http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Tue, 28 Dec 2004 11:43:19 EST http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/ Phillip WinnSunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding. Administration0@blogcritics.org Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/12/28/114319.php Claire RobinsonWe, in the United States, or at least our government has been accused by the world of being arrogant and trying to impose our "values" on other nations. We are the proponents of free speech, of freedom for both men AND women, without oppression. We do not attempt to impose Judeo-Christian beliefs on anyone, but we do believe that it is wrong to oppress one's fellow man, and to kill randomly with insufficient reason save a different thought process or because one happens to be of the female gender. I have been to the parts of the world which believe, because of religious or cultural tenets, that women have no rights; That freedom of speech is heretical for both men AND women; That to go outside the box (the party line) is wrong. But is it? -I am probably a dichotomy of values. I believe that each man and woman should be able to have his or her own spiritual values, but I also believe one should not be punished for them (except as hereafter enumerated). I believe in education, in civil disobedience when something is wrong, and in change which results for the better in the whole population. I have visited the madrases which teach NOTHING but the extremist view of the God of Mohammed based on some narrow-viewed Islamic leader's take on the Qu'ran. What makes me wrong that I want every child to know at least SOME literature, SOME broader view of history and current events, to be able to read a map, listen to a composition by a renaissance composer, or to have a choice to make up his or her own mind? You see, when a culture is threatened by another ONLY because the "other" broadens their view, it should immediately send up a red flag with EVERYONE. Knowledge of anything is never a threat. It is a blessing which may, or may not, show us that the one to which we are exposed is wrong or flawed. That is wholly incorrect. Only a person exposed to ALL points of view, to ALL literature, to ALL historical accounts, to ALL art, and to ALL everything, can make a considered judgment. Anything less is hampered by man, and an attempt to secrete. I write in the political arena. I have had many things labeled "inflammatory". But let us look at why.I think there is no danger in religious belief, so long as it is kept in the religious forum. It is the complete and total reason why a religious belief cannot be brought into other arenas. It is the reason our forefathers made certain religious belief and matters of "state" were kept separate. Anyone that attempts to cross-over, bring religion into the areas of state must be suspect (or stopped). The moderate Islamists will not stop the extremists. Those who are moderate and are willing to abide by civil law are silent, too afraid to speak out. There is no danger in knowledge, unless those who hold the knowledge are wrong, misguided, or attempting to hide something. There is no danger in giving a young person a world view, unless it is a view you don't want them to have because it encroaches on your misguided one. There is no danger in music, art, history, or other "knowledge" unless you have a fear that it will unseat your own particular narrow mindset. There is nothing wrong with being aware of plurality, even if one's choice is more narrow.Open the damn windows! Let knowledge of all cultures and opportunities abound so that people have the information to make considered judgments. Yes, this piece is flawed in that it is not the way of this world. It is not realistic because we are so damn politically correct that we point out where others disagree with us but fear to say they are flawed. Give me someone who will. Freedom isn't "American" and it isn't "heinous". It is a God-given right. And it should ring. Claire Politics23684@blogcritics.org Tue, 28 Dec 2004 11:43:19 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/12/03/120506.php Claire Robinson After a night of little to no sleep, as ya' do when your mind won't shut down, I finally dressed about 5:00 a.m., would have killed for the diet coke that taunted me from the fridge which was forbidden to me, and by 6:00 Monday morning was writing a really big check to a doctor about to operate on my eye. It was cool outside, unusually cool, or maybe it just felt cooler because my nerves were more sensitive. If you haven't been there, its difficult to describe what goes through your mind as you read (with one eye) all the complications that can arise. They don't sink in at that moment, especially when the doctors disagree over the type of anesthetic.The operating table was cold. Those parts which have a tendency to be exposed with a hospital gown were freezing. The IV that was put into my arm was freezing. It felt like liquid cold infusing my veins.Then the smiling faces of the theretofore disagreeing doctors loomed over me to tell me everything would be fine. When I woke up, I had a hard time remembering why I was there. The mummy bandages seemed strange, and the "gook" in my hair was completely foreign. I knew on some level that it was the solution with which they swabbed on all pertinent areas because I had a smudge of orange on my cheek. Betadine. When I breathed consistently, and was sufficiently awake they sent me home with a list of instructions. Don't move around too much, don't bend over, stay in bed, don't try to read. They made every effort to see I didn't cough