since last week I've had a little trouble getting interested in any issues - sort of a disgruntled lethargy.  Seems when you start examining how you feel about things in a very bedrock, "what do I believe" sort of way, it becomes overwhelmingly evident that the problems to be solved are so enormous and that we as individuals can have very little impact on them - so I've kind of been in the political fetal position.  Then just about the time I began to uncurl, I had to leave town and am now in touch only by walking to a Starbucks (which should tell you I am in the internet connection deprived hills of TN, which have very many things to recommend them but wireless is not one of them).

Anyway - since I will be away until next Tuesday, I am going to call your attention to two links included in comments posted by the always stimulating Elise.  I look forward to engaging again early next week when I will have figured out my plans for world political domination and internet connectivity.

E. advises that this first link is only up for four days, so click while the clicking is good -

"It's by The Daily Howler and runs for four days. Here's the link for the first day (you have to scroll down):"

http://www.dailyhowler.com/dh052708.shtml

And this I find very interesting in its discussion of the key issues particularly, as E. points out in her comments, health care.  Health care to me is second only to the war in Iraq as the most critical issue our nation faces.

http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1632649,00.html

Thanks, Elise, for picking up the slack.