2004 d'Arenberg "The Stump Jump" White (Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Marsanne) McLaren Vale, Australia

87. This is a really good wine to have with lighter fish and shellfish dishes. Unusually light silver-tinged gold color. Exuberant nose of limes, Alsace-like "goût de pétrol" (a distinctive earthy smell associated with Alsace Rieslings that reminds one of gasoline -- in a pleasant way!) with minor notes of grapes and peaches. Ripe pears and minerals in the mouth, with the minerals shining through on a relatively long finish. Smells like an Alsace Riesling/Sancerre hybrid, but on the palate the Marsanne seems to take over. $7.49 on sale at Cost Plus World Marketplace on Richmond.

2002 René Muré Pinot Blanc Tradition (Alsace)

A good, fleshy, but simple wine. Medium-to-darkish gold color. Rich but simple aromas of tangerines and straw, with a slight whiff of peach underneath. Mouthfilling at first, with an oilier texture than usual for a Pinot Blanc (texturally, it feels more like a Pinot Gris), but fades quickly on the palate. 85. About $14 at Richard's on San Felipe.

Wines from the New Orleans trip

My wife Liz and I just returned from a 2-day trip to New Orleans. It was the first time either of us had visited N'Awlins. Since I didn't bring my laptop, I'm going to blog from memory, so these notes will be a little less detailed than usual. And no scores, either.

2003 Domaine William Fevre Chablis -- Had this at The Gumbo Shop with a cup of gumbo and a bowl of jambalaya for lunch the first day. I remember it being a good example of the Chablis style of Chardonnay: steely, apply, straw-like elements on the nose; crisp minerals, apples, and a hint of peach in the mouth. Nice finish.

2002 Qupé Santa Barbara County 75% Marsanne, 25% Roussanne -- This one we drank with dinner the first night. Intense, brooding nose, with floral and minerally notes. Intense and full-bodied on the palate; not a show-off, but very deep. Had a flavor component that reminded me of dry essence of pears. A good choice with the intense food we had at Bacco, which is a phenomenal Italian restaurant.

2003 Talley Arroyo Vista Vineyard San Luis Obispo County Chardonnay -- A very Meursault-like Chardonnay. Toasty minerals on the nose, with great depth, balance, and length. I'm normally not a great fan of California chardonnay, but this was excellent. No sweet butterscotchy cheap oak; no watery overcropped finish. Had this one with excellent braised rabbit (Liz and her friend Flo had seafood, hence I went with a white) at Mr. B's Bistro.

2002 Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Estate Grown)

This is a rarity, of sorts. A really high quality California Cabernet that is widely available and reasonably priced (for Sonoma County Cabernet, that is).

Dense dark saturated ruby color. Intense nose of pencil lead, charcoal, and cassis. On entry, sweet, round, ripe blackberry and cassis flavors hit you first, but on the finish the peppery charcoal notes predominate. Medium-full bodied, with noticeable quantities of soft tannin on the fairly long finish. I got this for $16 (I think) at Richard's on San Felipe (at Voss) -- the San Felipe/Voss location is the best Richard's store in the city in my view -- but I believe I've also seen it at various Spec's and Whole Foods on Bellaire. 88.

2000 Kempton Clark "Mendo Zin" (Mendocino County Zinfandel)

Mendocino County is one of my favorite appellations for Zinfandel. They usually feature penetrating ripe berry fruit with good, but not excessive acidity, sometimes undergirded with a fresh forest floor component.

This one has a bit of bottle age on it, which, with Zinfandel, doesn't really add complexity, but instead sort of shuffles around the existing flavor components to de-emphasize the fruit and bring out leathery, earthy scents. And while I usually like my Zins younger than 5 years old (I love the ripe fruit), this one has held up pretty nicely.

Ripe berries along with that Italian "winey-ness" on the nose. The ripe berries carry through in the mouth with a streak of leathery earthiness underneath. Full-bodied, with a medium long, slightly hot finish. 85. I'm not exactly sure where I got this one. I think it may have been Whole Foods on Bellaire for about $10, but don't quote me on that.

2003 Penascal Tempranillo Rose (Castilla y León, Spain)

87. A really refreshing and lively rosé. Light vibrant pink color. Scents of strawberries and cool watermelon on the nose. Vinous, fresh, light-to-medium bodied, fruity, with some minerally accents in the background. Even though this is entering its second summer, it's still a really refreshing rosé. Available at both Spec's ($6) and Whole Foods on Bellaire ($7). Either way, a good buy.

