Wrong on the Right

Many are declaring the death of the Religious Right. I think such reports are greatly exaggerated. While their style may have to change, their substance is necessary for our confused society.

No Kidding

Kids lose their tempers frequently. Don't act like a kid.

Judges

Last week the Supreme Court ruled that terrorism suspects have constitutional rights. Yesterday the justices decreed that those who rape children may not be executed. (Thank you, Anthony Kennedy, for allowing the liberal bloc to run roughshod over the Constitution and common sense.)

I think it's about time to make judges an issue in this campaign.

All Wet

When it rains, you get wet. So why do they cancel swim lessons when it's raining?

Really New Atheists

The New Atheism may not be all it's cracked up to be. A new survey says that one in five self-described atheists believes in God or a universal spirit. How are the New Atheists going to convince us there is no God when they can't even convince themselves?

Possibilities

If everyone's mad at you, consider the possibility that you are doing something right. But, on the other hand, you might actually be doing something wrong. Or doing something right, but in the wrong way.

Chicago Weather

Don't like the weather in Chicago? Just wait. It will probably get worse.

Changing His Mind

Barack Obama, in the midst of breaking all fund-raising records, has gone back on a pledge he made a few short months ago and now says he will not accept federal funds for his campaign (and the accompanying restrictions on how much he can spend). The move likely puts his erstwhile Republican opponent, John McCain, in a bind, since he is one of the primary architects of the current campaign finance restrictions. To compete with his rock star opponent, McCain may also have to turn down the whole federal funding regime, which he may have been counting on because of Obama's earlier pledge.

But I don't view Obama's flip-flop as the usual political expediency. I prefer to see it as change we can believe in.

Tiger's Wounded Knee

Confirmation that Tiger Woods is human came as news to the rest of the PGA tour.

Push Yourself

If you never push yourself, if you always do the safe thing, you'll never fail. Except at life.

Preaching to the Choir

Sunday used to be known as a day of rest, but there is no resting from the campaign. Yesterday Brack Obama was back in church, not as a pew-sitter, but as a presidential candidate. Will MCCain get the same opportunity, or will he use the Lord's day somewhat differently?

Obama's message of personal responsibility aimed at irresponsible men is as welcome as it is late in coming. Mr. Obama, I suppose, will thank Bill Cosby for blazing the trail before him.

White Flag

The Supreme Court this week ruled that terror suspects have a constitutional right to a federal trial.

Why don't we simply raise the white flag and get it over with?

No Trouble Now

Having trouble getting motivated to pray? Put your daughter on a plane or send your son to camp.

Friends of Obama

Another sleazy friend of Obama bites the dust. Apparently the agent of change we can believe in forgot to vet his vetter.

A Law Unto Themselves

Among the just-released charges by a disgraced former NBA official is this one, that the refs give superstar players preferential treatment. This means that in pro basketball some are indeed above the law.

But I thought we already knew that.

Rules for Living

No 3: Apologize.

Big Bust

Everyone thought Big Brown was a cinch for the Triple Crown and put their money on the horse at yesterday's Belmont Stakes. Big Brown came in last place.

The moral: Don't bet on the ponies.

This is Progress?

Cuba has just approved sex-change operations for citizens. This is progress?

Politics and the Pulpit

It's time for all ministers, whether politically right or left, to remove themselves and their churches from partisan politics. Speak to the issues, yes; endorse candidates from the pulpit (explicitly or implicitly), no.

McMahon's Mortgage

What? Ed McMahon can't pay his mortgage? Didn't he get the envelope from Publishers Clearinghouse?

Stand-Up Guy?

Barack Obama has, for all intents and purposes, locked up the Democratic nomination, and congratulations to him for this, his best (and so far only) significant political accomplishment. However, many voters still question whether the first-term senator from Chicago has what it takes to stand up to the world's assorted rogues and tyrants.

We'll get our first glimpse as he attempts to deal with one implacable foe right in front of him: Hillary Clinton.

Short Memory

Complaining about media bias against his wife during the campaign, Bill Clinton says that "this has been the most rigged coverage in modern history." For a Democrat, maybe.

Rules for Living

No. 19: If you want someone to contact you, leave a number.

Rules for Living

No. 58: If you hate kids, don't babysit.