David Vitter, the Louisiana senator of prostitution scandal fame, should be polling dismally in the aftermath of his "serious sin."  However, the latest data seems to suggest otherwise.  Additionally, Jindal, the state's Republican candidate for governor, seems to be exuding popularity, especially among whites; not a promising sign for his main challenger, Boasso.  More bad news below the fold.

The key reasons for the declaration of war on Iraq (the dismantling of Iraq's WMD program, deposing Saddam, and liberating the Iraqi people) have been realized.  With our mission in Iraq such a glorious success, it's time to withdraw on a high note, as the "birth pangs of freedom" consume the country.

Bruno Gollnisch, a high-ranking official of France's far-right National Front party, was recently found guilty of the crime of "Holocaust denial."  He was given a slap on the wrists -- a small fine and a 3 month suspended jail sentence.  His "illegal" comments were allegedly said in October, 2004.  At that time, he stated that "historians have the right to discuss the number of deaths and the way that they died. Fifty years after the facts we can discuss the real number of deaths" and that the "existence of the gas chambers is for historians to discuss."

Although I find his political and social views both disgusting and disturbing, I find the court's decision equally repulsive.  Perhaps his comments were inflammatory and offensive to some.  It is clear and undeniable that the travesty that was the Holocaust did occur and on a very large scale.  However, the fundamental right to freedom of speech has been grossly trampled on here, and this decision borders perilously close on the state persecuting political parties based on their views.