Two Things

1. Lincoln Chafee, newly elected governor of Rhode Island (actually, an aide), on same-sex marriage:

   "The governor elect feels that the issue should be addressed as soon as possible by the General Assembly, and does not believe that the question should be decided by a ballot referendum," the letter from Chafee's aide, Michael Trainor, said. “Marriage equality is a basic right that should be extended to all Rhode Islanders — a question not only of fairness and justice, but of economic development as well.”

2. Arthur Silber quotes H.L. Mencken:

   The reason is not far to seek. It is based upon propositions that are palpably not true and what is not true, as everyone knows, is always immensely more fascinating and satisfying to the vast majority of men than what is true. Truth has a harshness that alarms them, and an air of finality that collides with their incurable romanticism.

   Luckily...