It's been a fascinating evening.

Imagine. We've got a practicing amatuer politician expounding on the virtues of Rush Limbaugh. And to the left soldiers sipping beer in battle dress uniforms. And over there an almost retired retiree (with his married girlfriend) just off an eighteen hour shift who wants to sleep but is drinking instead. We've got a bar owner with allergies and a bartender with a body to kill for...and just a bit too much sobriety.

Loud music and smoke and a growing alcohol haze.

Meanwhile I'm sitting in a quiet corner talking with a friend reasonably and very logically about the possibilities of a 9-11 consipiracy. And yet we allow as how this is probably the best place we've ever lived in.

Only in America. Only in an American bar