Something has gone seriously haywire with the Republican Party. Once, it was the party of pragmatic Main Street businessmen in steel-rimmed spectacles who decried profligacy and waste, were devoted to their communities and supported the sort of prosperity that raises all ships. They were good-hearted people who vanquished the gnarlier elements of their party, the paranoid Roosevelt-haters, the flat Earthers and… return to article
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Reader Comments (1673)Funniest, truest description of recent history to date.
Posted by judybee on Aug 26, 2004 at 4:56 PM What a great call to arms.
2000 was an awful mistake. Time for a war on error.
Posted by Sally McCoy on Aug 26, 2004 at 5:06 PM A nicely articulated sad but true story. We must do our best to see that the current White House resident has moved to other quarters on or before January 20, 2005. Those who can afford it should make political contributions; those who can afford the time should help with the registration of voters.
This is a critical time for our country. On November 3 (barring a 2000 type fiasco)we will know if its future is intact.
Posted by Jacob K. Goldhaber on Aug 26, 2004 at 5:47 PM So,don’t hold back, Garrison,tell us what’s REALLY on your mind! You’re so right to speak out in spite of the pinch-nosed pundits who would deny creative, entertaining folk the right to express their views!
Posted by Jackie Giles on Aug 26, 2004 at 5:49 PM So true but so sad. Lets work and pray for a change in spite of the computerized-no-paper-trail voting machines. Shame on you Bush&Co;.Inc.
Posted by Leon Singer on Aug 26, 2004 at 7:20 PM We are in the grip of fanatics, who will not let go without a real battle. All who think must also
act. Thank you your courage, Garrison!
Posted by jules timerman on Aug 26, 2004 at 8:43 PM Let’s all please wake up and VOTE. ... back to Crawford and the mud Four wheeler.
Posted by Bill Harding on Aug 27, 2004 at 1:14 AM An American telling it like it is on 9/11. More power to your arm Garrsion. (Yes we did get the Prarie Home companion in Australia)
Posted by Jonathan Potter on Aug 27, 2004 at 1:35 AM Garrison summed it up! Coming from Arizona I can say with confidence that even Barry Goldwater wouldn’t recognize the current ilk of Republicans, even though he bears some responsibility of helping make it the preferred home for lovers of the Confederacy amd worse.
America needs for them to not only lose in November, but get slapped hard - losing the White House and both branches of Congress.
Posted by Bob Hetrick on Aug 27, 2004 at 2:18 AM It is time to stand and be proud to be a democrat - and foil the politics of fear! Right on Mr. Keillor.
Time to bring back that big ticker showing the daily growth of the national deficit. It worked to get his pappy out of office!
Take it back in 2004!
Posted by Katie Stafford on Aug 27, 2004 at 3:38 AM Garrison, thank you for speaking out so clearly. Too many in our country are mesmorized by the rhetoric of the right…and the press has so silent. The events of the past three years are so destructive to the country-being led to a war costly in lives and needed financial resources with fear-mongering and lies, destroying the positive image and good will of our country in the world,failure to toughen vulnerable facilities against terrorists, failing to take other rational steps globally to reduce terrorism and actually increasing risk by totally alienating the Arab world…and driving up the deficit to eliminate educational and social programs which enrich our country, travesties against civil rights of citizens as well as prisoners. We cannot afford another four years as the damage may well be beyond repair.
The press and other leadership must expose the lies—-too many people do not realize the extent of what is going on because it has been so well camouflaged.
More press must speak out as you and Bill Moyers have…and quickly. Aloha, Gail Breakey
Posted by Gail Breakey on Aug 27, 2004 at 3:50 AM Garrison, Amen, finally someone who has pointed out in clear terms: This election is not between Bush and Kerry, it is between Democracy and Brave New World mixed with 1984. Now all we need is for Kerry to wake up and come out slinging instead of being so polite, and freedom will return to the USA.
Posted by Marton on Aug 27, 2004 at 4:50 AM Thank you Mr. Keillor! You hit the nail so hard on the head that the darned thing probaly popped off! lol Caused me to have goose bumps for the first time, well the second actually in a very long time! The first was watching the recent Democratic convention when so many eloquently stated the facts and showed the anger and frustration that I’ve felt for the last three plus years. For the first time in a very long while, I actually sang The Star Spangled Banner! As I am a minority of African American descent, I stopped singing it while in college back in the early 70’s when I realized that until what was promised was kept for all Americans,it meant nothing to me. But, now any time anyone “accidently” sends me an email that promotes this “infant terrible” person at the White House (I have yet to call him president, and I’m from Texas too!)they immediatly get one in return saying, “I am a dyed-in-the wool, bleeding heart liberal”, who wonders when we lost our right to express what we feel. I haven’t changed nor will I when it comes to this land that I love. I tell them that although I very much support our troops where ever they might be in the world does not mean that I can be against the war of errors that we created in Iraq. I read an article recently talking about the surreal quality that has encompassed what is going on and I find it to be so true. It’s really like a bad dream that you can’t shake off or wake up out of! I just hope that on November 3rd, this time when I wake up it won’t be like the shock of November 2nd, 2000! I love being counted in the number of academic Democrats. This administration could surely benefit from some of our intelligence, wit and compassion.
Posted by BJ Edwards on Aug 27, 2004 at 5:45 AM Correction: “I tell them that although I very much support our troops where ever they might be in the world does not mean that I can be against the war of errors that we created in Iraq.” Should have read “I can’t be against the war…”
Posted by BJ Edwards on Aug 27, 2004 at 5:50 AM “...and there is more to life than winning.”
Garrison, you had better hope so, because lose you will. Lose you must.
Because those horrible Republicans you speak of - and those who support the best President since the end of WWII - we will surely prevail.
And you WILL lose.
Most importantly, the world will be so much better for it.
You are a talented, likeable man…
much more likeable when you keep out of the
political debate.A. Oplas
Posted by Andrew Oplas on Aug 27, 2004 at 8:18 AM Garrison Keillor makes me proud again to be a Minnesotan and an American! My favorite quote from the article has to be “Hypocrisies shine like cat turds in the moonlight!” Has there ever been a more succinct and accurate description of what is happening in DC?
Posted by Brian on Aug 27, 2004 at 8:24 AM What just happened. I lost the message I was about to post.
I’ll make this short then.
Garrison I love you! yes it’s true. I am a man and I I can profess my love for another man, freely without fear of being ostracised for it.
You have written from the heart and for that I
thank you.
