I am also an atheist, environmentalist, and of course, liberal. I've lived in rural south central Utah for 32 yrs. Fact is, mormons in the majority are completely different from mormons living where they are a minority. And they would rather die than vote democrat. Okay okay, I know at least 3 democratic mormons, and they ain't that li'brul, but not sure they have a temple recommend. Meanwhile, mormons are nice people who sometimes give birth to intelligent children who almost without exception, move away as soon as they finish high school. The reason I live here is because I love the scenery, the agricultural environment, and the solitude. But make no mistake, Utah is a theocracy, and you won't find any liberal local officials, if you aren't mormon, you won't be getting mormon votes. There is no social life outside the church, PERIOD. The school system is unofficially parochial, all the teachers are mormons, and the principal is the bishop, was the bishop, or will be the bishop. Bars are for sad alcoholics and limited to one or two bars PER COUNTY. I personally have nothing against the mormon religion that I don't also have against catholics, baptists, muslims, or any patriarchal, monotheist, warrior sky god religion. They have lousy priorities. See the Salon article on Richard Dawkins.

So what was the point of Tim Grieve's article? Let's see if democract Christian Burridge ousts republican incumbent Chris Cannon in the all red 3rd congressional district. As IF.

I would like to add my name to the list of people grateful for Gary's compassionate article. I was cursing the president and my country the day we began "shock & awe" and I told more than one innocent bystander that I was ashamed to be American on that day. You would be dismayed to know how many people didn't even know what we were doing when I spoke out.

Those who disagree with the idea of the article, I have to say, I am one who feels deeply for the horror my country inflicts on innocent people. This war is an open and clear representation of the US foreign policy, and I am ashamed. I thank Gary for putting my feelings into words, and letting me know I am not the only american who loves their country and is devastated by how evil it has become. I regularly apologize to young people, whether I know them or not, for what my generation has laid upon them for the rest of their lives. Saying I'm sorry, and meaning it, is not an empty gesture. I do participate in political activism and encourage others to do so.

Thank you Gary, your article brought tears to my eyes and made me feel a little better. It's good to know there are others out there with caring hearts and thoughtful minds.

And for Riverbend Blog, I think her blog is the equivalent of the Diary of Anne Frank.

I enjoyed both the well written conversation article, and the letters. Every salon article doesn't have to be a dead serious torture in Iraq story. Some levity is much appreciated.

That said, 765,000 arrests last year for possession of pot is a pretty serious matter. I forget... Why is pot illegal? Why did we attack Iraq?

Speaking of reality... someone please show me the way back to my parallel universe where war is not peace, love is not hate, and lies are not truth. Where missiles are not called peacekeepers. Where nuns are not given 8 year sentences for "trespassing" on dept of defense land and pouring animal blood on nuclear warhead silos, while pedophile priests get transferred to a different parish. God, I need some reefer!

Actually I don't smoke it much any more. I was always a very occasional smoker.. but just think.. I could be busted and put in jail, me, grandma, and former PTA member, citizen volunteer... Yeah.. putting me in jail would really benefit society.

For those who haven't had the pleasure, Showtime had a hilarious movie called "Reefer Madness, the musical"... I HIGHLY (har har) recommend renting it. Watch it several times, it is a scream. And well done.

I have sent donations to Marijuana Policy Project and I hope their initiative passes in Nevada.

Meanwhile, besides the wonderful high from "reefer", the industrial version is practically a MIRACLE plant. To prohibit the cultivation and use of industrial hemp is criminal... hmm.. I think I notice a pattern in our government!

Hemp can save the world.

I love your name... kinda touches on everything. And your point was succinct!

This Modern World has been an amazing strip. Some of them have been so clearly revealing of our dilemma, and distilled the situation, and helped me get a grip on this bizarro universe that my country has become.

At least previous presidents were covert about their imperialism.. our country is now in the grasp of people who have no problem being overtly fascist who base their foreign policy on their own lies, and have supporters who also claim to be followers of Jesus (who's entire message was anti fascism and pro truth). I feel like we Americans may be experiencing what life was like in 1930's Germany.

I just heard that Bush is developing a new generation new cue lar weapon (we have over 6000 still existent from the MAD days)... while he threatens countries who try to develop their own arsenal.

Bizarre.

As for This Modern World... if every column is not a Pulitzer, they are still clever, relevant, and hey.. they can't all be gems. As Picasso said, "even I occassionaly paint a fake." Enough of his work is brilliant and I am impressed with his acumen. And I appreciate his public display that lets me know there are other people out there who are capable of critical thinking.. I am not alone! Cause I live in the reddest county in the reddest state in the USA.

LazyEdna