Fascism On The Rise

The boys on the right would be proud of this Republic and the direction we are headed. Free speech seems to be as endangered today as it was in Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. Cops tasering a kid in Florida because he went on too long in questioning John Kerry, tear gassing anti-war demonstrators in DC, Invading 3rd world countries to force "democracy" on them at gunpoint and then we deny civil liberties at home? Nice example for the rest of the world. I have always feared the rise of the police state after discovering George Orwell in high school, and now seeing the actions of my government and its agents I fear it even more. I mean c'mon the Patriot Act? Renaming 9-11 "Patriots Day." Our civil liberties are in danger from the right and the left in this country. Hillary Clinton kicks the code pink anti-war group out of her speeches, W does not allow protestors within earshot of his appearances. Things are getting bad, and we have to speak out. If we don't, we'll wake up one morning and realize our birthright given to us by the Founders is gone. powerful forces in this country would very much like to limit your right to speak freely, assemble, and bear arms. We must be vigilent.

Has It Been Six Years?

Every 9-11 anniversary brings the reality of that most horrible of days back full force. Today as we remember those that died at the hands of brutal medieval fanatics, I can't help but realize how ironic it is when a 4-star General Officer tells my Senator that he is "not sure" if the US presence is making us any safer. Of course it isn't. Finishing the war in Afghanistan, spending money on port security, that would make us safer, but we can't afford this due to the bleeding of funds and lives in Iraq. Each anniversary since W invaded Iraq I find myself more pissed than ever at how the neocon cabal took advantage of a gullible US publics anger and fear after 9-11 to start an utterly unnecessary war that has had a terrible cost. As a Democratic victory looms in 08 I can only hope that the current regime hasn't brought us too far over the precipice.

Big Show

A friend of my wife and I, just scored tickets for us to see Elvis Costello and Dylan in Charlottesville Va, later this month. I am beside myself. I love both of these guys and them playing together is a great billing. I saw Dylan and Willie Nelson a few years back when they were touring minor league ballparks and that was a cool show, but this promises to be great. This is my 5th Dylan show and my 3rd time seeing Elvis. I was a huge Elvis fan in high school, I especially love Armed Forces and Trust, some of his 90's work was a not so hot, but I really like his last record, The Delivery man. I really like Dylans newer records, but as anyone who has seen him live knows his shows can be spotty. My first time seeing him was in 91 and he was wasted and the show was horrid, but the past two shows I have seen he was great, except for the annoying insistance of never playing guitar, just keyboard. Nevertheless I can't wait.