It seems the Republicans have one play left in their book: Morals - We Have Them, They Don't.

They tried to use it over the summer without result, they effectively used it in the last election, and we cannot let them use it again, because it's a lie - the current administration has demonstrated that beyond doubt.

In regards to the Palin-pregnancy stories, we should all do what's right and wish Mrs. Palin, Ms. Palin, and their expanding family the best of luck and a bright future. Beyond that, any negative comments will only reflect negatively on the author of those comments, so, please, spare us.

However, in regards to the Republican machine.

They want a "Battle of the Morals" and we can give them that if we stop jumping on the little bits of bait they throw. Because they're aware of their own hypocrisies, they expected a big OMG deal to be made by the left. And it seems their expectations were right, so far. They want us to go after Palin and point to their hypocrisy, sling "family values" in their face and completely distract the public from the real issues at hand. Can you imagine how much despair there would be in the Republican camp if the story just dropped?

Like Obama has said before, not this time.

See the bait, take it off the hook and replace it with any number of things: lack of foreign policy experience, abuse of power, ties to lobbyists and Ted Stevens, ties to  the Alaskan Independence Party - one can go on for pages without delving into anyone's personal life.

So, before you blog or comment on the next latest-breaking-omg story, please take into consideration your intent as well as the intent on the other side of that release.

Today, according to KPBS of San Diego "Blackwater has given the city of San Diego until close of business tomorrow to reconsider its denial of permit for an Otay Mesa warehouse."

Seeking a Naval training center so close to the border could certainly imply the need to expand their business prospects; however the reason they give for the showdown of permit denial reconsideration?

The letter warns the city that withholding Blackwater's occupancy permit for the Otay Mesa facility will jeopardize the company's contract with the Navy, damage its reputation and harm national security.

This on the same day Karl Rove, previous advisor to Mr. Bush, is subpoenaed by Congress to testify concerning his involvement with the Democratic governor, Don Siegelman's imprisonment on trumped up charges.

Thank heavens for Conyers, House Judiciary Committee Chairman, saying today, concerning Rove's attitude on the matter

It is unfortunate that Mr. Rove has failed to cooperate with our requests,” Conyers said. “Although he does not seem the least bit hesitant to discuss these very issues weekly on cable television and in the print news media, Mr. Rove and his attorney have apparently concluded that a public hearing room would not be appropriate. Unfortunately, I have no choice today but to compel his testimony on these very important matters.

Blackwater and Rove, two fantastic reasons to Vote Dem in '08.

http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/05/22/breaking-rove-subpoenaed-by-house-judiciary-committee/
http://www.kpbs.org/news/local;id=11780

As comments and posts here become ever more volatile and divisive between Dems (and others who want to see a change in our government), should we not ask ourselves to what end our efforts are aimed?  It does not take a professional or seasoned political veteran to see how much harm the arguing and snarky banter can and will inflict on the General Election.

Wringing our hands over small details and searching endlessly for a new twist on the latest flub by Obama or Clinton is certainly wasted time--and it's easy to see if we take a moment to consider what our inaction of the past has brought us.

Great News for Democracy!*

Habeas Corpus
Omission of Habeas Corpus for detainees. No fair trial--should the administration feel you could possibly be linked to suspicious activity (they don't have to give any evidence as to why you're under investigation) can keep you as long as they choose with no trial or representation or contact with the outside world.

Gross National Debt
9 Trillion and counting

U.S. Soldiers Dead
4391 (as of 2008.05.18)

Iraqis dead? No way to say for sure right now, but the estimated totals are at 100,000.

Blackwater
These are mercenaries employing the use of torture on Iraqis and Americans with no threat of accountability or litigation, who are paid 5 times or more what our volunteer soldiers earn and are better armed than our volunteer soldiers.

Oil
$135 bbl with projections from suppliers hitting $200 before the end of the summer.

Unemployment
Over 5% (that's about 7.5 million people) Just think about that percentage and ponder what will happen when our soldiers actually come home; where are they going to work?

With glaring issues like these, are Democrats going to continue to wring their hands and wag their tongues over inane details and perceived bias? We certainly need to fix our process of electing our leaders, and there have been missteps this primary season, but are we going to throw away the easiest victory we've seen in decades?

Rhetoric ferrets can continue looking for proof of silver spoons, racism, and sexism only to rush to their blogs to say "ooh, ooh, ooh! look at me i said it first! aren't they horrible people! I am so smart, SMRT--I mean, SMART...wait, what do you mean you don't agree with me? didn't i change your mind with my wit?"

If the progressive, online community continues to pick apart the Democratic candidates and bicker back and forth, we'll deliver the GOP another victory. Which certainly points to a "conspiracy" that the truly spiteful in our midst are nothing more than GOPhelants playing the Ass, again.

*Much love to the originator of the very popular, original version of this phrase.