or throw up since it would put strain on their work. Three more days now until the bandages come off. If you have never been faced with the possibility that the removal of mummy bandages might completely change your life, then you haven't lived :)I am a writer, a poet, and write from things I see with both eyes. What if I could only see out of one? What would you do if you knew you only had one more day to be the person you were before. Would the world look different to you? Would the world look UPON you differently? All good questions. Or if something else happened and you only had one day to say everything you wanted to say, what would it be? What would your regrets be? What would your praises be? What would you have done differently, and what would you do now? More good questions. Perhaps the model of a lesson that each day we live could be our last. That each day we live could be the last as we know it. A startling revelation that we don't get to go back and fix the things that we did wrong, or that we would change. We always think we have more time.So, we take the day to tell those who are important how much they mean to us. We take the day to squelch regrets and magnify praises. We take the day to say I love you to those we do, and to make amends to those we didn't take the time to. It is both a humbling and envigorating experience. The world will never be the same even if the outcome is the best. The reason? Because we had to think of the options. A tale without an ending. But then we always think tomorrow will write the ending. It usually doesn't.. Claire Culture22867@blogcritics.org Fri, 3 Dec 2004 12:05:06 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/11/23/074400.php Claire RobinsonI usually don't critique or comment on music produced for a cause (benefit albums). Not that I don't think they are a wonderful idea which help many causes, but they are usually a conglomerate of artists with a hodgepodge of music which either isn't particularly noteworthy, or which has been hurriedly patched together resulting in a less than desirable product.That in no way means I might not buy it to support the cause, but I would not usually urge others to do so by my comments. This review is about the music.I am, and have been, in the past, a supporter of the Human Rights Campaign but was slightly disillusioned shortly before the election when I disagreed not with their message, but with their tactics. I didn't find them professional and thought they did damage to the causes they propound. However, the CD Love Rocks is a star studded compilation of quite GOOD music which has been contributed by such artists as Carole King, Emmylou Harris, Melissa Etheridge, The Dixie Chicks, Dido, Oleta Adams, Cyndi Lauper and others, and is well worth the bucks for the bang.It is a 2-CD set which is packed with songs of love and committment between two people, gender notwithstanding. Many of the tracks will be familiar to the listener such as Mandy Moore's "I Feel the Earth Move", Christina Aquilera's "Beautiful", and Dolly Parton's "Sugar Hill". The complete track list can be found at the Human Rights Campaign store site where the record is available. Buy the RecordThe songs celebrate love. The tracks slide along from one excellent artist to another, each with a different style, but the project is kept cohesive because the music celebrates love. This review isn't meant to be a commercial for marriage equality, but a celebration of some good music, which happens to help a cause. Producers and causes are no strangers. The music on LOVE ROCKS is just better than most of the quickly put together cd's to raise money for a cause. The project is a joint venture of Centaur Entertainment and the HRC. A classy effort, good artists, and worth a listen. Music22541@blogcritics.org Tue, 23 Nov 2004 07:44:00 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/11/08/105348.php Claire RobinsonIn this day, and in these times, roles of men and women have changed from the days of our parents and grandparents. I am going to take what is going to be an unpopular stand in this little piece, and say, for once and for all what I think about the subject. No matter what the changing economic picture in the modern world where two incomes are often necessary to maintain either the bare necessities or a certain life style, roles of men and women are blurred or obscured. They really shouldn't be, for they are the bedrock of the family and the farther we move away from them, the less cohesive the family becomes.When girls were taught by mothers and grandmother's that the man is the king of his castle, they weren't wrong (excuse the cliche!). The differences in the psyche of the man and the woman demand that the man feel this way. That is not to say that the wife/woman is the slave submissive to some liege. But a man has to know that he is loved, nurtured, cared for, catered to and reigns supreme in his home....because in the world, for the most part he can't, so it is important that in that little piece of reality, he does. Don't get me wrong, I do not suggest here that a woman be a doormat, or not have an equal say in all aspects of the union. (Did you think I ever WOULD suggest that?). But it is so easy to let a man know he is special. And too many women don't do that. Empirical evidence, the divorce rate in the United States. We all see ourselves in the reflection of the eyes of others, most importantly, the one with whom we have partnered. How important is it that the reflection a husband or partner see in his woman's eyes is one of excitement, honor, respect, trust, and caring? We don't take the time because