Here's a roomful of people who -- with very few exceptions -- have actually read the Constitution, understand what it means, and take their citizenship very seriously. They deserve better than being forced to listen to inane lectures and veiled threats from the Mad King and his hench-thug.

No fatties, no beardos, no longhairs, for they do not embody the warrior ethos.

Y'know, if it weren't for the slide into fascism, retirement really would feel like an extremely extended family vacation.

It's a good time for all of us to show our respect for Federal law enforcement officers by feeding them. When you see masked ICE agents in the street, offer them soft, delicious, well-made, well-wrapped sandwiches. Toss them in their direction. I'm sure they'll appreciate the gesture.

"In every stage of these Oppressions . . . Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people."
Best Wishes to All for a Hopeful and Resolute Independence Day.

No Kings, High Point NC

Since, in my college years, I worked as a short-order cook and as a bartender I've been saying "86 the [thing]" for nigh on half a century. In general parlance, it's a request to omit, remove, not include or discontinue the [thing.] So I agree with Comey - and neither of us is issuing a threat.

As we work to restore decency, honor and sanity to our government and shore up our constitution, we can publicly honor democracy, the rule of law and freedom by temporarily tweaking our symbols. As a patriot, I hope that, someday soon, I will once again fly Old Glory with pride. In the meantime,

Thousands are out in Greensboro shouting "Hands Off" and "Stop the Steal" (local reference to the State Supreme Court election here).

I suspect the author of this resignation letter -- a former law clerk for Chief Justice John Roberts -- has little in common with me on most political issues. He does, however, appear to possess a genuine reverence for the Constitution and an admirable sense of duty. Plus I really like his style.

When combined with the aggressive gerrymandering of legislative and congressional districts and the laser-focused voter suppression tactics against college students and black residents, North Carolina is a state where the GOP always has an unearned advantage. "Dealer wins and winner deals."

It may not be as dark here in North Carolina as it is in your magical islands, but it is, nonetheless, unusually cold and grey. So we take our light where we can find it.

My daughter the lawyer, working from our house today, asked me if she could tune the smart TV to a YouTube channel of a crackling fire with a soundtrack of cafe jazz. So I built her a REAL fire and put instrumental Christmas music on the CD player.
I feel obscurely good about this.

Houdini's brother, Flash, thinks Caturday is exhausting.

Houdini says "Hi."