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OUTRAGED CITIZEN ARCHIVESEITHER WE BELIEVE IN FREEDOM OF RELIGION, OR WE DON'T 07/19/2010 Some paranoid individuls want to deny a small group of American muslims from building a mosque because "they might be radical." I say, let's deny the building of any more Christian churches because some might have neo-Nazis as members, and others have child-molesting priests. DUMBER THAN SARAH PALIN? 07/05/2010 Hard to believe, but since the witless wonder of Wasilla climbed onto the stage, all sorts of dim-witted political candidates are emerging. THE BRAINLESS LEADING THE CLUELESS 06/03/2010 Why conservative talkers are wrong about the oil disaster, and why no one should fall for their twisted logic. THE LESSON OF RAND PAUL 05/24/2010 Why libertarianism and convervatism are outdated and dangerous ideologies. SEATTLE: WHERE LIBERAL ISN'T A DIRTY WORD 05/19/2010 Seattle is a city dominated by liberal ideas and those ideas work to create a lovely place to live and work. STUPID 05/06/2010 I received a chaim email that offended me and confirmed how ignorant and hateful some people are. DRILL, BABY, DRILL; SPILL, BABY, SPILL; KILL, BABY, KILL 04/30/2010 Sarah Palin and her followers ought to look at what their kind of thinking, or lack of thinking, has led to: the deaths of eleven men and probably hundreds of thousands of animals, as well as an entire fishing industry. RACISM AND THE WIN - LOSE MENTALITY 04/16/2010 The tea party movement, which is largely funded by republican and conservative groups, has taken off because it is fueled by conscious and unconscious racism and racial fear. A LITTLE COURAGE, PLEASE 03/28/2010 In both the health care debate and the child abuse scandal in the Catholic Church, ordinary people need to stand up and take control. HEALTH CARE HYPOCRITES; HEALTH CARE LIARS 02/27/2010 The Republicans can't be trusted on health care reform, so the Democrats have to go it alone. DELIBERATELY IGNORANT OR JUST IGNORANT 02/11/2010 REpublicans are either ignorant or playing ignorant. This is dangerous to the future of the country. A BITTER CUP OF TEA 02/06/2010 The tea party movement is incredibly dangerous to the future of this nation. REPUBLICAN IDEOLOGY EXPLAINED 01/29/2010 The Republicans do not care about deficits, health care, government efficiency or the people. They care only about power and money. WAKE UP DEMOCRATS! 01/20/2010 An assessment of the precarious position the Democrats are in just one year after an electoral blowout. GOD'S PLAN? 01/14/2010 Many Amerian evangelicals are narcissists who make God in their image, and use God to justify their own ambitions and prejudices. BEING A RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN IN A COMPLEX WORLD 01/10/2010 Even as the world becomes increasingly complex, and a thoughtful and intelligent man sits in the White House, Republicans want to appeal to Americans who hate and fear it's complexity. FEEDING EACH OTHER 01/04/2010 Why we need health care reform now. MERRY CHRISTMAS AMERICA 12/18/2009 Perhaps the America we learned about in grammar school is a myth. THE ANNUAL FAUX OUTRAGE OVER CHRISTMAS 12/08/2009 A certain segment of Christians waste time each year outraged about a non-existant war on Christmas, even as they participate in the consumer frenzy that is the biggest outrage of all. BULLIES 11/29/2009 Radio and television personalities, birthers, tea partiers, abusive priests, angry district managers, and mobsters all have one thing in common: they are bullies and they only make our problems worse. SOUR GRAPES 10/10/2009 Conservatives are now attacking Barack Obama for winning the Nobel Peace Prize. My mother would call it "sour grapes." THIEVES' MARKET 10/05/2009 Why the public option is so important in the new health care bill, and why Republicans oppose it so vehemently. US VS. THEM 09/28/2009 As members of one human race, we can work towards peace, understanding, reconciliation and unity, or we can go to war against each other. The history of the world records these two directions, but today, in an age of nuclear weapons, there is really only one choice. CONSERVATIVES AND LIBERALS ARE NOT THE PROBLEM 09/22/2009 Three influences contaminate our political process today. Without them, conservatives and liberals might be able to find common ground on some issues, or at least behave with more civility. TRIBALISM, JIMMY CARTER, AND PAPER CLIPS 09/17/2009 A plea for less racial animosity and more tolerance. IGNORANCE, RACISM AND THE PRESIDENT'S PEP TALK TO STUDENTS 09/08/2009 I am saddened and frightened by the level of ignorance, racism, fear and hate that permeates a segment of our society. It is very dangerous and utterly shameful. FEAR: THE ORIGIN OF "MINE" AND "NO" 09/01/2009 Conservatives' two favorite words are "mine" and "no." But what really drives this mentality is fear. THE SCREAMING SENIORS OF SUMMER, 2009 08/13/2009 Republicans are getting senior citizens hysterical with talk of the government "killing grandma." The reality is that the only thing that will be killed is health care reform. REPREHENSIBLE FEAR MONGERS, GULLIBLE AMERICANS 08/07/2009 The fear mongers are at it again, trying to kill health care reform. They are despicable. FAIRNESS TO FORGOTTEN WORKERS 07/09/2009 Those who care for our elderly and ill parents and grandparents deserve a living wage. A LOVE STORY 07/01/2009 the story of two people in love for 64 years, dying only four days apart, can teach us all about love and committment. CAPTAIN DAN 05/25/2009 Remembering Captain Dan Bergin, a great adventurer, a man my family and I spent six hours with in the summer of 2006, and a man we will never forget. THE PARABLE OF THE HOUSEWIFE AND THE HAM: PART II 05/18/2009 Just like the Republicans, the Catholic bishps are engaging in self-defeating strategies. THE PARABLE OF THE HOUSEWIFE AND THE HAM: PART I 05/10/2009 The Republicans have misdiagnosed the problem with their ideology and their party. As long as they refuse to see reality, and stay stubbornly stuck in the past, they will be an irrelevant minority. RIP GOP 04/29/2009 Forty years of wandering in the wilderness can only help the Republican Party gain some common sense and humility. And while there, perhaps they can cut of the water rations of people like Rush Limbaugh and Dick Cheney. THE PARANOID PARTY 04/07/2009 An appeal to paranoia is something that has long characterized the conservative movement within the Republican Party. With a popular liberal African American as president, and a rejection of the conservative ideology by a majority of Americans, the appeal to paranoia is only going to get worse REPUBLICANS: ROOTING FOR FAILURE 03/27/2009 The Republicans want Obama to fail. If Obama fails, we all lose. The country's economy may be destroyed. Why aren't we calling this treason? AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY IRRELEVANT..... 