we, too, have had a hard day. But it is a matter of priorities. To keep a relationship healthy and infused with life, men need certain things. (Don't worry, so do women which I'm going to talk about in a minute). Men like the extra mile. It makes them feel special. They ARE special and the extra mile isn't hard to give. Giving something which costs nothing, and reaps huge rewards is a good thing. Through the ages, men were hunters, protectors, fire-builders, and kingdom creators. Women were nurturers, playmates, tended the fires that men built, and decorated the kingdom. We have kept some of those but we have lost more. I will fully admit that there are men for whom nothing is enough, who have some basic character flaw that requires something new and different. But there are many more who just do not see the reflection in the eyes of their partner which they once saw. So they look for that mirror somewhere else. Now on the the obverse side of the coin, women, too have suffered in the changing roles of modern society. Most work so they have that responsibility, together with the responsibilities of a home. What women often forget, and sometimes push to the back burner, is that the home is created by the two people who started it. It isn't the stone and brick, it isn't the mastercard bill, it isn't the children. Those are the offshoots of the home. The home is the two people who started it, and hopefully will with die with it. People respond to actions. Men respond to those things that make them feel special that we sometimes forget in the hubub of life. They need to be welcomed, appreciated for their hard work, they want to "feel" that they are the most important thing around which this modern family revolves. It is completely necessary for their sense of well being. When they get that, they, in turn, are more appreciative, more helpful, and more committed to the union. A special dinner just for him while the children are cozy at grandmother's house, a night of sexy lingerie and his favorite wine, does not only benefit the King. It benefits the Queen as well. Going outside the box is always a good thing. Sameness becomes humdrum, but it is a woman's job to keep things fresh. If she does, she will reap the the most glorious benefits.Yes, women contribute to the home with money, time, effort and many other things. But her first priority is to keep the King of the Castle invigorated, happy, and feeling loved and special. Without that, all the other trappings are just extraneous. And reciprocity usually follows. Women, no matter how much they protest, love to be protected and feel that they can be "rescued" from life's annoyances. She finds that in her man if she has done her job. Women can do anything. They can excel in business, in the arts, in the academic world. Why do so many fail at interpersonal relationships? Because they forget, in all that excelling, what their partner needs. Now I will have to hide from the National Organization for Women, but fully expect to be protected by a knight on a white horse. :)Claire Culture21995@blogcritics.org Mon, 8 Nov 2004 10:53:48 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/10/24/184025.php Claire RobinsonI was at a political function on Saturday, and a woman who obviously thought I was much more important than I am because I had a pass hanging around my neck, grabbed my hand and said, please tell the President that I lit a candle for him. He is a good man. Well, that got me to thinking. How easy would that be to call 555-HEAVEN and throw it into the hands of a deity. In this particular case, I already know what the outcome would be. But we can't do that. Freedom of Choice. That which we have been imbued with. No interference from the omniscient. And while I profusely thanked the woman for her support, and her candle, that isn't what is going to do it in this election (oh but that it was!).Besides, I doubt that the "big man" is in direct contact with the candle brigade. I was tempted to light one of my own and say, Hey, could you put my mother on? She was an avid supporter of W in the governor's mansion, and would have been an avid supporter of him as President. But that isn't the way it works. As Eric has already pointed out so beautifully in his piece on the election and voting, it is up to us. We have to take our most base instincts, lose the rhetoric, silence the media in our minds, and vote our consciences. I have always been struck by the concept of a proportional response. It is the joint chiefs favorite thing. And it is probably the most responsible alternative in many cases. The tit for tat, bad act for bad act without abusing our power. But this one is harder! There is no proportional response for the current world sitution.We have children orphaned or dead or their family is, in Iraq, Afghanistan, the United States, the UK, Australia, Israel, and Palestine, and virtually every country on earth. The conflicts which currently rage are completely and 100 percent the result of terrorism, or the attempt to stop it. But there is no help in Heaven. Heaven or the deities therein leave it to us (if one is predisposed to believe in a supreme being), for the journey is the thing. It is up to us to discern what is right. We can teach, help, enlighten and perform the most rudimentary humanitarian acts. We can treat the wounded, protect the innocent, and try to give our military the best information we have to minimize casualties. But we can't assume divine intervention. This one is up to us. That divine intervention is what the Arabs expect...what is it 40 virgins and some other perks?. They aren't going to get it. We have to cast our