NOT Amused

Hmmmm, when the election was in full swing and I was actually wanting to believe in John Kerry, I signed up for emails from his camp. Since the election, I get swamped with these feel good pieces about how he's going to head some fight or the other against the current administration.

Today, I got a little diddy about the new Supreme Court nominee, John Roberts, and how he was going to fight for civil rights, privacy rights, and Roe v. Wade (because these are all things Roberts has gone on record against).

I'm sorry...but after Kerry sold the gay folks out on their civil rights during the debates and even said he would vote to overturn gay marriage back in his home state of Massachusetts, I found that fighting statement TOO FUNNY!!!

So when I got to the end of the letter and it asked for comments or questions to be posed to Roberts at the confirmation hearing, this is what I said (I've waited a LONG TIME to say these words to him):

Sen. Kerry,

Judge Roberts being nominated to the Supreme Court is vitally important to many people in our country. However, I have to wonder if these confirmation hearings will be nothing more than grandstanding and showboating. This is like an elaborate interview where the candidate already knows the questions he will be asked. Certainly, he is (or has) practiced the answers to the questions and is being coached on what to say and what not to say. We all know he will be confirmed. If for no other reason, than our elected representatives have yet to show any backbone on the social issues that the Republican Right continues to attack on. You even ran from a very basic civil rights issue for the gay and lesbian community during the campaign. Now, you are saying we need to defend civil rights and you will be running the lead on this. I have yet to see this happen, Sen. Kerry. I have yet to see anyone in Congress grow a backbone and truly defend civil rights. While our Canadian neighbors to the north and other countries around the world begin to recognize the humanity and dignity of our relationships, Americans give lip service to civil rights, freedom, liberty, and justice as loving couples are separated during crisis and death in order to protect YOUR marriage. Last night, as Canada approved marriage equality, a quote from an email was read that said, "You have no idea what a difference it makes to the human spirit to know that you are treated equally under the law."

I have waited a long time to tell you these things, Sen. Kerry. You let me, and millions of other gay couples, down during the campaign. You had a chance to become one of the great leaders of this country and turn this nation around, but you choose a course of least resistance. Now, you ask for my help?

You don't get my help without earning my trust.

No Idea

"You have no idea what a difference it makes to the human spirit to know that you are treated equally under the law."

These were the last words spoken in the debate last night as Canada became the first new world country, and the fourth country worldwide, to recognize equality for gay couple.

As our country debates the rights of gay people, even the most simple thing as visiting our partner's in the hospital, isn't this what it comes down to?

The desire of hateful people to break the human spirit of those they despise.

As we lynched black people and forced their families to watch many years ago, wasn't that our same goal? To break their spirit?

My spirit is broken. This country is broken because it enjoys and revels in my destruction. Are you happy now? You have succeeded.

Congratulations Canada! Congratulations for being better humans than us. Congratulations to our gay brothers and sisters in Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain who enjoy the rights to freedoms we will only dream about today, tomorrow, and possible forever.

This is the America YOU made! ARE YOU HAPPY???!!!

http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/07/072005canadaRxn.htm

http://www.washingtonblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=1675

http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/07/072005canMarr.htm

2003 Selbach Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Spatlese

81. A simple fruity Riesling that tastes more like a QBA than a Spatlese. Primary aromas of apples and ripe grapes. Simple, fruit flavors in a light-bodied format. Clean, short, finish. I know this is a simple regional appellation, but from a good producer in a good year, I expected more. Paid about $13 at a Whole Foods in Austin (off Route 183 in in the northwest part of the city).

2003 Parker Station Central Coast Pinot Noir

82. A simple but relatively flavorful Pinot. Aromas of Dr. Pepper and cola dominate. Soft broad flavors of plums and cola fill the mouth. Finishes a bit flat, with a bitter, stemmy note. The 2002 Parker Station, which sported the Santa Barbara County appellation, was superior to this edition. About $13 at Whole Foods on Bellaire.

Leaving on a Jetplane

I'm going to be away for a few days on a business trip to New York. I'm excited (a little) but I always worry. Every trip when I leave, especially when I'm without my partner, I worry. Then again, that is in my nature.