03/17/2009 With a recession, mortgage and banking crises, global warming, political bickering, international dangers and other huge issues to face, the gossip regarding Sarah Palin's daughter and baby may seem trivial, but it highlights a problem that every parent needs to consider. REPUBLICANS: LOOK IN THE MIRROR 03/08/2009 Republicans want to blame Obama for the economic mess we're in because he hasn't yet gotten the country out of it, after an entire 7 weeks as President. If they want to know whom to blame, they need only look in the mirror. IDEOLOGY IS ALL THEY HAVE LEFT 02/25/2009 The Republicans have been rejected because of their failed ideas. Yet they cling to their ideology as it is all they have left. COWARDS 02/20/2009 Republicans take notice: It may soon be times for the pitchforks and torches. INDIVIDUAL FAILINGS OR A FAILED SYSTEM 02/16/2009 Who is really to blame when problems erupt in society? Is it the individual or the very structure of the society? BLIND ALLEYS, IDEOLOGY, THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY 02/06/2009 The Catholic Church and the Republican Party are the antithesis of the scientific community. When scientific research goes down a blind alley, the quickly reverse course and look for a better path. When the church or the party go down a blind alley, they happily stay put, trying to convince themselves and others it is not blind and they are not fools. EVOLUTION OF A DREAM 01/22/2009 The dream of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the dreams of millions of Americans came together on January 20th, when Barack Obama was inaugurated the first black president of the United States. HISTORY 01/13/2009 By electing Barack Obama president, the words "We shall overcome" has finally been realized for the African American community. In fact, by turning the page and leaving behind our history of racism and prejudice, we as a nation have overcome. POLITICAL NONSENSE OR SERIOUS BUSINESS 01/02/2009 A lot of people are making demands of the president elect, and issuing threats to withdraw their support if he doesn't give them what they want. This is not helpful at all. We have serious economic and national security problems to be addressed. Some less crucial things will have to wait. THE WISDOM OF OBAMA 12/18/2008 Obama's choice of some cabinet secretaries, and his recent selection of Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration have some progressives upset. They have nothing to worry about. This is just Obama's style, his desire to be inclusive and win over his detractors and opponents. A SOCIETY THAT NO LONGER THINKS 12/03/2008 We have witnessed too many examples of people and their leaders failing to think. Inevitably, people eventually lose their lives because of it. THANKSGIVING 2008: THE BEST OF TIMES, THE WORST OF TIMES 11/24/2008 These are tough times, for the nation, and for me personally. It is hard to be thankful, but even as I try to follow my mother's example, I feel frightened, and angry and sad. A HISTORIC ELECTION; A POLITICAL SEA CHANGE 11/10/2008 The election of the first African American president is an occasion for celebration, as is the defeat of the modern conservative movement. AND NOW....A FEW WORDS ABOUT SOCIALISM AND TAXES 10/31/2008 Why John McCain's ploy to demonize Obama by calling him a socialist will fail this election. ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES, OR HOW THE REPUBLICANS ARE KILLING MY MOTHER 10/26/2008 The failed ideology of Republicans has caused great harm to our economy and our unity. It is now killing its own citizens. DEMOCRACY REQUIRES US TO BE "OF THIS WORLD" 10/14/2008 The "Not of this World" mentality is not healthy to our democracy. WE'RE GOING TO WIN THIS TIME 10/02/2008 The real reason Barack Obama will win, and John McCain will lose. WHEN CONSERVATIVES ARE NOT CONSERVATIVE 09/23/2008 Being conservative in one's personal life is very different from being politically Conservative. The first is cautious; the second is reckless and radical. QUESTIONS ABOUT RACE AND VOTING 09/16/2008 These are questions I would ask voters who will not vote for Barack Obama because he is black. SARAH PALIN IS THE ANTI-FEMINIST 09/12/2008 Real feminists won't vote for Sarah Palin because Sarah Palin is not one of them. JOHN McCAIN AND SARAH PALIN THINK YOU'RE STUPID 09/09/2008 Here's just how stupid they think you are. CONTEMPT FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE 08/30/2008 Republicans have nothing but contempt for the American people and will do and say anything to maintain power, even choosing the least qualified person as a vice presidential candidate in order to pick off enough votes of ingorant and disgruntled voters to win the election. They've done it at least twice now - with Dan Quayle and now Sarah Palin. DEMOCRATIC ANGST AND REPUBLICAN AGGRESSION 08/27/2008 Here's how republicans win and democrats lose. Dems - pay attention! WAR AND JESUS, JESUS AND WAR 08/18/2008 How the oligarchs manipulated Christianity and created New Jesus, warrior, warmonger, and lover of Republicans. LIGHT OR HEAT? 08/11/2008 Many voters are seeing the light with respect to the utter failure and corruption of Conservative Republican dominance of government. But until a sufficient number actually feel the heat, nothing will change. ARROGANT VS. VULGAR 08/07/2008 John McCain wants voters to believe his opponent is arrogant (code for uppity) while he is both arrogant and vulgar. Which man would you be proud to call "president?" PREDICTIONS, HISTORY, AND THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 07/28/2008 Presidential elections since 1960 show that when one candidate is charismatic and carries a sense of destiny and history, that candidate always wins. This election has one charismatic candidate - but he could lose. THE WAR PARADIGM 07/18/2008 Can we ever as a nation end living under a war paradigm, and create a new paradigm, a peace paradigm? MY MENTAL RECESSION 07/12/2008 Phil Gramm has said some unconscionable things, and John McCain, who considers Gramm his chief economic advisor, is offering policies that will help no one. If anyone is still fooled by Republican economic ideology and practices that are destroying our middle and working classes, they are deliberately ignorant, and irredeemably heartless. REPUBLICANS AND RESPONSIBILITY (OR WHY REPUBLICANS ARE LIKE TWO YEAR OLDS) 07/10/2008 Republicans think personal responsibility is the key to success and prosperity while Democrats believe in more than responsibility for oneself. They believe we have, in addition to personal responsibility, an obligation to be responsible for and to each other. BLASPHEMY 07/02/2008 We get more riled up over the words someone speaks than over the reality that prompted those words. ONE NATION, IN SEARCH OF THE COMMON GOOD, WITH RELIGIOUS LIBERTY FOR ALL 06/24/2008 Both Christians and Muslims are attacking Barack Obama. They are hurting this nation, and themselves. FIVE REASONS THE DEMOCRATS WILL BE UNITED IN NOVEMBER 06/08/2008 Hillary's supporters are disappointed and angry. Some say they will vote for McCain in the fall. They will make a different decision for five important reasons. THE EVOLUTION OF AN OBAMA SUPPORTER: PART TWO 06/02/2008 The reasons I believe Obama is the best choice in 2008. tHE EVOLUTION OF AN OBAMA SUPPORTER: PART ONE 05/27/2008 At one time I considered supporting Hillary Clinton for president. But many things have happened over the course of the campaign that have caused me to reject her. The first of two essays outlining my evolution from a woman who was excited by the possibility of a female candidate for president to a woman who sees Barack Obama as the wiser choice. HILLARYLAND 05/22/2008 In Hillaryland, there is nothing more important than Hillary Clinton's personal ambition and breaking the presidential glass ceiling. But to many Americans, there are plenty of issues that are more important. And that doesn't make them sexist. MISOGYNY, RACISM, AND THE GOOD OF THE NATION 05/12/2008 This democratic nominating process has pitted those who want to overcome racism against those who want to overcome misogyny. Both evils must be overcome, but the tactics of at least one of the candidates doesn't help either cause. FORGOTTEN WAR; CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT MEDIA; SELFISH AMERICANS 05/05/2008 As the presidential silly season gets sillier and sillier, people are dying because of George W. Bush and those who voted to authorize the Iraq War, the candidates argue over a fantasy gas tax holiday and the media shows its racist leanings in the craziness over the words of one black pastor. A RISK WORTH TAKING 04/27/2008 Hillary Clinton says voting for Barack Obama is risky. I say it is a risk worth taking. ELECTABILITY 101 04/21/2008 Is Barack Obama really unelectable? Or is Hillary trying to make him so? BEHIND THE DISGUST OVER THE DEBATE 04/19/2008 Hillary is saying her opponent can't take the heat because his supporters were angry about the recent debate. The moderators are defending their swift boat questionning. Here's why Obama supporters are really angry. HELL HATH NO FURY LIKE HILLARY SCORNED 04/15/2008 A marriage counselor's explanation of Hillary's behavior. A NATION DEFINED BY GREED 04/02/2008 Taking care of my elderly parents has brought into focus the way money and the pursuit of it defines our lives. A MEDITATION ON WAR 03/25/2008 As the American death toll in Iraq reaches 4000, a meditation on what war does to all of us. EPIC ELECTION OR CORPORATE CORONATION? 