votes based on what is important to us. Is the absence of conflict more important that the attempt to lift oppression? Is the proportional response the correct thing in the terroristic world we find ourselves living in? Is the turning the other cheek, at the expense of the safety and peace of mind of our nation the best thing? I personally don't happen to think it is. Someone has to stand up and say enough. I hate that it is the US. But no one else is going to do it. And if we don't have a leader willing to do it, as we do in our current president, then we might as well be prepared to hide under our beds, turn blind eyes to those who suffer interminable abominations, and live with it. I'm not prepared to do that. P.S. But if that candle brigade thing is working, The COWBOYS could use some help, mother! Politics21362@blogcritics.org Sun, 24 Oct 2004 18:40:25 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/10/24/181511.php Claire RobinsonWhen I went to Irishfest a couple of years ago, I appreciated a performance by an artist who had an absolutely incredible voice, but it was an outdoor performance with a loud, drunk crowd, and she wasn't exactly showcased to her best advantage. Mea Culpa. She is an amazing artist who can sing you to an orgasm if you let her. Having some Irish heritage I might consider myself biased, but I don't let that bias influence me with music. She has received world-class glowing reviews from virtually every critic on the planet. Her music is lilting, has that beautiful Celtic overtone, the instrumentation on her cd's is just what you would expect...Keyboard, Guitar, Pipes, the Cauld Pipes, Tin Whistle and Bouzouki. fiddle done in that special Celtic style....and more. They are the perfect complement to her stunning vocals. Having just bought her 1993 CD Somebody, I am three behind, but the next three could not be any better than this one. Her rendition of Shenandoah makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and her song Rosemary's Sister made me want to just sit there and cry, and is completely apropos to today's world environment.She is well known on the folk circuit internationally, and a much sought after artist for her haunting voice on other projects. Her subsequent CD's, The Wishing Well (1994), If Ever I Return (1997) and The Border of Heaven (2000), are beautiful, but I have not listened to those in their totality, only heard snippets of them. Somebody rocks my world. It is one of the most beautifully sung, expertly produced to match content, and well done pieces of music ever published. Connie Dover has been hiding her light under some rock. Or I would have found her sooner. Music21359@blogcritics.org Sun, 24 Oct 2004 18:15:11 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/10/22/130907.php Claire RobinsonI have no enmity to Hillary Rodham Clinton. As a matter of fact, I supported her in her endeavor to reform health care. I don't have tremendous respect for her that she has accepted, like the good political wife she is, the diddlings of her husband. His ass would have been on the streets, but I realize that there is a much bigger picture in her case. Her website is quite appealing. In the last couple of days, she has made a speech regarding expanded medical benefits for Members of the Guard and Reserve through expanded Tricare (Health benefits for reservists and retired military. She was supported in that by Sentators Daschle, De Wine, Leahy, Saxby and Champliss and it was approved by the house this month. I do not fault her for doing what she can in the health care arena. She tried, as first lady, to go broader, but was stopped at every turm by the insurance lobbies. The President has not signed it but he has 180 days to do so. But changes and improvements in health care for the members of the Guard and Reserve are paltry. They are insigificant in the face of Americans who don't have ANY healthcare.I have made it my business to find out what she would do, if she could, for American health care in general. I have also made it my business to see what Condi Rice would do. You see, I think in 2008 we are going to have quite the political race for President. Hillary vs. Condi....it is going to be heated, vituperous, and quite the spectator sport. People will have to decide based on records, character, education, and other elusive things that only the gut can speak to. What will Bill do as "first spouse"? There is no question he would have a place, but I suspect he won't ever have the chance to fill it....Hillary has been very low profile in the current presidential race. The dems don't want the hassle, the republicans...well, thats a given. I don't dismiss her. I don't particularly like her, but I don't dismiss her. How many villages does it take to raise a Senator from NY to the oval office?It would be quite a race. Two women, which would unsettle at least fifty percent (50%) of the voters, AND an African-American, which would pull liberal voters to the conservative side. What a circus, and what a pleasure!Whatcha' think? Politics21292@blogcritics.org Fri, 22 Oct 2004 13:09:07 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/10/22/083448.php Claire RobinsonThe Australian reports that Castro (excuse me, Dr. Castro) fell down yesterday and broke some body parts.Before his fall yesterday, Dr Castro had visited the grave of his former comrade, Ernesto "Che" Guevara, who was killed by Bolivian troops in 1967 as he was leading a revolutionary uprising. Flanked by Elian Gonzalez, the boy at the centre of a heated custody dispute between the US and Cuba who returned to his father in Havana, Dr Castro laid a wreath on Guevara's