A reminder to the Bush administration

"You and I are told we must choose between a left or right, but I suggest there is no such thing as a left or right. There is only an up or down. Up to man's age-old dream -- the maximum of individual freedom consistent with order -- or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism. Regardless of their sincerity...those who would sacrifice freedom for security have embarked on this downward path." - Ronald Reagan

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The International Herald Tribune is reporting that the French offered to help train Iraqis more than a year ago, but the U.S. never responded. Kinda makes you wonder if the Bushies wouldn't prefer that the French be a punching bag rather than an ally. They sure warmed up quickly to other anti-war countries such as Germany, Mexico and Chile after Saddam fell. On the other hand, they may have intelligence about the relationship between the Chirac administration and Iraq that puts the French in a special category. Like maybe oil-for-food or arms sales?

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The hand recount for the Washington State Governor's mansion continues. Follow the counting and root for your favorite lousy candidate here. As of this posting, Republican empty suit Dino Rossi has expanded the 42 vote lead he enjoyed over Democrat nitwit Christine Gregoire at the end of the machine recount by an additional 28 votes out of 2.7 million ballots cast. For me, the real story is Ruth Bennett. The Libertarian candidate and out lesbian appealed to traditional Democratic voters, drawing from Gregoire's support. Rossi had better keep that in mind if he comes out ahead and give the Libertarian Party a seat at the table in his administration.