With all that is deliberately concealed about our military operations, including photos of caskets of American soldiers who gave their lives in Iraq, I would like to offer a saddened "thank you" to Salon.com for the publication of the Abu Ghraib photos and videos. In order for us to understand whether or not American military action is justified it is essential that the American people are aware of the consequences of those military actions. Publishing these photos and videos (to however small a percentage of the population) will bring some of the reality of Iraq to the eyes of the American people; reminding us of the cost of supporting an administration that is willing to use its military so recklessly.

I have yet to read a book by Ms. Jong, but I have enjoyed the two interviews I have read with her on Salon. In this interview in particular I was impressed by the idea that women writers have killed themselves in order to complete a narrative long-embedded in our culture; the narrative of a woman needing to be punished for her transgressions. The nature of these transgressions seems always to be sexual or intellectual - both linked to power – and judging by many of the letters responding to this article that narrative is still fully at work. Ms. Jong strikes me as a kind of hero in this regard. Admitting mistakes, but refusing to keep quiet and refusing to be punished or off herself in order to satisfy the worst aspects of our collective regard for women and sex. I didn't see Ms. Jong on the Bill Maher show, but I would offer that while Ms. Jong has political interests, she is not a politician and therefore under no obligation to wax down her mind or heart in order to make an audience comfortable. Rebel’s performances, good or bad, rarely satisfy the status quo.

Thanks, Video Dog, for providing me with some of the best stuff that cable has to offer and without the monthly charge.

That's it. I am officially in love with Stephen Colbert. What other mind or personality could so seamlessly marry bad-boy, lying-piece-of-shit hotness with such wholesome skin and such a benevolent wit? If I were a straight, female car, I would gladly bear all of his babies.

Jesus may have come back as a political and cultural satirist.

While watching Mr. Olbermann's address to the president I found myself unexpectedly choking back tears. With everything so rotten in American politics for the past 6 years, hopelessness has simply become the air I breathe. I am genuinely stunned when it springs to life, however briefly. Who was it who said, "To a man dying of thirst the first drops of water taste like sand."?

The only unusual aspect of Mr. Everett's bitter regard for fame comes from his attempt to be what Hollywood is still lacking - an openly gay movie star who is sexy and powerful. If Sean Kennedy could lay out the magical recipe for coming out in Hollywood his down-the-nose regard for Mr. Everett may be justifiable. But since he cannot offer up the golden fruit he wastes his time in the usual way; giving lashes to one who tried.