I've long since stopped being astonished at how easy it is to stampede the herd. It's the banality of mass psychosis, I guess, so over-the-top frightening and pathetic that all anyone with sense can do is yawn. Where is Voltaire when you need him? Get out the Netflix, folks, and look away, 'cuz it's getting ugly dumb in the real world.

What is the difference between Clinton's BJ and the AIG bonuses? I'm sure both were fun for the receiving parties. But what makes them so important that our many seething emoters feel they have to push the red button under the "do not push the red button" sign? Why has the Democratic brain bypass switch been thrown?

I'll tell you the main difference between Clinton's BJ and the AIG bonuses. The AIG bonuses trivia works on both sides of the aisle, like free beer or MRSA. The AIG rain dance channels Democratic rage at the "designated bad guys" and Republican attacks on Obama at the same time. It gives the GOP a scapegoat and ties Obama's ankle to the scapegoat.

If the Republicans didn't spin up this tempest in a teapot, they should have. I usually don't give their leaders credit for much in the way of brains except in the field of sneaky bullshit. I respect their PhDs.

Nice going Dems! Nice going tabloid media! Here is some sound advice. When a Republican offers to toss you a Raisenet, keep your mouth closed next time. It's not a Raisenet.