I wonder, what would Honest Abe think about his party? I was at the recent J Kerry Sp[eech at Cooper Union. I had never been there before.
There on the smanll stage in that cavern like room is the very lecturn from which Abe Lincoln delkivered the speech that catapulted him onto the National Stage.
When J Kerry stepped out and stood behind it
I cried. Yes, honestly tears fell.
There he was, a bonafide American hero who has spent his entire adult life defending the Constitution and his country with, life and limb.
And I thought about his opponent, a man of few personal accomplishments, a man who, if not for his name would never have amounted to much.
Then I looked around this small room, crammed with like minded men and women. I imagined I was in Plato’s cave.And the shadows on the walls that I had been steering at for four long years
were giving way to the ‘light of thge Real World.
I could feel the presence of Samuel Gompers and Martin L King, I could smell the fiery breath of Susan B. and Bill C. exorting us to believe that there is still hope.And I could feel Abe, embracing us in his long lanky arms declaring that the Union must prevail above all else.Yes the Current so called GOP is a threat to everything we have come to stand for in this world. Yes they will resort to the lowest slimmiest tacticts in their struggle for surbival.
But we cannot, must not sucumb to their indiffernce to their lack of inclusiveness to the halucinatory visions feed upon.WE are better then this. We hold the flame thta Abe has passed down to us. Freedom, Liberty, Justic and an abiding faith in the best that America has to offer to it’s people and to people everywhere.
Thanks Garrison
and yes the Love is real.
Posted by Neil Friedman on Aug 27, 2004 at 11:54 AM I don’t understand how anyone can look at what has happened in this country—in this world—over the last 3 years can say, as Mr. Oplas does above, that we need this administration for another 4 years. Im convinced it will be the end of our Republic if Bush is reelected. The public education system will die—is being killed—the public safety net will die—is being killed (how is it we can use our tax dollars to finance health care for all Iraquis but not for all Americans?)—public discourse will die—has been killed. A president who believes he can get all the information he needs from his advisors, who doesn’t know or care what the majority of the country thinks, can only kill the country!
Posted by Sally Russell on Aug 27, 2004 at 12:57 PM Mr. Oplas, above, sounds like a typical conservative/Republican “pundit”—he simple prognosticates, using simple words, and cannot be bothered to back what he says. What he commen thonestly brought to my mind was Kruschev saying “We will bury you!”
Posted by Larry Congdon on Aug 27, 2004 at 1:28 PM [Correction on above]
Mr. Oplas, above, sounds like a typical conservative/Republican “pundit”—he simply prognosticates, using simple words, and cannot be bothered to back what he says. What his comment honestly brought to my mind was Kruschev saying “We will bury you!”
Posted by Larry Congdon on Aug 27, 2004 at 1:29 PM Having done some serious internet research over the past 5 years, first starting with regime change from the 50s on, and then into corporate movement into what was typically government business (spurred by Eisenhower’s “military-industrial complex” warning), and through today’s affairs of business and state, I decided that I needed to approach these topics as one rather than being multiheaded. In doing this, essentially using the concept of software designed to maintain relationships between criminals and terrorists (a graphic relational database now know as “The Grid” on TV), but rather with public service persons of import and vast conglomerates, it becomes apparent what has happened because the same names keep popping up, no matter whether it’s oil pipeline negotiations with the Taliban, or drug movements and money laundering of the Columbian cartels, or CIA intervention on behalf of the Shah of Iran, or the chemical attacks on the Kurds in Iraq.
I’ll give you a hint. It starts with William Casey, who brought Nazi SS into the CIA upon its inception, who negotiated, along with George Herbert Walker Bush, with the Iranians to withhold the release of the hostages until Reagan was elected (look up “October Surprise”), goes right through Haliburton and it’s subsidiary Kellog, Brown and Root, who happen to be the largest warehousing company in all the drug riddled areas of the world, although they only have 8,000 SQ FT here in the US, and by virtue of corporations and their board members, CEOs, etc., continues to this day right to the White House.
While I’m not saying that the Republican Party is responsible for this, the direction of the Republican Party has been a 50 year plan, started with criminals from Nazi Germany which foisted us into a serious Cold War, and straight on through to cocaine being sold in inner city ghettos, to the incomprehensible invasion of Panama and kidnapping of a sovereign President, to the invasion of Iraq for the purpose of gaining a military foothold in the Middle East and to take out another Bush41 buddy before the stuff hit the fans.
Call it the mother of all conspiracies, if you wish, but the data is there and the only possible interpretation is astounding. Thomas Jefferson must be rolling in his grave.
Posted by Roger W. Norman on Aug 27, 2004 at 1:44 PM I have always loved listening to you Garrison.
What you say is sadly so true. I can imagine your soft, thoughtful voice reciting these words. As always, you have drawn from the core of what the majority believes.
Mr. Oplas, I am sorry that you have drank too much of the kool-aid. Don’t worry sir, when George Bush is ousted, you will also be taken care of by the legally elected Democratic administration. Our plan for America leaves no American behind.
My fear is that the criminal Republican party will pull some shenanigans with the election like they did in 2000.
True republicans should wake up and realize, this is not the “Grand Old Party” anymore. It has been overun with criminals and traitors to the American people.
Posted by Jacque Donahue on Aug 27, 2004 at 1:49 PM Spot on, Mr. Keillor!
Your voice is a soothing as the late Cardinal’s announcer Jack Buck’s, especially airing a Saturday night game.
And I would also include you with Keith Jackson.
I think you could even do step-by-step roofing repair and it would still inspire; it would still be bring a smile.Thank you!
Posted by Neil on Aug 27, 2004 at 2:42 PM Liked the article, but objected to the pithecanthropus reference. It would be more appropriate to call them Eoanthropus Republicanii. By this argument they are no longer the party of Lincoln and not representative of the ideals of the GOP when founded shouldn’t they reference a hoax?
Posted by John Benson on Aug 27, 2004 at 2:46 PM I am at a loss to explain the number of minimum wage workers (a bunch who work with my husband) that spew the hatriotic rhetoric of the current GOP. They actually believe that wealth is a sign from God that you are worthy. How they can explain away their lack of “worthiness” is beyond me. Apparently, W’s bible omits the phrase about the rich man passing through the eye of the needle.
If GW gets reelected in Nov, we’re discussing emmigrating to New Zealand. I will greatly mourn the destruction of this great democratic experiment as the beacon of freedom and hope for the world burns out.
