As a Vietnam vet discharged in 1967 I can vividly remember the early problems I had adjusting to life in "the world". I had numerous encounters with various police in several different jurisdictions for the first 3 1/2 years after coming home. Most of these confrontations were relatively benign, public intoxication, disorderly conduct etc. Some were not. All of these incidents occurred while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or both. I was estranged from my family, was chronically depressed, suffered from sudden terrifying panic attacks and had no friends, except for one fellow vet who later committed suicide. On Christmas night 1969 I had a violent confrontation with about a dozen local police that could have and probably would have resulted in my death in today's police environment. Instead I was maced, clubbed, handcuffed and served a little time in the city jail. I think a very critical difference between then and now, is that most of these officers were vets. They could empathize with my problems and did not over react to the threat level. They did not have to prove their machismo to anyone.

I finally got my shit together, finished college and graduate school with the help of the G.I. Bill. Married (35 years) and raised two sons.

My heart goes out to the Dean family, I pray that one day they will have peace in their minds. I know it's real terrifying when you head is filled with hate and demons.

Great article Glenn, but I think you need to start being more accurate in your description of the "right wing Bush followers". These people are not "right wing Republicans". Barry Goldwater was a right wing Republican, but he had great respect for the US Constitution and the rule of law.

The Bush loyalists are pure and simple, Ameri-Fascist.

If Giuliani is going to portray himself as another real tough, real serious Rupukican. He should consider modeling himslef after Larry Craig rather than Ronald Regan. Giuliani and Craig have far more in common.

I'm not sure who the individual or "think tank" was that advised him to stay above the fray when he decided not to aggressively fight back against the swift boating of the 04 election. What I am sure of is; it cost him the election, it was horrible advice.

I now watch a man that I campaigned for and donated to tacking sharply to starboard, with the same amazement that I watched John Kerry in 04.

Senator Obama, go with your gut and listen to your wife or the dreams of 10 year olds all over this country will twirl down the porcelain convenience. And you and millions of Americans will awaken the day after the election wondering how in the hell John McCain was elected President of The United States.

Mr. Franklin; what government have you given us?

Benjamin Franklin: A Republic, if you can keep it.

I've campaigned for and donated to the Obama organization. If he had displayed his true political id during the primary I would have never supported him. I can not vote for McSame under any circumstances. In November I'll sit on my hands.

Excuse me but these raids are not "Gestapo Like" they are the real thing by the "American Gestapo". You know, those friendly guys in black who are sworn to "serve and protect". This is not the exception to the rule, this is the rule. You will find this type of police activity in every city in America. They do not think they are above the law; they truly are above the law. There is absolutely nothing that will happen to these cops. There will be no criminal charges filed, civil charges will be stonewalled and then if there is a judgement against these cops it will be paid by the very taxpayers they daily abuse. They're bullies with a badge, and sorry to say it, but wake up America, your "Bill of Rights" has been shredded and there is not a damn thing you can do about it. The POLICE STATE is already here.

I can imagine the scene; Karl Rove looks in astonishment at one of his minions and states, "Good Lord I can't believe it, we've sold them on Palin. They're even dumber than I thought!

The Dems and the high road are going to lose this election. After that it will take a year, maybe 2 and you can bend over and kiss your ass goodbye. Go Bama, turn the other cheek until your comatose!

Consider this scenario; Palin was never intended to be the real Vice-Presidential candidate. She was picked to bolster a christian conservative block that was not going to support McCain. McCain's real choice is either Romney or Liberman. I doubt that Palin is aware of this but she will be withdrawing from the ticket soon, because of the "intense liberal media slandering" of her personally. This will enrage the christian conservative base and bring them out in mass in November. Romney will waltz in to save the day and give the rest of the Republican and independents the VP candidate they wanted along.

This scenario might be crazy, but if it's true I think it will check-mate Obama and McCain will take the election.