I accept politicians as a fact of life. They are what they are. They do what they do. I don't see much sense in getting all hot and bothered by most of their lame-ass stunts. In fact, there are very few politicians that really make my skin crawl.

Bob Barr is one of them.

So, when you tell me that Bob Barr is joining the ACLU, my first reaction is: "What the hell was I drinking last night?"

Apparently, Barr is retiring from the House and is going to hook up with the ACLU to work on informational and data privacy issues. I am both disturbed and encouraged by this news.

I am disturbed because it made me pause and question myself. Though I hang around and debate with conservatives in real life and in the blog community, it's never bothered me to agree with them on a particular issue. But to stand next to Bob Barr?? Well, you should see the sour expression on my face right now.

However, I am encouraged because it looks like it won't just be a bunch of us whining lefties™ out here staring down the Homeland Security Act and its looming threat to our liberty. But I knew that anyway. Some of the most vociferous right-wingers out there are four-square against the potential misuse of the HSA. (Check out the membership of The Liberty Dogs, if you don't believe me.)

So, it looks like this will be one of those long, strange trips, folks. But make no mistake, there is a lot riding on our vigilance. Helping to strike down the lamewad TIPS was just the beginning...and the tip of the iceberg.

[ Also seen on The Liberty Dogs ]