Posted by Margo on Aug 27, 2004 at 2:54 PM I’m impressed with the comments I’m reading—particularly Garrison’s. But it’s all so depressing… After watching Outfoxed and F911, I can’t help but wonder how on earth we’re ever going to get rid of this particular brand of Republican party. The corruption seems to go so deep and the money seems to be so attractive (not to mention abundant) that loosening the stranglehold these particular folks have on the country’s goods, services, and people would be impossible. Or do I just need to go watch Mr. Smith Goes to Washington or something?
Posted by Jennifer Goldszmidt on Aug 27, 2004 at 2:54 PM Just my point of view, but coming from the land of Lake Wobegon, this writers following is like some of our lakes…drying up.
Posted by B. Lundstrom on Aug 27, 2004 at 3:05 PM Dear Garrison:
I rarely write fan letters, but this is perhaps the greatest, best-written, most outraged, and funniest indictment of the Bushies that I have ever read. May you live long and prosper.
Posted by Paul on Aug 27, 2004 at 3:10 PM I agree with some of the sentiments here, but I don’t know how helpful the tone is. In addition to the categories Mr. Keillor lists, it’s also (unfortunately enough) the party of my otherwise normal grandparents and sister. Neither of them are kooks, they’ve simply been lied to by the people who are in charge. Mr. Keillor may travel in circles where he doesn’t come across many Republicans - I hardly do, it’s a consequnce of how sadly fragmented our society has become. But I find it helpful to think of my decidedly non-kooky sister & grandma when I write on politics - and I fear the tone here wouldn’t appeal to them.
“Of any tactic, ask yourself how many people will be converted to our cause because of it, for that is all that matters.” - paraphrasing Saul Alinsky
Posted by Dan Ancona on Aug 27, 2004 at 3:13 PM Margo is entirely correct. Educated and successful people—and even many who aren’t (her husband makes minimum wage)—have, thanks to globalization, the option of living in most countries in the world. If our own country assigns itself a mission of world conquest and its government proves that the actual definition of fascism is barbarism plus technology, then I suspect we have a MORAL DUTY to emigrate and prevent our children from becoming assets to be expended in wars for the continued profitability of the Fortune 500 (or such members thereof as are willing to identify themselves solely with the current regime).
Posted by Jason Galbraith on Aug 27, 2004 at 3:15 PM Amen! Brad Blanton, Independent Candidate for Congress opposing the Republican incumbent for just the reasons you stated!
Posted by brad blanton on Aug 27, 2004 at 3:16 PM I and those close to me have lamented how Greed has become the driving force behind the GOP and you, Keieler, have hit the nail right on the head: Bush is filling the troughs for corporate pigs.
Posted by David on Aug 27, 2004 at 3:23 PM Excellent article! If we are to have a future, everyone must vote KERRY!
Posted by m.anderson on Aug 27, 2004 at 3:25 PM A POISON TREE
William BlakeI was angry with my friend:
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe:
I told it not, my wrath did grow.And I watered it in fears
Night and morning with my tears,
And I sunned it with smiles
And with soft deceitful wiles.And it grew both day and night,
Till it bore an apple bright,
And my foe beheld it shine,
And he knew that it was mine, -And into my garden stole
When the night had veiled the pole;
In the morning, glad, I see
My foe outstretched beneath the tree.
Alright, time to clue you slow-learning Yankees in. Much like the French, we drink the good stuff and export the crap. Hell yeah, everything Bush touches turns to shit- why the Hell do you think we sent him to Washington? Spares Texas and punishes the Yankee- all in one stroke. So you were foolish enough to swallow the Stinkbait and now the poison’s numbing your extremities?
Die.We said it at Appomattox, we’ll say it again- “Sir, you will never understand the depth of Southern Rancour.”
God Damn the Union!
God Damn by Any Means!
Posted by cowpox on Aug 27, 2004 at 3:27 PM Keillor is OUR Mark Twain… our Joe DiMaggio… our hero and true conscience. Stay healthy, friend. You have no idea how much we need you.
Posted by Barry on Aug 27, 2004 at 3:30 PM Yes, Jason, unchecked globalization is not serving the people. My husband is making more than the folks around him, but he’s lost two jobs under this administration (one at the ethically- challenged Tyco and another due to W’s steel industry bail-out) and our household income has fallen 20K/year. I guess our income just got moved up to wealthier, more deserving citizens.
I appreciate your comments, Dan. I realize that there are GOP members/supporters that have been duped. Unfortunately for me, I have a sister that spouts the absurb garbage of neocon media entertainers like Bill O’Reilly.
Posted by Margo on Aug 27, 2004 at 3:32 PM Thank you, Mr. Keillor. It’s nice to hear an intelligent American voice, after having my face rubbed in the repugnant ignorance of the hawkish elites who have hijacked my country for so long.
There are those of us in this country who have a larger vision for the world, those of us who believe in love more than hate, and each of us are saddened by watching our country become a feared Empire that strikes first and asks the important questions later. I can’t believe that it has come down to Kerry, another pro-war, Corporate stooge and the current illegitimate president. This is a sad day for America, and I fear that the electoral process will not fix the underlying problems that have beset this country.
I will vote against Bush, but my faith is not in this vote. The real vote that we have as Americans is WHERE WE SPEND OUR MONEY. Who has given birth to this great, corporate beast that purchases our representatives, fabricates false wars and makes a giant, comic spectacle of our elections? It is the American consumer who daily feeds this monster, and it will be the educated American consumers who make the sacrifices necessary to starve these corporate giants into submission. The uninformed consumerism that characterizes America today is not what made us great. In fact, it is this self-centered, materialistic way of American life that must be stopped at all costs. We must learn who we are empowering with each dollar spent. Learn to use bio-diesel and other forms of alternative energy. Buy organic food. Don’t support the big corporations that are represented in the current administration. (see www.opensecrets.org) Starve the giants. Slay Goliath on his own turf.
The rest of the world is waiting with bated breath to see if Americans will take a small step in the direction of goodwill and peace at this election. But the real issues will remain, and it will require a new way of American life for us to make the long, hard trek back towards democracy.
Posted by Joshua Daley on Aug 27, 2004 at 3:33 PM I guess because I’m a Republican, I’m going to burn in hell!
Posted by Joe Keene on Aug 27, 2004 at 3:34 PM Thank you Garrison.
Hopefully this will serve to convinence some members of the corrupt GOP, they should change their minds about George W. Bush, and his inability to properly govern the American People.