tomb. Why does that strike me as a "look who I have with me, take a picture" opportunity? I mean there is actually nothing wrong him taking Elian Gonzales to lay a wreath on the grave of Che Guevara...I guess.You know what they say...put a kid or a dog in the picture, and it'll get published. I personally haven't seen it, but I'm sure it will be widely published since there were a myriad of international photographers present.Oh, and everyone will be happy to know, The Australian further reports:Dressed in his usual olive-green uniform, Dr Castro was sweating when he appeared on camera less than a minute after the fall. He asked Cubans to forgive him for any worries the fall may have caused. "I will do what is possible to recover as fast as possible, but as you can see I can still talk," he said. "I can continue in my work." Dr Castro noted the presence of international photographers and television camera crews at the event. "The international press has captured it and surely tomorrow it will be on the front pages of some newspapers," he said. He then encouraged those at the event to continue with their musical program, which they did. The incident did not appear nearly as serious as a fall in June 2001, when the Cuban leader apparently fainted before a crowd of thousands during a speech in the scorching sun. At the time, he joked that it was only a rehearsal to see what kind of burial he would get.He is resting comfortably with a broken knee and arm.If anyone sees the picture...shout it out, would ya'?I guess no one is immune to the draw of the lens...even those people who go on reality shows and make asses out of themselves. But using Elian? Why does that leave a bad taste in my mouth? Or is it just me who finds that a little offensive? Maybe I'm just so sick of politicians and their photo ops that I am looking with a skewed eye. :) Politics21278@blogcritics.org Fri, 22 Oct 2004 08:34:48 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/10/21/131843.php Claire RobinsonYou know hindsight is 20/20. There was a time in this country's history where the South contributed a huge amount of revenue to the "republic" and there were northerers that didn't want it stopped. When human rights won out (as it should have), we had a civil war. The North Won. They won the right to free the slaves, they won the right to chastise the South. But they couldn't understand the mindset and still don't. That is evidenced by the vocal and often vitriolic spewing against the Confederate flag. It is evidenced by the fact that if you aren't FROM the South you cannot understand the mindset. The South was a gentler and more civilized place. Now I will be told that slavery doesn't exactly qualify for civilized. But you have to take history like you find it. Kinda like "In God We Trust" on the money. It was a place where people, even slaves, took pride in their place in it. I know that because I have talked to some of their descendants. I don't condone for a moment the treatment that some slaves endured at the hands of slaveowners. I know that they were used manually, sexually, and in every other way. But the South, with its good and bad is part of our history in this country. I revere the rebel flag not because it is affront to slaves, but because is is a cornerstone of the South. I give you this, which you will take or not as your conscience dictates:A Woman's Place 1863...A grace and charm unequalled in the universe, defiant of distant blasts growing louder With the dawn of each new day.Ladies hum their sweetest lullabies Which drift on dense air too hot for hoops and petticoats they would never go without.Intoxicating fragrance of magnolia mixed with jasmine slightly soured by the rancid hint of sulphur expelled by cannon's fire.At setting sun, the haunting wail of spirituals sung by voices tired from the fields, while bleeding hands are salved for endless picking,A harvest moon softens peeling paint on stately homes whose columns stand in pride and passion for a world a part but separate from its surrounds.Like salt and pepper, children complement the landscape as they play together, virgin minds unfettered by society's misconcerns.Unspoken fears gagged down by steely resolve to tend homefires With hands made rough by new routine, And eyes made bright by unspilled tears.A stage left whisper of prayers bombard the night begging safety for the men long gone to war, prepared to die defending honor and a principle held dear.She stands unwavering with open arms made stronger by the conflict, embracing the living and the dead returned from hell to a world forever changed.2003...The picture of a final hug made by sticky hands, and cherry kiss goodbye with wanting lips as she goes off to fulfill the oath she took considered sacred.She feigns no blissful ignorance since constant coverage assaults the waves reporting triumphs, terror, tyranny and trepidation, brought home by the embedded.Sweet songs to tape recorder now running slow with waning batteries and grit, her effort made to fool the young who know naught but that their mommy's gone away to do her job. Tasting pride mixed with chagrin, A bittersweet concoction confused by stated purpose and true intent which impacts neither her duty nor her resolve.Devouring crayola letters full of love, she holds tight to her conviction and pride that for many oppression's ended, while wiping tears in face of glaring pain and need.Anger and resentment simmers as she stands her post while politicians seek to sway the masses on the right or wrong of actions undertaken, driven by agendas full of self.Despair over lines which in the past seemed much more clear, but in