Well if memory serves, it took our founding fathers, 11 years from our Declaration of Independence to drafting our Constitution. Much of this time we were at war with England and fighting for our survival. Well some of you are asking no doubt, "Why the history lesson Smilin' Paul?" Well today Afghanistan enacted it's new democratic constitution merely 2 years after the fall of the Taliban. The next time some lefty asks you why we are fighting this War on Terror, you might direct them to the 25 million freed Afghans. Not that it would work, the left not being noted for working well when confronted with reality, logic and facts.

Tonight at midnight EST, the voters of New Hampshire will begin casting their ballots in the democratic primary. Here's hoping "Howlin'" Howie Dean can make the comeback. If you know any registered independent voters in New Hampshire, call them, e-mail them, telegram them but get them to the polls and have them vote for "Howlin'" Howie. He needs all the help he can get. Poor ol' Joe, he'll be done after tomorrow and then the race moves south. I think if Howie can hang on, it'll be a three horse race between him and John "Effing" Kerry and John "Breck Girl" Edwards. Funny thing, Ashley Clark was supposed to give the democrats badly needed military credibility. Instead he's sinking like the Bismarck in the polls and has shown himself to be more certifiable than "Howlin' " Howie.

Now then, on to this week's recipe. I won't be putting out a recipe next week for a couple reasons. First I'm having some minor surgery on Monday and second, while in recovery I'll need to catch up on my online classes. So enjoy this week's recipe....Buttermilk Fried Chicken...

Ingredients
1 Broiler/Fryer Chicken cut up or 1 picnic pack of 12 drumsticks and thighs
1 c of all purpose flour
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tsps paprika
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 c buttermilk
2 tbsps seasoned breadcrumbs
1/8 tsp garlic powder
vegetable oil

Combine flour, paprika, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, garlic powder in a bowl. Take a 12" skillet with lid and add 1/4" vegetable oil to it. Heat over medium high heat until hot and then take pieces of your chicken, drop it in the cup of buttermilk and then dredge it in the flour mixture. Then add the chicken to your oil. When you have the skillet full, brown all sides of the chicken, about 10 minutes or so, reduce the heat and cover the skillet, simmer for about 25-30 mins. Remove the cover and increase the heat, cook for 5 more minutes or so to crisp the skin. Remove and drain. I like to serve this with hot cornbread and potato salad. It makes for a finger lickin' good meal. Be sure to stay close to monitor the chicken as you don't want the skin burned or the oil splattering. Good Eatin' on ya!!

Smilin' Paul Villa U.S. Senate 2004
cyber-Congressman, R-Reno
Proud Member of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy and 2 SUV Family