Sunday, March 23, 2008 By JOHN LAIRD, Columbian editorial writer Finally, independent voters have reason to appreciate the die-hard Democrats and the rock-ribbed Republicans. And this being Easter morning, that newfound appreciation is arriving none too soon. Both Barack Obama and John McCain have been linked recently to controversial fulminations from preachers. As a result, wise and rational people now pay closer attention to what they hear from their preachers. This is a beneficial exercise. Who knows when we might be called on to defend or denounce some bizarre statement made at a church from which we exit this morning?...