truth, are still the same for those who do their job and seek to foster peace and freedom.Satisfied with personal prayer which cannot be made in public, that the gods return her back to those who need her as the very air they breathe.She stands unwavering with open arms made stronger by the conflict, embracing the living and crying for the dead returned from hell to a world forever changed.copyright 2004, Claire Robinson, All Rights ReservedFor some, women will always be insignificant, it is nothing new. They will be the pawns of society. For others, women have had a huge impact on history. I hope this exexmplies it. Culture21254@blogcritics.org Thu, 21 Oct 2004 13:18:43 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/10/21/073657.php Claire RobinsonAnn Coulter has been called many things. A radical, a neo-conservative, and a less than stellar respresentative of a conservative party that is trying to lose the elitist label. She may be all those things. She has a smart mouth on her, but unfortunately for the other side, she has a brain to back it up. At times I have wanted to strangle her for her less than tactful approach during interviews, and her seemingly arrogant presentation of certain facts. Her fuse is short, her tongue is sharp. The one thing you can't say about her is that she doesn't know her facts. In her column Fall Fashion Preview: Cowboy Boots In, Flip Flops Out, (October 13, 2004) she made a statement that not only made me laugh, but gave me pause. Ann: During the second presidential debate, John Kerry said: "I ask each of you just to look into your hearts, look into your guts. Gut-check time. Was this really going to war as a last resort?" How about this for "gut-check time": When you close your eyes, can you see the Democrats defending America? Because I can't see it." Well, that is my biggest fear, and the biggest fear of most of the conservatives I come into contact with. The Democrats are so busy trying to appease the world, stay out of a military conflict, and back alley allies by telling them, "Well we wouldn't have done this without your approval", it makes me, frankly, want to vomit. Does anyone really care what France thinks? Or any other country, for that matter, who didn't have the cojones to stand up with their strongest ally who would be there within 24 hours if they needed help? Then, in statements to the press, the people, and on the campaign trail, Mr. Kerry says he will never stop at anything to hunt down and kill terrorists. If he is so terribly opposed to the use of military force in Iraq, which he has also said he is (of course, its hard to keep track because his position changes depending on the color of the tree he is leaning against), why does he think we are there? The issue of weapons of mass destruction notwithstanding, which as far as I am concerned is a dead issue until they turn up in a bunker in Syria, Libya, Lebanon, or some other fringe terrorist sympathizer country, and if Saddam didn't make them, he facilitated their making. Iraq was run by a terrorist. A prima facia terrorist, a terrorist sympathizer, a terrorist funder (or facilitator), and could be trusted by the countries targed by terrorists as far as they could throw his golden toilet. Ann: They [the French] call terrorism a "nuisance," like prostitution and other petty crimes. ("Hundreds of Children Killed in Chechnya by Nuisance," "British Civilian Beheaded by Annoyance," "9-11: What a Hassle!") They babble about nonexistent civil liberties violations under the Patriot Act. (which I realize has been argued to death).As I mentioned somewhere else, the person ensconced in the oval office has certain powers. I don't worry about W because of his stance on abortion because he can't do anything about it. It's here, its staying, and he can't stop it. I don't worry about W because of his stance on embryonic stem cell research because support is too strong, he can't prevent it, and so it is moot as far as his being elected. I DO worry about having a commander-in-chief who is willing to use military force (with a well equipped military) when my country (or someone else's) is in imminent danger, without worrying about public opinion polls (which is another blog) or hesitating allies who have their own business interests at the core of their conscience instead of the safety of their countrymen. The man in the oval office CAN influence and implement that. I DO worry about economically conservative policies which foster research and development, better technologies, life saving drugs (which we may or may not be able to afford) and a better quality of life for not just its own citizens but the world community. That is something that the commander-in-chief CAN influence and implement.I DO worry about entitlement programs being dished out like candy to babies at the expense of the hardworking taxpayer, and the commander-in-chief CAN influence and implement that. You have to know the issues and which ones the man you elect can influence. Of course, hand in hand with that goes those representatives you send to Washington from respective states. They have the power or a lot of hydraulics behind it. Ann Coulter may be a sharp tongue, and a sarcastic mouth in a time when a little sugah' might be a better approach. But she speaks the truth, even if she is abrasive doing it. I recognize that this close to an election, emotions run high, opinions run strong, and everyone is running fast and scared. In other times, I have chastised Ann Coulter for the way she respresents the issues. This time I give her credit where credit is due. Politics21232@blogcritics.org Thu, 21 Oct 2004 07:36:57 EDT