The Silly Season

The outrage of some United States politicians, among them Senate Majority leader Harry Reid, over the temerity of the U.S. Olympic Committee's decision to outfit American athletes with uniforms made in the Peoples Republic of China, depending on one's perspective, either raises or lowers the bar on the silliness often associated with the governing class. That designer Ralph Lauren turned to the Chinese to manufacture the goods indicates the reality of living in a global economy rather than notions of patriotism and nationalism.

Wild About Harry

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), in assessing the candidacy of Barack Obama, reportedly said: a 'light-skinned' African American 'with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one." Of course, when a public figure says exactly what he feels and then discovers it is stupid, what follows is the proverbial, lame-ass apology:

"I deeply regret using such a poor choice of words. I sincerely apologize for offending any and all Americans, especially African Americans for my improper comments.

"I was a proud and enthusiastic supporter of Barack Obama during the campaign and have worked as hard as I can to advance President Obama's legislative agenda.

"Moreover, throughout my career, from efforts to integrate the Las Vegas strip and the gaming industry to opposing radical judges and promoting diversity in the Senate, I have worked hard to advance issues important to the African American community."