Just how corrupt is the GOP, we don’t know yet, we are still pumping money into the Haliburton coffers, plus others that we haven’t been told about at this time.
Posted by Dexter Kemp on Aug 27, 2004 at 3:37 PM Isn’t it interesting….. I am 68 years old. America, during my life time, has always stayed strong and looking out for its citizens when it had a common enemy - the Great Depression, WWII, Korea, the Soviets. Now, without the USSR to focus on, America is turning on itself. The current situation reminds me of a snake trying to swallow itself. Gulp - there goes the middle class. Gulp - there goes high paying jobs. Gulp - there goes our two party system. Gulp - there goes decency, tolerance, balanced wirwaves.
Eventually, it will fail. It is economically impossible for all of us to become CEO’s.
Posted by keynesco on Aug 27, 2004 at 3:37 PM Dear Garrison,
How can we get Petey Jennings, Dan Rather & the rest of the bunch to read this out loud as a hard news piece on primetime news? On second thought…it would probably traumatize the public to hear what’s really going on. Great article. Gotta go…have to dose the local water supply with No-Doze. Thanks for your observations.
Posted by Mike Governa on Aug 27, 2004 at 3:38 PM Garrison’s comments are only too true, and my big worry now is that Sen. Kerry is simply lacking in the intellectual capacity and the core belief values to save us from another four years of the developing oligarchy.
Posted by Al Henry on Aug 27, 2004 at 3:47 PM I was hooked from the get-go. Another brilliant indictment of George Bush from Garrison Keillor. If Keillor wrote the phone book, I would read it.
Posted by Corinne on Aug 27, 2004 at 3:51 PM Garrison Keillor has added his voice to those who have spoken before him. Heroes everyone because they dare to challenge the path we are on, one that will only lead to our destruction. Thank God for true Patriots like Garrison Keillor!
Posted by Dave on Aug 27, 2004 at 4:00 PM I am an American. I say that with pride of place, pride of heritage, and pride of a common culture that has historically embraced equality, fairness, and honesty.
I would thank Mr. Keillor’s for reminding all of us that we cannot allow the conservative right wing machine to steal from us our indentity as Americans.
We have in our collective hands the opportunity to embrace the very American values of free thought, free will, and free expression.
It is, indeed, time to stake our claim, not as outsiders, not as disenfranchised half citizens, but as the American children of Abraham Lincoln, Mother Jones and Rahsahn Roland Kirk.
We cannot allow ourselves, any of us, to be riduculed, threatened or marginialize into silence.
Now is the time, this is the place, onward into the future.
Posted by Bill Hager on Aug 27, 2004 at 4:03 PM Leon Singer wrote: “...Lets work and pray for a change in spite of the computerized-no-paper-trail voting machines…”
If you live in an area that uses those machines, why not work around that by requesting an absentee ballot?
I believe the form you request must be turned in by September 15th.
Posted by fringe dweller on Aug 27, 2004 at 4:09 PM Why is it that on this website, when you scroll down, on the right—-by the ads—-under the one for Uncovered, there is an ad to Support the RNC and for Bush/Cheney buttons? How can that be on a website for a Left/Progressive magazine?
They don’t exactly belong there.
Posted by Carol on Aug 27, 2004 at 4:17 PM Not only is moving to New Zealand a coward’s way out, but it is only possible for the very few. I must, though, admit I too have been tempted to ‘cut & run’, but upon further reflection came to the decision that since my family has lived in this country for almost 400 years I would be letting them down. None I know of ever attained great wealth, instead they were just the normal hard working Americans who put this country together.
When Virginia was first founded (my state of residence & origin) it was a ‘commonwealth’. I take this to mean ‘we the people’ are the owners of all resources. Fairly distributed they would provide comfort and a high standard of living for ALL Americans. Instead we have a few lunatics running the asylum, one in eight Americans below the poverty line (an unacceptable situation in what is deemed the wealthiest nation on earth), and many more ‘workers’ one paycheck away from disaster & financial ruin.
How could I be so uncaring & unpatriotic to have considered running away from my/our country? This is my/our country, dammit, so let’s drive out those who view us with attitudes that we are serfs, peons, indentured servants, or children who can be manipulated with lies then told to just sit down and shut up.
No, New Zealand is not an option. Instead I chose to stand like a proud American patriot and fight this new tyranny. We are too intelligent to believe this can be accomplished by physical might, rather by the sheer weight of numbers & through non-violent democratic means. In contrast, King George II and his ‘chicken hawks’ believe violent acts are the right of monarchs to perpetrate on subjects (defined as any world citizen with two nickels to rub together that can be stolen or the person can be cheated out of).
Well excuuuse me, but I refuse to leave, Dubya. Instead you should pack your bags because unless you figure out how to steal this election, too, you (and your misguided neo-con cronies) will be the ones leaving.
George Bush for president——-OF MARS!!! (My profound apologies to the Martians LOL)
Posted by Paul Magill Smith on Aug 27, 2004 at 4:18 PM Not only is moving to New Zealand a coward’s way out, but it is only possible for the very few. I must, though, admit I too have been tempted to ‘cut & run’, but upon further reflection came to the decision that since my family has lived in this country for almost 400 years I would be letting them down. None I know of ever attained great wealth, instead they were just the normal hard working Americans who put this country together. When Virginia was first founded (my state of residence & origin) it was a ‘commonwealth’. I take this to mean ‘we the people’ are the owners of all resources. Fairly distributed they would provide comfort and a high standard of living for ALL Americans. Instead we have a few lunatics running the asylum, one in eight Americans below the poverty line (an unacceptable situation in what is deemed the wealthiest nation on earth), and many more ‘workers’ one paycheck away from disaster & financial ruin. How could I be so uncaring & unpatriotic to have considered running away from my/our country? This is my/our country, dammit, so let’s drive out those who view us with attitudes that we are serfs, peons, indentured servants, or children who can be manipulated with lies then told to just sit down and shut up. No, New Zealand is not an option. Instead I chose to stand like a proud American patriot and fight this new tyranny. We are too intelligent to believe this can be accomplished by physical might, rather by the sheer weight of numbers & through non-violent democratic means. In contrast, King George II and his ‘chicken hawks’ believe violent acts are the right of monarchs to perpetrate on subjects (defined as any world citizen with two nickels to rub together that can be stolen or the person can be cheated out of). Well excuuuse me, but I refuse to leave, Dubya. Instead you should pack your bags because unless you figure out how to steal this election, too, you (and your misguided neo-con cronies) will be the ones leaving. George Bush for president——-OF MARS!!! (My profound apologies to the Martians LOL)
Posted by Paul Magill Smith on Aug 27, 2004 at 4:22 PM Garrison Keilor has categorized Republicans into a plethora of camps, but I contend that there are really only two types: Corporate Crooks and Idiots.