If you've read my posts though, you know this. I concern myself with tomorrow and the next day and the next day. There are times when I feel like I haven't done enough with my life or made the impact I wanted to make. That was part of doing this blog. Maybe I thought someone, somewhere, someday may read it and think "Damn, I never thought about that. I never realized what gay people deal with on a day-to-day basis."

I leave the house and I wonder if I will make it home. Today I leave and wonder if I will see my partner again. I don't think that makes me any different than any straight person. After terrorist bombings in London, you can't help but worry a little.

Does it make me any different from a straight person though to worry about my partner being left to deal with being kicked out of our house, being unable to have access to our finances, being unable to take care of my burial arrangements or have my remains, being unable to have the new SUV we just bought JUST because we don't have a little piece of paper saying we're married???

It's so stupid that our world is like this. That we turn everything relevant on a piece of paper. We've been committed for 10 years. Does that mean nothing? To all of those handling the "paperwork," yes, it does mean nothing. If I'm gone tomorrow, "we" don't exist to anyone but in our memories.

That's sad really.

I want to marry my partner. Not for all of those privileges that the straight world thinks nothing of with their piece of paper. Not to force myself through a church door and demand my rights. Not to have some silly, overdone, hooky, frilly dress and ceremony.

I want to marry her because I LOVE HER. I don't care if another living soul is present to give their blessing. I don't care if it is in a church or a clerk's office. I don't even care if we're wearing jeans and T-shirts.

I LOVE HER and I just want her to know it with every fiber of my being. That I would go to the ends of the earth to prove that love. Nothing, no one can come between us.

Amazing!

South Africa may become the 5th nation to legalize gay marriage!!!

http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=245102&area=/insight/insight__national/

I find it amazing that a nation that only a short time ago I remember ending apartheid has moved with lightening speed forward on gay rights.

Read this article and you will learn that marriage is all that is left to give!

They can have domestic partnerships! They can adopt each other's children! They have immigration rights!

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA?????????

We should be ashamed to have these other countries running circles around us on basic civil rights...

2003 "Full Circle" California Zinfandel

Here's your party red for the summer! $6.99 @ Whole Foods on Bellaire. Never heard of this label before (it may be a private label for Whole Foods), but took a chance on it because the back label says most of the fruit was sourced in Amador County (the Sierra Foothills), a very good area for Zin. (Most simple "California" appellation Zins are sourced from the Central Valley, where the wines tend to be dull and characterless). Plus it's cheap.

Intense and lively bramble-berry, raspberry & spice nose -- classic Zinfandel profile. Medium-light bodied, with beautiful sappy berries and foresty-cedar flavors in the mouth. Decent balancing acidity and a pretty long, clean, fruity finish. Not an especially complex or powerful Zin, but really fun to drink. Could take a little chill if desired. An unbelievable value, really, and organically-grown to boot! 87.

2003 Chateau de la Ragotière Muscadet Sèvre et Maine

88. An excellent Muscadet. I'm usually not a big Muscadet guy; most are too unripe and acidic for me. But in hot vintages, I'll spring for a few bottles to try. 2003, of course, was a year of record-setting heat in France, and as a result this Muscadet is very much to my liking. Intense ripe crisp apple-pear nose, with a note of sweet almond extract underneath. Rich, yet light-bodied and fresh in the mouth, with a silky mouthfeel and lots of crisp apple-lemon and mineral flavors vying for attention. Long finish for a wine of this modest genome. I think this one was around $9 a bottle at Spec's on Westheimer if memory serves. (Each bottle comes wrapped in paper -- nice elegant packaging!). A really good choice for hot summer day sipping.

I Stand Corrected!

I stand corrected on my last post. A gentleman, far better versed in matters historical than I, has corrected me. There was one signer of the Declaration that did betray the cause after he signed. It was Richard Stockton of New Jersey. I would like to believe he did it under duress, having been captured by the British. The state of New Jersey apparently thought enough of him to have his statue placed in Statuary Hall in the Capital. A 1.79% failure rate is still pretty impressive!

Thank you, Francis, for pointing this out. Semper Fi!

Right Wing Shows True Colors

A Letter to the Editor in our local paper The Tennessean today shows the true colors of the right wing over the judicial nomination. He literally has glee over our impending downfall and hastens Bush to hurry up and fill O'Connor's spot with a conservative.

