{ed. Note: That's pepper spray, not water}

MIAMI

PROVIDENCE

ATLANTA

LOUISVILLE

LITTLE ROCK

PORTLAND

SACRAMENTO

SAN FRANCISCO

LOS ANGELES

The Whole World Celebrated Freedom!...

MANILA, PHILIPPINES

TOKYO, JAPAN

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

LONDON, ENGLAND

May God Bless, America. Please?

Mercy.

Thanks, Brad. Now I think I can go to sleep in peace...

Brad, man. What a wonderful thing to put into my battered brain. The Family of Man and all. This is the best statement I've seen.
Dang.

Nice group of socialists you cavort with, Brad.
Didn't your mother ever tell you that you are judged by the people with whom you associate?

Good morning, what an awesome sight to wake up to. Worldwide unity,and strength of commitment and common purpose is what will bring this regime down. They're already on their way down, so keep pushing....pushing....pushing

And I forgot to say..... You got soul.

#4
Ask not for whom the bell tolls, for it tolls for thee

#4 again, " Mike"

You dishonor my name by associating it with your narrow and immature comments.

#7

Don't ask, don't tell, eh?
I think you folks have bats in your belfries.
Here is a point for you all to consider:

Socialism is roundly considered a complete failure. It is a dead system which has no political capitol anymore. It has ceased to exist. It is a non-parrot. It has joined the choir invisible. If you idjits hadn't nailed it to the perch it would be pushing up daisies already!

Mike tries to insult people by calling them socialists and invoking mom:

"Nice group of socialists you cavort with, Brad.
Didn't your mother ever tell you that you are judged by the people with whom you associate?"

Please excuse me while I stoop to Mike's level and show him how it's done:

All of our mothers told us that, but then, we knew our mothers, and our fathers. I did know your mom, briefly, and there's a good chance me or a 1000 other guys are your dad. We had fun at those satan worshipping communist parties. So did your mom.

Any more lessons and i'll have to charge you, Mike. I won't do freebies, like your mom. I'm not that much of a socialist.

Being a patriot doesn't just require love for your country. It also requires knowing what the hell is going on.

Thanks for the pictures of the true patriots.

Mike said:

Socialism is roundly considered a complete failure. It is a dead system which has no political capitol anymore. It has ceased to exist. It is a non-parrot. It has joined the choir invisible. If you idjits hadn't nailed it to the perch it would be pushing up daisies already!

Last time I checked, Mike, that whole warmongering imperialist capitalism theme we've got going isn't doing all that well, either. Say what you like about socialism, but let's not forget whose economy is in the shitter because of an illegal war that has killed hundreds of thousands, ok?

You might be right, but that doesn't explain why you think capitalism is a better system, and the evidence at hand would lead most people of even average intelligence to believe it is not a better system, becuase of the corruption, oppression, and rampant cronyism it inspires.

~A!

:-)

It's way past your bedtime Mike. Does your mother know you're up this late? Oops! I forgot. You don't know your mom.

"[Socialism] is a dead system which has no political capitol (sic)."

Are you a "capitolist" or a "capitalist"? It's a rhetorical question. You're obviously an "idjit".

What's the problem? Just looks like a bunch of folks around the world socializing.
Granted, they've got a common ailment, and need some pain relief.

Just a thought:

Pure socialism, when not corrupted (by Stalin, Mao et al) is government "by the people, for the people". Does this phrase ring any bells with anyone?

Pure capitalism is by it's very nature corrupt because it's fundamental tenet is government by the wealthy for the wealthy. If you ain't got the dough, you can't go. When the merchants are in control, the only thing that matters is the bottom line, social and environmental issues are trampled underfoot in the headlong rush towards enhancing shareholder value.

Both systems have faults, but I lean towards a system that works on the principle of "We hold these truths to be self evident: all men are created equal" than one which states that "might makes right".

A small note to the right wing-nuts: When Christ threw the money lenders from the temple, he committed a political act which did not place him on the side of capitalism. Also, the statement "And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" (Mat. 19:24) makes him sound like a bit a socialist to me.

Once again, just my not-remotely-humble opinion.

Keep the faith!

PS. I haven't had my troll Hors deurves yet this morning and I'm getting hungry...

