Wednesday, November 7, 2007 — Here we offer further proof — as if any were needed — of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s telling observation, “[t]hings are more like they are now than they ever were before.”

2002—“War is not my first choice,” lies George W. Bush, “it’s my last choice.”

2000—The American people vote for a president. They get George W. Bush, instead.

1972—Richard Nixon kicks George McGovern’s ass.

1962—Richard Nixon, tells the press they won’t have him to kick around any more. (He lies.)

1940—The crew of the San Demetrio reboard their blazing tanker and put out the fire. Nine days later they reach Ireland.

1940—The mile-long Tacoma Narrows bridge wiggles, wobbles, and then falls down. The only casualty is a cocker spaniel. Washington State cannot collect on its insurance because the agent fraudulently pocketed the premiums.

1919—3,000 anarchists are held without bail on Ellis Island as the Palmer Raids begin.

1913—Albert Camus is born … but why?

1879—Birth of Lev Davidovich Bronstein, aka Leon Trotsky.

1876—In Springfield, IL, a gang of counterfeiters attempt to steal the corpse of Abraham Lincoln.

1837—Maine-born Elijah P. Lovejoy, an abolitionist editor whose printing press has been thrown in the river twice, is murdered by a mob in Alton, IL.