One parable, specifically: "The Boy Who Cried Wolf".

When the current Administration presented its case for war in Iraq, I had my doubts but I could not bring myself to believe that someone who had sworn "to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States" would lie to promote war, so I gave it my reluctant support.

I have watched with increasing horror as this Administration has trashed our reputation as a nation interested in justice, a nation that opposes torture, and a nation of engaged citizens. Our call to action: Shop 'til you drop!

I have watched as the government's duty to provide for public safety has been undermined by this Administration's belief in doing less with less for its own citizens. Katrina is merely the most flagrant example of this.

I have watched the gradual erosion of the Bill of Rights as well. So much for the Presidential Oath. I suppose W. issued a signing statement regarding his intention to comply with it only when he thought it convenient.

All the while, we have been told lie after lie after lie to support these developments.

It has gotten to the point that, if this Administration or its supporters were to tell me the sun will rise in the east, I would go to the window to make sure.

As you know, in the parable "The Boy Who Cried Wolf", the boy lied so many times that, when the wolf actually arrived, nobody paid any attention. The boy suffered the most, and though Aesop remains silent on the aftermath, I can imagine that the villagers suffered later.

My problem is, I know there will be a wolf on the left -- for no group in politics is without one -- but the right has so thoroughly undermined my ability to trust its, um, insights that I view its positions as the voice of a boy who has hollered "Wolf!" too often. Even more, he has himself actually fed the wolves he liked, and now has the nerve to be surprised that the "good" wolves have decided to eat his sheep.

I can sympathize with your problem, knowing that you post in good faith, but I can't pretend to be surprised that people roll their virtual eyes. I'm still going to the window to check on the direction of sunrise. I've started to bring a compass with me.