Benj said: “Ms. Palin had a widely reported run-in with her town’s librarian when she tried to pressure the lady over how/what materials would be available at that local institution.”

Storm said: “Sarah Palin wished to de-select some books that were selected by the librarian, but she did not try to have any books burned or pressure publishers not to publish – that would be the mark of a true book-banner.”

Storm – Glad you’re feeling easy because P is not a “true bookburner,” just a “de-selecter.” But – just so we’re all clear – I didn’t claim she was book-burner and went out of my way in my post to allow that I didn’t regard her candidacy as a threat to my civil liberties (though I tend to be beamish about America as you know). But your post just underscored her censorious side. Do YOU feel comfortable with the idea of mayor who puts pressure on the local librarian – whom no-one claims was incompetent – to “de-select” vids/books/cds?

The candidate whom Clubbers repeatedly accuse of incipient totalitarianism is, in fact, an embodiment of liberal-mindedness in the public square. The one who makes so many Clubbers hearts rise is proudly provincial.

Storm – You say I’m “counting on liberty-loving Americans to be stupid; not to think; to be sheep.”

Hmmm – a couple days ago and a few threads back back we had a half-dozen respectful back and forths ranging over the subjects of federalism, the legacy of Southern New Dealers and the meaning of Monticello…A Clubber looking on suggested the flow of comments was a “keeper,” though he was on your side of the argument. As the girl once sang – “Don’t make me over…”

See – this is exactly why we NEED Obama. He believes political discourse should amount to more than casting aspersions on calling your opponent a “pissant” (or a “bookburner”). If he makes it – his presence might even elevate the tone here at the Club.