re: "If simply voting for more Democrats will achieve nothing in the way of meaningful change, what, if anything, will?"

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

re: "This is far more than a Blue Dogs issue."

Indeed.

As long as we are content to sit here and endlessly argue over how to effect change within the existing corrupted structure, absolutely nothing will change. As Glenn has noted, electing Democrats has had essentially zero impact on the Bush agenda. This is because there is in fact only one political party -- the MIC/AIPAC party. Oh, the Democrats will say they are different, but, when the rubber meets the road, they vote right along with Bush.

So, we can go on like this and continue to delude ourselves that there is some sort of real answer possible within the present corrupt system, or we can do what The Declaration of Independence plainly states is the right of the people: to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

re: "Profit is a religion, to the top tier of trans-national corporations."

Merchants have no country. The mere spot they stand on does not constitute so strong an attachment as that from which they draw their gains.

-Thomas Jefferson

re: "Business is totally predatory, it is based on nothing more than GREED."

SEE: 'The Corporation'

http://tinyurl.com/6zr9hd

re: "if Bush were like the leadership of China or Russia you would now either be silent or dead"

The only difference between the Bush regime and those in China or Russia are the methods used for repression. Do you think you are somehow "free" because you can rant on a blog? Try getting anywhere near the centers of power with your protest and you will be quickly whisked away because you strayed from your desginated "free speech" zone -- which, of course, receives zero coverage from the MIC-owned mass media. Get too far out of line and you may be designated a "terrorist", in which case you can be shoved into some CIA-run black hole forever.

The methods of repression here are more subtle, and perhaps less overtly brutal; but they are equally effective in supressing any dissent.

Couple this with the fact that Bush can assume virtually any dictatorial powers he chooses with the stroke of a pen on an Executive Order. He can also ignore any law he chooses by a "signing statement".

If this isn't totalitarianism, I don't know what is.

Anyone who cannot plainly see that we are sitting in the Titanic and have struck the iceberg is delusional.

Of course, the First Class passengers have been escorted to the lifeboats and are floating at a safe distance.

SEE:

The Grand Summary: Our Empire of Debt Is Collapsing

http://www.oftwominds.com/blogjuly08/empire-debt7-08.html

Inflationary Recession Is in Place

* Banking Solvency Crisis Has Opened First Phase of Monetary Inflation

* Hyperinflationary Depression Remains Likely As Early As 2010

http://www.shadowstats.com/article/292

re: "you obviously have no idea what it's like to live in a totalitarian regime"

Yes, I do, since in fact I live in one. Indeed, I pointed out to you exactly why that is so. You offered no counter argument, because there is none.

Thus, your statement is demonstrably false.

re: "The DJIA was up 186 today, probably on the basis of all that excellent economic news, like the $4 jump in crude oil futures."

No, I think it was because, in spite of all the negativity from the liberal media, they can plainly see that everthing is just fine.

SEE:

http://www.oftwominds.com/blogjuly08/empire-debt7-08.html

re: "Does real privacy exist in America?"

Only for those who can claim "Executive Privilege" -- or hide out in "an undisclosed location".

The rest of us are under the watchful eye of Big Brother.

P.S.

Not sure if anyone else has brought this up, but just in case you had any illusions about your complete lack of privacy...

Credit Card Transactions to be Reported to the IRS - in Foreclose Prevention Act of 2008

http://tinyurl.com/5nleqy

In the past, when IRS wanted to get information from banks and merchant accounts, it required going to a judge and getting a subpoena. With this new law in place, such pesky legal formalities have been dispensed with.

Now, what was it that someone was saying about us not living in a totalitarian state?