Official secrets should only exist for national security reasons. Secrets that are kept from the citizenry because voters would be displeased to learn what officials have done or have failed to do are not legitimate secrets. Unfortunately, it seems likely more things are kept under wraps to avoid pissing off the public than actually to protect us from anything or anyone.

What we need is an "official secrets" version of the wiretapping court: a panel of judges who review applications from the government for permission to keep something secret. No permission, no secret.

Welcome to the monarchy!

The dichotomy of the Bush administration's sweeping assertion of executive authority to spy on American communications in the interests of fighting terrorism while reports of yet another laptop containing "state secrets" is stolen from an official's car should outrage every taxpaying citizen. Constitutional issues aside, perhaps the bureaucrats would find less opposition to domestic spying if the government committing the outrages showed any capacity to actually protect the information gathered by questionable means. Apparently, the ability to spy's the thing - once gathered, the administration can and does treat "state secrets" in a cavalier fashion that would find private sector officials on the unemployment lines. We pay the government to listen to our phone calls and mine data on our purchases so junkies can steal it out of a sedan - welcome to the world of proto-fascists!

A government of the people, for the people, by the people.

Guess we're a bunch of paranoid, secretive, violent fuckers.

God made us in his image.

Doesn't say much for God does it.

Much substance abuse needed to clear my mind. Must find liquid courage to go on.

Ahhhhhhhhh....

Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup,

They slither while they pass, they slip away Across the Universe.

Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my opened mind,

Possessing and caressing me.

Jai Guru Deva Om

Nothing's gonna change my world, Nothing's gonna change my world.

Nothing's gonna change my world, Nothing's gonna change my world.

Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes,

They call me on and on Across the Universe.

Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box,

They tumble blindly as they make their way Across the Universe

Jai Guru Deva Om

Nothing's gonna change my world, Nothing's gonna change my world.

Nothing's gonna change my world, Nothing's gonna change my world.

Sounds of laughter, shades of earth are ringing

Through my open ears inciting and inviting me.

Limitless, undying love, which shines around me like a million suns,

And calls me on and on Across the Universe

Jai Guru Deva Om

Nothing's gonna change my world, Nothing's gonna change my world.

Nothing's gonna change my world, Nothing's gonna change my world.

Thank you Lennon and McCartney

And for the awesome redos by Rufus and Fiona.

If you recall, one of the first things this administration did (before 9/11) was close the lid on Presidential papers via an Executive Order. It also(before 9/11) decided that national energy policy was too much for the general public to handle. I would bet the ranch that Cheney's secret energy sessions included discussions of how to enjoy the upcoming control of Iraqi oil. 9/11 became their opportunity to seal the public off and they have run with it.

"If the administration prevails, then we will be well on our way to a different form of government in which executive authority is effectively unchecked."

And this differs from a dictorship how?

The BUCK stops in Baghdad.

In EMERGENCY call 9-11 ask for George. His Fvorite TUNE 9-11.

Remember to "Stay the course", the Piper will need Payment where only the Victor will decide who writes the "W"ar Crime annals.

THIS IS NOT MY AMERICA **** **** *** *.

sub sole sub umbra virens

your insightful article has been posted at my new website in the cummulative effort to expose these criminals from our goverment.

It is posted under the truthiness and insightful news category.

the link to it is http://zenwire.com

thank you and keep up the good work.

Anthony