03/15/2008 The corporations and the political elite in this country have always controlled elections. This time, a new type of candidate threatens them, so they must work quickly to destroy him. THE DEMISE OF THE REAGAN-NUTS 02/09/2008 The conservative movement started by Goldwater and solidified by Reagan, is fracturing. Karl Rove and George W. Bush have exposed it for what it really is: a scheme to rob from the poor and give to the rich. HILLARY CLINTON IS TOO DIVISIVE 02/02/2008 Why we should vote for a new type of candidate and leave the Clinton legacy behind. THE CLINTON PATHOLOGY 01/28/2008 If Hillary Clinton is elected, she will bring Bill's baggage back into the White House. After eight years of Clinton pathology, and nearly eight years of Bush impairment, do we really want that? KARL ROVE IS LAUGHING 01/25/2008 The Democratic race this 2008 primary season is disheartening to say the least. TALE OF TWO PARTIES 01/19/2008 An analysis of the 2008 primary season for both the Democratic and Reublican Parties. WHO REALLY CHOOSES THE PRESIDENT? 01/11/2008 The people think the outcome of the 2008 election is up to them. They may be wrong. HIGH HOPES 01/06/2008 The New Year and the presidential election season is a time for hope. GOOD RIDDANCE 2007! 12/31/2007 Looking back on a dreadful year, and a dreadful seven years. THE GREED MARKET AND THE GROWTH DECEPTION 12/18/2007 The so-called free market has been a predatory market and the "growth" that is cited by so many conservative economists is a decpetive statistic. This market threatens to destroy the middle class and if our democracy is to survive and remain strong, something must change. I WOULD GLADLY PAY YOU TUESDAY FOR A HAMBURGER TODAY 12/04/2007 The housing crisis is the result of many factors, one of which is the years of indoctrination by banks, credit card companies, and corporations that has led Americans to believe they can have goods and services today, even if they can't afford them, because they can pay for them later (with interest). THE YOU TUBE DEBATE: GRINGOS, GOD, GUNS, GAYS, TORTURE AND TAXES 11/29/2007 A critique of the debate and the candidates. CAN THE FREE MARKET RESCUE THE AMERICAN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM? 11/09/2007 PART FIVE: PRESCRIPTION FOR CHANGE: IMPLEMENTING SINGLE PAYER, UNIVERSAL HEALTH INSURANCE CAN THE FREE MARKET RESCUE THE AMERICAN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM? 10/31/2007 PART FOUR: WHY THE FREE MARKET CANNOT FIX THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM CAN THE FREE MARKET RESCUE THE AMERICAN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM? 10/26/2007 PART THREE: THE CONSERVATIVE APPROACH CAN THE FREE MARKET RESCUE THE AMERICAN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM? 10/23/2007 PART TWO: CRISIS IN THE AMERICAN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM CAN THE FREE MARKET RESCUE THE AMERICAN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM? 10/18/2007 PART ONE: THE AMERICAN SYSTEM OF HEALTH CARE THE WARS 10/09/2007 Ken Burns documentary about World War II shows us how a necessary war will garner the support of the nation, while a war based on distortions and manipulations, a war that was not necessary, will attract a great deal of opposition. DIAGNOSING CHILDREN: A CRUCIAL TOPIC IN THE FIELD OF MENTAL HEALTH 10/03/2007 Should mental health professionals be using the diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children? Should powerful medications be used on small children whose brains are still developing? TORTURED LOGIC 09/26/2007 The Republican star may be burning out. Perhaps that is why their shrill voices and tortured logic are louder than ever. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE SAY "MOVE ON," BUT THE BANKRUPT REPUBLICAN PARTY REFUSES 09/13/2007 Republican histrionics about a television ad tells us a lot about the state of the party. LESSONS OF SEPTEMBER 11TH 09/11/2007 We all have an obligation to learn from 9/11, and our lessons are not limited to terrorism, Islam, the Middle East and Osama bin Laden. LOYALTY AND DISHONOR 08/28/2007 Alberto Gonzales is the latest Bush appointee to desert the sinking ship, leaving behind a legacy of loyalty to the cult of Bush, but disloyalty to the Constitution and the American people. KARL VON HINDENBURG 08/15/2007 Like the marvel of the Hindenburg, Karl Rove's permanent republican majority seems to be going down in flames. CONSERVATIVE IDEOLOGY AND BROKEN BRIDGES 08/03/2007 The conservative focus on low taxes and small government has led to mismanagement, cronyism, and decaying infrastructure. TO IMPEACH, OR NOT TO IMPEACH, THAT IS A COMPLEX QUESTION 07/31/2007 Progressive grass-roots Democrats are screaming for impeachment. Their reasons make perfect sense, but so does the decision of the Democratic Congress not to impeach. SEX, RELIGION, POLITICS, AND HYPOCRISY 07/17/2007 Issues of sexual morality have damaged both politics and religion, and preachers of morality and "family values" politicians have been the worst offenders. ARE 41% OF AMERICANS BRAIN DEAD, OR IS THERE ANOTHER EXPLANATION? 06/28/2007 41% of Amricans still believe Saddam Hussein was behind the attacks on 9/11. How could this be? IN OR OUT OF THE BUBBLE 06/19/2007 Living inside a bubble is no place for a responsible citizen. It takes effort to emerge, but it is essential. "I CALL HIM VLADIMIR" AND OTHER ABSURDITIES OF THE PAST WEEK 06/08/2007 Events the week of June 3rd to June 8th. THE NIGHT I BECAME A DEMOCRAT 06/05/2007 The assassination of Robert Kennedy introduced me to his vision and to the Democratic Party. That night, a few weeks before my 21st birthday, I moved away from the Republican mindset of my father. SERVING UP A LITTLE REALISM TO ANGRY , DISAPPOINTED IDEALISTS 06/01/2007 Democrats are disappointed and angry over the Iraq Funding Bill. And Cindy Sheehan has resigned. It's not easy to be an idealist. Sometimes it helps to accept just a little bit of reality. MEMORIAL DAY 2007: SUPPORTING THE TROOPS 05/28/2007 The men and women of the military are courageous Americans who deserve our admiration and support. The do not deserve to have their lives sacrificed for a mistake, or a political agenda, or some crazy ideology about remaking the Middle East. THE ESTABLISHMENT CHOICE 05/18/2007 We, the people do not choose our leaders. The military-industrial-political complex, through the media, choose them for us. "THE OTHER" OR "MY BROTHER" 05/11/2007 When we see those who are different from us as things, as "others" who are less human than we are, it is easy to mistreat them. Throughout human history, tribalism has led men to do this. We continue to do this today in our religious, national, and political tribalism, but with the ability to wipe out our entire species, there has never been a more urgent need to stop seeing our fellow humans as "others" and start treating them as "brothers." STOPPING THE OCCUPATION OR STOPPING DEMOCRACY 05/02/2007 By vetoing the Iraq Funding bill, President Bush has vetoed the will of the