I traveled to Harpers Ferry on a Saturday afternoon in mid-October (after getting my car's annual inspection, thank you for not giving me a ticket Mr. Trooper) to meet jsmdlawyer, his wife, their two sons, Wolf Boy and Danger Boy, and his mother in law for a picnic lunch and to tour. Harpers Ferry is always beautiful (and I've been there in every kind of weather), but especially so in the fall.
The Ku Klux Klan was holding a rally not far from where the buses drop people in town and there was a huge number of police to keep the peace. A large group of counter-protesters were there, with the most vocal being members of the American Communist Party. "Same enemy, same fight, workers of the world unite" which seems like a nice enough chant in its way but I'm sure a better response is derisive laughter and scorn to groups such as the KKK. There were several Christians there too, one of whom had a sign saying "Jesus does not hate." Say what you will about the Klan, they're uniters and if it came down to a clash between the KKK and the American Communists, I'd be on
the side of the Communists.
But it seemed pretty peaceful for all the Klan's bluster and hatred and we walked to where the Klansman on the microphone could barely be heard and sat on the grass on the bank of the Shenandoah River and ate our subs and chips and Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies. Then the kids threw rocks in for a while and we walked around town and talked and looked at the sights. It really was perfect weather, just the slightest nip in the breeze rustling the yellow leaves and a bright sun.
My daughter (the middle one, who wants to take over the world) and I along with Mrs. jsmdlawyer and Danger Boy, who like my daughter is 5, climbed up to Jefferson Rock. Incredible, astonishing view with the river far below sparkling like diamonds and the mountains majestic. We walked back down the steep stone stairs and jsmdlawyer was asleep atop a stone wall. Danger Boy, truly living dangerously, woke him.
We toured a museum and then the daughter and I had to depart to meet Ms. Carnacki, who had stayed home to work on a freelance contract project, at a church meeting that was actually productive. All in all it was a beautiful day.
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As some of you know, I came close to leaving the Democratic Party over the torture issue. I stayed because the vast majority of Democrats voted against the Torture Act. And I stayed because of
Mike Callaghan. He is the kind of representative we need in Congress.
Do you know what would be a really happy story? Replacing a Rubber Stamp, Torture Supporting, Bush Loving, Corruption Enabling Republican like Shelley Moore Capito with a passionate, former federal prosecutor like Mike Callaghan. This is my last pitch for funds. This is a race where every dollar can make a difference.
A $5, $10, $20 or more donation would go a long way in a state like West Virginia.
If you can, please donate here.