Well, here's the deal, fellas. I have opinions which can be characterized as 'liberal,' and others which can be characterized as 'conservative.' If a gang of masked Islamic Jihadists takes you hostage, ties you up, puts you in front of a video camera, chants 'Allah is Great,' puts the dull sword to your throat, do you think the fact you are a liberal or a conservative will have any effect on the outcome of the situation?

We argue with each other. That comes with the territory of democracy. Liberals insult conservatives, and vice versa. "How can you be so blind ... how can you be so stupid ... I take offense at ..." We discuss policy, we try to convince each other that Kerry is a better candidate, or that Bush is, nevertheless, we are tolerant ... we accept that Kerry may win the election, or that Bush may win, and that the winner is our president. We may disagree with their policies and decisions, but though our disagreement may be spirited, heated, and insulting, we particiipate in a pluralistic, democratic socio/political system.

That system, our society, our values, our people are under attack. We did not make war on Jihadist Islamicists. They are making war on us. We can ignore the war ... it won't stop. We have to plan for a long dispute ... decades, maybe centuries long. Spooky, unnerving, but true.

Enjoy the Music. Trust your ears. Laugh at Folks Who Claim to Know it All.