people. In order to save the "war" as well as his legacy, is he willing to sacrifice our democracy? ONE DAY IN AMERICA, FOUR YEARS IN IRAQ 04/21/2007 We are horrified by one day of violence in America that took thirty-two innocent lives. In Iraq, every day is a day of violence, taking dozens of innocent lives. TELEVISION: KEEPING US ENTERTAINED, AMUSED, DISTRACTED, MINDLESS CONSUMERS 04/10/2007 Don Imus and Anna Nicole are obviously more important stories than that pesky little one about the planet dying. CANCER AND TERRORISM: CHOOSING HOW TO LIVE 04/01/2007 We're all going to die of something, be it cancer, a terrorist attack, or something else. What matters is not that we die, but how we live. IS WAR EVER MORAL? A REJECTION OF THE "JUST WAR THEORY" 03/20/2007 It's time to revisit the Just War Theory, a theory that has never helped to create peace. TOO MANY SCANDALS 03/16/2007 Sometimes I get overwhelmed, paralyzed with outrage at this administration, and it's hard to focus my attention and write about just one of the many scandals. Sometimes I'd rather organize my closets and pretend it isn't happening. THE PYTHON WHO SWALLOWED AN ALLIGATOR: A METAPHOR 03/06/2007 The recent story out of Florida, about a python who swallowed an aliigator, provides us with an apt metaphor for the Bush-Cheney foreign policy. VACCINATION CONTROVERSY AND PROTECTING OUR DAUGHTERS 02/28/2007 As one state governor mandates the new anti-HPV vaccine, some object on moral and religious grounds, believing it may undercut their moral education advocating abstinence to their children. I suggest they revisit the issue and consider that abstinence is not always in the control of their daughters. BREAKING THE COVENANT OF DECENCY AGAIN 02/22/2007 George W. Bush is threatening Iran as he once threatened Iraq. He may be about to go batshit again. MISSING MOLLY 02/01/2007 The premature death of Molly Ivins is a loss to us all, and to our country. THE BOY PRESIDENT WHO SNUCK TWO ELEPHANTS INTO THE ROOM AND CRIED WOLF (PARDON THE MIXED METAPHOR) 01/31/2007 The president is getting ready to attack Iran. The propaganda and the aircraft carriers are there. Will the Congress ignore this elephant in the room and believe the cries of "wolf" one more time? CLEAR DIFFERENCES: REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRAT 01/24/2007 Clear differences emerged between the current Republican philosophy, put forward by the President and the current Democratic philosophy, articulated by Senator Jim Webb. STUDYING WAR: BUSH'S FOLLY 01/11/2007 The American people need to know the realities of war, and especially the realities of this war. Then those who continue to support the war need to answer a few question. ONWARD, MADAME SPEAKER! 01/06/2007 Fox News says Nancy Pelosi will turn America into San Francisco. Maybe that's not such a bad idea. WHAT IS RIGHT WITH AMERICA: THE LEGACY OF GERALD FORD 01/03/2007 Two men died last week. One was executed, one died of old age. Their lives and deaths have much to teach us. STILL OUTRAGED? A NEW YEAR'S ASSESSMENT 12/29/2006 As we approach the start of 2007, it is good to remember why this site was started in the first place, and to ponder whether there is still cause to be outraged. EMOTIONAL REASONING AND CONTINUING SUPPORT OF THE IRAQ WAR 12/09/2006 As citizens, generals, and legislators turn against the Iraq War, some citizens continue to call opponents of the war "traitors." The explanation for this lies not in clear thinking, but in emotion. BREATHING AGAIN 11/19/2006 A reflection on the nightmare of the past six years. ELECTION REFLECTION 11/09/2006 The 2006 Midterm elections are history and we've thrown the bums out. It's time to get to work to continue the restoration of our democracy, and build on our victory. DARE WE HOPE? 11/04/2006 With an election just four days away, we hold our breaths. Could our six year nightmare finally be over? DIGNITY AND CRUELTY: WHO REALLY BELONGS OUT OF SIGHT? 10/29/2006 Rush Limbaugh is a psychopath who has neither conscience nor compassion. His mocking of Parkinson's patient Michael J. Fox betrays the attitude so many of his fellow Republicans have to the poor, the ill, the unfortunate. They do nothing to make this country a better place, and they, not the poor and the ill, should be out of sight. A GRASSROOTS CANDIDATE CONFRONTS REPUBLICAN PROPAGANDA 10/18/2006 Republicans who listen to talk radio, watch FOX news and listen to political pastors, can be very good at hurling propaganda. Grassroots candidates need to be prepared with a few good tactics for neutralizing the propaganda, and even using it to their advantage. IS IT REALLY GOOD NEWS THAT EVANGELICALS HAVE DECIDED GOD IS GREEN? 10/12/2006 A recent documentary by Bill Moyers tells us that some evangelical pastors have decided it is Biblically sound to care for the planet. While it is good to have allies in the environmental movement, how they got there is disturbing for the country. LOSING AMERICA: POLITICAL EVENTS FROM SEPTEMBER 17 TO OCTOBER 1 10/02/2006 Lewd acts, lunkhead candidates, liberties cancelled, America lost. STOP THE WAR; SAVE THE NATION; BRING BACK THE DRAFT 09/25/2006 Bringing back the draft would change the entire attitude to the war in America. It would force us all to pay more attention to the propaganda of the president, which is why he will never bring it back. USING A SACRED DAY OF REMEMBRANCE TO INITIATE THE SCARY SEASON: EVENTS FROM SEPTEMBER 3RD TO SEPTEMBER 16TH 09/19/2006 Events the weeks of September 3rd to September 16th. THE NIGHTMARE ENDURES, FIVE YEARS LATER 09/11/2006 Some personal thoughts on the fifth anniversay of September 11th. BUSH, BOOKS, AND THE BARD; RUMMY RANTS; "W" PLAYS WITH WORDS; KATHERINE AND KATRINA; MAD MAHMOUD AND PESSIMISTS IN THE PENTAGON 09/02/2006 Political events from August 19th to September 2nd. GOP CATAPULTS MORE PROPOGANDA WITH AN ASSIST FROM THE MEDIA'S ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER: NEWS EVENTS FROM AUGUST 5th TO 18th 08/19/2006 Three big stories these past two weeks were overshadowed by the media focus on distractions, the timing of which was rather suspicious. The public continues to be fooled. MORE WAR; RICE TRAVELS TWICE; JOE MIGHT GO BUT NOT CASTRO; CENTER STAGE FOR THE MINIMUM WAGE; MEL FELL AND THE CLIMATE'S NOT WELL: JULY 22 TO AUGUST 4 08/07/2006 Events in the nation and the world from July 22nd to August 4th. PLEA FROM AN AMERICAN MOTHER: "CAN WE PLEASE STOP KILLING THE CHILDREN?" 07/31/2006 The war between Hezbollah and Lebanon is killing innocent children, as are the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Condoleezza Rice calls the current strife "birth pangs" while her boss does nothing except protect frozen embryos. NED IS AHEAD; BUSH SAYS SH** AND PUTIN HAS A FIT; NEOCONS EXPRESS GLEE AT WORLD WAR III; NO DOUGH FOR CELLS FROM EMBRYO 07/22/2006 Summary of events July 7th to 21st. THE ROOT CAUSE OF VIOLENCE: GEORGE W. BUSH 07/19/2006 Clueless George is sounding off again, talking down to the poeple as if he knows more than they do, when everything he says is a political calculation. He is the world's most dangerous man, leading the world to the abyss. Delay for DeLay, Integration of Powers, Lieberman's Multiple Personality Disorder, Rocket's Red Glare, Protect the Flag but not the Net. Another Two Weeks in Republican America, with Commentary. 07/07/2006 Events of June 24 to July 7 in Republican America. Delay for DeLay, Integration of Powers, Lieberman's Multiple Personality Disorder, Rocket's Red Glare, Protect the Flag but not the Net. Another Two Weeks in Republican America, with Commentary. 