Patriotism and Politics

The Fourth of July means barbecue and fireworks for most people. For politicians, it's all about the parades.

There's plenty to choose from across Maryland, and Peter Franchot is among those pols who apparently won't be sitting back on the Fourth — or the Fifth, for that matter.

The comptroller plans to march in seven parades next weekend, from the traditional spots in Dundalk and Arbutus to the less established in Joppatowne. Curiously, Takoma Park's Independence Day celebration lists Martin O'Malley as a participant, but not its highest-ranking resident, Franchot.

All told, Franchot plans to take part in four parades in Baltimore County — Towson and Catonsville are the other ones — where term-limited county executive and rumored Franchot foe Jim Smith also is sure to turn out.

Coincidence? Perhaps, but his campaign apparently wants Franchot to make a good impression. An e-mail urging supporters to join the tax man was sent out last week, twice mentioning the need for an "independent fiscal watch dog" in Annapolis (another veiled swipe at Smith, who's buddy-buddy with O'Malley).

Everyone knows the only dogs that really matter on the Fourth are served hot off the grill.

— Alan Brody