without being disagreeable; understanding, as President [Kennedy] said, that "civility is not a sign of weakness."

This from the guy who likes to answer people who disagree with him by smirking, "I won."

It is this spirit of civility that we are called to take up when we leave here today. That's what I'm praying for. I know in difficult times like these -- when people are frustrated, when pundits start shouting and politicians start calling each other names -- it can seem like a return to civility is not possible, like the very idea is a relic of some bygone era. The word itself seems quaint -- civility.

And civility would extend to actually listening to what others are saying, instead of insisting that they're not hearing you. If the word seems quaint to you, it's because you don't extend it to those who disagree with you -- just ask anyone who's ever attended a Tea Party or voted against one of your pet causes.

Yes, there are crimes of conscience that call us to action. Yes, there are causes that move our hearts and offenses that stir our souls. But progress doesn't come when we demonize opponents. It's not born in righteous spite. Progress comes when we open our hearts, when we extend our hands, when we recognize our common humanity. Progress comes when we look into the eyes of another and see the face of God. That we might do so -- that we will do so all the time, not just some of the time -- is my fervent prayer for our nation and the world.

Pretty, empty words coming from an empty suit. When you start walking the walk instead of talking the talk, maybe I'll listen.

In the meantime, it's just more "stop demonizing me and what I want to do, you ChimpyMcBushHitlerHaliburtonTeabaggingPalin-HuggingHater, you."

I really resent that he used a prayer breakfast for his most recent self-righteous cudgel. That he truly doesn't see the irony is just sad.

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I believe that everyone gets a second chance if they've made a stupid mistake, but paid their legal debt to society and truly tries to be a better human being. I was perfectly happy to extend Mel Gibson another chance. Then I saw this:

Clearly he was uncomfortable in the interview in the first place, and Richards just makes it worse. Honestly, he's got to be a publicist's nightmare, as first he blames his publicist for distracting him, then admits he "has a short fuse."

Whatever the case, not another dime of my money goes to a Mel Gibson movie -- not old rentals, not new movies. No more posts, ever. He's another one who's permanently off my list.

Update: More from Dean Richards' point of view here.

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This is not new news. Quite frankly, it's amazing that more big conventions didn't leave Chicago years ago. This is a case of unions stomping the golden goose right into the ground... and they'll probably raise their hourly rates and demand even more outrageous concessions because there are less conventions in the city and they're not making as much as they used to. Argh!

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One of the reasons I like living in the 'burbs and taking Metra to work is that I don't have to put up with crap like this on the el. I like that there's a conductor for every 2-3 cars on Metra, and I like that they toss trouble-makers off the train without a second thought.

If you're coming for a visit, do yourself a favor and take a cab instead of public transportation.

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On the good side of reasons to come to Chicago? If you're a foodie, you might want to try one of these cool tours.

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Quote of the Day:

I'll trust the professionalism of gay service members over the passionate pleas of pants-peeing moralists who make excuses for prejudice.

Amen!

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This is a thing of beauty. Go read the whole thing.