07/07/2006 Events of June 24 to July 7 in Republican America. CHALLENGING THE SACRED MYTHOLOGY OF WAR 07/03/2006 Americans support their wars because in the American mythology of war, war is always conducted for a noble and sacred cause. While politicians debate whether or not to end the occupation of Iraq, only a change in the underlying mythology of war will create a lasting peace. AMERICA'S ONGOING NIGHTMARE: A SUMMARY OF THE LAST TWO WEEKS IN REPUBLICAN AMERICA 06/23/2006 A summary of the past two weeks of lies, tricks, slogans, legislation and propaganda from the radical right. FIGHTING TERRORISM BY ATTACKING LIBERALS? 06/17/2006 To many ultra-conservatives, liberals are beyond redemption, immoral beings who are deserving of contempt. This is not the kind of attitude that helps anything. It certainly doesn't help us fight terrorism. CHENEY'S NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO SHOOTS HIS FRIENDS 06/09/2006 After her loss in a special election, Democrat Francine Busby was attacked by the progressive blogoshpere. This is no way to win elections. UNITING THE COUNTRY: DEMOCRATS CAN'T IGNORE THE SOUTH 06/04/2006 As both a pragmatist and an idealist, I believe the Democrats must put down their arrogance and defeatism, and begin reaching out to red states. The change progressives want to see in this country cannot be achieved by dismissing one whole segment of the country, no matter how differently we see the world. NO SIMPLE SOLUTION 05/12/2006 Illegal immigration is not just a problem of Mexican citizens breaking our laws. It is much more complicated than that and deserves a serious discussion, not just ranting and political pandering. DRIVING AND PATRIOTISM 05/01/2006 Some drivers, I contend, are more patriotic than others. Hummer drivers are the least patriotic of all, no matter how many flag decals they put on their cars. SUPPORTING PUBLIC EDUCATION 04/21/2006 The best way to help public schools is to support and encourage the teachers, pay them decent salaries, and stop all the negativity and criticism. CREDO FOR HOPE 04/13/2006 It is time for a new approach to religious belief. It is time for a new creed. CALIFORNIA DREAMIN': HOW THE REPUBLICANS PLAN TO TURN THE GOLDEN STATE RED 04/02/2006 The Republicans are lusting after California's 55 electoral votes, and are causing all kinds of mischief as a result. RESCUING THE WORD "LIBERAL" 03/24/2006 Liberals don't have to run from the label or the philosophy. Liberalism is a proud American tradition. NEOCONS ADMIT MISTAKES, MAKE EXCUSES; BUSH REMAINS CLUELESS 03/13/2006 Three writers are now saying "mea culpa," sort of. It's too late for them to be expressing regrets, but not too late (hopefully) for Americans to learn something about electing a president. REPUBLIC, DEMOCRACY, OR OLIGARCHY? 03/03/2006 Radical republicans are reminding everyone that our government is a republic and not a democracy. This a clever, but ridiculous argument. BUSH TO PEOPLE: "I'LL TELL YOU WHEN TO BE AFRAID" 02/22/2006 The story of the contract to Dubai Ports World is bigger than anyone thinks. It involves the sell off of our country and its growing control by megacorporations. ROVE IS WRONG; 9/11 DID NOT CHANGE EVERYTHING 02/17/2006 Karl Rove is bringing up his old mantra that "9/11 changed everything" and that the Democrats have a pre-9/11 mentality. It's time Democrats called him on this and said "9/11 didn't change everything and that is why we maintain a pre- 9/11 mentality." NO MORE SEX, NO MORE SHOPPING, NO MORE SUPPER, NO MORE WAR 02/10/2006 Wars are games played by men. Only women who have nurtured children have the power to stop their games. THE PEOPLE'S RESPONSE TO THE STATE OF THE UNION 02/01/2006 What if the people gave their own televised response to the State of the Union? This is what it might say. AMERICAN MYTH AND AMERICAN REALITY 01/30/2006 Americans live by certain myths of American innocence and greatness. But we are not safe today because of how the rest of the world views us. This is the reality of America to millions of poeple and we must understand it. A LONE HECKLER CONFRONTS BUSH 01/24/2006 Rumor has it that a heckler managed to disrupt Bush's January 23 speech. Here is the alleged transcript. AMERICA'S INFATUATION WITH WAR 01/16/2006 If God is to really bless America, America must first give up its love of war. UNHAPPY NEW YEAR 01/04/2006 The New Year is traditionally a time to be optimistic. This year that's a tall order. A FORMERLY FREE AND COURAGEOUS NATION 12/19/2005 We used to say we'd rather be dead than red. We used to resist the loss of our freedoms and our values as Americans. Now some politicians want to frighten us into giving up some of our liberties and our values, spy on us and engage in torture against our enemies. Are we going to allow this to continue and if we do, what does that say about us? WHAT'S IN A NAME? APPARENTLY, A GREAT BIG DISTRACTION 12/09/2005 The annual republican boo-hoo over the "secularization" of Christmas is in full swing. All I can say is this: the secularization of Christmas, if there is such a thing, has nothing to do with liberals, as republicans claim. It's a corporate strategy to sell more stuff we don't need, and a political strategy to distract people from the real issues. PEACE ON EARTH: CHANGING HEARTS, NOT JUST PERSPECTIVES 12/03/2005 The American people are changing their mind about support for this war. If only their hearts would change, and they would reject war completely. THE END OF BAMBOOZLEMENT 11/12/2005 The special election in California proved one thing: you can bamboozle some of the people for a while, but you can't bamboozle them forever. THE ONLY THING WE HAVE TO FEAR......IS THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION 11/07/2005 FDR said "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Bush manufactured fear and manipulated the American people for his own purposes: war and power. A TIME TO REFLECT: WHAT ARE WE DOING; WHAT HAVE WE BECOME? 11/01/2005 We must demand that George W. Bush answer hard questions, but we must also ask hard questions of ourselves as Americans. BACK TO THE MIDDLE AGES 10/21/2005 A new and potentially deadly flu strain may be on the way, eerily reminding us, in spite of the advances of our modern world, of what took place nearly 700 years ago. A RUSH LIMBAUGH CONSERVATIVE IN MODERATE'S CLOTHING 10/14/2005 Being the token liberal in a room full of conservatives is difficult. Having to endure endless talking points is worse. Contemplating what this means for the future of compromise in America is the worst. A MORALITY LESSON FOR REPUBLICANS 10/07/2005 Republicans want to install the Ten Commandments in every courtroom and classroom. I say, the Ten Commandments have too many loopholes. Let's display the Golden Rule. PATRIOTS AND PROPHETS 09/22/2005 Some people call Cindy Sheehan a traitor. I call her a prophet. A TRAGIC FAILURE OF IMAGINATION 09/18/2005 The biggest problem we have in this country right now is a president who has no imagination. DEATH AND DISASTER: BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE PROMISE OF BETTER SEX 09/13/2005 Products for erectile dysfunction and natural male enhancement were big advertisors during last weekend's coverage of the Flood in New Orleans. NEW ORLEANS: DESTROYED BY HURRICANE GEORGE AND HURRICANE GROVER 09/06/2005 Conservative ideologues are as responsible for the death and destruction in New Orleans as is Hurricane Katrina. THE REAL EXTREMIST 08/29/2005 Cindy Sheehan is not an extremist but George Bush certainly is. WHERE IS OUR NATION'S CONSCIENCE? 08/09/2005 Sixty years ago this nation used the atomic bomb on women, children and babies yet very few Americans express outrage. A grieving mother shows the courage that could wake up the nation and help it find its conscience. POLAR BEARS AND "HOMICIDE BOMBERS" 08/05/2005 The president's misuse of language reminds me of an intellectually challenged preschool teacher, but the lack of thought behind the language is far more serious. IT TAKES A CONSERVATIVE....TO TWIST THE TRUTH 07/26/2005 Conservative senator Rick Santorum is confused about what and who is hurting the family today. QUESTIONS 07/18/2005 War is never the answer. War only brings more questions and, of course, death. THE END OF TRUST ...THE END OF DEMOCRACY? 