Ideas, like socialism, don't frighten real men, or women. Most of the free democratic states on the planet are successfully functioning social democracies. We were once, but soon we will be just like Mexico. Won't that be fun!

For Heaven's sake. Christ fed the hungry, sheltered the homeless, and healed the sick. He shared everything, as far as I know. This is all such nonsense. Everyone knows it.

Many years ago, when I traveled in India, there was an international community that pooled all the resources, shared the money, camped out and explored together, and thoroughly enjoyed life together. For some odd reason, people were naturally inclined to help one another.

Capitalism is OK in theory, but something seems to get triggered like a cancerous cell that makes the growth get out of control and take over other cells.
If what's mine is mine and what's yours is yours prevailed, it could work. It's the takeover factor that mucks things up. It then goes against itself as the ones without are left to be dealt with, and probably ends up costing more in the long run.
You can't logistically murder them all. You need them for labor and whatnot. Becomes a mess. An expensive one.

And please tell me why it so important to spend $40 million dollars on some fuckin' cookies and whatnot.

I'm not interested in throwing terms like "Socialism" and "Capitalism" around at a time like this. It's far less important than the point displayed here:

This is the most polarized I've ever seen our country. I've seen hated presidents before but not even close to this degree. I think it's a dangerous thing. The old saying, "A house divided against itself cannot stand" comes to mind.

This is not an administration that is showing any interest it uniting the country. Aside from its pointless rhetoric, it is intent on driving The USA to the right, to put corporate interests above the interests of the general populace, and the long-term results of this will very likely be severely damaging.

The Bible states "The meek shall inherit the Earth".
If this is true, The USA is in for bit of a problem. There are so many good, honest, caring people in our country......but, THEY ARE NOT IN CHARGE!....and, as you can see by the above photos, the World is taking notice.

It's just wonderful Brad. Thanks. I can feel it from here.

Bob.. The polarization is probably a necessary thing. It is bringing the deep problems to light. We've been going on this way for a long time oblivious to the facts. The shell is cracking now, and awareness is emerging. And it is not just in this country. Unfortunately, it usually takes a big crisis to unite people.
The people you see in those photos don't just hate Bush. He is a symbol of the corporate stranglehold going on worldwide.
The damage started long before Bush, but I agree, we need to band together. all of us with good intentions.

"Off-topic" point here: I don't feel Atty Jimmo should have been banned. I disagree with almost everything he says, and I know most of it is simply baiting, but I don't think banning him reflects the "spirit" of what this board should be standing for. We all need to be bigger than that.

The current administration, and the mushrooming media/propaganda machine that created and defends it, demonizes nearly all who disagree with their agenda. Do we wish to reflect the spirit of that here, in this blog?

Jimmo doesn't deserve such focus anyway. He'll probably just find a way to come back as someone else. Mike's "gas" reads an awful lot like Jimmo's, does it not?

We all, including "The Man", Brad, have bigger "fish" to "fry". Like keeping Clint Curtis high-profile, and in the news. Clint's taken a chance in exposing the NeoCon underground, and we need to be actively concerned for his safety. Brad's, also.

Jimmo, Paul, and Mike, are mere "blips". If you ban them, they're still out there, aren't they? Argue with them, pity them, get angry with them, even ignore them. But banning people is not a suitable answer, in my humble opinion.

At my age, I still have strong ideals. My ideals do include those who disagree with me. "That which does not kill me makes me stronger"..."I do not support what you say, but I support your right to say it". This, to me, is the spirit of The America I love.

Theresa...All good points (#22)

Dubya's Inaugural address uses the word FREEDOM 27 times in a 20m min. span and yet those who feel strongly against his policy were literally penned up like animals robbed of their right of presence, and FREEDOM of speech!

IS THIS HIPOCRACY OR WHAT?

An angry American

#22 Teresa, wise woman you speak the truth.