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050707/OPINION02/507070384/1053

When the president nominates someone for the Supreme Court who sends NOW, Michael Moore and Al Franken into fits of hysterics, those same conservatives can be reenergized and defeat the liberal agenda again.

Then, as is almost certain, when Chief Justice William Rehnquist also retires and President Bush nominates a second conservative to the court, the liberals will really suffer. Howard Dean's Iowa scream will be nothing compared to the weeping and gnashing of teeth seen when this occurs.

Of COURSE, I HAD to respond and sent my own letter. We'll see if it gets published. Even if it doesn't, at least it's always here:

In Art Darden’s recent letter (“Democrats will hinder justice nominee process,” July 7), one could not help but sense the underlying glee and joy for the coming oppression of the “minority.” What kind of party creates a mindset like this? Since when have we as an American people, who once believed in freedom and liberty, suddenly hoped with anticipation at the downfall of an entire group of fellow citizens? How can we dance in folly as we squash other Americans hopes and dreams beneath our feet then call ourselves “compassionate?” Certainly we are better than this! I hope any decent human being can see through such vileness and support moderation, fairness, and equality on our highest bench of justice.

BASTARDS!!!!

Two Rhônes and a Rant

2001 Domaine de l'Espigouette Côtes du Rhône Vieille Vignes. Mid-quality, gutsy Rhône. Medium deep ruby color, showing no age yet. Intense nose of berries, spice, earth, forest floor, with a hint of menthol. The mouth shows less fruit and more of the earthy component and alcohol than the nose would suggest, but pretty mouthfilling. Medium length, slightly hot finish with some dry, harsh tannin. Drink up, as the remaining fruit will fade and the tannins and alcohol will increasingly take over. Purchased in Austin, TX at Grapevine Connection (off MoPac) for about $15 last summer. 84.

2003 Château Maucoil Châteauneuf-du-Pape. A rip-off. Medium ruby color. Gangly nose of overripe cherries (cherry cough syrup?), pepper, and foresty scents. Lots of somewhat flat cherry cough syrup flavors in the mouth. Big, but a bit hot and disjointed. Fades quickly in the mid-palate. 82. Reasonable price for Châteauneuf these days ($19.99 at Whole Foods on Bellaire),

but . . .

[here comes the rant]

I'm really unhappy with the trend that has begun to take over among Châteauneuf estates to make two or three cuvées. It used to be that only the real, de facto "first growth" Châteauneuf domaines (Rayas, Beaucastel, Bonneau, etc.) put out two or three cuvées. And that was OK. The regular cuvée would still be really good and relatively affordable. The reserve or special cuvée, while expensive, would be correspondingly above and beyond the normal Châteauneuf.

Nowadays, however, it seems that everyone and their chien in Châteauneuf puts out at least two, and sometimes more, cuvées. While the regular cuvée remains "Châteauneuf-priced," the price of the special cuvées has gone through the roof. The problem is, the regular cuvées taste like second wines rather than real Châteauneuf. The Château Maucoil reviewed above is a case in point. It's more like a decent Côtes du Rhône than a real Châteauneuf. None of that special fragrance, depth, and "tèrroir" one expects from Châteauneuf. Instead, it tastes like what it probably is: leftover barrels and wine from young vines thrown together after all the good stuff was chosen for the more expensive cuvées.

Of course, there are (mercifully) still many exceptions to this rule. But this seems to me to be the increasing trend. And I don't like it un peu bit.

Tolcha So...

G.O.P. Asks Conservative Allies to Cool Rhetoric Over the Court

By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK and CARL HULSE
Published: July 6, 2005

WASHINGTON, July 5 - The White House and the Senate Republican leadership are pushing back against pressure from some of their conservative allies about the coming Supreme Court nomination, urging them to stop attacking Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales as a potential nominee and to tone down their talk of a culture war.

In a series of conference calls on Tuesday and over the last several days, Republican Senate aides encouraged conservative groups to avoid emphasizing the searing cultural issues that social conservatives see at the heart of the court fight, subjects like abortion, public support for religion and same-sex marriage, participants said.

Instead, these participants, who insisted on anonymity to avoid exclusion from future calls, said the aides - including Barbara Ledeen of the Senate Republican Conference and Eric Ueland, chief of staff to Senator Bill Frist, the majority leader - emphasized themes that had been tested in polls, including a need for a fair and dignified confirmation process.

