Arsenic and Ol' Yeller

In an announcement that really does qualify as stunning, NASA scientist (in a program the GOP tried to kill) discovered that living things exist outside of the classic chemical model of all previously known varieties, using arsenic.

Meanwhile on the subject of poison, John McCain was as usual full of it, perhaps he's arsenic-based?

“We send these young people into combat, we think they’re mature enough to fight and die. I think they’re mature enough to make a judgment on who they want to serve with and the impact on their battle effectiveness.”

Which sure sounds like the kind of statement Theodore Bilbo (most racist hobbit ever!) would have said about integrating the military in the late 40s. So, really, that's quite the line of bullshit, (after all we always ask soldiers if they want to serve in Iraq, right?) Somebody better book him for a Sunday show, it happens so very rarely.

And then, the completely illogical line, except that it is John McCain's only line, ever.

I speak from personal experience.

What the hell does that even mean in this context? Did McCain once crash a jet on Fire Island? I mean given his track record, it's as likely as any other locale.

And his buddy Lindsey Graham supplied more unintentional comedy:

"I just haven't heard a lot of people saying in the ranks themselves, 'I wish this policy would change.'"

Gee, why wouldn't active service members approach Lindsey Graham to say they wish "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" would end?

[cross-posted Firedoglake]