In addition to the fact that we weren't a unified nation going into this war, remember that we were lied to by the Bushies. Many who supported the war originally are no longer supporting it because they have learned that Bush's reasons were lies and many who still support the war still believe these lies, like the Saddamn-911 connection and the WMDs.

So these people go to their church get whipped up in a frenzy by an empassioned sermon and hard driving music, then fall on the floor shaking and then have a driving need to come back again and again. Perhaps drugs are too much competition.

I have not seem this film but I am a fan or Arbus's work. It seems to me what Arbus did is go beyond romantic idealism. Instead of showing these people as the courageous fighters we want them to be, she shows them as they really are, and in that harsh reality we can see their own acceptance of themselves. It is quite an ordinary thing, not an ideal. Perhaps the error of this movie is to try to romaticize her work, to make her story one of deep compassion and idealism when it was only to make people see the reality around them.

Just FYI for those who are talking about regions. I suggest you get a copy of The Nine Nations of North America by Joel Garreu. Quite interesting analysis of North America from a cultural prospective. I don't think he is trying to say that any political movement should be made respecting this, and I wouldn't either.

No one seems to be looking at this from the man's point of view. Not only has he gone through a financial tragedy but his self-worth is being attacked by the woman he loves. I've been laid of from my job and worked many years as a temp before finding another. I remember a counsellor telling me how men are so much more devistated by losing their job than women. That is obviously because their self-worth is tied up with their income.

I don't mean to knock Cary, but I think LW should have written this to someone like Suze Orman. I know what she would tell her. Calculate the household income, then figure out what percentage each person contributes and apportion out the common expenses that way. It is up to you to figure out what counts as common expenses. And she'd finally say, People first, money second. A sixteen year relationship and family are much more important than a few sheckles. I mean, as long as you have food, clothing and shelter, money is just a detail.

Like, tell me something I didn't already know. I am really tired of reading articles like this in Salon. I come here to get information I can't get elsewhere and or read some insightful opinions. Instead I get this preaching to the chior in the tones of schoolyard bitching. Yes, we know he did it, we know he got away with you, we know how he got away with it and we know he's written this stupid book to make a buck. Tell me something I didn't already know

LW was rather vague about what her brother did with the money. If he used it for anything but gifts for the children that is a violation of trust and she should make that clear to him. Now as far as what gifts a child should get, for example book vs. video games, take it from a former child, get the kids what they want, not what you want them to have. I've gotten lots of gifts that were given as a way to control me, and believe me I did not appreciate them, and in retrospect I still resent that they were given.

Are there really people out there having unprotected sex because they think their partner will disclose their medical history? Get real!!! People don't tell their partners and the reason is obvious. Who is going to choose to have sex with someone with an STD even if they are really horny?

Yes, the goal to support gay issues is a good one, but to do that by pumping money into the opponent's campaign and focussing on issues that have nothing to do with gay rights, that seems like what is wrong with politics.

Instead I'd like to see these people spend their money on public relations. Why is marriage important for gay people? How has Don't Ask Don't Tell affected our military? People need to know this, even those who are supportive need to articulate why this is important. People need to see gays and lesbians as oppressed and in need of this legislation, instead of seeing them as over-priveledged millionaires trying to buy elections.

Ok, every letter here has said LW should not choose or that the whole thing is a hoax. I'm going to be the first one to take it at face value. Here's my answer, marry the guy who is most like a friend, who makes you feel comfortable, which is Joe. All the razzle dazzle and the excitement fade over the years and what you want to have is someone who you can feel relaxed with, who will understand you and support you when the chips are down.

I was thinking, what about a new tradition for those of us who hate Christamas, the Anti-Christmas Party. People could wear strange clothes, just not red and green, eat and drink stuff not associated with christmas and feel free to complain about how everyone expects them to be cheerful when they are not. The highlight would be a visit from Auntie Christmas, an over-the-top drag queen who would do a stand up act and insult everyone, in a humorous way, of course.