Americans have been warned twice now to watch what they say and do.

It is good advice!

Read over the Patriot Acts again.

Writing letters to politicians and newspapers is at the time of this writing, not a high-risk activity, but it would be prudent to watch what you say.

This is a sensitive issue because everyone has their own psychology, and finding a balance between unpleasant realities and healthy self-defense mechanisms can be tricky.

If writing letters makes you feel better, don't let anyone tell you it is ineffective. Feeling better is a valid effectiveness.

If at any time you feel stirrings of wishing to go beyond letter-writing, get out those reading glasses, fix a snack, and read over those Patriot Acts again.

The US is a place where anyone can be seized and exterminated or locked up incomunicado indefinitely, at any time, without judicial process or benefit of counsel. That may not be pleasing to think about, but especially if there are others who depend on you, it is something that you should think long and hard about.

Progress begins by acknowledging where you are, and if where you are now involves opposition to US policies, you are part of a very small and very at-risk minority.

It is encouraging to discover that there are others who share your views, but it is important to keep your feet fully reality-based. An impressive turnout at a neighborhood meeting is not a massive grass roots uprising. It does mean that you are not completely alone, and mutual support and companionship is no small thing, and will become increasingly precious as events unfold.

Notice to lurkers: nothing in this post should be interpreted, nor is it intended, as exhortation, incitement, or advocacy that any individual should commit any act which could be interpreted as a violation of any provision of any Patriot Act or other law or statute in the United States.

one man's conspiracy is another man's business plan
Blog updated as needed

Nominees for this week --

You are absolutely right when you say that this will  not be like the 60's protests...Houston is proof enough of that. The police state has already started. We need to cover our asses at every turn and carry cameras to cover whatever we do as the media will never cover it for us. Like they say in Texas Hold 'Em....ALL IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Frodo failed...Bush has got the ring.