Often you hear a conservative tell a progressive, "America, LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT!! As if having a different agenda; one that isn't based on literalist interpretations of two and three thousand year old desert tribal scriptures, the abuse and marginalization of ethnic and sexual minorities and knowing that invading and cleansing Afghanistan of Al-Qaeda and the Taliban was right and invading Iraq was wrong makes you (and apparently 50% of the rest of the country) an unpatriotic heretic worthy only of ostracism

At this point I would truly consider leaving America if George Bush is re-elected, but I don't want to become a victim of his foreign policy.

This just in. The dubious and completely uneeded Atkins Diet (WAKE UP PEOPLE - EXERCISE AND LESS FOOD = WEIGHT LOSS) has claimed another victim. Apparently the TWINKIE is in danger as InterState Bakeries, baker of Twinkies and Wonder Bread, has filed for Chapter 11. The company cited a downturn in business due to the decreased demand for carb loaded foods.

Why does this seem to stink of gastronomic political correctness?

Finally, today I have a book recommendation.

The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl. Set in Boston 1865, a group of writers, intellects and poets led by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow translate Dante into English. Their work becomes more important as a grisly set of murders strikes Boston.

I don't read very much contemporary fiction, but this one is exciting, educational and historically detailed. Its a cross between James Michner and the Da Vinci Code.