Inspired by Vanity Fair by William Makepiece Thackeray (LONDON, June 28, 1848)

As the Commissar of the RINOs sits before the curtain on the boards and gazes into the political arena, a feeling of profound melancholy washes over his haggard and weary face. To put it mildly, the party is really kicking it. There is a mass quantity of eating and drinking, laughing and scoffing, smoking, fighting, and dancing. Bullies, bucks, and pickpockets prowl the premises, while law enforcement keeps a keen eye over all, buffoons (OTHER buffoons, plague have at them!) making their brawls at their own booths:

Over yonder at Tinkerty Tonk, Rachel states that Hitler wasn’t so freakish as we might think in the eyes of his followers. Much to the contrary, his rhetoric actually convinced many to believe, though the charismatic rallies and “good-looking blonde women” might have helped just a little bit.

At Resistance Is Futile, Gullyborg takes a look at Our Future through the eyes of Oregon’s dark horse candidate for Governor.

Ken Wheaton blegs just a little bit, but ’tis for a good cause – more aid for hurricane refugees. Generic Confusion wants to market a $3000 plan to help hurricane survivors dive back into society with success.

Jane at Armies Of Liberation reminds us that journalists in Yemen are a vanishing species. Once again, she points us towards the uncovering of horrible truths that continue each and every day in that country.

Searchlight Crusade presents us with a handy dandy guide to the issue-driven blogoalgoremosphere. In addition, the passing of Chief Justice Rehnquist inspired a thoughtful discussion on the delicate balance of powers that lie within the Supreme Court.

Yes, this is VANITY RINO FAIR, which is not a moral place certainly. We are not merry, but quite noisy. Look at our faces when we finish our work; and Tom Rants about a very repulsive reverend who celebrates the demise of New Orleans sinners. Respectful Insolence reminisces and rambles about September 11th, and in doing so, he describes the contempt he encountered by those who deemed the terrorist attacks as “festivities.” Little Jack of Random Fate stands behind his canvas. He has a few questions for the ascerbic bloggers concerning the passage of time. The curtain will rise shortly, and he will cry out, “What have you done to make the world a better place?”

Uncle Says “I Would Not Disarm”, while The Countertop Chronicles announces the coming of Gastapo and he continues the theme in regard to a new domestic enemy. The World According To Nick would include the right kind of fear. Aren’t you curious about what qualifies as benevolent fear? Of course you are, so run along now and visit him.

Though an episode of humour or kindness may amuse or hearten us whereever we turn, the general ambience is far more melancholy than full of mirth. After the fair is over, what do we have to do but turn sober or contemplative? We are not of uncharitable mind, and we must indeed deal without the matters at issue.

Big Cat Chronicles tosses a mighty well-deserved right hook towards the architects who designed the Flight 93 Memorial, the so-called Crescent of Embrace. (Enter outrage, stage left.) Another scandal in the making just might be foreshadowed by the rabid, foaming-at-the-mouth pharmaceutical reps that one often spots courting their general practitioners. Pigilito Knows and tells of the courting of med school students by these drug companies. Is anything safe from propaganda? It would appear not, as Classical Values confronts the urban legends that have spawned following Hurricane Katrina’s attack upon New Orleans.

Yet we present no morals to you but the story of “Vanity RINO Fair.” Some might consider us immoral and perhaps they are right. Yet those who think so poorly of others may care to watch for awhile. Our performances are scenes of every variety – dreadful combats, horse riding, high life, and lighter comic relief. Altogether, we are drawn to the light of the same illuminating candles. Oh, but even darker times lay just ahead…

Did you hear that rumour that President Bush hates black people? Decision ’08 takes on the New York Time’s racial accusations full stop. Then witness the Charging RINO, who sifts through the muck, and reluctantly calls for an independent investigation into the Katrina response. Restless Mania calls for an end to the madness – No No NO! Don’t rebuild! Meanwhile, Don Surber tells us who really won the blame game, and Professor Bainbridge gives the lowdown on the recent federal hurricane (non)response through a series of facts and resulting inferences. It appears that the timing was politically motivated, and Bainbridge points to the evidence.

Isn’t everything politically motivated in some shape or form? It looks like the Environmental Republican displays his emergency management know-how by taking on this very topic in relation to the FEMA mess. No wait a moment. The Strata-Sphere puts out some proof that the democrats covered up relief-related misdoings as well. And didn’t yours truly take a slightly Hobbsian point of view on the FEMA FUBAR? Oh yes, it looks like I most certainly did. Have you had enough finger-pointing just yet? Buckley F. Williams tosses some more kindling on the proverbial fire, just to make things a bit more interesting.

What more has the Commissar to say, but to make use of real science (and pretty pictures too!) to edumacate the unruly little RINOs of the fair. He acknowledges their tenacity and the critical eye with which it has been received throughout their world. He notes also where it has been most favourably nodded upon, and with this, and a bow to his patrons, the Commissar steps away, and the curtain rises.

Interested in knowledge without Kool-Aid? Email to – commissarATacepilotsDOTcom - RINO Sightings is listed at TTLB Uberfair.