Reg,

i agree with most of what you've written. you're absolutely right about the internet and how we're all able to access information in a way we never could before. where we may disagree is that rather than say it's this administration which is to blame for dividing us, i think the internet plays a larger role...these forums and blogs being at the root. i'm not saying they're a bad thing but to me there is no doubt that while they connect us in a way we've never been able to connect, they also allow us to explore our differences. it's a healthy thing to a point but it also brings out our worst behavior at times. rather than going about our day looking for the good in others we may find it more advantageous to focus on the negative. we've all been guilty of that. the war in iraq being a prime example. there's never a lack of negative material to draw from when there is war. (i'll save my thoughts about the war for another time.) with the media's propensity to only want to focus on the negative aspects of the war it becomes a lopsided affair for anybody trying to defend a pro-war stance if we're to rely on articles to rebut the deluge of negative press.

you're right again that we need to somehow get beyond the spin coming out of washington and not let them define us. we'd all be much better off if we began to seek out things we share in common but i'm not sure that makes for very interesting (certainly not spirited) discussion.

i'm not a Bush lover but there are certainly things he's done which i approve of. he's also left me disappointed in some very big ways. his approach to labor would fall into this area. still, given what i had to choose from last election i'd have to give him the nod again as distasteful as it would be to do. it's disappointing that in a country so large with so many talented people we're left with little to be excited about.

there's probably never been a better time for a 3rd party candidate but with a country so polarized i don't see where enough people will risk their vote...we're all sort of dug in and hunkered down. i don't want to be here but i also don't think it's this administration's doing that i am nor do i think you're where you are with your thinking because of Bush. we can all think for ourselves.

Bush has said some divisive things which cause me to cringe but listen to the talk coming from democrats. i don't think republicans have the market cornered in divisive speech.

and so it goes. we'll both continue to press on hopefully being honest with ourselves and each other while being open to change in our thinking. pride and insecurity are difficult things to overcome when there is much to be gained. why is that? thanks for the heartfelt responses, Reg...they're very much appreciated.

Kevin g