But there are a couple of things that have happened recently with us -- and they're bothering me. I'm not a particularly regular blogger; I'm certainly not on the "inside" of anything. I am, however, exactly the kind of person that the progressive movement needs fired up in the next few years. I don't want to feel discouraged. So I'm just going to make a couple of observations:

I had a hard time getting the message about a day like this across to swing voters during the election. It was hard for them to imagine that our lives and our country's principles could be fundamentally changed because of GWB being in office, with the power to nominate SC justices.

Now, of course, there are more people who can imagine it. The war has gotten some folks to wake up, of course. But I think there's something else, and I think it may be our only hope right now...

Louise has an idea.

Let's assure Mr. DeLay and Dr. Frist that, when their time comes, not only will we be sure to keep them alive -- but also that we will make their personal medical care a matter of governmental control and ritual. It's the least we can do.

Amend your living wills, folks. If you don't wish to be kept on life support in certain circumstances, it's time. Get your witnesses back and have them sign again -- because apparently you need to add a codicil stating that you specifically prohibit the President or Congress from intervening.

If you pray, pray with me for all the family members involved in this tragedy. There's no good news here.

Am I alone in this?

Some of them started predicting his suicide.

Cruel as that is, I don't think it's way off. And as ticked off at the WH and GOP and G/G as I am, it makes me worry about this guy.

One commenter had an interesting thought: can G/G be turned? I wonder -- if he's been abandoned by those who used him, if he's feeling desperate, and if he's interested in continuing his 15 minutes...perhaps he could be convinced to change sides. Someone like David Brock would be the perfect contact, but someone here could try it, too.

Getting the information he has would be better than destroying him entirely, and from a compassionate perspective, it would be the right thing to do.

White House officials say the idea should appeal to blacks because they have a shorter average life span than whites and end up putting more money into the retirement system than they take out.

If you can't get out of your house:

Call for Kerry.

If you don't live in a swing state:

Remember, the popular vote is important. Go canvas!

If you live near a swing state, but aren't signed up for anything:

Drive over and get visible!

If you are signed up and active in GOTV, but just on a break?

Never mind! :-)

This is a critical error which reflects directly on something Kerry missed emphasizing in the debates. Both of them -- and everyone else in this campaign -- needs to get this:

Even if things someday turn out well in Iraq, George Bush has forfeited his right to a second term and any recognition for his first. By ignoring all sane advice about what post-invasion Iraq would look like, by allowing the CPA to be staffed with partisans with no relevant experience, by undermanning operations, by failing to listen to his commanders on the ground, George Bush has cost our country hundreds of lives and Iraq thousands. Unacceptable. And by lying -- yes, lying -- to the American people about all of this (just take the "100,000 Iraqi troops trained"), he has lost all rights to our trust.

Yes, the rationales for war were wrong. Yes, the overall theory of the war seems to have been wrong. But we do not need to wait for history to judge George Bush, and we do not need to look back two years to judge George Bush. We have all the evidence we need right now, in the present. George Bush must go.

Despite the complaints about Kerry's lack of eye-contact with the camera (something I didn't notice at all), I think Kerry connected with viewers several times tonight, showing some passion for the things he believes -- and as that was the focus of my prayer, I'll just give The Almighty some props. :-)

Shall we do it again?

1. 7:45 central (15 minutes before debate)

2. 5 minutes -- prayer, meditation, sacrificing of chickens...)

Focus, people. There will be lots of same going on for GWB, so you know Kerry needs us!

I'll add a diary entry when they go back up. thanks!!

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Ok, folks -- most of you are going to think this is a loony idea, but that's ok. I am going to pray for John Kerry prior to the debate Thursday night and I'm looking for some fellow travelers to join me. You know Bush's people are going to be doing it. Let's focus some of that power over this-a-way.

In medical research, intercessary prayer has been shown to be effective in reducing complications. Note that in the study I've cited, people of all faith traditions prayed, and the persons being prayed for did not know about it.

Call it prayer, positive energy, meditation, mojo -- whatever you like. I want to focus some of it on this election.