Lie and Order

Harry Shearer has been blogging with a skeptical eye about all the rumors of looting, assault, shooting at aircraft, desertion and general lawlessness in New Orleans. Not to say that such things haven't happened, just that they often get reported when there's no credible proof or particulars.

It's a welcome antidote to people like Kaus, who never met an anecdote reflecting poorly on African-Americans he didn't link to -- along with an accusation that "network TV" is covering up such purported uncontrolled group savagery.

Of course, Shearer is actually speaking with people on the ground and monitoring local television stations and the print press. But that shouldn't deter Kaus -- they're all in on the conspiracy too. He knows they're all out to make him look bad.