Here's some good news, yesterday Carol Moseley-Braun was sworn in as America's ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa. This almost slipped-in under my radar. Her appointment to that post has been held-up for quite a while by Jesse Helms. Nobody but Jesse knows for sure, but it seems to be related to her opposition to flying the Confederate battle flag (you know, the KKK banner).
Fortunately, Vice President Gore and President Clinton stood by her. Of course I'm not the first one to notice that in an election year like this, where minorities are getting more long-deserved attention, the Republicans can't afford to continue to be seen as racists. In the end, almost all the senate Republicans sided with the President and approved Ms. Moseley-Braun's appointment.
Good luck Madam Ambassador. Your nation, and this author, appreciate your service!