Markos posted a fantasy straw poll on the front page.  It was a nice gesture for Gore supporters, but it didn't go far enough.  The nice thing about fantasy is that it doesn't have to have any bearing on reality whatsoever.  So, if we're going to engage in a fantasy straw poll, let's go all the way, why don't we?  

This phenomenal piece of ass-covering, while mildly reassuring on its face, seems to me less an indication of future lawfulness than of the ongoing atmosphere of least possible legality.  That is, simply, that our immature and immoral government will continue to adhere to as few laws as they can for so long as they are permitted to do so.

But, believe it, or not, that is not the purpose of this diary.  Rather, I thought, perhaps, it was time, for a new set of laws governing warfare.  Various persons throughout time have taken various approaches: manuals on how to win a war; treaties dictating that nations shall only war humanely...etc.  etc.  Hop the fence for my take.

It's been said before, and will be said again, but we have one hell of a loudspeaker here, folks.  So what should we do?  

In any case, here's the first installment, in which the protagonist is introduced, and the circumstances of his distress are hinted at, and his  girlfriend is precipitously left.  Skip past the hump for the first chapter.  Then let me know what you think: should I post another installment next week, or shouldn't I?  Should I throw in the towel?  I'd make a horrible exotic dancer, but if you think that's what I should be doing instead, just let me know.

We've all noticed it.  Most of us have appreciated it: Democrats have finally gotten up off the bench and begun to oppose the most egregious aspects of the theocratic and oligarchic Republican agenda.  Reid surprised us with his ability to organize an effective and united opposition to Republican appointments, legislation, and bullying.  It's been a remarkably effective couple of months for Democratic senators.  However, everything Democrats have done to date--excepting Barbara Boxer's principled actions early this year--have essentially been defensive in nature.  

What we need is a good offense, and I have some ideas.  Flip past the hump for more.

What, you might ask, could anyone possibly be overlooking?  We've covered all the bases, we've battened down the hatches, we've chased Jeff Gannon off the web and out of the white house press corps, what more is there to do?

Try opening the bible.  

You can see the existing diary for more information and specifics.  However, I just want to put in a plug for Boxer.  She did something unique and special this year, bravely carrying the liberal torch in the senate all by herself on two controversial and politically risky issues.  Whether you decide to be purely pragmatic, and contribute to her PAC or are more moved by the idea of a public romance with an elected official, please do show her some love.

A politician with heart is a terrible thing to waste.

Update [2005-2-11 13:16:58 by Black Maned Pensator]: The phone number, for those of you who don't have the time to read the original diary, is 1-888-501-7673. Thanks for the suggestion, and thanks clb8 for alerting us all to this way back in the dawn of time.

What question is that?  Why, the question of whether or not we can better fulfill our humanitarian responsibility to Iraq by remaining in the country, or by withdrawing from it.

Now, I think we can all agree that the U.S. is responsible for the situation in Iraq today.  We allowed our untrustworthy President too much leeway; he went in irresponsibly without adequate planning or troops... he destroyed the power structure in an unstable country through his arrogance and incompetence.  We created a power vacuum.  The nation is broken, and we broke it.

My argument regarding our ultimate responsibility is below the fold.

The article continues below the fold.

I'm waiting to hear a major news outlet other than Keith Olbermann discuss this information in anything other than dismissive terms.

I'm waiting to see if the Democratic National Committee is farsighted enough to see that serious reform is needed.  Will they vote in a reformer such as Dean or Rosenberg, or will it be business as usual?

An Austin, Texas-based Unitarian Universalist minister, Davidson Loehr, is not only willing to claim that the elections are fraudulent; he uses this fraud as a given in his proof that the U.S. is now more nearly a fascist state than a democracy.

Fascism is here, he says, and, unless we fight, here to stay.  It's a fascinating argument, and one that I hope you will read in full below the fold.