WASHINGTON -- On March 2, the story broke that Hillary Clinton had possibly violated email regulations while secretary of state.

WASHINGTON -- When Democrats were looking for evidence of a Republican war on women, they overlooked Exhibit A -- Sarah Palin.

This isn't to say that Palin was part of the war on women, though many Democrats would say so. Rather she was one of the war's most conspicuous victims -- fragged, you might say -- by her own troops.

WASHINGTON -- Forget E.F. Hutton. It's P.F. (Pope Francis) these days who, when he talks, people listen.

WASHINGTON -- If we can be serious for a moment: The president made an error in judgment by not sending someone with a higher profile than our ambassador to join world leaders Sunday at a solidarity rally in Paris.

WASHINGTON -- Recent events from Ferguson, Missouri, to Staten Island, New York, might prompt an observer to infer that American cops are racist and that a bigoted white populace tolerates unnecessary lethal force against minorities.

WASHINGTON -- A writer seeking profound pronouncements for a year-end column is likely instead to find herself awash in punchlines.

Life isn't a comedy. It's a joke.

WASHINGTON -- First there's the spark, then the conflagration, followed by the litigation and then, surely, the movie.

Call it "Moonlight Fire," and prepare to suspend disbelief.

WASHINGTON -- It is probably too soon to declare a feminist reformation, but a few signs here and there give one hope.

Hold it, sirs, don't stop reading yet. I realize that seeing the F-word in the first paragraph is like discovering that your bride is wearing pantyhose, but bear with me.

WASHINGTON -- To paraphrase Roger Miller -- and, indeed, to reveal my vast store of musical trivia -- America swings like a pendulum do.

If projections, human nature and historical bent prevail next Tuesday, we may see a bit of topsy-turvy up on the benighted Hill. Anything still can happen, but it seemsas though Republicans may command both the House and Senate beginning next year.

WASHINGTON -- If politicians preying upon your attentions this season fail to inspire, you might seek common cause with the beasts -- the four-legged variety rather than those running for office.

Ballot initiatives aimed at protecting bears and wolves from hounding, trapping and other inhumane hunting practices are up for a vote in two states -- Maine and Michigan.