I’m not much for celebrating the 4th of July. Far be it for me to turn down a chance to barbecue, or to see fireworks (I got some great pictures last night that I put in my flickr account here), but more and more these days the US seems like a blight on the world. Here’s hoping that by next July 4th, the Democrats will have solid majorities in the House and Senate, Obama will be in the White House beginning to repair our international reputation, troops will be on the way home from Iraq, and liberal nominees will be waiting to replace aging Justice John Paul Stephens. In the meantime, I can at least take solace in this news item.

NP: MC Hawking, Why Won’t Jesse Helms Just Hurry Up and Die?

Why no, I don’t believe in the ridiculous taboo about speaking ill of the dead.  While I’m at it, fuck Tim Russert too.