This is a very well written article, but there are a couple of problems. The first is that Mr. Kamiya falls for the assumption that there are distinct types of people who fall into specific categories. Thus, we have "conservatives," "old-style traditionalists," "free-marketers," "libertarians," "neoconservatives," and the catch-all "right wingers."

If there are such types of people, I wonder how they become so distinct - what process one goes through to join in one of these identities. I also wonder if there are any physical characteristics, any behavioral characteristics, style of dress, adornments, tatoos, brands, or haircuts that indicate membership in any of these categories.

The second problem with this analysis is that it rests on the assumption that the metaphorical spectrum of "left" to "right" actually exists in physical reality. Under this assumption, the values and beliefs of people fit into gradations along a horizontal linear scale in which the "left" extreme believes in socialism and/or a large role for government in the economy, a relatively even distribution of income, and a wide range of civil liberties; the "right" extreme supposedly believes in small or no government, sky's the limit income for the "deserving," and the marginalization and suppression of selected groups of people.

Most telling is Mr. Kamiya's belief that the "American right" made a pact with the "devil." Most readers would agree that the existence of the devil is metaphoric, a mythical representation or manifestation of evil. What is not so obvious is that the "American right" is also mythical. To have a "left" and "right" you have to have the entire spectrum, and the spectrum doesn't exist. There are no gradations, where beliefs and attitudes gradually move from one extreme to another.

This mythology is worthy of more detailed analysis, but I would like to propose a new mythology, one based more on actual, manifest phenomena. If we see our choices for the future as being based on barbarity versus civilization, then we can comprehend that there is a qualitative difference from one extreme to another. The spectrum would be vertical rather than horizontal. It would entail a value judgement, that civilization is an improvement over barbarism.

We have a handy example, thanks to the Bush criminal gang, for looking at social and political reality vertically rather than horizontally: the invasion and occupation of "Iraq." It is not an issue of "left" versus "right." It is an issue of criminality versus decency. It is the clearest example in modern time of a descent into barbarity by the most advanced civilization in history, supposedly. The "Iraq" "war" may signal the end of our civilization, but we can still choose civilization. We just can't choose civilization and barbarism at the same time.

Sidney Blumenthal is always on target, he always does great writing, and he researches his topic impeccably. And it's always at the most pertinent and critical level. All these factors together make for improvement of the public discourse and an improvement in our lives. He deserves our great thanks.

As far as Rove, he is living proof of the Law of Karma. Someone this putrid, and really this pipsqueeky, was never destined for greatness or longevity. The same goes for Bush. A president at this level of mediocrity was never destined for indefinite impunity.

Which is where we, the "American" people come in. Through relentless, continuous pressure, the wheels of justice can be aided in their turning. A little lubrication here and there, a letter here and there, a call here and there, an email or two, it all helps.

The pressure will keep Rove busy. It will make Bush and Cheney crack. Most probably didn't notice, but I listened to Gonzales's "press conference" on the radio yesterday, and noticed a tinge of desperation in his voice. He knows it's all over, and he's a weakling. No one should forget that it was he that devised the torture rationale for Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo. It was also he who advised Bush on the 52 executions he approved in Texas. If ever there were a gang that deserved a lifetime of prison at hard labor, it is this bunch. They have done all they could to wreck the country, and the only intended beneficiaries are themselves. The nation's focus should be on removing them from power, and then bringing them to justice.

It may not seem like it, but the Democrats are doing just that. Just like in Watergate, the country needs a civics lesson. And also just like in Watergate, the process needs to build momentum. At a certain point of critical mass, what little is left of honor in the Republican party will turn against the Bush gang. When that happens, it will all be downhill. A little more patience and a lot more persistence are all we need.