reading material

Al Gore speaks the truth plainly:

"The President and I agree on one thing. The threat from terrorism is all too real. There is simply no question that we continue to face new challenges in the wake of the attack on September 11th and that we must be ever-vigilant in protecting our citizens from harm.
Where we disagree is that we have to break the law or sacrifice our system of government to protect Americans from terrorism. In fact, doing so makes us weaker and more vulnerable.
Once violated, the rule of law is in danger. Unless stopped, lawlessness grows. The greater the power of the executive grows, the more difficult it becomes for the other branches to perform their constitutional roles. As the executive acts outside its constitutionally prescribed role and is able to control access to information that would expose its actions, it becomes increasingly difficult for the other branches to police it. Once that ability is lost, democracy itself is threatened and we become a government of men and not laws."

read the full text here.

free speech. Amen.

Priests cannot tell a lie.

A very distinguished lady was on a plane arriving from Switzerland.She found herself seated next to a nice priest whom she asked:Excuse me Father, could I ask a favor?""Of course my child, What can I do for you?"Here is the problem, I bought myself a new sophisticated hair removergadget for which I paid an enormous sum of money. I have really goneover the declaration limits and I am worried that they will confiscateit at customs. Do you think you could hide it under your cassock?"Of course I could, my child, but you must realize that I can not lie."You have such an honest face Father, I am sure they will not ask you any
questions", and she gave him the 'hair remover'.
The aircraft arrived at its destination. When the priest presentedhimself to customs he was asked, "Father, do you have anything to declare?"
"From the top of my head to my sash, I have nothing to declare, my son",he replied. Finding this reply strange, the customs officer asked,
"And from the sash down, what do you have?"
The priest replied, "I have there a marvelous little instrument destined for use by women, but which has never been used."
Breaking out in laughter, the customs officer said, "Go ahead Father.Next!"

'Taylor' - Jack Johnson

And he just wonders around unaffected by the winter winds. and he'll pretend that,
well, he's somewhere else so far and clear about 2,000 miles from here. she's such a tough enchilada filled up with nada givin' what she got to give to get dollar bills. she used to be a limber chick time's a been tickin'now she's finger lickin to the man with the money in his pockets, flyin in his rocket only stoppin by on his way to a better world. if Taylor finds a better world Taylor's gunna run away.

'Big Business' - Dilated Peoples

no questions I pledge resistance to the grass that hides the snakes of America so they watch it, now I walk with caution more careful put more thought to options Is the opposite of progress Congress?From the school to the street we're beyond stress but I fight for peace, that's what the problem is war is big biz, ask an economist speak in volumes callin' anti-war and anti-American synonymous Back in the day I would've gotten black listed just for speakin'up Hoover probably would've screamed Communist! I want black and brown unity but cats get out to bring the jail to the community Fightin's nothin' new to meI even corrected what the public school system tried to do tome Here's a spark encoded in rhyme and love for everyone of the devoted in line...We call it art, some call it a crime it's the rap Michael Moore, like Bowling for Columbineon drums, Fahrenheit, 9-1-1 Al Queda hit the Apple and the world was stunnedthe villain trained by the hero for the killing now you twist $20 bills to see buildings Under heavy surveillancethey might call you a traitor if you want something greater Don't get me wrong, America's a great place to live just listen to the knowledge I giveif more than half the budget goes to military spendingless than half goes to whatever it's defendingOne nation, many gods, individuals with liberties and justice for all who are miserable.