Find me a counterexample (good luck!)
Posted by Grant Denn on Aug 27, 2004 at 4:28 PM Oh, America.
So surprised? So confused?
What, you didn’t think a theocracy based on slavery, invasion, genocide, resource grabs and rivers that catch on fire wouldn’t hit the wall it’s been building for so long?
It’s no fun when it’s done to white people, isn’t it? The Germans taught the Europeans that it’s not nice to be Native American or Black or Indonesian when the white people go raiding.
Who will teach us?
The Australians say, “May your chooks all be emus, and kick your shitehouse down.”
The chickens are coming home to roost. And they’re very tall, and they’re eyes are red.
Oh, well. You were told. I guess you were busy.
Posted by D.J. on Aug 27, 2004 at 4:30 PM Scathing, laugh-out-loud funny, ironic and poignant - a wonderful piece of writing; thank you for putting this out there.
Posted by Gail Moore on Aug 27, 2004 at 4:31 PM Who else but Garrison Keillor could put together the words “...Etch-A-Sketch president, a dull and rigid man, whose philosophy is a jumble of badly sutured body parts trying to walk…” along with many other well-crafted phrases to create a perfect profile of this Administration and its multiple failures of leadership?
Speaking truth to power, and about power, is critical in a democratic (small D) society. If Mr. Olpas and his ilk can’t handle it, it’s because they’ve been told that if you can’t march in step, your marching doesn’t matter. Put your brown shirt away, friend—the revolution is coming.
As a proud dissenter, refusing to fly my sullied American Flag until flying it is no longer a sign of supporting this administration—how they’ve profaned the flag, and the idea of patriotism!—I am proud to be in the company of so many others who recognize this essay for what it is: PURE BRILLIANCE! Thank you Garrison for so eloquently articulating the issues that face us.
Keep fighting, folks—there’s a lot of ground to cover between this weekend, when the circus (AKA the GOP convention) comes to NYC and when we finally give Dubya his pink slip. Make sure that the young people you know realize what’s at stake. Make sure everyone you know is registered to vote and gets to the polls. Make sure that you are talking about the failures of this administration loudly and consistently, to anyone who can listen or overhear.
Posted by S.W. Matthes on Aug 27, 2004 at 4:31 PM This truth is only surprassed by your eloquence. But why then is half the country polling against their own interests? This horrendous administration may have grabbed power, but why are half the people in this country turning a blind eye, giving these criminals a free pass?
Posted by Mark Marabella on Aug 27, 2004 at 4:34 PM Garrison, I’ve also listened to you for many years and have always enjoyed your commentaries. I hope that more and more Americans wake up to this criminal Administration and what it has done by chipping away at our freedoms and our chance for survival as the largest country with the most freedoms.
It is most important for Americans to become informed, do research and really take a hard look at how most Americans have been affected by four years of this cheating, lying administration. Unemployment up 1.3 million and uninsured by 1.4 million tells all how the man in the White House shows no concern for the average American worker, just the billionaires getting tax breaks.
There are sadly, small business owners, laying off workers because they can’t afford health insurance for workers – so they rely on temp help because no insurance is offered for these positions, or the businesses simply cannot survive. Many small business owners also don’t seem to understand that because Bush gives large tax breaks to the large corporations, it is creaming small business owners and their capability of hiring an American workforce.
Our military has also been forgotten – no proper training, no provisions, no safety, no food, no proper body protection or equipment. Why are so many of our men and women still getting killed when Bush announced the war was over in Iraq – a war that was mistakenly entered into because we were lied to? All of a sudden, no more news coverage of Afghanistan to catch Osama Bin Laden – why? The Bushes have close connections to the Bin Laden family and the Saudi family that support Bin Laden and Al Quaida.
I feel Kerry is a good man with a terrific record, not only as a war hero, but his senatorial record speaks well of him. He does not flip-flop like the Bush Administration has inferred, but the GOP has twisted the truth and tried to smear the integrity of a really good man. My hope is for Kerry/Edwards to fight back, bring the real issues to the forefront and win in November. I am frightened of another four years of Bush’s crooked, lying, cheating, law-breaking Administration. Praying is not good enough. Americans must protest. Our country was founded on protest (“rabble rousers” as the British called us) to become a free nation, women won the right to vote on protest, Prohibition was repealed because of protest, birth control was legalized in this country because of women like Margaret Sanger who fought for the rights of women, and the men and women who fought in Vietnam came home because of protest. More Americans should not be afraid to protest their concerns and get involved with demonstrations (peacefully) to get this current Administration to realize we are not going to take it anymore. I’m going Aug. 29th to New York to march peacefully in front of Madison Square Garden with 250,000 others who care what this Administration’s policies have done to this nation and our lowered standing in the world.
Keep up the good work!
Betsy Kerner
Posted by Betsy Kerner on Aug 27, 2004 at 4:38 PM Great article by Garrison Keillor.
There is one thing I was wondering about:
On this website, on the right side by the ads, under the one for Uncovered, why are there ads that say : Support the RNC and Free Buttons for Bush? How can that be on the website of a Left/Progressive publication?
Posted by Carol on Aug 27, 2004 at 4:41 PM Keillor hits the nail on the head. “The concentration of wealth and power in the hands of the few is the death knell of democracy.” Keep that in mind come November 2nd. We’re not just electing a leader, we’re probably saving our country.
Posted by John S. on Aug 27, 2004 at 4:48 PM The most elegant, well-written condemnation of modern-day Republicans I’ve ever read. “Christians of convenience, freelance racists, misanthropic frat boys…nihilists in golf pants”... that is the kind of truth we need spoken in America today. The only way we’re going to get out of this crazy mess for good is for Americans to finally get how shameful—and shameless—the Republicans have become.
O Mark Twain where art thou? Garrison, face it ...you see him every time you shave.
Posted by Larry on Aug 27, 2004 at 4:48 PM From “A Oplas”: “You [Keillor]are a talented, likeable man… much more likeable when you keep out of the political debate.” In other words, fellow citizens, sit back and do nothing. Leave it all to the “experts.” In spite of the fact that the government is there to represent you and me, not a clique of rich reactionaries.
