Thank you, Ms. Walsh.

And thank you to most of the posters. I do need to vent. I do need to be inappropriate.

The amount of incredible damage that Bush, Cheney, Rove, and all the rest have inflicted on this country is devastating, disgusting, and appalling.

We could focus on the environment -- or the budget -- or the war -- or civil liberties -- or 100 OTHER issues and find that Bush and crew have callously and self-righteously damaged our country.

And our spirits -- they have promoted cynicism, winning at any price, despair, desolation, lack of compassion, self-righteousness -- and the idea that good, honest, people just can't win. (I remember reading an article about the press corps fawning on Karl Rove -- drooling on his shoe tops - for one reason -- he was "winning.").

I don't believe Barack Obama is perfect, and continue to disagree with him on many issues. But perhaps he is a savior in one way. He has restored the idea that you can act with integrity, and compassion -- and still win. And by winning, gain power and make a difference in the world. (And goodness, it looks like the right will not be able to use Obama's sexual practices against him -- he's not cruising restrooms or feeling that he must use women/use prostitutes or cheat on his wife. Whew....... How refreshing to have an egalitarian pair who obviously enjoy and love one another in the White House).

One of the things that has MOST disgusted and appalled me...is Bush and Rove's celebration of how wonderful America is because

America just elected its first non-white president... Despite the best efforts of Bush and Rove! Despite the Republican party's embrace of racism, white as normal, white as good!

How dare THEY take credit!!!!

But finally, get Bush, Cheney, Rove, and Palin OFF my television screen, OFF my radio..so I don't have to listen to their slimy, disgusting voices on a daily basis!

Susan McGee (FIVE MORE DAYS!)

I've been struggling with why this article makes me feel sick to my stomach.

Why are we fighting for the rights of women to advertise to sell themselves on Craigslist?

Prostitution is not about women's rights.

It's about men's entitlement to the bodies of women.

It's about men's access to sexual pleasure through the bodies of women.

It's about men's ability to be king of the mountain and be privileged to do whatever they want with women's AND girls bodies.

When there will be no consequences for them, they may rape or coerce a woman or a girl. If that's too risky, then they will pay for "it."

If they pay for "it," then they don't feel that they have to treat the woman or girl as a human being.

Most women who become prostitutes have had a history of serious sexual abuse - as a child or as an adult. So then they "choose" to become a prostitute?

What about all the women who work as prostitutes who men are making money off?

Is prostitution truly a "choice?"

I'm disappointed in Broadsheet. I'm disappointed and disheartened by the left's refusal to reject men's rights to women's bodies.

I'm stunned by the sexism espoused by 21st century males. What you want is girls in nylons and mini-skirts? How about smart, funny, powerful, sexy, great WOMEN? Ychh...boys....

William Shatner was a TERRIBLE actor. He substituted smirk and swagger for any acting ability and was despised by the other actors in TOS series. The big joke was how the cameras had to avoid his emerging belly in the third season.

Gene Roddenberry had a vision of an egalitarian universe. In the pilot the executive officer "Number One" was a woman (serving with Captain Christopher Pike). Of course, that was TOO radical.

Having a Japanese American actor who had been interned in a WWII concentration camp play Sulu, the helmsman was part of Roddenberry's multicultural vision. He was also gay, and Roddenberry no doubt knew that. Another attempt at a new world vision was the African American communications officer. Her name meant Freedom in Swahili and she continued in her role at the behest of Dr. King who said she was providing an important role model for African Americans. Chekov was added to make the point that Russians and Americans (then locked in a cold war struggle) would one day be working together. It was a radical vision.

Like most radical visions from FORTY YEARS ago, it is FLAWED.

It only partially "gets" it...it IS very sexist, and still has the super sexed white guy as Captain.......

But it gave rise to more Next Generation and Deep Space Nine shows that reflected, analyzed and pondered on ethical issues, and about issues of social justice.

THAT is Star Trek's legacy...unfortunately missed by the latest movie....and by most posters on Salon

Susan

So, we hear Mark Sanford's angst.

He fell in love with another woman - what should he do?

Well, I suggest that he split up with his wife, and pursue the woman with whom he has fallen in love.

But no, Sanford, wanted to "have" his family, AND his lover and not jeopardize his political career...

Watch the Rachel Madow show if you want to hear about his hypocrisy..condemning others for "breaking the vow to his wife"..so therefore the oath breaker should leave office.

Since he believes that oath breakers should not be in office, he should immediately resign..

My heart and sympathies are with his wife.....

Also, I note that he only "confessed" and came clean and was honest because the local newspaper was on to him....