Packing Heat.

Via my friend Mark, Orrin Hatch is trying to lift the handgun ban in DC. Aren’t Republicans supposed to be for home rule? “District officials, including Mayor Anthony A. Williams (D), Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Council Chairman Linda W. Cropp (D) and police chief Charles H. Ramsey opposed the legislation.” If you want to kowtow to campaign-contributing gun nuts, Senator, then hand out free semis to Salt Lake City residents or something…don’t take out your frustrations on the District.

Happy Days are Here Again!

After eight years of (theoretical) belt-tightening, Congress guts its own gift ban, allowing congressional and corporate fatcats to frolic anew at golf courses and Wizards games all over DC. I mean, what’s the point of being a Congressperson if you can’t get all kinds of free schwag?

The Rocket’s Red Glare.

Happy Independence Day to all the fellow Americans out there, by the way (even those oppressed in DC…thanks, Genehack.) After spending yesterday in nearby New Haven catching up and playing music with some old friends, my 4th plans probably aren’t going to extend very far beyond Internet Scrabble and a late-night poker game. At any rate, be safe out there, kids.