Brad gave Jimmo many warnings and chances. This is his blog and freedom of speech is on his dime. This is a fine place to debate the finer points of any subject. Jimmo's too busy deliberating whether to go with Twinkies or Ding Dongs. Brad's decision was the right one. People on the right are rarely interested in debate these days, anyway, and with good reason. I'm sure you've noticed that. Right now, they own or control just about everything, although they are hardly a majority. Well, almost everything. But they don't own it all, not yet. It started back in the 70's with the founding of the "thoughtless tanks" like the Heritage Foundation and they have been waging this war slowly but steadily for 35 years. We could be in for a long struggle to just get back to passing go.

we

I meant to add that we should never underestimate "blips". Hitler was a "blip" once. We've ignored these blips for the last 35 years. This is what happens when you ignore these blips like the Heritage Foundation was once. Now there are so many of them they take up the whole radar screen. Change their minds, if you can, (impossible). Shoot them, (illegal). Waste your time arguing with them, (time's to valuable), but don't ignore them. Banning is good. They belong on the fringe anyway.

"Quickvote" CNN.com ("msm")

Did you find President Bush’s inaugural address inspiring?

Yes 30% 66702 votes
No 70% 153939 votes
as of 9:42 AM ET

It look like we (us = good people) still watching CNN. Maybe is a clean vote.

Mike: I am a proud socialist--or, more accurately "social democrat".

Works for me. Got a problem with that?

God bless you Brad.

I should have sent you my DC pictures last night.

I was damn proud to be there. For the first time in 4 years, I felt alive again. And I sang at the protest rally in McPherson Square.

I have some pics from Atlanta too.

Re #20:

Whilst I agree with Bob on most things (and respect his opinion ALWAYS), I'm afraid that I must disagree on one point.

That current state of division in the US (and the worldwide reprecussions) are as a result of Dubya's policies. They are themselves a symptom of a much deeper malaise and that is the push towards a worldwide hegemony of corporate influence unrestricted by any form of regulation. The merchant elite fund his campaigns (and the lies and skulduggery that entails) not out of commtment to any socioeconomic ideals, but in support of PROFIT - nothing more and nothing less. If we fail to realise that, next election will merely see George W. Bush replaced with Jeb and the whole crock of shit continues.

You don't kill a cur by amputating it's tail (and with the amount of crap coming out of the Bush camp it must be someplace close), removal of the head is a much surer way. Unless the corporations are brought under some form of effective control, this cycle will be repeated ad infinitum and in that endeavour the labels of socialism and capitalism will (rightly or wrongly) surface time and again.

Essential steps (as I see them)

1. Unseat Bush, preferably by impeachment and imprisonment.

2. Institute election reform and severly curtial undue corporate influence over campaign financing. It works well in the rest of the civilised world, there's no reason to believe that it wouldn't work in the US.

3. Re-introduce regulatory powers and properly fund the bodies responsible. Corporations claiming fourth amandement (I think, I'm only a limey - thrown me a frickin' bone here!) right to privacy as a mechanism to avoid investigation is quite patently ludicrous and serves only the interests of those who damage and pollute without any form of regard for the people or the law.

4. Remove tort reform. Those who do the damage, pay to put it right and it should hurt so that they will be unwilling to do it again.

Again, these are the opinions of a hairy lunatic and should not be construed as anything but

Keep the faith and vive le revolution de velours!

Bush: And Liberty for all

http://www.warblogging.com/

I'm sorry. Here is a sample of more "liberation".

http://dahrjamailiraq.co...es/dispatches/000176.php

Anyone care to help out the token limey?

Did any of the conter inaugral stuff make the MSM over there?

I'm guessing not, but I don't like to work on guesses when arguing with a wing-nut.

As an aside (and I'm probably going out on a limb here), I think we (progressives/liberals/whatever) should resist the urge to demonise all republicans - bear with me here...

My wifes uncle (a man who I love and respect for his humanity, generosity and humour) is a Republican, we have decided a while ago to just agree to disagree on Politics. When cold called this election by the local GOP and asked if they could count on his vote, his reply was "Sure, as long as you're not fielding George W. Bush as your candidate." The call was terminated fairly quickly, as you can well imagine. I refuse to believe that this man is the only one in the US - just because I think that he's one in a million, don't make it so. There must be people of thought and conscience who consider themselves republican and we should not tar them with the same brush, if we continue to demonise them the divisions merely deepen and the rift only serves the interests of those currently in power.

If we are completely honest with ourselves, both parties have been subverted with an elitist taint (kind of a corporate-religious thing), it's just that the Republicans have been swallowed faster because of their inherent tendency toward central control - grab control of the centre and the rest follows easily.