Mr. Ueland acknowledged that he and others had been working almost since the vacancy occurred last Friday with Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's resignation to persuade conservative activists to steer clear of divisive language.

"Every contact we have with these folks is 'stay on message, stay on purpose,' " Mr. Ueland said. "The extremism of language, if there is to be any, should be demonstrably on the other side. The hysteria and the foaming at the mouth ought to come from the left."

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/06/politics/politicsspecial1/06scotus.html?hp&ex=1120708800&en=a948e894edf57715&ei=5094&partner=homepage

OHHHHHHH, yes, they have backed us into a corner!!! Any response or reaction by a Democrat or a liberal other than complete and utter acquiesence will be seen as obstruction. YOU CAN BET ON IT!!!!

In southern speak, they have "called off the dogs" and if we don't do the same then you can bet we will have hell to pay for it. THIS is what we get for being nice! THIS is what we get for placating! THIS is what we get for compromising!

Welcome to the Third Reich and the New World Order!

Dude, We're So Gettin' Screwed!!!

Okay, folks, I just read an editorial in my local paper that smacked of high-falutin' hope, goodwill, and expectant leadership from the Bush and the Senate over a Supreme Court nominee. Oh, it was pretty and flowery, and enough to make you stop and think, "You know, maybe I should give ol' George a break and just wait to see what he does."

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articleAID=/20050706/OPINION01/507060369/1008

Man, we are SO setting ourselves up to be SCREWED every which way from Sunday!!!

Do you think the fundie right wing pressure on the Prez to nominate a "like-minded" person is a fluke? Do you REALLY think it's a fluke that the Prez is telling the fundies to "tone down the heated rhetoric"?

C'mon, it's part of the game! It's part of the plan!

If the fundies stir the shit pot and Bush says, "Hey, calm down" then certainly it will make anyone he nominates look like a potential moderate.

Uhhhhh, don't bet on it!!! Bush would NO MORE put another O'Connor on that bench lose his opportunity at total domination for the next 50 or so years than I would turn down a chance to bitch slap Mary Cheney and her little bitch too (oh, what's her name? the one that never is shown in the light of day or at public family gatherings?)!! ;)

This is Bush's chance, his shining moment, to turn back every piece of legislation for women, gays, minorities, and heck, the individual American! Don't think it's too outrageous for a new SC to undo Roe v. Wade, Texas v. Lawrence, overrule the Massachusetts gay marriage ruling, curtail voting rights and prescribe new voting regulations, and if you thing the Terry Schiavo deal was a one time deal, think again. Do you want a SC that will intervene and make medical decisions for you and overrule your wishes? Do you want a SC to decide how each individual can achieve "pursuit of happiness" as long as it as at the whim and discretion of the majority?

Wake up, pay attention, or your rights will be the next ones on the chopping block.

http://americablog.blogspot.com/2005/07/theyve-created-culture-war-monster.html

Looking for Liberty in America

Withholding a marriage certificate remains one of the few remaining ways of limiting full citizenship to some among us who are perceived to be alien or 'other.' How do we square this with the frequent biblical admonition to 'treat the alien in our midst as a citizen?' Not to tolerate. Not to grant second class status. But to treat as citizens.

-June 28, 2005, UCC President,
Rev. John H. Thomas in his speech endorsing a marriage resolution just days before the annual meeting
of the General Synod

WILL AMERICA LEARN THAT LIBERTY AND FREEDOM OVERSEAS MEANS NOTHING IF IT'S NOT GIVEN AT HOME?

Hope you guys had a great 4th of July...I'm still waiting to become a full and equal citizen.

Somebody tell me how it feels to fully celebrate being an American because I wouldn't know.

"Our Sacred Honor"

As if “Lives” and “Fortunes” were not enough, the drafters and signers of the Declaration of Independence closed their magnum opus with the pledge of their “sacred Honor.” There is an e-mail circulating that is a précis of what actually happened to these fifty-six men:

Five were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

Nine of them fought and died from wounds or hardships during the Revolutionary War.

The details of some of their deaths and misfortune are so wrenching, that solitary in Abhu Ghraib would be a blessing. Yet in all of this, there is no historical finding of any of these men compromising their honor. Honor, an attribute that receives the qualifier “sacred,” truly meant something to these men. In the movie “Rob Roy,” Mary Helen MacGregor defines “honor” to one of her sons as “a gift a man gives himself.” In Webster’s, we have to scroll down to the eighth definition before we find what these men defined as honor:

1. Principled uprightness of character; personal integrity.
2. A code of integrity, dignity, and pride, chiefly among men, that was maintained in some societies, as in feudal Europe, by force of arms.
3. A woman's chastity or reputation for chastity.