07/12/2005 We have lost trust in government, politicians, the electoral process, the media and each other. If we don't bring back honesty, we won't bring back trust. If we can't trust each other, we will destroy our democracy. A PSYCHOTHERAPIST RESPONDS TO KARL ROVE 07/02/2005 Karl Rove's recent comment about liberals wanting to offer understanding and psychotherapy to terrorists requires a rebuttal from a psychotherapist. JUST SAYING "YES" TO SEX EDUCATION 06/29/2005 A documentary provokes some thoughts about the current controversy over sex education in the public schools. JUSTICE, FINALLY! A FAIR AND JUST SOCIETY? NOT YET. 06/26/2005 The conviction of former Klansman Edgar Ray Killen is not the last chapter in the long legacy of racial violence and hatred, nor is it the end of the powerful and privileged abusing the powerless and the underprivileged. SAYING "I TOLD YOU SO" 06/17/2005 The truth is starting to come out, and while some might find it tempting to say "I told you so," it does no good to gloat. There is too much damage, too much to mourn. CATAPULTING THE PROPAGANDA 06/08/2005 As the president talks about catapulting the propaganda, we are reminded of all the propaganda he has engaged in and some of us wonder how we can catapult him out of office. THEY'RE FAIR GAME 05/28/2005 The religous right wants to silence the opposition with claims that liberals hate people of faith. This is absurd hypocrisy and they know it. Now that they've entered the kitchen of politics, it's time they got used to the heat. FOURTEEN HEROES AND ONE BULLY 05/24/2005 The fourteen Senators who brokered a deal to save the filibuster deserve our praise and gratitude, but one political bully in Colorado deserves our scorn. DEMONIZING LIBERALS AND SUPPORTING CONSERVATIVES: IS IT REALLY WORTH THE PRICE? 05/17/2005 Liberals have made this country a better place. It's time to acknowledge that, and stop demonizing them and supporting damaging conservative policies, just because a talk show host, politician or pastor stirs up your emotions about gay marriage and abortion. TEAM BUSH 05/05/2005 An awful lot of Bush supporters still drive around with "W" stickers on their cars. This is more than poor sportsmanship; it is indicative of what is wrong with our politics today. STRANGE BEDFELLOWS: THE POPE AND CONSERVATIVE AMERICAN PROTESTANTS 04/23/2005 The extensive coverage of the events at the Vatican reveal that conservative Republicans, who own the media, believe the election of a Pope even more conservative than his predecessor may be good news. SLOWLY SLIDING INTO COMPLETE MADNESS 04/14/2005 There is a lot of violent talk going on in this country today. We may think it is of no consequence, but it should not be ignored. A LETTER TO SENATOR BILL FRIST 04/06/2005 A plea and a warning to the leader of the Senate regarding their desire to end the practice of the filibuster. There could be no better motivation for the democrats to organize as never before, and take back the senate. A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE ON THE SCHIAVO CASE 03/28/2005 The Terri Schiavo case illustrates how family members, at different stages in the grieving process, and ordinary citizens who get caught up in the drama, can become pawns of political opportunists. ERRING ON THE SIDE OF AN AFTERLIFE 03/25/2005 The Terry Schiavo media circus may have begun with a crass political move by republicans, but it has also sparked a new awareness of mortality and discussion about death and dying among Americans who usually run from such unpleasant coversations. FREUD, JESUS, AND SELF-INFLICTED BLINDNESS 03/15/2005 Jesus and Freud both knew the dangers of remaining blind to your own flaws and weaknesses. Freud explained how it happens while Jesus prescribed the cure. In spite of being populated by a majority of Christians and by psychologically sophisticated people, the United States remains blind. "BUT HE'S NICE TO ME" 03/09/2005 Like teenage girls who only care about themselves, many Americans are letting this administration get away with the destruction of the common good, by only caring about what affects them today. WAITING FOR BLOWBACK AND WATCHING THE MICHAEL JACKSON TRIAL 03/01/2005 The president is enjoying his successful election in Iraq and the media, after running a victory lap with him, has moved on to the very consequential Michael Jackson trial. And while they do, those whom we have angered with our foreign policy are patiently waiting for their next opportunity. EDUCATING CHILDREN FOR THE SURVIVAL OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC 02/21/2005 The president's "No Child Left Behind Law" doesn't raise children to be good citizens. And we parents and educators won't help them unless we start teaching them more than basics. We must teach them to think and listen with open minds, even as we show them that we can listen to each other and stop calling each other names. HELLO BIG BROTHER! 02/10/2005 More than half of American citizens believe this president no matter what. In a situation reminiscent of George Orwell's classic "1984" these citizens have forfeited the ability to think. THE HOLY AMERICAN EMPIRE 01/26/2005 Whether we're talking about the actions of the president of the United States or those of the president of Focus on the Family, the nation seems headed for a union between church and state. WANTED: A FEW GOOD IDEAS 01/21/2005 Protests have their place, but without well thought out and common sense initiatives to counter those of conservatives, progressives will be forever protesting, out in the cold and out of power. A NATION OF FIRST GRADERS 01/17/2005 Many Americans have stopped being informed and well-read citizens, reacting only to pictures on television. THE AMERICA I WANT 01/03/2005 This is a summary of what I had wanted to hear from John Kerry during the 2004 campaign. GEORGE W. BUSH: HUMANITARIAN 12/31/2004 The president's slow response to the disaster in southeast Asia is no different than his other responses to the pain and suffering of others. Rather than being surprised, we should be appalled. TWO MEN, TWO JURIES, TWO VERDICTS 12/27/2004 Scott Peterson and George W. Bush have a lot more in common than anyone may want to admit. CHRISTMAS 2004: A FEW THOUGHTS 12/23/2004 Once again, a few radical people have too much time on their hands and the news media has demonstrated how easily it can be hijacked by them. BEYOND BIG BROTHER: WHAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WANTS TO DO TO YOUR KIDS 12/09/2004 The federal government wants to screen all school children for signs of mental illness. This is beyond bad policy; it's downright frightening. THE QUESTION OF CHURCH AND STATE 11/30/2004 This election brought religion into politics as never before. Now with a second term for our evangelical Christian president, and the debt he owes to Christian voters, we could be witnessing the end of the separation of church and state. This would be the end of the United States as we have always known it. And we have no idea what might take its place. THE LUCK OF THE CANDIDATE 11/21/2004 Values and fears played a role in this year's election, but not as much as luck. BLUE STATE DEMOCRATS ALSO VOTE THEIR VALUES 11/10/2004 The press is making a lot of the "values voters" in the red states. Blue state voters have values, too, and if they had been clearer about theirs the press may be talking about the values voters in the blue states. TWO WAR PRAYERS 11/07/2004 100 years apart, two prayers in a time of war seem strangely the same. A REASON TO HOPE 11/04/2004 A defeat is a bitter thing, but it