MoJo

Mother Jones that is. I just finished reading the December issue which is all about religion in American politics. It is a fascinating read, and I suggest you all pick up a copy.

A few blog friendly tidbits: 27% of American believe that all Muslim Americans should be required to register their whereabouts with the federal government; 42% of the highly religious believe this. Over a quarter of the population thinks that forced registration of citizens is ok. Where the hell did these people go to school? And how did they absorb so little in civics class that they think a policy like that passes Constitutional muster.

Also, a Minnesota company sells a candle called "His Essence" which supposedly smells like Jesus will upon his return. There is a Biblical precedent for this, Psalm 45, check it out. But don't feel like you have to add this to my Christmas list, I'm willing to wait it out for the second coming.

On a bit of an unrelated note, John Gilmore had his hearing before the 9th Circuit Court of appeals on Thursday. You can listen to oral arguments on the court's website, search for case number 04-15736, Gilmore v. Gonzales. And you can see more details about the case at papersplease.org. There are a lot of reasons that the id requirement for airplane travel is ineffective, and at least a few why it is probably illegal.