Reagan, Radicals, and Republicans

You know, “R” is an interesting letter. Think about it, while most American toddlers can’t even say it properly, UnAmericans give it a foreigner flourish by trilling it. The Japanese like it so much they use it in place of the letter “L”. I heard one Japanese lounge singer render White Christmas this way, “Where the tree tops gristen, and children risten. R's popularity has even gone to the dogs: Scooby-doo and Astro start every word with it….

So, in tribute to the letter R - and for those leaders of the R party who can take time away from their religious reading of the legislation placed before them - I give you the newest additions to our Library:

1) Ronald Reagan: An American Life - THE best autobiography on Ronald Reagan. OK, so it's the only autobiography by Ronald Reagan. But, by default, that makes it the best. Which goes to show you, be the only one to write a book on a particular subject and you're sure of getting into the Library of the Gods.

2) Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky - In the spirit of "keep your friends close, and your enemies closer," what could be closer than having THE book on radicalism on your nightstand? Patton was reading "The Tank in Battle" by Erwin Rommel the night before their military engagement. As his forces began to defeat the enemy, Patton uttered these gentle words, "Rommel! You magnificent @#$*!%, I read your book!!!" (and the historical truth of the foregoing can all be verified by watching the movie).

In the interest of bipartisanship, I would love to honor the letter "D" in an upcoming "Delano, Demons, and Democrats" offering, but I think I would have to get some help (pardon me, my conservative streak is showing).