That's why I prefer to use the term neo-cons, most republicans of conscience will not identify with them and hopefully don't feel threatened by this phrase - it may seem like mere word play, but words carry enormous power when carefully chosen and to acheive our aims we must use all (morally acceptable) means at our disposal.

Maybe not a popular opinion I know, but thankfully, I have never courted popularity...

Keep the faith!

And may I take this opportunity to say that you people rock - I'm all the way over the pond but fighting your corner as well as I'm able.

Thanks Brad for giving us a glimpse at what the Major News Outlets only hinted at.

Keep it up.

Thanks, Brad, for a great morning wakeup. Let's keep the energy flowing.

By the way, LGM on #27 says: "Right now, they own or control just about everything, although they are hardly a majority."

Yes, but they are not a majority and millions of us can can do some controlling, too, through what we purchase and what we boycott. If we think big and can get ourselves organized, we have a lot of power.

> Capitalism is OK in theory

Capitalism creates wealth. Without wealth, no money for tsunami victims.

You liberals are "either or" people.

Brad came to my church once and we have over 7,600 people attending on the weekends and he asked "Why don't you give more money to the poor and have smaller buildings?" I told him we can do both. We do give tons of money and help to poor people but we also need large buildings for the sheer number of people. We have a $20 million auditorium, $9 million youth building, and an $8 million children’s building. And we are building more!

You guys think we ought to pay less for Bush’s inauguration and give more money to tsunami or the troops. Well, we can do all three! Life is not "either or." The real reason behind your dislike of the $40 million is your dislike for this president. In my opinion, it is the most ludicrous and hypocritical bandwagon the left has gotten on during his presidency.

Nice pictures, but billions are not protesting!!!!!!!

Dear Brad:

I have never in my whole life felt as scared as I am now. It is now no secret that Shrub Boy's next target for pre-emptive war is Iran. North Korea is up after that.

There are those who use this blog to quote the Holy Scriptures. Well, my offering for that is Armageddon. It is now plainly (and painfully) obvious that this is Shrub's mission. To plunge us all headlong into Armageddon.

Will anyone stop this madman? He MUST be the reincarnation of Adolf Hitler. There is simply no other explanation. I am hoping there will be a country that will step up to oppose him and his neo cons in Congress.

And as for Da Wookie (#16), I tell you this. Based on the passage you referenced, please remember that Jesus described Capitalists in that scene as "A Den of Thieves." Also, please kindly note that the Apostles in the Book of Acts were the ideal Communists. They placed all their possessions into a pile and all took as they had need. Sounds just like this familiar Communist quote: "From each according to his abilities to each according to his need."

Doesn't this just make you want to toss your cookies? "Religion and morality"

Top Stories - Chicago Tribune

Christian right marks start of `a good 4 years'

2 hours, 1 minute ago Top Stories - Chicago Tribune

By Robin Abcarian Tribune Newspapers: Los Angeles Times

A couple of hours after President Bush (news - web sites) took the oath of office, the indefatigable Rev. Lou Sheldon, founder and chairman of the Traditional Values Coalition (news - web sites), was more upbeat than usual.

On Wednesday, Sheldon had tossed a Christian bash for more than 800 people at the Ritz-Carlton hotel. The host committee was virtually a who's who of politically important evangelicals, including Gary Bauer (news - web sites), Ralph Reed and Rev. Jerry Falwell. On Thursday, Sheldon played host to an indoor gathering of about 300 fellow Christians, people who wanted to experience the inauguration events with like-minded people but weren't inclined to brave the weather.

"This is the beginning of a good four years," said Sheldon, who is given to quoting historical figures and this time offered a snippet of George Washington's 1796 farewell address: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports."

"Religion and morality," Sheldon repeated. "That's what is happening--that fusion of religion and morality and public policy has now come about.

Fantastic photo-essay of the reality of shrub-the-uniter's --- an ever expanding legacy of people who despise him.

Perhaps you'd want to add a photo of how the 'children of Tal Afar' were celebrating the inauguration.

We must in_DEEDs purge the Bush neocon cabal.

BE THE BUSH OPPOSITION; 24/7
http://www.velvetrevolut...hpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=82

Good morning Cheryl,

Agree with the 'puke' sentiments, entirely.

