WASHINGTON - Pledging to build a culture that respects life, President Bush is declaring a National Sanctity of Human Life Day.

Story here. I assume the forehead-slappingly obvious irony of this speaks for itself.

Update: I did not realize this was an encore. August reports:

This is not the first time Bush declared such a “holiday.” He did this last year, as I recall from a comic I made almost a year ago to this day.

Now, why is Bush apparently making nearly the same day as last year “National Sanctity of Human Life Day?” The Yahoo article fails to mention why: it’s the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.

Anyone interested in suggesting that’s an amazing coincidence may do so as I laugh my head off at them.

…that work and life are taking precedence over blogging this week, here at thismodernworld.com. I always feel a little silly mentioning my periodic absences — I’m sorry, my devoted fans, I shall return and bestow more pearls of wisdom upon you as soon as I am able — but when I don’t, I get a bunch of mail asking where I am, am I okay, etc., etc.

So: I’m fine, just busy. I’ll pick up the slack when I can. In the meantime, there are many fine blogs listed over on the links page. I’d like to make particular note of the indefatigable Atrios, who is all over the Pickering story, among other things. Just scroll down.