Well, Mr. Keillor, I’m glad you strode INTO the political debate. We need perceptive writers like yourself to counterract the jingoism and the limbic mentality of the Oplas brigade.
Look at what the “experts,” the neocons and religious extremists in the White House, have given us over the past few years: war, bankruptcy, elimination of social programs, enriching the rich, environmental plunder, intimidation of citizens who dare to speak out about the obvious.
Print out Keillor’s essay and pin it up everywhere.
Please, everyone, get out and vote. If the past four years were bad, the coming four years, if the Republicans win again, will be a living nightmare.
Posted by Kevin Fitzgerald on Aug 27, 2004 at 4:51 PM Fromm “A. Oplas”: “You [Keillor] are a talented, likeable man… much more likeable when you keep out of the political debate.” In other words, fellow citizens, sit back, do nothing, and let the “experts” run things.
Mr. Keillor, I’m grateful that you stepped INTO the political debate. We need perceptive writers like yourself to remind us that the government represents you and me, not a tiny clique of rich reactionaries, and to answer the jingoism of the Oplas brigades.
If the past four years were bad, the next four, if Bush&Co; and the Republicans win this election,
will be an Orwellian nightmare. The lame ducks will do all they can in four years to complete the makeover of our country they’ve started, assuming they allow any more elections and don’t scrap the two-terms-only rule.Print out Garrison Keillor’s essay and pin copies up everywhere.
Posted by Kevin Fitzgerald on Aug 27, 2004 at 5:05 PM Will there be a Democratic Party left in this country if President Bush wins re-election? My reason for asking is that it appears that they are all going to jump off bridges if this occurs. Would all who do not support President Bush, at least agree that he does stand a legitimate chance of winning this election?
Posted by Joe Keene on Aug 27, 2004 at 5:09 PM Amazing! And I had begun to think that Garrison Keillor was getting a bit ... well ... tiresome. Great writing. Great sentiment. Write on, Garrison!
Posted by Dan Beach on Aug 27, 2004 at 5:11 PM What a great and revealing article. What would it take to get you to write once a week
Thank you
Terry Bacon
Posted by TERRY BACON on Aug 27, 2004 at 5:12 PM Garrison, you the MAN! You are truly the successor to Mark Twain. All the Limbaughs, Hannitys, Coulters, Colsons, Dobsons, Cal Thomases and their ilk can go pound sand.
Were Cicero around today, he would probably be shouting, “Arbustus delenda est!” in tbe public square. (Check your third tear Latin textbook.)
Posted by Edd Doerr on Aug 27, 2004 at 5:28 PM Dear Mr. Keillor;
As Bill Clinton said to Jon Stewart on “The Daily Show recently: “Democrats win elections when people think”. Your article made me think.Thank you for a very thought-provoking article and the courage to speak it publicly. Too many people keep silent and remain on the sidelines. Our democracy was designed as a participatory government. It only works when we the people get involved.
Neb Conner
Posted by Neb Conner on Aug 27, 2004 at 5:29 PM They say ‘salt’ was the downfall of the Roman Empire…‘Bush’ will eviscerate American dream
Posted by Dennis McLaughlin on Aug 27, 2004 at 5:42 PM tHE ONLY THING SADDER THAN EVERYTHING YOU HAVE SAID IS THAT THERE ARE SO MANY REPUBLICANS THAT THINK THAT BUSH IS THE GREATEST PRESIDENT WE HAVE EVER HAD. OF COURSE IF YOU HAVE THE MENTALITY OF A THREE YR. OLD (BORN AFTER BUSH WAS ELECTED)HE WOULD BE THE GREATEST THEY HAVE EVER HAD.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND FREE SPEECH AND HOPE BUSH DOSENT GET ELECTED AND RESTRICT FREE SPEECH TOO.
Posted by JACK TATHAM on Aug 27, 2004 at 5:44 PM All true enough, but if I’ve got my facts right, didn’t virtually every Democrat vote for this inhuman slaughter?
It ain’t just Republicans; it’s the corporate/have mores who own the government, both Demos and Elephants.
Let’s face it. For the folks who control the wealth and power, America means one thing only: Grab as much as you can, as fast as you can, any way you can. Owning the government helps.
Posted by David on Aug 27, 2004 at 5:44 PM Will the real Mr Oplas please stand up and help me understand why in the world he believes that The GOD KING GEORGE II
is the Best Pres. Since WWII?
Interesting. this means he’s the best since FDR?
Now how in the world can I find space in my brain to contemplate that. FDR? GWB? My mind boggles at the thought. Ouch that hurts!
OR is he speaking about Harry “THE BUCK STOPS HERE” Truman. Oh yeah, that’s our George. He knows where the bucks stops, only thing it’s a different sort of Buck that Harry was talking about.
And what about those Post War Presidents. Hmmm Eisenhower and the “longest peace time expansion in history. JFK who was only begining to alter the socio-culture landscape of a long suffering nation. And LBJ who despite his dogged unwillingness to extricate us from the Insanity of Vietnam, set into motion the “Great Society”Even better then Reagan?
Please Mr Oplas if you are out there and I sincerely believe you are, OUT THERE. Will you help me . What makes George so Great? What has he done other then get the Fed overly involved in Public Ed. Create the largest Deficit in “History” which you or I may not have to worry about ,but hey who cares what happens to the “kids” We all have Trust Funds, Right?
Preside over the largest increase in medical costs and the number of uninsured americans.
WOW I am getting more impressed with his record as I write.
And then there is this morass he has blindly lead us into. Iraq? Yeah Sadaam is gone, and good riddance too, but look out here come the Mullahs, not to far behind. Thanks GW!
Posted by Neil Friedman on Aug 27, 2004 at 5:49 PM Yours’ is the ardor that Kerry needs to inject into the flow. Hammer on the War on iraq, the war on the American people. They are inseperable. Stay away from answering slurs. Hammer, the senate vote that gave Bush the legitimacy to start his wars. Take that legitimacy back!
Posted by Harold Brown on Aug 27, 2004 at 5:51 PM Dear Cowpox:
You can write poetry and joke about us yankees but the neo-con-artists will damm you in the end.
Because that’s how Fascists operate, you see my dear old dad was a Mossilini Fascist who loved the USA and his native Italy, and thought that the lying bastard Mossilini was going to save his old country, he hated bullys and always fought with a bottle full of castor oil, a great equalizer that convinced people that he was right.
