Sorry, I forgot to mention religion! On the surface it's odd that so many Americans are held in thrall by the fear of death and their hereafter. A look at any of the topics in the subject heading suggests that fear should not be a factor. Rather, acceptance of the fact that your not the bug you step on everyday should make you happy that you're at the top of the food-chain and might live for 76 years instead of 76 hours! We are all the victims or victors of chance. The best that we can do is to live the life we were given at its fullest: forgive those whom we hate and love the rest!

Historically, empires have been governed by monarchs or despots. Not much print is devoted to this fundament in "Are We Rome?" In "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," Edward Gibbon writes that Augustus solidified Caesarean despotism by destroying "the independence of the senate. The principles of a free constitution are irrecoverably lost, when the legislative power is nominated by the executive." Did this change in government eventually contribute to Rome's fall? Is this happening to the American Empire?

I guess that I should have known who Norman Poderetz is, but I didn't. Now, I do. What a scumbag!

It's interesting that he was described as a "philosopher" -- a lover of knowledge. Such ignorance! How can an -etz not understand that commiting the crimes of his former persecutors renders him no different?

Oil and Isreal. Profit and proxy. Bomb Iran. Buy Armaagedon!

Does your space bar say "REPEAT"?

Amplification is fine, but echoes get boring!

I think that Mr. Moore and/or the "Sicko" producer should run an ad on Google that says, in effect, "See the movie. It will make you think!"

I'm also curious to see whether or not some health insurance companies heed Ms. Turner's advice.

Finally, let's not forget the consumer. Are we all so dumb to believe everything we read in advertising?

Go Google!

More evidence that Hillary is pretty smart. Moreover, let's not foeget that she isn't Bill!

I live in France. Not a single person I know or have talked to about this dislikes America as a nation; but they universally condemn Geo. Bush. Some wonder how he got elected, but also admit that they, too, have made mistakes. Many have travelled to the US -- NYC, CA, FL. They love it and us, as a place and a people. They approve of going after the enemy where he lives -- Afghanistan -- they have 2000 troops there. But Iraq, that's totally different. Globalization? They're a part of it. Since I've moved here, I've exclusively invested in Euro-based securities and have enjoyed a 35% annual return, which means I'm breaking even because of the Bushing of the dollar!

Celia:

You may be ready to be a campaign reporter, but like so many of that ilk, you flunk Strunk & White!

I'm a Republican. I voted against GWB in 2004 because of Iraq, and I wont't support any Republican who even hints at "staying the course." With 70% of Americans unhappy with the mess in the middle-east, isn't it logical to assume that by harping and hammering on this issue a Democratic candidate could easily win in 2008? You want emotion; what's more emotional than needlessly spilling American blood and wasting its treasure? Right now, I'm willing to vote for "Boring Bill" because he's the only candidate who is unequivocally in favor of immediate withdrawal from the killing fields. Get with the program, Dem's; Republican leaders have turned out to be killers of innocent civilians and American soldiers abroad, as well as the constitutional republic at home!

What could be more offensive than "evil empire" and "axis of evil"? A comic strip? I think not!

How 'bout an article on the 13 best coven players in all sports combined.

Grow up, young lady! Gossip in any form has no value. You waant to write? Write a letter to your grandchild!

Where is Brutus now that we really need him?

Don't worry. As long as she keeps shooting baskets in the driveway, she'll be fine!

What in the hell is wrong with condors? They eat lead; they're stupid. Have you ever tried it?

She's not a virgin, either!

Who cares? My life is my affair. Stay out of my bedroom -- or an airport men's room!

By the way, I prefer girls; have three children and five grandchildren!

I wonder GWB got in political science and English!

God bless "Jews United Against Zionism"!

This is "realpolitic" at its best; but isn't it a shame that commitment and courage are overcome by campaigning and cowardice when getting re-elected is more important than principle.

I consider myself a faraway friend -- thus, first names are OK. I've listened to your show on NPR, bought your tapes, read your books and read you blogs on Salon. But, more importantly, I, too, am from Minnesota -- first Amboy, then St. Paul and, finally, Mpls. When I was seven or eight -- I'm your age, now -- every Sunday afternoon, we'd go to Anoka to visit my ailing, aged grandmother.

Now, I live in France. I spent a week in the Alps not long ago and took a day-trip to Evian. It's a spa. I wouldn't drink bottled water that somebody bathed in, either!

Like your father, I'm a conservative. But, like you, I'm disgusted with the Current Occupant, his war and warmongering. I voted for thr Swift Boat captain in 2004, but hope we have a better choice in '08.

Arlyn

What can we do about this besdes talking it up? Almost all of us agree that GWB has been a mistake from birth. He and his cronies have led us down a weed-infested path that some thought would be a garden, and for some, it is a garden -- Halliburten, Blackwater, Exxon-Mobil. Can the Left find a Lee Harvey?

Have you been checked for uterine fibroids lately; or, for that matter, brain tumors?