Why I Miss Bill Clinton (and other thoughts):

I had a good time at my hometown 4th of July parade this afternoon. I always enjoy my old high school marching band (brings back memories of marching in wool uniforms in 90-degree heat!), seeing a few old friends, watching the parade with a bunch of good folks from my parents' church. This year I got a good chuckle out of the Geek Squad's banner, "We don't need a marching band, we were the marching band!" Micah liked their big balloon version of their car. Having spent the morning wallowing in a bit of personal Funk of July, it was a spirit lifting experience.

But now I realize I missed my chance to see Bill & Hill for (almost) free. Little did I know that the dynamic duo were walking in Clear Lake, Iowa's parade. Clear Lake is a relatively painless 2.5 hour trip down I-35 from here. Aside from the cost of gas (not insubstantial), it would have been a great chance to get close to The Man. Oh well. I did have an enthusiastic wave exchange with our own Representative Keith Ellison as he rode through Richfield this afternoon. Made me nostalgic for the good ol' days when our dearly missed Paul Wellstone jogged his way through the parade, shaking our hands and hugging us. Loved those big green stickers and that bus...