Mr. Stark hits the political nail squarely on the head. The only way so called liberals and/or progressives will cause their government to get it right on the issues they perceive to be crucial is to continue to apply meaningful pressure on Obama and the rest of the Dems. Further and most importantly, that pressure must be increased, exponentially, for it to be effective.

Our so called leaders in the Democratic Party are, with few exceptions, carbon copies of the Republicans, at least with regard to their primary mission. Unfortunately, that mission is not the conduct of good government; rather, it is their endeavor to remain in office and to exploit the opportunities, whatever the costs.

Folks, they reall ydon't give a damn about you, individually or otherwise, simply because you don't fill their pockets or their campaign war chests. Considering their record of the past several years, having acquiesced and often joined in the very worst of Republican legislation, any who haven't come to this realization are part of the problem.

For those who suggest that resort to the Green or Libertarian

Parties as viable alternatives, forget it. There is no need to address the policies of these organizations; they do not begin to have the viable numbers. Bottom line, we will either see a reawakening of the Democratic Party or the literal destruction of the American experiment by the radical right.

The only way to impact our Democratic leaders is for the people to apply pressure; however, if it does not have critical mass, it will fail. How might it be accomplished? I wonder if this might be a way.

Clearly, individual organizations like MoveOn wield significant political clout but, just as clearly, not enough. If the numerous organizations and groups having purposes and goals that might be called liberal or progressive were to unite as a single and very powerful interest group, it might reach the critical mass neccessary to get the attention of the Democratic Party.

Until some insightful and capable individuals or groups effect such a movement, at least we can join Mr. Stark in his genuinely patriotic effort to help Senator Obama and the Dems see the light.

We should not be surprised that many of HRC's staunchest and wealthiest supporters are giving consideration to jumping ship, in view of the expectation that she will not be the nominee of the Democratic Party. It was quite predictable and it merely reflects the most significant distinction between the two candidates and the policies expected of their administrations, at least to the extent those policies have been predicted by those now cozying up to McCain.

HRC's candidacy was/is heavily invested in big business and the wealthy, and they in her candidacy. It is true that Obama has support from the corporate world and from some of wealthiest America but, whether by choice or not, he does not enjoy the support those sectors had/have for another Clintonian America.

We should not be surprised that many of HRC's wealthy supporters are nervous, and looking for what they believe is solid ground. They had good reason to believe that a Clintonian presidency would have again been a boon for those who enjoy excessive wealth, and now they are scurrying to land a safe alternative.

As to Obama, they cannot be sure he's their kind of candidate. While he seems to be moving to the right on some matters, he remains a question mark regarding his perspectives on the distribution of wealth. They're afraid he might have some crazy notion that it's time the middle and lower economic classes get a break, and that's just not in their best interests, at least as they see things.

Which brings us to why they appear to be considering the Bush/McCain way. In view of the relative similarity of the political views shared by Clinton and Obama, and the dramatic differences when compared with those of McCain, what could possibly cause these "longtime, loyal Democrats" to even remotely entertain the idea of supporting McCain? I mean, it's clearly not the political issues that motivate them so, what could it be? Why, of course. We should have known all along.

One thing we and, more importantly, those HRC supporters, can be sure of - if you're interested in continuing the Bush/Cheney policies to enrich big business and the wealthy, and the average American be damned, McCain's your man.

It's the money, stupid.