Recently, a friend pointed out that the selection of Sarah Palin¹ as John McCain's Vice Presidential running mate was more a political calculation than any type of decision to pick someone qualified for the job. One of the biggest reasons she was selected was that she was female -- a calculation intended to pick up disgruntled Clinton fans. My friend said that the selection of a woman, in spite of the reasoning, clearly brings the GOP into the 20th century.

After thinking about it a moment, I had to agree with him.

Early 20th century, circa 1920; definitely nothing centered around 1973 or beyond.

This is an Open Thread.

Hat-tip JohnnyNYC

I didn't spend my Fourth of July in celebration the way I usually do. I had a lot of other things going on; it was the first time in a very long time that I hadn't partaken.

Last night and this morning, I had a lot of time to reflect on what the holiday meant -- and means -- to me.

Juxtaposition: July 4th Deadly Duality

Hat-tip Rex and KNIHT2

A comment I happened across on Delphi Forums struck me as particularly significant for some reason. It was this:

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On this date in 1826, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died within hours of each other. Today, it's Jesse Helms and Bozo the Clown. Gives you pause for reflection, yes it does...

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Bozo the Clown -- an iconic figure known for entertaining children and who many adults may remember from their childhood memories...an apt reference, given that roughly half the nation still plays childish games with name-calling and cliquish groups of exclusionary focus. Too many of them apparently missed the message of Bozo.

Jesse Helms, a powerful icon as well -- one who fought against racial equality and gay rights.

Elizabeth Edwards continues to smack down McCain’s plan for the “healthy and wealthy” emphasizing the fundamental flaw of the individual market, the centerpiece of McCain’s plan.

“McCain’s never been in the individual market, he doesn’t know how difficult it is, in fact, how impossible it is, if you happen to be one of the unlucky Americans who have a pre-existing condition,” Elizabeth stated on MSNBC today.

Watch it here: