And now for a public service announcement.


This is Rod. Lennie and her spectacular cheekbones are partially visible on his right hand side. No, my friends do not normally wear embroidered holiday sweaters. It was a theme party. The guy on the left is Mick. He's Dutch, and like me, can't vote. But if he could, I am certain he would vote for Rod.

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My friend Rod Bryan is on the Arkansas ballot as an independent candidate for governor.

Rod and his wife Lennie are two of the most interesting, genuine and principled people that I know. They are also extremely good-looking.

I could give you a long-winded defense of movement-based politics. I could make you suffer through an impassioned speech about how important it is that we defend a space for alternative voices in American democracy. I could fall to my knees and implore you to think expansively and not fearfully about a real marketplace of ideas, not just a franchise operation.

Instead, how about this:

Rod's a good guy. He's worked really hard. Lennie too.

Where ever you are, however you vote, please send them some money. There have been real expenses associated with this campaign, and Rod and Lennie live simply. Their house would fit in the garage of the other candidates.

Here's the link to Rod's campaign address and PAYPAL site. You can use your credit or check card or checkbook. No donation is too small. Canadians, and other international readers, consider this your opportunity to express yourself in the U.S. mid-term elections. Americans, consider it a vote for a healthy and lively democracy, no matter who your candidate is.

Thanks. Now get out of here and go vote!