I’m used to Ebert (who is my favorite movie critic) sometimes jarringly inserting a left-wing political viewpoint into a movie review, but the political mention in this review of the new Luc Besson movie jumped out at me more than any previous one because it’s a polite mention of one of the most caustic conservatives. I wonder what the story behind this is?

What do you call a vacillating, pantywaist Republican?
According to the media, you call him a “maverick.” Latest is George Voinovich who thinks Bolton is just too mean to be U.N. amabassador. What a wuss. Bush should personally talk to Voinovich again, but, instead of trying to convince him to support Bolton, just punch him in the nads… if he has any.
“There ya go, maverick.”
Kevin Drum stumbles on to something interesting (while, of course, missing the forest for the trees). He whines about the lack of of “grown-up” Republicans – “grown-up” meaning to Kevin to be a Republican who is a vacillating, pantywaist. He counts four Republicans as “moderates” while a dozen Democarts he places in that category (if he only considers moderates “grown-ups,” does Kevin consider himself a baby? Or just the radicals like Ted Kennedy? That’s pretty arguable, because, much like a baby, Ted is largely incoherent, incapable of living on his own, and, I’m just assuming, wears a giant diaper).
Now, here’s the huge point that Kevin misses: what’s our word for a “moderate” Republicans? Among many: media-whore. By being whiny and disagreeing with the president like Voinovich, they suddenly get tons of media attention and the cool title of “maverick.” So what do Democrats get who don’t toe their party’s line (when it has a coherent one)? Nothing; maybe a pat on the back from a Republican who tells him, “You’re not as big a douche-bag as we thought.” Now, I’m not sure who Kevin identifies as a moderate from his own skewed view, but, whoever they are, they deserve a cool name of their own. I say we call Democrats who are big war supporters and fight taxation to be “hellblazer” Democrats. Let’s tell FOX News to start using that term (they do whatever we tell them), and soon they’ll be all these Democrats competing to vote more Republican that the others so he can be the baddest hellblazer Democrat around.
Then, once Republicans have a filibuster proof majority, it’s time to give the “mavericks” the boot. Bush should start by calling Hagel to his office (I hate Hagel), rip off his Republican badge, and threaten to sue him for slander if he ever calls himself a Republican again. Then that “maverick” can go back to his state and explain what he’s done.
Oh, and Bush should punch him the nads.

Frank J. has accused me of recycling old material. Because of that, I have taken the time to craft a well worded statement on Friday the 13th and what it means to me.
FRIDAY the 13th. The Real Meaning.
It comes around but once a year.
It’s a special day. A day to be with family. A time for giving and sharing. But Friday the 13th is more than just about shopping for presents or attending parties. How easy is it to get swept away by it all?
How easy is it to get frustrated when you’re waiting in line at the mall with the other parents just so you can have your child’s pciture taken with. um. er. Satan.
But let’s get away from the hustle and bustle and take a quiet moment to reflect and enjoy.
It’s a time to celebrate what’s special. A time to take a moment out of our busy lives, have a cup of eggnogg and say, “Thank you, Lord for what I have.”
I have fond childhood memories of Friday the 13th. My sister and I would wake up early in the morning and go running downstairs to see what we had to.. do.. as.. a precaution against evil. That’s right.
So this Friday the 13th, remember that it’s a season of giving, and that we truly have so very much.
Out of curiousity.
Do IMAO readers have any traditions for Friday the 13th? Real or imagined.