Perhaps you'd want to share the following banner with Sheldon and the other theocratic anti-American hypocrites:

"When Jesus said love thy neighbor, he probably meant DON'T KILL THEM."

Peace.

BE THE BUSH OPPOSITION; 24/7

Thanks for the pictures Brad. If we depended on the MSM for information of the protestors I guess we would have been S.O. L.

TONI (from yesterday) no apologies nacessary. would have been great if 100 people had found and posted the link. Its hard work (where have I heard that before?) fighting this regime, being the media, and working on our own political action committees (see breakthelink.org, we really need help over there, and billydoc is doing a great job!)To make matters even worse, I have a sister in the hospital I visit daily and my husband has Lymphoma, and not doing to well. So if I'm late to respond or slow on the uptake, thats why. We will all do our share, so what if we duplicate it!

PS LGM #27 I think I love you!

oops!, I meant #10, but 27 is cute too...

re #35 "There must be people of thought and conscience who consider themselves republican and we should not tar them with the same brush"

Da Wookie: there probably are some left somewhere, but there are none with any influence within the party at all. There has been a consistent, concerted 25-year campaign to marginalize all but the most idelogically pure Fellow Travelers of the hard-core right wing cabal.

At freepress.org there are two important letters written by Rep. Conyers one to Ohio AG Petro and one to Mitrofsky (exit poll firm) expressing doubts about the official explanation for discrepencies and demanding the raw data again. According to a diary at DailyKos, Conyers wants our help sending his letters to the media.

Re.#38
If this is true "Paul",will you please explain to all of us why our soldiers are welding pieces of Fucking scrap iron onto their trucks and humvees to keep from being blown up. Now you're pissing me off!

At freepress.org there are two important letters written by Rep. Conyers one to Ohio AG Petro and one to Mitrofsky (exit poll firm) expressing doubts about the official explanation for discrepencies and demanding the raw data again. According to a diary at DailyKos, Conyers wants our help sending his letters to the media.

sorry for the duplicate post

> why our soldiers are welding pieces of *ucking scrap iron onto their trucks and humvees to keep from being blown up. Now you're pissing me off!

That problem has already been addressed.

War is hell and it ain't perfect.

How about WWII? That was a bunch of guys that had no protection, yet they still prevailed. They also used make-shift materials. You guys have no knowledge of war other than Vietnam.

And for the ones on this blog who are living in fear, put your faith in God and not in man!

DA WOOKIE (Post #35):

I can't see anything in your post I could disagree with. The problem is deep-seated, and profound.

Profit is the major motive. Profit is power, and it is corrupting.

I got the fuzzy impression from Bush's speech that he is now claiming to be the provider of Liberty, both here in America and abroad. I must have heard that incorrectly.

Did you read (at Solarbus) that the foreign overseas (mostly military) votes in New Jersey were 71% Kerry and 29% Bush, while the rest of the state was around 53% Kerry? How's that for supporting your troops.

Enjoyed the photos!

When Mike & Bush talk of FREEDOM...they mean free enterprise...they don't mean your freedom!

They believe in the freedom to wage war for profit

They believe in freedom to destroy the environment and suppress free clean alternative energy

They believe in freedom as defined by their religion, not yours or any other personal freedom

They believe in freedom to buy and corrupt elections

They believe in freedom to exploit consumers and workers

They believe in freedom to control law and politics to protect their wealthy benefactors

They believe in freedom to control the media to keep people misinformed and ignorant

They believe in freedom to commit fraud and other crimes to maintain power and control

They believe in freedom to set up corrupt democracies around the world as compliant corporate satellite states

They believe in freedom to amass capitalist wealth while much of the world languishes in hunger, poverty, and despair

They believe in freedom to worship Jesus Christ, who was a peace loving socialist that despised how the wealthy capitalists exploited the poor, the sick, the disadvantaged, and abused their power, whether political, economic, or religious. (Do they really think Jesus will return and hop in their limos and attend their inaugural balls with all the wars, poverty, and despair in the world they create?)

So as Republicans decry Darwinism and evolution in our schools, they're more than happy to practice economic Darwinism for their selfish greedy benefit. They believe in trickle down economics to which I say, "Don't piss down my back and tell me it's rainin'!"

