went away with Newty and his Republican game plan of demonizing Democrats even to the extent of bringing into question the patriotism of decorated veterans who have served their nation honorably by opponents who have never worn their nations uniform.

"Dialogue dies when we can no longer debate issues, nor honor dissent" was the lead line in a post sent to me by a friend forced to decrie the "castigation as cowards and traitors" those in disagreement with the current administration. IMO he gave voice to the current state of affairs where the sloganeering of meaningless mantras like "stay the course" or "bring it on" or "we have to fight them there so we don't have to fight them here" are substituted for reasoned dialogue and meant to pass for revealed wisdom.

Tax cuts for the rich are substituted for concern for the public welfare while flag draped coffins are hidden from public view. Our discussion agreed that "those in disagreement with the administration are castigated as cowards and traitors. Spin, slander and slogans" are the tools used by the corporate governance to influence the American public just as Madison Ave. is used to sell us shaving gels, Viagra, and Pontiac Aztecs.

The strongest point my friend made was when he closed by saying, "It is time to respond to the substance of criticism rather than libel the critic."

Publius