Friends write truly inspired holiday newsletters each year. We can't wait to hear from them.

One year, they wrote their letter as Mad Libs, as in:

"Barry had an _______________ quarter at his company this year. Everyone had said it would be ________________ but it actually turned out __________________. At the ground-breaking ceremony, he got to meet the ______________ governor and was surprised at how __________________ he was in person..."

etc.

Dear Mr. Grieve,

I respectfully propose that you and your colleagues and we readers of whatever political stripe vigilantly refuse to use the word "surge." Of course, the quotation marks are meant to suggest that we disavow the word and what it refers to, but it still keeps it in the fore, and "surge" is their word. We know the game of argument and persuasian is half won by those who frame the issue and determine the rhetoric.

Let's call it what it is: escalation, increase, utter madness, etc.

That they had to scrape the sides of the 60's/70's-Dean-Martin's-Roast style "safe" comedian barrel just adds to Colbert's stunning achievement last year. Not to be invited back (and not to choose a comtemporary of Colbert) is sweet vindication.

that her answer was perfectly clear and appropriate in the context. What else can she or should she possibly say? And brava to her for her restraint and class.

I will only add how I detest the sudden urgent prodding and insistance on an answer from the MSM questioners. Have they EVER prodded and insisted on an answer from GWB and his ilk in any real way? Oh, but NOW they're "investigative" journalists? Puleeze.

just before the 2004 election speaking of poll numbers:

Quoth he, "you may end up with a different math, but you're entitled to your math, I'm entitled to THE math." (emphasis added)

So too, it seems, Rove has HIS history.

And look at how well he knew his math?

It took a moment on The Google but it was worth it for the reference. LOL. Bushie sure puts the "potted" in potted plant (and the "sham" in shamrock too).

I've had the same nauseating thought. One thing that might yet save the day if Lieberman switches over is the possibility of principled Republicans willing to do what's right. Principled, or at least up for re-election.

Posting too far out to be read, but I wanted to chime in my approval for any changes that make for more civility yet keep the passionate, informative, and enlightening exchanges part of what makes Salon what it is.

Recently while on vacation, I was only able to read the original articles but not access any of the letters afterwards (my host's connection would time-out before the letters would load) and it diminished the experience of reading Salon significantly. I realized how much I look forward to the "conversation" with other posters afterward. It was like seeing a really provacative movie and then not being able to discuss it as you're leaving the theater and strolling down the street.

Somebody should commend you for your brilliant post, and it shall be me.

I was snorting as I read your words-- but it was milk, forcefully, through the nose.

It's the most important meal of the Constitution.

that Bill Moyers is on PBS tonight with "Buying the War." Check local listings.

(as they say.)

and tomorrow's class will be on the Judicial branch of our government.

Little George is making steady progress in his civics lessons and his parents must be so proud.

the Carter Center (Phone:(404) 420-5100 or (800) 550-3560; E-mail: carterweb@emory.edu) and, for what it might be worth, left an impassioned plea for President Carter to continue to speak out the truth about what is happening to our republic under this maladministration and to STOP apologizing! 70%plus of the country is with you on this, Mr. Carter, and the rest of the world besides.

by any chance related to the chicken-plucker? Just wondering.

Can anyone say "hungover" in German, French, Italian, Russian, or Japanese?

Bush spent the morning driving the big white bus. The BEST that can be said for him is that he didn't yak all over another head of state like Poppy.

(although if he had, it would have been full-circle irony of operatic proportions.)

I may not always agree with everything you offer, but, in this crass sound-bite/bullet-list/bottom-line culture, your letters are always poem.

Goodbye Tony Snow, and godspeed for a full recovery. You've done the right thing by leaving this deplorable administration-- you should take care of your health, take stock of your life (take corrective, restorative action), and surround yourself with loved ones.

Goodbye Alberto Gonzales. Don't let the Constitution hit you on the ass on your way out.

...the appropriate response to a clown in a circus.

Albert Einstein never watched any Baby Einstein videos.

Make that "America's Night-mayor."

shouldn't he be putting on his "raincoat" BEFORE he signs?

You gave me my first LOL of the day. Brilliant. Thanks.

must be radiating up from his oval office rug.

you watch the clip without the sound (as I must do on my sound-impaired laptop-- therefore, not knowing what his text is), the bookshelf/cross image is even more pronounced. Indeed, it appears the focal point, and the fact that it "moves" to the right (as the camera slowly pans) only to finally be supplanted by Huck's head, makes it even more focal.

Even those of us who don't work in advertising know that NOTHING is ever left to chance, nor are provocative visuals ever casually tossed in.

With Huckabee, the messiah is the message.