Puttin' on my crankypants.

So Evan Bayh is not running again.  Let's be honest, Evan Bayh was no more a Democrat than I am Republican.  What plays well in Indiana is a R in D clothing. 

The best thing I can say about Evan is that his wife was a good advisor to the Butler Democrats while I was there and I finagled a nice summer internship (which later turned into a career-change) while he was Gov. 

The worst thing I can say about him (before two days ago) was that he had the SOFTEST hands of any man, woman or child I have ever met.  EVER.   I don't know what lotion he used, how many manicures he had or even if he had ever picked up anything heavier than a prop shovel at a groundbreaking but I can say this -- his hands were the stuff silk would be jealous of.

Now.

Let's talk about the general commenters on the various websites talking down my home state.  Fuck Off.

For those that want a fast pace, big cities and endless parades of insanity, Indiana isn't your place.  Go ahead, go back from whence you came.  If you can never just appreciate the whispering sounds that a breeze blowing through the corn fields  makes -- Indiana isn't your place.  If you don't understand the fascination with basketball (or Class Basketball, if you really want to start a fight), then Indiana isn't your place. 

Indiana isn't California, Colorado, Massachusetts or even Florida.  It is Indiana.  It has its own charms, apparently lost on many out there in other states.  From the Lake Michigan sand dunes to rolling fields of corn to the hills and valleys -- Indiana has a beauty all its own.  From agriculture to race cars to basketball, Indiana holds a special place in my heart. I love my home state.