Sometimes, stupid people write letters

What is it about people? I mean, I've had the occasional letter to the editor published in various newspapers over the years, but I consider myself at least marginally sentient and rational. Unlike, say, Dorothy Mervine of West Palm Beach, whose laughable letter was published in today's Palm Beach Post (last letter at link):

What's the story with Wright's disappearing act?

What happened to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright? He seems to have disappeared after Sen. Barack Obama finally "distanced" himself following his recent appearance at various events. Did they tie him up and put him in a closet? I find it difficult to believe that he is no longer newsworthy. How in the world did they hush him up? I guess the Obama campaign wouldn't stand for such nonsense. Never mind "where in the world is Matt Lauer." I want to know "where in the world is the Rev. Wright?" There's an investigative opportunity if ever I saw one.

Um, no, Ms. Mervine. The reason you don't hear about Rev. Wright anymore is that IT'S NEVER BEEN NEWSWORTHY. Only because of the rabid dogs who run the right-wing corporate media in this country was it ever a story to begin with, and it certainly wasn't critical to determining who our next president will be. Should we assume that batshit crazy pastors like John Hagee and Rod Parsley (who endorsed Huggy Bear before they unendorsed him) speak for Huggy and the Republicans?

Seriously, lady, what's so important about what someone's pastor says? How about we take a look at all your friends, all your associates, your worship leader if you have one, your teachers, your family, and we'll impute anything they say to you? Do you think that's fair?

Well, it's not. And if you think it is, you're dumber than your letter makes you look.

Republicans will affect Democratic results in Indiana

Apparently the turnout today in Indiana is huge ... and it's not a closed primary, so a lot of Republicans are crossing over and voting on the Democratic side.

At the Broad Ripple center [in suburban Indianapolis], nearly 400 voters -- of 1,800 registered in the two precincts -- had turned out in the first few hours of voting. Among them was Meghan Ward-Bopp, 24, who went against family tradition and asked for Democratic ballot so she could vote for Barack Obama; she plans to vote for Republican John McCain in November.

"I'm a hardcore Republican," she said, "but it's about who I wanted in second place in case McCain doesn't make it. ... I don't like the way this country's been run in the last 20 years. I'm sick of the dynasty (of two families) that's been running things."

Ward-Bopp voted for the Democrat she liked, but Jim Adams, 36, voted for Hillary Clinton to keep the race going beyond Indiana. He's a McCain backer and enjoys watching the Democrats fight.

"In the end, I think McCain is going to win," Adams said, and then referred to controversial statements by Bill Clinton and the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Obama's pastor. "Bill can't keep his mouth shut, and the reverend can't keep his mouth shut."

Yep, what some minister says sure has a lot to do with the candidate. If that's true, then what about the crap that spews from "Rev." John Hagee's mouth? ... but I digress.

Isn't it a shame that voters like Ward-Bopp are out there? They hate the way things have been for the last 20 years (presumably including the last seven years, right?), yet they'll vote for Huggy Bear, who openly wants to keep things the way they are now! Poor ignorant deluded voters ... and we'll have to suffer for their ignorance if we're not careful.

We're facing the very real possibility that the Democratic candidate for president will be selected by the Republicans. That's unacceptable. Something must be done about this primary structure ... it's too late for 2008, but please, DNC, make some changes for 2012. I hate to wax hyperbolic, but the country's very survival may depend on it.

With friends like that ...

I'm hearing a lot lately about Barack Obama's "radical" pastor. Seems the wingnuts are beside themselves, hurling invective at Obama for associating with Rev. Wright.

Okay. If they want to play that game, I'm all for it. From now on, let's judge the candidates by the people whom they, ahem, embrace.