A reader comments in an e-mail:

Why are you [BTD] so stuck on attack threads on and branding Obama as just another politician? Making the same argument over and over which does nothing but divide our party and [keeps] us from fighting for the issues we care about is stupid. When you make the same case over and over again by selectively picking stances and articles that support that point you lose credibility. I do give credit to TChris and Jeralyn regardless of whether I agree with them their threads have been interesting and fair.

I agree with the praise for Jeralyn and TChris. This is an Open Thread.

Kanye West - Can't Tell Me Nothin'

UPDATE:

In the latest CNN Poll of polls, the Illinois senator holds an 8-point lead among registered voters nationwide, 49 percent to 41 percent, with 10 percent still undecided.

TChris and I have been focused on crime this morning and Big Tent Democrat is attending to some other matters, so for those of you with politics or other things on your mind, here's an open thread.

Your turn. Keep it civil.

This is an Open Thread.

Here is an Open Thread for those who want to discuss things not FISA Capitulation. You are on your own till J and Chris show up. So behave.

Sorry, one last FISA thing. The Senate will have the following issues: (1) Dodd Amendment to strike telco immunity (2) Specter Amendment to require court rule on constitutionality of surveillance programs; (3) Bingaman Amendment to delay immunity until 90 days after completion of Inspector General Report (all will fail).

After that the biggies, a cloture motion (Obama will vote for cloture, what will Hillary do?) and on the bill (ditto).

Did anyone see the Access Hollywood interview with the Obama family? The kids are cute. It will be airing in parts for a few days.

Obama's donors apparently are resisting helping Hillary retire her campaign debt. The comments are nasty. So far, his donors have contributed only $100,000 or so.

On an unrelated note, the iPhone goes on sale Friday. Is anyone here going to stand in line to buy one? I'm thinking about it.

This is an open thread. Remember, disagreement and criticism are fine, but no personal attacks or insults.

Since I'll be awol this evening-- see post below -- here's an open thread for you.

All topics welcome, but please remember the site rules.

Did you watch Nadal-Federer? This is an Open thread.

One unrelated note - Joe Gandleman, who runs The Moderate Voice, is a good guy so he should not be tarred when one of his writers uses sexist language ("the last thing Obama needs is this pack of doomsaying [formerly Hillary supporting] crows [Link] nipping at his ears and caw-cawing over every perceived slight") and falsely describes the posts of other bloggers, as was done to me. Somehow writing "absent a change in the dynamics of this election, Barack Obama will defeat John McCain for the Presidency in November" is "tak[ing] a masochistic delight in reporting on every poll showing problems for the Illinois Senator." To some, nothing short of fawning adulation will do.

By Big Tent Democrat

I'm watching Federer-Nadal. Nadal up an early break in the first set.

Rain delay with Nadal leading 2 sets to none - 6-4, 6-4, 4-5 (on serve in the 3rd).

12:55 EST, match to resume momentarily.

Federer wins 3rd set tiebreaker on the back of 4 aces, 7-5.

Federer wins 4th set tiebreaker 10-8, staving off two championship points.

5th set, 1-1, deuce, rain threatening. 2-2, deuce. Rain delay. Play to resume momentarily. 6-6 in the 5th. No tiebreakers in the 5th.

Nadal breaks for 8-7. Serving for the championship. Nadal wings a forehead long. New balls? Nerves? Serve and volley for 15-15. Big forehand sets up easy volley for Nadal. 2 points way. Federer evens at 30-30. Feder misses backhand. Nadal has his 3rd championship point. Fed saves with an impossible backhand return. Service winner. Another championship point.

NADAL WINS! 9-7 in the 5th. Unbelievable match. What a look on Fed's face. he can not believe it.

This is an Open Thread.

In response to the request for a new open thread, here it is.

And in keeping with the weekend's celebration of American history and values:

Neil Young sends us a Fourth of July gift:

In the spirit of Independence Day, Shakey Pictures is airing this special web video for the 4th of July weekend. For best results, we suggest that you connect your computer to a good set of speakers, set your volume on LOUD and fire up the BBQ.

Let Freedom Ring!

(Keep on) Rockin' in the Free World, performed live with Crosby, Stills and Nash.

You might also enjoy clicking "Music Video" here.

The Byrds at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967.

...The chimes of freedom flashing

Flashing for the warriors whose strength is not to fight

Flashing for the refugees on the unarmed road of flight

An' for each an' every underdog soldier in the night

....An' for each unharmful, gentle soul misplaced inside a jail

... we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.

Our earlier open thread is full, here's another one. How is your holiday going so far?