Homogeneous and isotropic charge densities to accelerate the universe

Various theoretical obstacles are associated with a homogeneous and isotrop ic distribution of 'charge' which is subject to a repulsive, long-range for ce. We show how these can be overcome, for all practical purposes, by the s imple device of endowing the particle which carries the force with a small mass. The resulting situation may be relevant to a phase of cosmological ac celeration which is triggered by the approach to masslessness of such a for ce carrier.