Socialism is only a failure because Capitalists made sure it would be one in order to protect their wealth and power in America and the world. That's why Republicans plan coups and assasinations against left-wing democracies. And Bush will spread freedom and democracy throughout the world my ass!

When the word freedom passes from Bush's lips, it represents his hidden semantics and agendas, as cover for the corporate free enterprise control code of America and the world...which only suppresses true freedom, liberty, and justice, maintains a state of poverty for billions, plots profit-making wars and coups, and seeks to exploit the human and natural resources of the world to our personal, civil, and environmental detriment.

There is only one way for WE THE PEOPLE to insure we are no longer governed by "their" definition of "freedom" and that is to take their freedom from them, the result of all their frauds and crimes. We must no longer be the prisoners of their definitions and frauds. We must make them the prisoners of a legal, economic, and political system that is truly free, truly liberated, and truly just!

It is time to let fall the guillotine and dethrone the corporate royalty and take back what is ours...

"...this land is your land, this land is my land,
from the Redwood Forests to the New York Islands,

this land was made for you and me...
this land was made for you and me..."

Freebird

Thanks for the pictures, Brad. Enjoyed the signs and slogans. I especially liked the one: WAR IS LATE TERM ABORTION!. I have been harping on Bush's inconsistent position of the killing of innocents for a long time and this sums it up.

Somebody commented that war ain't perfect. I think it was comment #52, Jack Frost I think was his name.
Yes, war ain't perfect. That's why you should be really really sure that the war you're fighting is worth it. Fighting imperialist dictators like Hitler and Hirohito was worth it. Now the tables have turned and the Imperialist dictator is our president. Don't even compare WWII to the Iraq blunder. Your comparisons are not well thought out and quite frankly disgraceful.
As far as having faith in God, you have the right to do so. But, dude, what the fuck does that have to do with anything here?

I agree that this is what Bush's inauguaration speech really meant!

http://www.wsws.org/arti...5/jan2005/bush-j21.shtml

Yesterday, a great leader G. W. Bush was sworn in as OUR president. He is a man of his word. He believes in freedom and liberty for the entire world. He understands that his #1 job is to protect our country from our enemies. He does not lead by polls. He is a man of faith and the Founding Fathers would be proud.

By the way, off topic, during the campaign it was a bad economy out there according to the left. Well, a lot of my friends have lost their jobs since 2000 but all are working now. My wife put $3,150 in her 401K this past quarter and her evil corporation put in $1,575 and the market value of her 401K went up by $12,900 - that my friends is an increase of $16,725 and it reminds my of the Republican years of 1994 to early 2000.

Viva la Capitalism!

Thanks for the reference, Alison. Important letters indeed!

"Dancing while they die"

http://www.missoulanews....om/News/News.asp?no=4622

Greetings, all...I have stumbled across your blog completely by accident but have thoroughly enjoyed reading the posts. There are some very thoughtful folks here...as well as your usual numb-skulls who have no clue as to what is really happening to their country.

I have seen so much of Jesus mentioned here that I must comment...
As far as Jesus is concerned, I believe it was He who said "love your enemies & bless those that curse you."

Where is it that I see this attitude from ANY so-called "Christians"? The "Christian" right movement in the U.S. is the most hateful, intolerant, deceitful bunch around today...for instance, look at them with their signs outside their churches: "God Kills Fags"..."Thank God for AIDS"...
How many "Christians" have I heard make comments such as "We should have nuked them."..."We should have leveled Falluja." (Which, by the way, how much more "leveled" do you want??)

Whose God are they praying to??? Who the f*** is THAT God??

I would also like to take a moment to invite you all to my website (although it isn't quite up in its entirety yet) an "All New Low"...in American history...complete with phpBB forum, etc...as I said, it's not quite up & running yet, but you may wish to bookmark it for visits in the future. It should be all good to go by 01-24-05. I would definitely appreciate your participation.

Thanks...
Take care & be good...

Ralstone

Bob Bilse -

Don't be fooled. Nobodies "free speech" is being banned.

For example, take Paul who now freely posts as "Paul's banned free speech". Just one example of the right claiming themselves a victim under the rubric of a complete and total hypocritical lie.