Yes Keillor is right, this is the end of the U.S. of A as we know it. I feel that the last 30 years of apathy is why we are in this mess. When the great B Actor was elected and deregulation begain
the crooks took over and they will not leave a good thing, its all that free tax money that they love so much. THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL. And they love money, and they will fight till the end.
As for all the ignorant people in the country, Lincoln said you can fool some of the people some of the time! Lets hope they come to their senses before the November coup, because they will rob and steal to stay in power, and I think this means another Terroist Attack
Posted by Anthony V. Salvatore on Aug 27, 2004 at 5:52 PM Proud to be a liberal!! As defined-Liberal: “Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry. Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded”. A campaign which uses and states facts about the other candidate is not a “smear” campaign. For example, there was no net gain in jobs in the past four years. A calumniatory campaign uses statements which are “harmful and often untrue; tending to discredit or malign” and intended to smear or slander someone with lies is reprehensible. Because Bush has nothing to show for the past four years he has adopted the “smear campaign” to discredit his foe. I can’t wait for the debates! Thanks Mr. Keillor for telling the truth so eloquently.
Posted by Mark Bannick on Aug 27, 2004 at 5:57 PM There are quite a lot of us who would really enjoy seeing the greedy sociopaths now in charge of our govermnent driven off the continent. I wonder if we will live long enough to be blessed with that experience. Some future generation will see that, if not ours. I wonder if it is our job to see that it’s done now. Peace.
Posted by Donald Kosmicki on Aug 27, 2004 at 6:05 PM To Dan Ancona who is worried about the “tone” of this wonderful piece. Democrats and Progressives have to stop worrying about offending the sensibilities of moderate Republicans and Independents and start telling it like it is. We need to show some backbone. That is exactly what Garison has done here and we should all thank God that he has. Republicans have been playing hard ball for a long time and there hasn’t been anyone there to challenge them. The lead up to the war is an excellent example of spineless Democrats cowwed by the likes of Tom Delay and his rightwing AM radio hit squad allowing themselves to be railroaded into voting for a war that they should have known was a sham. Now they find it difficult to run against it because of that vote. The primaries gave us Howard Dean and he brought some fire back to the party. We need to keep that fire going. We need to stop wringing our hands and worrying about offending people and show the Republicans and America that we will stand up for what we believe and that we will fight. That’s how we will win back the Presidency and the Congress. Garison may be a little more eloquent than I, but I’d like to think that we are talking about the same thing.
Posted by Keh Hayes on Aug 27, 2004 at 6:19 PM I’ll vote in November, but how will my vote be counted? No paper-trail, no way to audit.
Sometimes I think George W. should be re-elected.
First, let him deal with the mess he’s created.
Second, since he’s not smart enough to realize that when you find yourself in a hole you should quit digging, by the end of his second term the level of disappointment, disgust, and dispair will be so high that the Republicans will be banished from public life for a hundred years.
If John Kerry wins he loses.There’s no way he can deal with the Bush mess without being tarnnished.
Posted by John McNamara on Aug 27, 2004 at 6:19 PM Beautifully stated, and I agree. Time for a ‘War on Error’.
Posted by Paul on Aug 27, 2004 at 6:19 PM Absolutely perfect. Exceptional. Thank you for the clarity with which you have stated these truths. You make me feel so proud to know that you speak for so many of us true-spirited Americans.
Posted by Linda Alvarez on Aug 27, 2004 at 6:20 PM Nitpick alert: Dante didn’t put those who refused to choose between good and evil in the hottest part of hell. They were at the top (least bad), spending eternity being chased around by stinging insects.
Posted by Nancy Lebovitz on Aug 27, 2004 at 6:20 PM I’m old, and watching our country go the way it is hurts! Reading what you have said, Garrison, does a good job of putting balm on the injury, but healing will take place only with electing a new President and Congress.
We have some time to get the election to go our way (if it is not already stolen). I believe Kerry MUST convince America that HE will be the one to PROTECT us from terrorists. That seems to be the one and only area in which Bush still has any grip. That, and his “friendly”(lying) face. Kerry has to show how Bush has failed us and how he will be the one to succeed.
Kerry’s face is getting friendlier, and he can make use of his knowledge of war to cause a hope in many ignorant and wondering hearts that he can bring protection far better than Bush has done or can do. The facts exist, if he is able use them.
Posted by Gloria C. on Aug 27, 2004 at 6:27 PM Ditto.
We are history in the making…and I cringe to think of what will be said of us. It’s time to wake up and stay awake…as painful as it is.
Posted by Kelley on Aug 27, 2004 at 6:39 PM I am right of center, and have looked on in disbelief as many of the ideals I was raised to cherish have been perverted by this pack of imperical, overfed, elitist jackals who now occupy the highest office of my beloved country. Mr. Keillor, I admire your talent as an entertainer, don’t necessarily agree with you on everything, but your words here I regard as eloquent. May God bless you, sir.
My own note: Dear liberal friends, before you broadstroke your anger toward Christianity as some outdated draconian belief system, please hear this from a disciple of Christ:
When the moneychangers co-opted the Temple, Jesus got angry—and threw them out on their ear! I suggest we follow Christ’s lead, in the voting booth this November. Thank you.
Posted by rob on Aug 27, 2004 at 6:40 PM Garrison, could you possibly take on the job of speechwriter for John Kerry for the rest of the campaign? Some of that fire and righteous indignation and focus on the IMPORTANT issues is what the Kerry campaign desperately needs if they are to win this election. And we do so need them to win!
Posted by Lynne Sim on Aug 27, 2004 at 6:44 PM Extremely well put. Except I’m afraid the lauditory musings about Eisenhower. The man championed overthrow of democractic governments. He saw communists in every national liberation movement, this trumped up pantry boy from Kansas and his gallery of ghouls, the Dulles brothers aping the gentry and as you put it “lining their pockets at the public trough”. We are still to this day paying for their conduct.
Oh gosh, there’s a communist peaking out my wife’s pyjamas and another in the kitchen eating the jam, sorry, I was having an Eisenhower moment!
Posted by Sergei on Aug 27, 2004 at 7:11 PM Why isn’t this op-ed in The Washington Times? Send it over there, Garrison.
Posted by Michele on Aug 27, 2004 at 7:23 PM If only John Kerry would have this kind of courage for articulating what has really been going on in the last 4 years. The Republicans speak their lies with loud conviction. Garrison is right, Fear is the greatest political strategy ever used, and so far the Democratic candidates have been afraid to speak up. They don’t speak out of fear of looking too radical and thereby losing the election. But if they refuse to speak the truth, I’m sorry to say, they are most likely destined to lose.