can also be a hopeful beginning. We can't focus on how terrible the next four years will be; we have to work hard during those four years to create the future we want. VOTING FOR THE COUNTRY, NOT THE CANDIDATE 10/31/2004 Unifying our country will be our biggest task after November 2nd. One candidate will do a better job. THE SILLY SEASON OR THE SCARY SEASON 10/27/2004 Reelecting George Bush could spell disaster for the people, the nation, and the planet. THE CONSCIENCE OF A CHRISTIAN VOTER 10/22/2004 Just because a presidential candidate calls himself a Christian doesn't mean he is. It takes a discerning voter to see the truth. IT WON'T GET ANY BETTER AFTER THE ELECTION 10/20/2004 Whoever wins the election, we could wake up on November 3rd to a country more divided and angry then ever. THE HYPOCRISY OF LYNNE CHENEY 10/16/2004 If the Cheney or the Bush women had any motherly instincts at all, they would care about the real victims of the men in their family - the children of the world - and stop whining about their offspring. THE QUESTION OF LIFE 10/11/2004 Abortion is not the only issue to consider when evaluating a candidates position on protecting life. RUN, GEORGE, RUN! AN ELECTION YEAR PRIMER 10/09/2004 The issues presented simply enough for a first grader to understand. A LETTER TO DR. LAURA, VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY, RUSH LIMBAUGH, AND ANN COULTER 10/04/2004 In this heated presidential election, these four people are saying contemptible things. AN ELECTION OR ANOTHER CIVIL WAR? 09/29/2004 Too many citizens, listening to talk radio and watching carefully crafted attack ads, are willing to attribute evil motives to the other side. This is not good for democracy. GEORGE W. BUSH: COWBOY CHRISTIAN, MORAL INFANT 09/23/2004 The Bush administration has all the moral sense of a lynching mob. WHY VIETNAM MATTERS IN THIS ELECTION 09/20/2004 The republicans are trying to rewrite the history of a war that ended 30 years ago so that they can win this election. LOOKING FOR A MIRACLE 09/17/2004 John Kerry would make a much better president than George W. Bush, but Bush is a better campaigner. The democrats had better learn some lessons soon, or we will have have "four years of hell" as Teresa Heinz Kerry warned us. GETTING OFF OF THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD 09/13/2004 The movie classic "The Wizard of Oz" offers a timely analogy to our current situation. DR. SIGMUND ROVE, PSYCHOLOGICAL STRATEGIST 09/07/2004 The Bush campaign has borrowed an idea from psychological research and it seems to be working. THE SHAMEFUL BIGOTRY OF AMERICA 09/02/2004 Americans have always demonized their enemies, as well as some of their fellow citizens. It is happening again, it is ugly, and it must change. GEORGE W. BUSH, UNLIKE ABRAHAM LINCOLN, IS DETERMINED TO FURTHER DIVIDE THE NATION 08/28/2004 Abraham Lincoln, in his second inaugural address, spoke about uniting the nation, and binding its wounds. George W. Bush pours salt in this nation's wounds, all in a bid to be reelected. THIS ELECTION IS NOT ABOUT VIETNAM 08/21/2004 A group of conflicted and bitter veterans of the Vietnam war want to make this election about something that happened forty years ago. If we care about our future, we can't let them succeed. A FRENCH VILLAGE AND AN AMERICAN FAMILY 08/19/2004 An American family is invited to a small French village and they witness the beauty of the French people, even as some high profile Americans are demonizing their nation. LIBERAL OR LUNATIC? 08/02/2004 For all of you who think liberals are scary, and for those of you who are proud to be liberal but tired of being called a lunatic, this article is for you. CONVENTION REFLECTION 07/30/2004 By only showing three hours of the Democratic convention, the networks really let the country down. CNN, which claimed to cover the entire convention, wasn't much better. A PARTY OF FEARMONGERS 07/23/2004 Why are conservatives always purveyors of fear? DUBYA'S DICTIONARY 07/12/2004 The republicans have a code book, full of words that have special meanings to their supporters and their would-be supporters. REGIME CHANGE BEGINS AT HOME 07/09/2004 The adminstration's terror warnings are not helpful to anyone but, perhaps, the administration itself. RESTORING DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA 07/04/2004 On this anniversary of the founding of our country, here are some suggestions for improving political campaigns and voting. IF YOU FILM IT, THEY WILL COME (EVEN IN REPUBLICAN COUNTRY) 06/27/2004 "Fahrenheit 9/11" played to big crowds even here in a republican enclave of Southern California. This story won't end "happily ever after" for Disney (who rejected the documentory) or for Bush (who is the reluctant star). SPEAKING OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS... 06/24/2004 The radical right wants a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. As long as we're considering amending the constitution, I have a few suggestions. THE THREE FACES OF GEORGE W. BUSH 06/17/2004 According to the 9-11 report, on that terrible day, George W. Bush was a smart-ass, froze in an elementary school classroom, and flexed his muscles. WHILE WE WERE MOURNING 06/12/2004 While the nation and the media were occupied with the funeral of Ronald Reagan, there was a lot of bad news that went unreported. MOURNING IN AMERICA 06/08/2004 Thoughts on the death of Ronald Reagan and the November election. POLITICS, PATRIOTISM AND A WOMAN'S PURSE 05/24/2004 Are the legislators in Washington finally waking up? Is it too late? Can I say "I told you so?" MORAL COURAGE AND "THE GOOD SOLDIER" 05/18/2004 Some things are more important than loyalty. Having the moral courage to tell the truth and do the right thing is one of them. THREE LETTER WORDS 05/12/2004 A poem to honor a mother's loss. UNHAPPY DAYS AND PRESIDENTIAL APOLOGIES 05/07/2004 The president needs to educate himself and apologize more sincerely to the Iraqis as well as to the American people. WHO IS REALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TORTURE AT ABU GHRAIB? 05/04/2004 The president wants those responsible for the atrocities at the Abu Ghraib prison to be punished. There's a lot of blame to go around and some of it goes all the way to the top. AMERICAN CITIZENS: SMARTER THAN THE AVERAGE NEWS ANCHOR 04/29/2004 The republicans are counting on laziness and ignorance in the electorate. I suspect, come November, they're going to get an education. HELL BENT ON IRRELEVANCE 04/26/2004 A Catholic bishop's threats to deny communion to John Kerry are not only wrong, they threaten to drive the heirarchy further into irrelevancy. THE CHUCK AND CHARLIE SHOW 04/23/2004 Two lawmakers are singing a tune about bringing back the draft. We must not listen. HOW GEORGE W. BUSH PROMOTES FAMILY VALUES AND DEFENDS MARRIAGE 04/16/2004 Making the decision to extend the deployment of troops in Iraq is an action that contradicts the president's claim that he supports family values, defends marriage and supports the troops. GATHERING DANGERS 04/13/2004 The president said after 9/11 that he "would not wait on events while dangers gathered." If only he had thought of that before 9/11. A LACK OF PRESIDENTIAL WISDOM 04/09/2004 Mr. Bush missed a crucial opportunity before 9/11. Instead of paying attention to the gut instinct of his anti-terrorism chief, he listened only to the analysis of his National Security Advisor. GOT TRUTH? 