I'll break my own rule and go off topic. Why comment on poetry? Nobody seems to give a damn about that of late. I'm in turmoil with my own, down home, nitty gritty, damned if it ain't in my own backyard, choke out my life problems. Like Regis, politics is far off my menu. Having to face ugly medical procedures and probably an early death, I'll tell you all, this stuff is not as important as you think it is; get your personal ducks in a row. Yet I know you're compelled to make a difference. Yes, some of the crap that's gone down in this country is outrageous. If you know your history, so what else is new? But voting is good thing, AMEN! (lipservice).

Would really love to join in and exercise my freedom of speech and discuss the Bush family's connection to the Bin Laden family, applaud Farenheit 9/11, praise the Rush Limbaugh show, take one for the gipper, the skipper and whomever, but I've been rather tied up with a genuine court battle where someone I can actually see and touch, if I cared to, (who's not in DC or Saudi-Sneaky-Arabia, but right here in Jersey) wants to use the American legal system to take away my computer and suspend my right to express myself freely on the World Wide Web just because he doesn't feel like supporting his children. I can't believe the AD poets are still griping about who shot John as life goes on after the Presidential election.

But as those liberals that so many seem to despise of late over at the ACLU would say, "I may not agree with what you say, but I'll defend your right to say it." I'm sure you've gathered by now, Ed, that I don't back down from fighting words unless I honestly believe it's not worth the bother. And I can wrap myself in the flag with the best of 'em, even some of the mental pygmies, despite knowing exactly how my own people arrived in this country and how my own people less than 50 years ago did not have the same rights as the rest of the people in this country. (Anyone who read that and couldn't connect the dots, don't write me. You don't have the logic yet to call yourself a writer.) I love the good old USA, but please, nobody, nobody pretend America is without sin and that you can be 100% sure that our government always does the right thing, that the majority is always correct in its decisions. For fellow Christians, you know that's true, say otherwise and you blaspheme. We are a nation not God and the nations that have been so proud as to forget that have been struck down. I only bring God into this because His name is so often bandied about in these brawls about Bush and righteous war and peace and so forth.

You say what you must say, Ed, as your heart guides you. When everyone's agreeing, someone's not thinking. If Americans cannot live by the words of their own Constitution, then this nation is doomed. If we can't let others speak without readying our hands to stone them, then why call ourselves Americans? And people who can't withstand debates without crying and throwing tantrums should avoid debates.

Some folks go through life insisting the world is what they say it is despite all evidence to the contrary, allowing no margin for their own error. They remain blind as the man in that old Doobie Brothers song, "What a fool believes he sees." I don't think that's you, Ed. Keep on doing the do.

Nordette
PS--Yes, I did go on a bit. Fault the ex-spouse, court-induced, Nordette-is-an-Internet-mogul-stall-strategy Web fast.

I believe that everyone's opinions are welcome on this site. I could be wrong. I gave up politics about ten years ago but I appreciate hearing of others' viewpoints and that certainly includes yours. I do have strong opinions on what is going on in the world. Right now, I am working on myself. I should have done so years ago. I would have been a better parent. Anyway, thank you for this, Ed, as always. Love and peace. Regis

Ed,

The day when your words are not welcome is a day we must all stop and shed a tear - for then true freedom will be lost to us all.

Keep pen to paper my friend.

~Rose~

No Need for apologies in my eyes. I do totally agree with you about Peace is better than War anytime, anywhere. This whole thing has got Everyone on the defense about the littlest thing uttered in any form. And the surprising thing though is we are all basically saying the same thing only using different words But are all so angry and uptight about this whole thing that very few of us are listening to the other. The elections too, only intensified the whole situation. I Myself too would Love to see this attack on America, not with bombs but detroying this country just the same to end and America be All that it is supposed to be and has been for centuries, once again Whole and Complete.
God Bless You and Your Family,
Warmest and Most Peaceful Holidays and All days,
Tracey

;) And how many more pictures there must surely be... keep speaking your convictions in measured words, but, please, never restrict the passion of your point of view! Dawn

No apology needed. This is one touchy subject to write about.

Best wishes

I agree with Eileen.........