This is long after “high respect,” and “in combination with his or her…” In the moral malaise that seems to have befallen most of the holders of our public offices, where do we find “honor” today? Better still, where do we find an honorable person that is not pilloried by the popular media for being a narrow-minded prude? Dishonorable people abound and are trumpeted for their far-sighted views; Ted “Chappaquiddick” Kennedy and Robert C. (KKK) Byrd come to mind.

To this humble scribbler’s eye, the one place we find honor in abundance today is in the one government institution that maintains its relentless effectiveness, the U.S. Military. “Duty, honor, country…” as intoned by General MacArthur guide our young men and women today as they always have. Hollywood’s depiction of and the general acceptance of that characterization of our forces as being brutish drug addled Huns during Vietnam was patently untrue. That one man tried to rise to the same office held by George Washington while holding to that line of thought is still galling. The irony that a second-rate film titled “Stolen Honor,” would be his undoing is richer than Baked Alaska. The line of honor in our armed forces has been unbroken from the decks of the Bonhomme Richard to the sleet in Valley Forge…from Beleau Wood to Baghdad.

“Sacred” and “honor” are terms that go so well together…as Forrest Gump might say, “like peas and carrots.” They are also Holy Water to a vampiric leveling press. The Declaration has four (five if you count “divine Providence” as two) references to things sacred. The document establishes that “Nature’s God” provides that certain conditions exist in human society. It states clearly that man’s “Creator” has endowed “unalienable Rights.” It states that these brave fifty-six will rely on the protection of “divine Providence,” and that in support of all the above they will put their “sacred Honor” on the line. Hmmm…this is not a rousing endorsement of Christianity. But it is also not a denial of things Divine. The Declaration is first and foremost a legal and political document. It lays out in almost lawyerly fashion the argument for American Independence. From everything I have read, these men were not, for the most part, avid church goers. But they were clearly believers. Acceptance of faith was not something that had to be defended it was woven into one’s character.

Why must that now be taken away? I am not talking about the recent Supreme Court decisions…you wouldn’t be able to read this column if you didn’t understand the legacy of the Ten Commandments in our culture. Furthermore, when the Churches start displaying the Ten Commandments more frequently then they will have a better argument for defending their display in public places. What I am talking about is the relentless push for removing God, the Divine, sacred, Providence and all other reference to things Holy from the Public Square...from public discussion. And the only reason I keep circling back to is that there is a very powerful current of moral relativism that animates these people. In order for moral relativism to be true, all other truths must be false…or only partially acceptable. It is moral relativism that has led to the decline of Western Europe and if left unchecked will lead to our decline as well. If, in the course of a discussion, I am identified as a Christian or a Catholic, I am animated by my religious roots in discerning truths about behavior. My input should not immediately be discarded as being “radical Christian right.” My freedom of speech is labeled and limited, my right to liberty impugned. But, I think the tide is turning. As always, dear reader, I remain optimistic in the bright dream that is America and it is shining this July 4^th.

I believe there are enough good folks out there willing to risk their sacred Honor to speak up and say what is right. The language would be different today, the sentence structure far more lax and the spelling terrible but a new Declaration could be written today if necessary...the message of freedom and human dignity penned in Philadelphia over 200 years ago flows in the veins of every American. That symphony will never stop playing, that tune cannot be silenced.

Happy Fourth of July!

Stand Up...Speak Out

Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who has repeatedly been a moderate voice on the bench, has announced her retirement. The door Bush and his right wing fundamentalist supporters have been waiting for has come to pass.

July 4th is just a couple of days away. It's time to remember what our country stands for and it's NOT for adding discrimination to the Constitution, backpedaling on personal and individual rights, or demanding a strict interpretation of the Constitution as it stands with no openness to extension of basic civil rights.

Our country stands for freedom, independence, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, equal opportunity, and justice for all. The Supreme Court that Bush and his minions want to force on Americans DO NOT stand for any of these things.

Today is the day we as Americans declare our independence from the tyranny of extremism or do nothing and accept the enslavement of our rights and freedoms.

STAND UP...SPEAK OUT...FIGHT BACK!!!