me: “So.  Been awhile.” hood: me: “Just thought I’d get your reaction on the 40th anniversary of Loving v Virginia.”* hood: me: “You’re probably torn on this one, yes?” hood: me: “ I mean, on the one hand, it marked an end to state-enforced segregation—which, as is a civil rights issue, was certainly a step toward true racial equality, celebrating as it did the American ideal of free individuals making

me: “You following the latest kerfuffle started by your boy Senator Cracker?”* hood: me: “This time, the esteemed gentleman from West Virginia compared the Republicans’ efforts to circumvent a Democratic-led filibuster of federal judges to the tactics of Hitler and the Nazis…”* hood: me: “…though in his defense, I don’t think he really expects Bill Frist to shove Barney Frank or Joe Lieberman into a large convection oven…” hood: me:

me: “So, any thoughts on Howard Dean’s remarks last Friday to the Congressional Black Caucus?”* hood: me: “If you hadn’’t heard, the snub-necked doctor joked that Blacks tend to be employed as bellboys and cooks and hotel maids…”* hood: me: “…in a hamfisted attempt to suggest that Republicans are racist.”* hood: me: “Didn’t recognize the irony, I suppose.”* hood: me: “Speaking of which, Charles Rangel says Dean should apologize…”* hood:

me: “Looks like your boy could be at it again, hood.”* hood: me: “Obstructing the progress of a person of color…”* hood: me: “…the first ever African-American woman to be nominated for Secretary of State.”* hood: me: “Probably not racially motivated, though…”* hood: me: “The Senator’s showy desire to hold up Dr. Rice’s confirmation, I mean.”* hood: me: “Because Barbara Boxer is in it on, too…” hood: me: “…and Teddy

me: “You know racism when you see it, right?  Did you hear anything particularly racist in Zell Miller’s convention speech…?” hood: me: “Besides the obvious racism inherent in a southern drawl, I mean…?” hood: me: “…Because I sure as hell didn’t.” hood: me: “…Didn’t find the speech all that frightening, either.” hood: me: “But then, I’ve never been one to fear a 70-something-year-old man—especially one armed with nothing but an

me: “…So, big fan of the NBA are you?” hood: me: “Hip hop?” hood: me: “How ‘bout Kool-Aid?  You like the cherry Kool-Aid?”* hood: me: hood: me: “Yeah, that’s what I thought you’d say…” hood: me: “…Ofay.”

me: “…So, big fan of the NBA are you?” hood: me: “Hip hop?” hood: me: “How ‘bout Kool-Aid?  You like the cherry Kool-Aid?”* hood: me: hood: me: “Yeah, that’s what I thought you’d say…” hood: me: “…Ofay.”

me: “So. You’re Senator Byrd’s infamous Kleagle hood, eh? You’re even pointier than I expected.” hood: me: “Right. So tell me, is it true that Senator Byrd’s favorite snacking food is ‘cornpone’? Because I have it on good authority that the Senator is a cornpone fiend.” hood: me: “– Which, what exactly is cornpone, anyway? Is it like a, y’know, a corn bread, or something….?” hood: me: “…Or is it

me: “So. You’re Senator Byrd’s infamous Kleagle hood, eh? You’re even pointier than I expected.” hood: me: “Right. So tell me, is it true that Senator Byrd’s favorite snacking food is ‘cornpone’? Because I have it on good authority that the Senator is a cornpone fiend.” hood: me: “– Which, what exactly is cornpone, anyway? Is it like a, y’know, a corn bread, or something….?” hood: me: “…Or is it