Cracked Window

A modest wish for a better world popped in my head Sunday during Portland’s six miles and six hours without cars event (photo slideshow here). I was taking a break on a bench at Arbor Lodge Park, enjoying the people streaming past, many with kids in tow, headed for food or hula-hoop lessons.

But I wasn’t relaxed: my bike, my wife’s, and our little boy’s bike trailer were parked against a tree behind me, sans locks. Paranoia from several bike thefts over the years was desecrating the event’s life-is-great vibe. Then my wish came to me.

Today comes a classic Karl Rove assault on a member of the opposition party, a churlish smear rather than criticism over issues:

Even if you never met him, you know this guy. He’s the guy at the country club with the beautiful date, holding a martini and a cigarette that stands against the wall and makes snide comments about everyone who passes by.

Rove was speaking of Barack Obama, never a country club member and unable to join many because he’s black.

Rove’s comment to Republican Party insiders begs the question: has any non-elected official harmed our country more than Karl Rove, at least in the last century?