I know we're supposed to avoid political issues on here, so I hope we can keep this a civilized discussion, but this is an election year, and things are bound to come up.

Brad, you're right. Economically and in terms of foreign relations, we were much better off 8 years ago. Clinton was able to run for re-election with one simple phrase: "Are you better off than you were 4 years ago?" Bush can't do that, so he bills himself as a "wartime president."

As for Kerry, everyone is still getting to know him. 3 weeks ago, I was unsure of him myself. After watching hours and hours of the Democratic National Convention (I was a total junkie), I now believe that John Kerry is the man we need in the White House. Has he changed his mind about a few things? Sure. But that's what thinking people do. Your first impression is not always correct, and sometimes after gathering more information, you realize there's more to an issue than you initially thought, and you change your position.

I'm not a big fan of conspiracy theories, but I do think that sometimes people in power see opportunities to gain more power and seize those opportunities. Kontron, this book you describe sounds a lot like militia propaganda, and that scares me. But Brad, we are not "lowly citizens." This is OUR country. And you're right, we should either try to change what we don't like or leave. This is an election year. This is our chance to change things we don't like. And if you like what's happening in America right now, that's you're prerogative too, and I'll be the last person to try to take it from you. But for those of you who are dissatisfied (and are of legal voting age), get out and VOTE! If you're not registered, register. This is our country. We do have a say (except in Florida - just kidding - I couldn't resist).