The reaction of the Black Caucus speak volumes about the symbiotic relation of BC with the Republicans. Remember, it's the re-districting of the House for proportional or should I use the more charged word "Quota" that guarantees the Republican majority in the House. Anyone converse in math knows if we draw minority districts with 90% plus democratic voters leaves plenty of 55% republican districts even if the country is more democratic than republican. Sure Tom Delay gerry mender nets them 5 more seats in Texas. But I am sure if New York deomcratics gains majority in state senate and decide to do the same they can probably gain back the same if not more if the blacks allow that. But then that means the number of guaranteed black seats will maybe decline and that's not in their personal interest although it might benefit the black community. The question left always asked that why people voted against their own interest can easily be answered here, because people whether black and white are short sighted, they count the numbers of William Jeffersons as their own because his skin is black or white, not whether he's good for their community. Democracy entails more than voting, until people can see beyond that which I admit is an elitist viewpoint I don't think November will change that.

Granted that I accept all the arguments in favor of Israel and against Hezbollah I still find the discussions lacking in insight. Essentially Israel has push the logic of collective punishment to its limit, although I am sure some will argue Israel can do a lot more damages it still is obvious to me instead of demolishing buildings of the families of suicide bomber now Israel hold Lebanon and the rest of the world (including 25,000 Americans) hostage to the good behavior of Hezbollah. I remember WWII movie used to show when French partisans killed some German soldiers, and Germans lined up all the town's people and randomly picked 10 men out for each soldier killed and executed them and warned they will do the same if it happened again. Sure some may argue innocents killed by bombs are not the same as cold blooded execution, yet the total effect is essentially the same. I have no problem targeting Hezbollah, yet the targets at Beirut Airport and ports to close any exit route essentially tells the world they will be paying the price also.

The fact that Israel justify the war crimes it sommits with the concept of collective punishment pushed to the extreme. I wonder those defending so called collateral damages would willing to apply the same logic to Jews or Americans in general.

I agree that Battlestar Galactica ranks with Wire as the best TV series with one caveat, that it's a TV series for thinking adults. Some may consider it's insulting, but I think the proof is from the juvenile postings from those who attacked it here. The questions it raises here are the big questions in life, philosophical, with no easy and pat answers. It will seem to be depressing for those who are merely interested in escapist entertainment and dread any linking with real world problems like Iraq or terrorism. Despite the claim by Mr. Moore that it does not reflect his political view it can't help but be a liberal world view in its ambivalence and the fact it's asking the big questions. In that sense it will be attacked by the conservatives as it will be grating on their comfort zone. I definitely consider it a treat for real SF fans.

I understand quite a few of the letter writers being irate about this article. I really don't think Mr. Schaller was writing off South as a strategy, but more as showing off the resentment quite a few of the liberals from both coasts feel about the dominance of Southern strategy whether expressed by Mr.Carville or Nixon, and its overall effect on the nation.

Consider the coddling of the Southern reactionaries whether by the Democrats in delaying of civil rights, or the Republican domination recently and the overall effect whether on the Iraq War or income inequality or even the teaching of evolution, one can't help but note the distortion it has on the nation's psyche. One doesn't have to be an expert to know that U.S is the only advance country without national health insurance, ranks low on practically every index from math to now even freedom of the press. Even the Constitution which is sacred to us is now in danger. All can be traced to the electoral strategy and its consequences.

Mr. Carville was quoted wanting to replace Mr. Dean with Harold Ford as Chairman of Democratic National Committee. Mr. Schaller is saying we don't need Republican lite Ford period. We can now stand on our principle and still be victorious. Time is on our side and we should try to rectify the distortion the Southern strategy placed on our policies and appeal to all Americans on their basic interests.

After reading the article and Dr. Buckley's letter i can't help but respond. I like Dr. Buckley do accept responsibility as a citizen for the carnage of Iraq. One can't wash the spots out of hand anymore than Lady Macbeth can. But I do think it's too utopian for Dr. Buckley to expect at this stage of human evolution or Democracy for ordinary people to accept the blame. This article does illuminate the inner workings and it was not to excuse us but for histry to judge, and hopefully will reverse the policy and withdraw from Iraq.