python: unsigned 32 bit bitwise arithmetic

trying answer another post whose fortitude deals ip addresses netmasks, i got stranded plain bitwise arithmetic.

is there customary way, python, lift bitwise and, or, xor, operations presumption inputs "32 bit" (maybe negative) integers longs, outcome contingency enlarged operation [0, 2**32]?

in words, i need operative python reflection c bitwise operations between unsigned longs.

edit: specific emanate this:

>>> m = 0xffffff00   # netmask 255.255.255.0
>>> ~m
-4294967041l         # wtf?! i wish 255