Great write, Ed. America has invaded S.A already, its puppet regime is a tributary to the US, and they'll get away with 9/11 as long as they help to fund the American Way of Gasoline Life. Dead bodies don't count in a world run by money. Franz

Ummm…last time I checked, Saudi Arabia was considered to be one of our allies...not that I truly believe that they are. Yes, most of the attackers were Saudi citizens, but the leaders of the cults they represented were not. The attackers were following orders from their leaders, who weren't directly involved in the attacks. It is much like the fact that Charles Manson never murdered anyone, but he certainly is evil and he certainly used his power over others to orchestrate their actions and have them commit murder. If U.S. citizens had been some of the attackers or even all of the attackers and were acting on behalf of the same cult that the Saudi attackers were, would you still be making this same statement? Or would you believe that we should be very concerned about the evil that propelled them? Nobody loves war, and that includes Mr. Bush, but if you like, I will send him a letter asking him to be sure and take fair aim at the Saudis while we are cleaning house in the Middle East. Write on, Ed, speak your mind, this is America and every day, our soldiers bleed so that you can exercise your right to free speach. I enjoy your writings whether or not I agree with the basis of your arguments.
Take care,
Sherry

If we WERE to actually attack Saudi Arabia, think of all the oil we could have for next to nothing, rather than paying them 40 or more per barrel...(just thinking outloud) but I do not condone attacking anyone, and I see no reason for you to apologize for anything either...you made a point, a good one, and those that don't like it, can lump it...Ed

No person in his or her right mind would choose war for the hell of it. So either you think Bush is crazy, or.... I say there are many other factors at work here. Take care and watch that deep end. Enjoy your writes.

For what El Capitan? I thought it was an excellent picture, my friend. Oh well, goes to show how much I know. Hey, the poem/story is great. I think this picture is really funny. It looks like President Bush has his arm in the Crown Prince’s back and making him wave… lol. If we cannot inject a little humor into our daily lives we might as well chuck it all! Maybe one day we’ll have real peace throughout the world? I surely hope and pray so. I know you do too. I think we can talk to the Middle Eastern leaders too. But, like our former President Ronald Wilson Reagan use to say, “trust… but verify!” Sounds like a winner! Oh yeah, by the way, he was the one who sold the Saudi’s our most advanced AWACS airplanes to their nation. I guess they didn’t use them to wipe us out after all. However, they still have a long way to go before (the Saudi’s that is), I’d trust them with anything, especially my life. Take care and be well.

???????...Delete this Ed. Your poem spoke volumes. And Reagan would be the man for now. Kinda like with Churchill.

Free country free thoughts and speach.

Keep on keeping on buddy..

(((ed)))

don't apologize. you wrote from the heart, and continue to do so. peace is a much better option than war, but when countries sponsor terrorists, i would have a hard time trusting them. that's what makes president bush a better person than me. or maybe he won't attack because of oil...i don't know. i just hope and pray for peace...

(((HUGS))) and love, karla. :(

Jesus said, "With God, ALL things are possible". I wish that could be portrayed with a picture. Or maybe it already has, since I haven't been to the Vatican (yet). Might actually get to go someday if we don't blow each other up first.

Way to go, Ed. You're only holding up a mirror and we all will see in it what we choose to see, regardless of objective truth, after all. You perform a very necessary and vital role, and we should all be grateful to those who are provoking debate in these dark and disillusioned times. Things are too dire to just bury our heads in the sand and shrug our shoulders as if "it may never happen"... Joke, I think! It probably will - as a result of apathy and helplessness, rather than on account of pro-active and thought-through actions and attitudes on the part of the masses. We would do well to take notice of all that hitherto we have overlooked as "inconsequential actions" on the parts of those who "rock the cradle". The "cradle-rockers" of yesterday nurture the "rulers" of tomorrow's world. The evidence speaks for itself. I hope we can continue to listen to each other and to thrash through to the truth without closing our minds to that which we find unacceptable or what we disagree with. I am in awe of any who have been prepared to nail their colours to the mast in a spirit of mutual debate. You all have my highest respect. Only wish I had something worthwhile to contribute... LOL Kate xx

Ed--No need for apologies. Feel free to always tell like you see it and feel it. Great work Ed.

Why? Let's go bomb the hell out of Saudi Aribia... that's the answer... you're too funny. Agree or not, I love your work.

Your opinion hasn't changed one iota. Neither has mine and there in lies the rub.

The freedom Of speech Dear Ed!!

Love Tinky

you go on writing, and to heck with what others may think; i think you are a darn good writer, and you should do what you are good at! the den would be a much darker place without your writings; don't even THINK of leaving!!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in tx., karen lynn. :(

powerful write! thanks for sharing!

Keep writing Ed, your voice is just as important as anyone elses, including mine!

I try and avoid political debate, as I just told someone, but I do respect others opinions...and their work. Write from the heart, and we can't go wrong. A good message here, Ed.

Keep telling it like it is Ed.