04/06/2004 Like the young wife in the "got milk?" commercial, Americans need to ask their president a few pointed questions. THE UNFINISHED EDUCATION OF GEORGE W. BUSH 04/02/2004 George W. Bush didn't learn an important lesson growing up, but the American citizens can help him with a little remedial education this November. ONE CITIZEN'S 9-11 REPORT 03/30/2004 It's time to stop looking for a September 11th scapegoat and examine our national conscience. THE RAT HUNTER 03/27/2004 The Republican attack show hosts call Richard Clarke a weasel. Do they know the weasel's favorite prey is the rat? MOVING BEYOND BLACK AND WHITE 03/23/2004 The president and many others are convinced they know the truth. For the rest of us who have to live with their decisions, "truth" is a dangerous thing. FEAR, GRIEF AND VOTING RATIONALLY 03/15/2004 Should we be attacked again, as Spain was last week, we don't need to vote on the basis of fear. We can only preserve our democracy if we think rationally, in spite of our fear and grief. A TALE OF TWO CRIMES 03/11/2004 Do the media and the courts have a double standard? BUSH - CHENEY O4: BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE LETTER "M" 03/05/2004 A simple reelection strategy. WHAT ARE THEY SO AFRAID OF? 03/01/2004 The president's proposal for a constitutional amendment that will define marriage as an institution between a man and a woman prompts a question: what can he and his followers be so afraid of that they would use this political weapon? MIRACLE QUESTION, MIRACLE ANSWER 02/23/2004 A psychotherapy tool, the Miracle Question, allows us to imagine a real political miracle. HAIL MASSACHUSETTS! THOUGHTS OF A RADICAL HETEROSEXUAL 02/16/2004 Refuting the arguments of those who oppose gay marriage. AN ARMAGEDDON OF THEIR MAKING 02/12/2004 Some citizens of the United States, including the president, have become trapped inside a bottle. Let's hope enough citizens can imagine themselves outside of the bottle to save our democracy. OH PLEASE! 02/07/2004 A reflection on Superbowl Sunday. AN ANTI ANXIETY CAMPAIGN 02/02/2004 The president is running on fear, hoping to scare you into keeping him in office. The democrats must ocunter this with a little anti anxiety therapy THANK YOU, HOWARD DEAN 01/21/2004 At a time when the democrats were asleep, Howard Dean was awake and fighting. He may not have what it takes to win the democratic nomination, but the other candidates owe him a great deal. ONE DAY IN AMERICA 01/17/2004 All it takes is one day of encounters with politics, the news and American drivers to ask the question "Have we all gone completely insane?" ROLLING THE DICE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE PLANET 01/12/2004 The nation is divided between those who approve of pre-emptive war and regime change to fight terror and those who want diplomacy and internationalism. Either way is a gamble. ORANGE ALERTS AND MAD COWS 12/29/2003 I'm sick of double messages from this administration so I'm making some important New Year's resolutions. BUSH'S PREEMPTIVE POLITICS AND A WORD OF ADVICE TO DEMOCRATS 12/16/2003 If the Democrats continue to attack each other in the light of Bush's recent success, they will ensure his reelection. CAMPAIGNING WITH A TURKEY 11/29/2003 The president's Thanksgiving surprise shouldn't fool us. Carefully staged campaign stunts are no substitue for doing the right thing while governing. THE SMALL PICTURES 11/13/2003 Presidents like to look at the big picture, but unless they look at the small pictures that are the result of their policies, they are lacking in both wisdom and compassion. THE RIGHT TO LIFE 11/06/2003 The hypocrisy of the Bush administration was evident yesterday in the president's words and actions in signing a bill. GW AND TJ: A SIMPLE CONVERSATION 10/24/2003 A precocious eight year old bumps into the president as he leaves a bill signing ceremony and engages him in a telling conversation. A FISH, A FLAG AND A HUMVEE 10/22/2003 A commentary on the new fad in automobiles, their owners and the decorations the owners put on them. STRIKING FOR HEALTH CARE 10/15/2003 California grocery workers are striking for a contract that doesn't require them to pay a little for health insurance. The health care crisis in America is much bigger than that of one labor union. A RECOVERING CONSERVATIVE? 10/11/2003 Rush Limbaugh's troubles just could lead him to have a change of heart, but then again.... A SEMINAR FOR DEMOCRATS 10/09/2003 Democrats can learn a lot from the recent election in California. They'd better hurry if they don't want their party to suffer the same fate in 2004. WINNING WAYS, SOBERING TRUTHS 10/03/2003 The republicans are favoring charm over ideas and morals in the recall election, just like in the presidential election. It will probably work, but will it help? THE GO-CART GOVERNOR 10/01/2003 Just like the kid in the Hummer commercial who can't win the honest way, Arnold is cheating his way to the governor's mansion. And we're letting him. A DOCTOR IN THE (WHITE) HOUSE 09/30/2003 Not only is Howard Dean right on the issues, he is striking the right note. He just might energize discouraged Americans to vote again. BACK IN THE GAME 09/24/2003 A new medication promises to help men with sexual problems get "back in the game." Is this really the metaphor we want to use? And is this pharmaceutical company creating a problem so they can sell a solution? STICKER SHOCK 09/22/2003 One of our most precious freedoms, freedom of speech is being threatened by elected officials and ordinary citizens. We should all be outraged! CREDO FOR THE PLANET 09/11/2003 September 11th, 2001 suggested to me, that in order to survive as a human species, we need a new set of beliefs. GROWN UP THINKING 09/03/2003 It's a sign of maturity to be able to see many sides of an issue and to be able to hold two thoughts at the same time. Unfortunately, when it comes to politics, maturity is often lacking. WHEN A SLAB OF GRANITE IS MORE THAN A SLAB OF GRANITE 08/27/2003 The Alabama controversy in front ot the courthouse raises serious concerns about religious freedom. FROGS AND FLYPAPER 08/20/2003 A call to Americans to do something frogs can't: jump out of a dangerous situation. TWO FALLEN PATRIOTS AND ONE FATHER'S PRAYER 08/13/2003 Two families grieve; A mother loses faith; a father fights on and we all mourn with them. A MESSAGE TO THE CITIZENS OF CALIFORNIA 08/11/2003 California citizens should think very carefully before they recall a governor and elect a celebrity. With the media's help, Arnold could give new meaning to the title "La La Land." WHY I AM NOT A REPUBLICAN 08/06/2003 Democrats and republicans have very different views of the nature of human beings. For this and a few other reasons, I consider myself a democrat - for now. SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE? 08/01/2003 The issues of gay marriage, civil union, and adoption of children by gay individuals and couples cannot be decided by the religious beliefs of one group or another. YOU FIRST 07/30/2003 If we want to make politicians tell us what they think, we need to stop telling them what we think ahead of time. BEHIND THE WHEEL 07/23/2003 After last week's tragedy in Santa Monica, there are calls to restrict the driving privileges of seniors. Maybe we should give them an alternative first. A PREEMPTIVE STRIKE IN CONGRESS 07/19/2003 Pete Stark called Bill Thomas a "fascist" and Scott McInnis a "wimp." When the two Republicans called out the capitol police, they both proved Stark right. BRING THEM HOME! 07/16/2003 The best way to support the troops is not to keep extending their stay, but to bring them home. QUESTIONS 07/13/2003 We shouldn't be obsessed with whether or not Bush lied about one thing in the State of the Union address. We have much bigger questions to ask. PATRIOTVILLE 07/01/2003 A town, a tragedy, a raid and one man's conscience. A PRESCRIPTION FOR PATRIOTS 06/23/2003 To save our nation and get over our national depression, we need more than Prozac and blind faith in the president. SMART ALECKS 06/19/2003 A FUTURE FOR SEAN AND GRACE 06/12/2003 REFLECTIONS ON THE IRAQ WAR II 06/04/2003 REFLECTIONS ON THE IRAQ WAR 05/28/2003 All content © 2005 outragedcitizen.com |