Miscellanea - I'm a Menshevik Edition

By Power Line's standards, I'm swimming against the Bolshevik tide...

A Small Victory is trying for a big victory over smoking (I quit June 8, 2004 - hang in there, it's worth it)...

Was Abraham Lincoln gay? Not on the evidence before us (hat tip to the Volokh Conspiracy)...

Here's the latest 'statement' on former Weekly Jackass Barbra Streisand's website:

When politicians work to deplete the forests and farmlands -- speak. When they threaten the air and waters -- speak. When they undermine the well-being of our neighborhoods -- speak. When they disregard the rights of humankind -- speak. When they disparage the principles of freedom and democracy -- speak. When they ignore the responsibilities that accompany inordinate power -- speak. When they imperil the possibilities for peace -- speak. And above all, when they demand silence -- speak. Never more than now, the hope and promise of America rests on a rising, insuppressible chorus of voices -- whispering, shouting, proclaiming, protesting, advocating, resisting, singing, supporting, celebrating ... and persevering. speak! -- Richard Nelson

The above little piece of heaven, entitled, curiously enough, 'Speak!', has inspired me to compose my own tribute, called 'Run!':

When Hollywood hotshots try to talk politics - run! When washed up has-beens presume to give you advice - run! When rich widow chasers who own multiple million-dollar houses pretend to speak for the common man - run! When a new Michael Moore movie opens - run (in the opposite direction)! When Barbra Streisand opens her mouth to sing - for God's sake, run!!!! -- Mark Coffey

Enjoy your weekend, folks...