Often when thinking about politics and where the US has got itself to, I despair because it seems that no matter what we do, the Powers That Be are so powerful, nothing will ever really change. There is, in effect, no independent press. The political process is so infused with money that it need not concern itself with the welfare of this nation's citizens. We may see small improvements here and there but it's never more than nibbling around the edges.

We can change this state of affairs; we can re-frame the Constitution.

Sen. Russ Feingold is live on The Ideas Network. Click the link to listen and feel free to call in.

The Ideas Network is a Wisconsin Public Broadcasting offering that serves up mostly live call-in talk shows. You can check their daily schedule here. It's a very nice alternative to "regular" talk radio.

There's still time...

I commented on this in an open thread a couple days ago, but the time is now. By the time I hit "Post", George Galloway will be on the air with Joy Cardin on a WI public radio call-in program. (Click the link and choose your player under WPR's Ideas Network.)

Extra points for cleverest ways of letting us know you're a Kossack.

I was having a conversation today with a co-worker, who I've assumed is going to be voting for Bush. She identifies herself as Christian and in conversations we've had seems to be a thoughtful person who votes Republican mainly because of abortion and gay issues.

Today she mentioned she ordered a magazine called World (must be this) because she doesn't know anything about Kerry. So I'm frantically trying to think of some resources I could offer that would introduce Kerry to her without being blatantly pro-Kerry. Any ideas on that would be welcome.

But here's the thing - her being an apparent one-, maybe two-issue voter got me thinking: What if Kerry and Bush swapped positions on abortion and gay marriage. Would I still vote for Kerry?

I realize it requires considerable oversimplification to even consider the question, but it's interesting to consider anyway. Single issue voters have always amused me, but this election it's hard to be amused. It breaks my heart to see all these religious folks robotically (at least that's how it looks to me) voting Republican just because they (the candidates) mouth the shibboleths correctly.

What do you think? Me, I think I'd still vote for Kerry. There's way too much at stake that has nothing to do with abortion and gay marriage. As vital as those 2 issues are, it seems that the very survival of this republic is at stake this time.

In case you can't tell, I'm trying to assure myself that I have a valid argument when I ask this woman to vote for Kerry, even though Bush is her man on abortion and gay marriage.

P.S. Reader for 2-3 months, occasional poster, first diary.