“This is all great news for Republicans, though we’d argue not for the country. On the present Democratic course the GOP may have a chance to finally become a governing majority in 2004 and beyond, but sooner or later the Democrats will get their turn again. We’d much prefer a center-left party in the mold of Britain’s Tony Blair, one that is tough against terror and recognizes that private markets create wealth. It isn’t healthy in our democracy to have a major political party run off the rails.” More here

I’ve basically been ignoring the whole CA Gray Davis fiasco, because I think it’s pretty absurd. I generally think that a recall is a good idea (keeps politicians in check, in theory), but it’s pretty apparent that this recall wouldn’t have had any steam if the alarm guy hadn’t paid for everything.

There are now 250 people who have turned in the paperwork to run, including Salon colunist Arianna Huffington. Arnold will decide on Wednesday whether he’s in. And, now, in the most exciting news yet…

Larry Flynt, King of Porn, has decided to run as well. I’m not sure what to think of him personally, but I’m starting to think that these are really pretty exciting times. When else could someone as crazy and controversial as Larry Flynt end up on a ballot?

http://salon.com/news/wire/2003/08/01/hustler/index.html

If Ralph throws his hat in, I’m moving to sunny California.

One of my favorite blogs has an interview with two members of Stella, who are also alums of The State. Dude, those guys crack me up. The best news is that DVDs of The State are in the works, the worst news is that it appears that I missed them on tour.

Best pull quote:

creatively we’ve matured a lot. Once, where we do an easy joke like sticking our butts in a pile of pudding, now we take the high road – we beat each other with dildos. So, as you can see, there’s been an evolution, a maturation.

Environmentalists against Windpower

Environmental mudslinging

Turns out that the president of the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound is also the former chairman of Phelps Dodge, a strip mining company. Pot, this is kettle… I suppose he wouldn’t mind siting the wind farm in the Southwest.

Salon has a great article this morning that I hope Democratic campaign managers are reading right now…

Shreveport Times ran an article on the Greenwood Acres Full Gospel Baptist Church. The pastor is offering to pay whites $5 to $10 to attend services, saying “I just want the kingdom of God to look like it’s supposed to,” he said. “There ain’t going to be ghettoes in heaven.”

If anyone does go, I hope they have the decency to leave more cash with the church than they take. But I hope it works for the Bishop Fred Caldwell. He’s right – Jesus clearly didn’t discriminate. But the Church in the south does have a less than stellar record.

(Thanks to The Corner)

NPR is running an editorial, and a decent one at that, coming out against US Intervention in Liberia. Peter Charles Ghoaras, an international lawyer provided the commentary. I’ll revisit this at lunch once Morning Edition has a link up.

I’m pretty much floored, as this bit goes against their recent trend of slamming President Bush whenever they get a chance. Maybe like Tom Tomorrow NPR wearies of punditry. (Bonus points for tying back to another thread)

So, while typing the name Slashdot, it struck me how similar Slashdot is to Salsadot. I think there’s a site waiting to be made here, but I’m not coming up with anything.

This may be a recurring theme. Click on the comments link there, and help me Vet This Idea.