The Reality of Red State Fascism

Lew Rockwell writes a fairly compelling deconstruction of the republican political machine, one which has taken on a life of it's own and devours the people who so ardently support it.

"The vigor and determination of the Bush administration has brought about a profound cultural change, so that the very people who once proclaimed hated of government now advocate its use against dissidents of all sorts, especially against those who would dare call for curbs in the totalitarian bureaucracy of the military, or suggest that Bush is something less than infallible in his foreign-policy decisions. The lesson here is that it is always a mistake to advocate government action, for there is no way you can fully anticipate how government will be used. Nor can you ever count on a slice of the population to be moral in its advocacy of the uses of the police power. "

Full Article Here

Freemotion machine not good for head!

Beware! I was working out with this Freemotion Cable Cross machine when one of the rotating arms failed and struck me directly on the top of my head. This resulted in a large gash (11 stitches) and a concussion. I had 150 lbs on it and was doing tricep pull downs and had done a full set of 15 reps. When I got to the 3rd rep of my second set, the arm failed and like a giant tomahawk swung down with full force splitting my head open like a ripe melon. I really feel fortunate to be alive.

Wall of Separation

I recently received an email from a someone claiming their rights have been violated because prayer in public schools, football games, and other public events is not allowed. Let's contemplate that for a moment. The "wall of separation" as Jefferson called it, is a fundamental element of our constitution. The separation of church and state actually gives everyone the freedom to practice the religion of their choice. The absence of that wall is what led to the first European settlements on this continent, so that they were able to practice as they chose. I would say not praying in a particular faith at a public event is small payment for the freedom we all enjoy as a result.

As Jefferson so elequently stated, "Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man & his god, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, thus building a wall of separation between church and state. "

The entire text of Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptist Assocation may be found here.