is what I get when I allow myself a certain conceit: to be present, like Gary, in that special place, with the Hawaiian surf within earshot, a crimson sunset, and in my dream, seeing a Circle of Leaders whom Barack has gathered, better national thinkers, whose overwhelming love for their country drives their search for the comforting Middle Ground, a middle way. I see Barack, and beside him one of his intellectual mentors, Ronald Reagan (one can only dream!), and next to “Ronnie” our spiritual and moral compass, pastor Rick. Next to Rick is the man Barack has praised as an “American hero”, a man who’s bombing runs helped make my children’s world safe from the spread of Communism in Southeast Asia, of course John McCain, and hand-in-hand with John is Barack’s close ally Colin Powell (note: in my dream he is not yet imprisoned for war crimes). Rhambo of course is there in the circle, a man who understands what must be done, however distasteful, in the Middle East. There are others in the circle, of course, our respected and well-intentioned political leaders, all with roles to play in forging the New Middle Ground. How could some great good not come of this?

This is my dream for the Country I love, and if these rather articulate and profound sentiments are any omen:

"What you will hear is [this is] a time and a place in which we all have ... responsibility," Rahm Emanuel, who will become Obama's White House chief of staff Tuesday, told NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday. "To regain America's greatness and continue to move forward and be an example around the world ... its leaders must also lead by example." (emphasis added)

then we can be confident that the new bipartisanship and middle-groundedness will not be lacking in intellectualism.

These are intoxicating times.

In this New Era, refraining from committing war crimes, from violating the Constitution, from torturing, from warrantless wiretapping, abiding by rule of law, due process, and ethical standards, are “bold” steps, unexpected, surprising, even brave, a renunciation of the War on Terror.

As we rout and kill the next 10,000 of The Other to protect America, we shall do so morally! By the rules.

heru-ur uncomfortably nails it again, likely why his post-of-a-post is being ignored.

In this New Era, refraining from committing war crimes, from violating the Constitution, from torturing, from warrantless wiretapping, abiding by rule of law, due process, and ethical standards, are “bold” steps, unexpected, surprising, even brave, a renunciation of the War on Terror.

As we rout and kill the next 10,000 of The Other to protect America, we shall do so morally! By the rules.

In this New Era, refraining from committing war crimes, from violating the Constitution, from torturing, from warrantless wiretapping, abiding by rule of law, due process, and ethical standards, are “bold” steps, unexpected, surprising, even brave, a renunciation of the War on Terror.

As we rout and kill the next 10,000 of The Other to protect America, we shall do so morally! By the rules.

Link at sig.

“Dad would never do those bad things, he promised us he’d change! Salon, make the bad man stop talking!”

Bombs away. Look out, kids.