I don't mean to tread on Folkbum's toes, but I have to say a few words about the disaster zone that is Patrick McIlheran. Is there an affirmative action program for conservative writers? Because really, that's the only way to explain his continuing publication. (Jonah Goldberg got in as a legacy.)

There are thoughtful, intelligent conservatives out there. P-Mac is not one of them.

If it weren't enough that on his blog in the past week he has suggested that it's a wonderful victory over the forces of oppression that a Texas school district is returning to the term "Christmas vacation" (approvingly quoting a blogger who says that "the lefties are all upset" about the "dirty words" Christmas and Easter); that global warming is a hoax whose proponents are really interested in increasing centralized government power, and that liberals who believe what the overwhelming majority of qualified scientists say blame all the problems on Bush; that we can "win" in Iraq if that country's civilian leadership and police force will only man up, and that the Iraqi economy is flourishing and trickling down; that climate change (which isn't real) will be good for the economy….

Even if none of that disturbed you, you would have to take note of his sickening entry about Sen. Tim Johnson's (D-S.D.) stroke, where McIlheran talks about what a good thing it would be if the GOP got control of the Senate — via Johnson's death or disability — but piously notes that he and other right-wing bloggers are of course praying for Johnson's recovery.

If I thought it would help, I'd pray for McIlheran, but I think he'd be better served by a visit to the Wizard of Oz.