PATRIOT ACT REMAINS UNBRIDLED
"The Republican-led House bowed to a White House veto threat Thursday and stood by the USA Patriot Act, defeating an effort to block the part of the anti-terrorism law that helps the government investigate people's reading habits.
The amendment appeared on its way to victory as the roll call's normal 15-minute time limit expired, but GOP leaders kept the vote open for 23 more minutes as they persuaded about 10 Republicans who initially supported the provision to change their votes, losing by 210-210, with a majority needed to prevail. "
(COMMON DREAMS)

DEATH PENALTY APOLOGIA
Acting under severe constraints imposed by our own constitutional system, we execute some people here and there, episodically confessing worry and even shame that we're not quite sure about what we're doing. Then we nervously try it all again. Politically, we can't live without capital punishment. Morally, we have some trouble living with it. So we impose just enough of it to keep the art form alive.
(SLATE, unearthed by Kate Varner)

DO-IT-YOURSELF FIREWORKS DISPLAY
"Using your mouse, click in the sky above NYC. HAPPY FOURTH!!!!!"
(Suggested by Jay Lewis)