is that although the choir was listening, the people who most needed to hear tonight's commentary weren't. Olbermann's approach tonight was precisely the antidote needed to all the cool dispassionate, wonkery we habitually hear from reform supporters (and even the President). While activists may be aware of the details and nuances of policy, that kind of discussion tends to make eyes glaze over in a large proportion of the population and especially among those who oppose reform and respond on an uninformed and emotional basis. Olbermann could reach those people. There was certainly useful information in his commentary but the passionate and personal way in which he delivered it is what is needed to get through to the doubters.

As a health reform activist, I've become only too aware that rationality and too many details puts people to sleep when I lecture. They want illustrative, personal stories and speakers who act like they're emotionally as well as intellectually committed to what they're doing. I'm convinced that the waffling, vagueness, and wonkishness of the administration have contributed to the lukewarm reception of its policies. Olbermann did them a favor tonight. I only hope that the video is widely distributed outside the usual channels. I intend to do my part.

While it does sound like you need to move on, that's likely to be difficult without adequate and appropriate support.

First, it's important to realize you're not alone in your struggle. Here is the story of another such man -- who successfully found his way out of the morass.

http://qsaltlake.com/2004/12/feature.shtml

You may find some valuable information and folks with whom you can discuss your situation at this site for gay Mormons:

http://www.affirmation.org/

Counseling can be very helpful but it is important to find a therapist/counselor who will be affirming and follow your lead in finding your way. Recommend avoiding those who offer easy answers or are ready to tell you what the "best" course is.

That is, if you're not wedded to the slime in the Vanity Fair hit piece.

http://www.wikio.com/video/393830

Now the Republicans are using Clinton's nasty Primary criticisms of Obama in their ads to attack him. If the positions were reversed, what criticisms of Clinton made by Obama could have been used so effectively by the Republicans against Obama? (Of course, they probably wouldn't have needed them. They had a gold mine of ammunition just from the Clinton years -- something a lot of folks here tend to disremember.)

I am a woman. A 70 year old woman. Admittedly a professional rather than blue collar. And I am weary to the point of nausea about all this belly-aching by other women about Obama and the DNC not respecting women. I've got news for you. Personally, I don't think Obama or the DNC respects liberals or the netroots base of the party enough either. But you know what? I'm voting for Obama.

I've been chronically disappointed that the DNC has migrated so far to the Right that the chance of getting a progressive, or even a populist, nominated is virtually nil. Yes -- I was a Deaniac. I was disappointed that he lost and thought Kerry was a lame candidate, but I voted for Kerry too. Do you know why? Because, given my liberal values, including the fact that I'm a strong feminist, there was no question in my mind that Kerry would be more respectful of my values and priorities than George Bush.

Time to face reality folks and look to the future. If you think tearing down Obama or voting for McCain -- or giving him a vote by not voting -- will gain respect for women or improve our lives and that of our children you are dreaming! You will lose rights -- as a woman and as a citizen -- if McCain is elected and there will be all war, all the time; some of your children and grandchildren will die in those wars.

If you can't look past all the emotional issues to the bottom line of policy, look at the spouses the male candidates have chosen. Dean, Kerry and Obama -- bright, competent, independent professional women. Bush, McCain -- Stepford wives. And Hillary? She stuck with a serial philanderer because she knew that her own political aspirations would have been dead in the water without him. I don't call that independent or feminist.

Obama isn't my ideal candidate either and I fully expect to hold his feet to the fire if he is elected. But first he has to get elected, and I intend to do what I can to help him get elected because the alternative is grim. This isn't the time to allow personal snits to get in the way of what -- in the longer term - is in the interests of women and the country.

For all Hillary's overt protestations about fully supporting Obama, neither she nor Bill have given an unambiguous message. Ostensibly, this long, drawn out withdrawal has been about letting her supporters down gently. Her fans need a "catharsis"? Please! This is about feeding the Clinton's own narcissistic needs. They do not intend to "go gentle into that good night." This is their party and they have no intention of giving it up. If, indeed, the Obama team does now realize that nothing will ever be enough to satisfy the Clintons, I wish they had realized it earlier and called a halt to the concessions. Whatever their superficial charms, the Clintons are and have been a toxic couple and the ultimate drama queens.