Well, Nader supporters, my worst fears have come to pass. Well, not particularly righteous, it is easy to blame Nader supporters for the failed 2000 election and part of 2004. But, here is what was on the line-- 2 Supreme Court positions, including the Chief Justice. I know it is particularly hard to take a step back from the horrors in the South right now--looting, murder, rape incompetence, staged food drops and construction projects, but bear with me for a moment.

If both judicial nominees can be pushed through before the 2006 elections, law interpretation will be sent back to the 1930s. Women's rights, the rights of minorities over business, the right to choose will almost be eliminated in favor of business. I can almost see a new era of separate but equal being started. It is my best hope that at least one nomination can be delayed until after the 2006 election. and the Dems win the House and Senate, no small order. If not, civil liberties as we have come to know them will be continually eroded.

And yes, I am a little angry at Nader supporters for costing Gore votes (but if Gore could have carried his home state, or the Florida elections weren't rigged--no arguments please, I am not naive. If this happened in a third world country or the Ukraine, where the presidential hopeful's brother gave him the race, the U.S. would be up in arms.) There were too many variables and not enough vision to ensure that a liberal or progressive course could be kept.

Hindsight is always good, but what have we learned from this. And how is legislative and possible executive power (2008) taken back to a more progressive or at least centrist stance?

Have we all volunteered at our local Democratic headquarters yet? I know I have called them six times now asking how can I help and have not even gotten a return call, as well as called our local representative. Still no calls back.

rojo