Paul has lied to you in order to make you believe something that is not true. That's a classic effect of Bushism in America, and precisely the opposite of what God (and even Jesus) call for in the books that Paul so ardently and hypocritically acts as if he gives a damn about.

Da Wookie -

I am quite careful not to demonize Republicans (though it does get harder and harder). That said, see for just one example, this BRAD BLOG article called "A (once) Grand Old Party".

It is not Republicans I have a problem with. Indeed, unlike so many of the wingnuts these days, I happen to think more-than-one-party rule is a good thing. I might have even voted for one as President had McCain managed to not be disgracefully slimed by the Uniter Not Divider back in 2000.

I have no problem with *real* Conservatives either. It is only the Fake Conservatives (like Bush, Paul, Atty Jim etc.) who have, via their seemingly boundless hypocrisy and decidely unConservative practices, earned my disdain for their shameless intellectual dishonesty.

On that point, I have quoted and linked to many *true* Conservatives on these pages if you take a look back.

MrBlueSky -

Don't be scared. That's just what they want you to be. And the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

When you are scared, they have won.

Keep up the courageous fight for a Free and Fair America with a government as intended by the Constitution of the People, by the People and for the People.

The fight against the tyranny of the NeoCons can only be won by brave People, like those who truly fought for freedom in this country's past.

The right uses words like "banned free speech" as if saying it makes it so.

We know better.

If you become frightened, then the *real* cowards will have won.

On my first listen to Bush's speech, I thought it was just uninspiring. You know freedom, freedom, freedom...Although I thought, even though I didn't hear the word "draft", that that's what he was implying. Now I realize why I thought that. His whole speech was geared to get us used to the fact he plans to go into other countries, on behalf of FREEDOM...for God's sake!

Atty Jim was banned as I recall!

Hi All You Brothers and Sisters! I just sent this to some old friends, pre-Bradville:

Dear Friends,

It's time to wake up and smell the corpses. I have decided that I must go to my nearest Christian church (tricky but doable here in Prague) every Sunday and carry a large sign that says: Whom would Jesus bomb? and then be prepared to discuss the issue. People who voted for Bullsh because "He's a good Christian" should be forced, or at least coaxed, to parse their thoughts. Might just work!

Love and Peace, All!

Bobbo

PS and if that doesn't work, try walking in to your local draft board and singing a few bars of Alice's Restaurant, in four part harmony, if you've got any friends!

PPS please check out this link...

http://www.wsws.org/arti...5/jan2005/bush-j20.shtml

@Da Wookie... another limey here eh?... yay!! Got a question for you though... inspired by looking at the pictures Brad's posted has made me think... I'm just not doing enough... so...

Have you any idea if there are any groups on our side of the pond that co-ordinate anti-bush activist efforts here? - If I'd have known more.. I'd have been at the US embassy in London lending my voice and presence to the cause. I don't want to miss the chance to protest, especially not considering how important the subject matter is.

MrBlue Sky #39

I share your concerns about Iran, especially since I read and commented on an article a couple weeks ago which showed Iran to be at the top of Bush's second term agenda, just like Iraq was on top of his first one...they just had to wait for the 9/11 plans to be carried out. So what new 9/11 crisis tied to Iran will be forthcoming?

And with all the war talk and intelligence gathering going on...sure sounds like we're getting set up again...from public propaganda conditioning to military strike plans! Of course, they're talking about taking out Syria too! Sort of like kill two birds with one stoned President!

Okay! With our great track record in occupying Iraq, where do we get the manpower to invade and occupy Syria and Iran? I know to all of us these thoughts seem insane, but that insanity makes sense in the White House. They're actually planning on it and their re-election and right-wing increases in Congress only boosts the confidence in their self-delusions.

But all the warning signs are flashing red! The report this week of special ops infiltration into Iran for intelligence gathering...look out here comes that great intelligence! Only this time the dark force with the Darth Vader hairstyle will be presenting the case to the UN! Oops! I'm sorry...we don't need the UN anymore according to Dick & George.

Nor as the most powerful nation on Earth, do we need to worry about Geneva Conventions, Nuremburg War Crimes Agreements, or an International Criminal Court! Especially if we're waging war in the service of a GOD greater than all of us!

Then you have the report that the White House has ordered a rush to fill all the Draft Board positions in America a