Awwwww! Orrin Hatch is upset that some Republicans are trying take his Senate seat from him. One might think that, in a supposedly “democratic republic” that seat belongs to the electorate to be filled by whomever they select. Perhaps Orrin is claiming this fiefdom by adverse possession, having held it since 1976. “I despise” these “radical libertarians,” he snorted, apparently unaware of the word “radical” being defined by one dictionary as “a basic principle.” Those who embrace philosophically grounded “basic principles” — rather than pimping for the owners of the political establishment — have Orrin on his ear. In words we have come to expect from any street-thug, Hatch bellowed: “I’m not the guy you come in and dump on without getting punched in the mouth.” Gosh, Orrin, if that tough-talk doesn’t scare away those principled beings who want to dethrone you, perhaps you could get President Obama to assassinate them for you!

The Best of Butler Shaffer