I thought of all the times I've been asked impertinent questions at our borders ... or had my bags subjected to pointless, "security theater" style searches, while I stood by, frightened.

I visited DC over this past weekend. It was my first trip there since 9/11. I understood, even before 9/11, the importance of increased security in the nation's capitol, but I was ill-prepared for the discomfort I felt on this trip.

Each National museum that I entered I had to submit my purse to a search. Fine. No problem. Except that they used these glass rods for moving things about and didn't even really look all that carefully at the contents. Even the beauty of a perfect fall weekend could do little to counter the oppressive chill I felt at my first true inkling of what it might be like to live in a police state.

My husband came of age in Communist-controlled Czechoslovakia. He recognized the signs before I did.

Do I want that to migrate into my neighborhood?

It may have already. I could tell you a story that would at least convince you that some form of it is already trickling through, if not firmly entrenched. It wasn't exactly Blackwater, but they were local cops armed and acting in pretty much the same fashion.

It's supposed to be America here abouts....

Yes. That is why it is so critical to fight them now - tooth, nail and knee-to-the-crotch, right now! If we don't, then we might as well just lay down and let them march all over us as they please. It Must Stop Now!

BTW, where did you find the plate-jumping crabs? That sounds really tasty.

Dump the crabs free at your bare feet. Watch yer pinkey.

That's the crab dance poleskinska, Chicken Re-pub hoopla.

I guess you wouldn't want to dance this one barefoot, eh? Even if you managed to avoid the pinchers you'd likely step in something unpleasantly aromatic.

I wish: The space balls be with you.

Thanks muchly, B. I'll be needing them in the next few weeks.

Wouldn't one expect -- even taking the most cynical view of political officials -- that someone who reaches the U.S. Senate should be able to listen to what someone says and then form a question about it that isn't already written down in advance? -- Glenn

Well, yes, but one would also expect to only elect to the office of President a candidate that is at least passingly familiar with the English language.....

At least Kohl can read from a list. Bush can't handle a teleprompter or even a device in his ear telling him what to say.

Hatch explains that "pornography and obscenity consumption harms individuals, families, communities."

Well, if the Republicans would stop providing such a market for the stuff, maybe it wouldn't be such an issue. Heaven help us if a shipping container containing some sort of WMD should land on our shores. Why worry about that when we can be worrying about what adults are looking at while wienie-wanking in the privacy of their own homes? Hatch is such a moralistic turd I can't believe the entire state of Utah isn't embarrassed by him.

Glenn, Thanks for analyzing this for those of us who cannot listen in live (however long you last).

After a double-shot of 'Beefeater Gin'....Remember: You would get stopped on the ride home by the cops 'cause Pedinska appeared cranky, and wobbly on the interstate cloverleaf's.

Stop spreading rumors. ;->

Basically, Mukasey's confirmation is a fait accompli. They've decided, quite apparently, that he is Serious, Responsible, Independent, Trustworthy, etc. etc. ad Beltway nauseum.

Unfortunately, I doubt if this is a rumor. I think Glenn's right. It just makes me sick since Mukasey will be a more formidable foe than Gonzales could have ever hoped to be. It's just downright sad that I have to consider the Attorney General of my country an opponent to the Constitution, but according to what Glenn's blogging, that's pretty much what he will be.

For god's sake...

stop the caterwauling and see what Mukasey can do in six months about mainstream obscenity.

-- -Mona-

If they have a hearing, and the Senate is not naked, can it still be obscene?

(I think we're getting close....)

However, the passage of the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, championed by Utah's Orrin Hatch, allowed manufacturers to market products without FDA approval of safety and efficacy...

If I'm remembering correctly, I believe Hatch was backing this because there are a lot of supplement manufacturers located in Utah, so he was just standing up for his constituents, DYK.

If he hems & haws about waterboarding (say), then you should be able to explore what it is about waterboarding that differentiates it from the more medievil forms (maybe, less blood spilled). -- Paul in KY

Prague Castle in the Czech Republic has an interesting display of medieval torture instruments in a dungeon down near the moat. These are replicas of devices that were used back in simpler times. I wonder if anyone from the CIA has been to visit for ideas? Come to think of it, my last visit to the castle was in December of last year so for all I know they may have even borrowed a few knick knacks for a trial run.

Thanks for the supplement(al) info on the Hatch connection. I didn't realize there was a nepotism connection as well, though I should have suspected in light of Glenn's post yesterday. Reverend Rubber Suit popped into my mind as well. The Ephedrine issue was a great segue.

These folks really are all about supreme hypocrisy.

Ondelette - I hope the pressure on Feinstein works. Unfortunately, I suspect her pointed questioning will be about the sum total of her action on it. Her vote will still go in favor, but she'll be able to point to her verbal toughness as some sort of vindication.