Posted by R. R. on Aug 27, 2004 at 7:29 PM There have been so many wonderful articles, books and movies about
our moronic president and the republican swine. Garrison’s is one of the best. Unfortunately, too few Americans read and incredible as it seems, the election is still in doubt. I hope and pray that there will be no violence at the convention. Those mean spirited bastards will use anything to stay in power.
Posted by mudge on Aug 27, 2004 at 7:34 PM Well, I see I’ve happened across a conversation thread and essay by the LLL (Loony Left Liberals). Wow. And to think that I used to be one of you.
Yes, I even grew up in Minnesota and I voted for candidates McGovern, etc. right up to Gore. When I read this piece and your comments, I realize how I have changed. And, yes I dare say thank God.
Mr. Keillor your generalization of me and people like me (“Republicans”)is offensive, to say the least. You should really get out a little more and talk to people different from yourself.
I wish you and your fans (I was once one of your fans) all the best in the weeks and months ahead. I am sure the shock of Bush taking 40 - 42 states - including Minnesota - will be difficult for you to accept. Just remember, there are stages to grief and you will eventually come to that place of acceptance. Or (and I pray this does not happen), we will experience another catastrophy and many from the LLL will wake up (a la the Left’s awakening when Germany invaded Russia during the 1940s.
Again, best wishes to my one-time (though no more, thank God) political-mates.
Bye bye.
Posted by G. on Aug 27, 2004 at 7:42 PM Unfortunately, one can substitute Democrats in this article instead of Republicans, and Kerry for Bush, and still come out with a fairly accurate description of life in America.
There is no substantive difference between the 2 “major” Parties.
Posted by barry on Aug 27, 2004 at 7:47 PM Thank you, Garrison! We need your humor and insight during such a depressing time. If we don’t get Bush out of office many of us will be moving out of the USA. While thumping his Bible, Bush trashes the environment, increases poverty and homelesses and makes health care even more difficult to afford. I’d like to be a “fly on the wall” on “judgement day.” I think Bush is going someplace very hot!!
Posted by Elissa on Aug 27, 2004 at 7:54 PM We can take heart that the great experiment in democracy that began here in 1776 did manage, for two centuries at least, in halting fits and starts, to advance the cause of human rights, however slightly and fleetingly. It will stand as a shining example to future generations. I feel certain that progress will continue to be made in this area in ages to come despite setbacks such as the one humanity is currently plunging headlong into. Say good-bye to our beloved American republic; hello to our despised American imperium. For those of you who look to John Kerry, teary-eyed, as a savior, I’m sorry to disappoint you. He may look better than George II at this point, but then so would Ghengis Khan. Choose any substantive issue: you couldn’t squeeze a credit card between our two major candidates. The problem with a republican form of government is that it has always depended in a critical way on the good will of the people’s representatives; it’s inherently corruptible. As long as we continue to submit to a system that rewards greed and punishes moderation, democracy is doomed. Machiavellian ambition and democracy cannot coexist.
Posted by Patrick Klinck on Aug 27, 2004 at 8:02 PM This is one of the best commentaries I’ve read in a while. Hopefully more people will come to understand the truth in Keilor’s statements here and realize the dishonesty of our current administration by November 2. Get up and vote Kerry, let’s not have a repeat of 2000.
Posted by Jessica on Aug 27, 2004 at 8:02 PM How do we change this when most of what is on the TV is biased to reflect W’s and the Republican mis-information? It would be nice if the population looked at othe source for the information needed to make an educated decision when they vote.
Posted by Robert J. Stedman on Aug 27, 2004 at 8:06 PM keillor kind of thinks like the french…probably acts like them, too…arnold called guys like keillor “girlie boys.” oh well, maybe keillor just tries too hard to be elegant and smart; he ends up sounding arrogant and silly.
Posted by ben fletcher on Aug 27, 2004 at 8:11 PM Mr. Keilor,
From the time I was first eligible to vote, to the ‘96 general election, I voted Republican. Didn’t like the liberal “tax and spend” Democrats. But in ‘96, Bob Dole lost my vote because I just didn’t see anything he could bring to the office that wasn’t being covered by Bubba. I was employed after a four year span from ‘90 to ‘94. I has to go into Chapter 13 to save my home, but at least I has a job that paid enough for me to get the bankruptcy discharged in ‘97. In 2000, I couldn’t handle the smart aleck, “shoot from the hip” George W. Bush. Al Gore was the type “B” personality I felt we needed to “stay the course” of a budget surplus, world respect, and hope for health care reform while leaving Social Security intact. Well, the election was stolen, the will of the people was not done, and many who voted for Bush now must feel, I hope, that they’ve been duped. After 9/11 I felt we did right by invading Afghanistan. But then we screwed up. Instead of going into Pakistan the same way, we let them lead us by the nose with alleged Bin Laden sightings, ignoring their sharing of nuclear information with other countries. We went into Iraq under the lies that Saddam Hussein had “weapons of mass destruction”. Then Bush jokes about it later by looking for said weapons in the Oval Office. Remember that?
Comedian Bill Ingvold does a routine where those who ask stupid questions should be made to wear an ” I’m Stupid” sign. This way, you know not to ask them anything. The same should be required of those who, after all that has happened since Bush took office, still insist he is the right man for the job. This way, the rest of us could have meaningful discussions about the candidates without wasting our time.
If Bush is re elected, by 2008 we will no longer be The United States Of America. Rather, we will be the “Haliburton Territory, United Colonies Of Saudi Arabia”. Bush will remain “President” because we will no longer have free elections. Perhaps the Saudi Royal Family will appoint their wayward son, Osama, our Secretary Of State. Far fetched you say? Not if this great nation sits on it’s hands and does not vote on election day. We sent our sons and daughters to die in Iraq, the sacrifice to give up a little time to vote pales in comparison.
(GOD, ALLAH, CONFUCIUS, BUDDAH, THE GREAT PUMPKIN) BLESS AMERICA, WHILE SHE IS STILL THE LAND OF THE FREE.
Mike Dimenn, Proud American, True Believer In Democracy.
Posted by Mike Dimenn on Aug 27, 2004 at 8:12 PM Well written!
Don’t we all wish we could write like that?
Posted by Jim Siesennop on Aug 27, 2004 at 8:27 PM Oh yes, Bush is the best person to have in power for the zealots and greed soaked Republicans! Please everyone, read “Bush on the Couch: Inside the Mind of the President,” by Justin Franks. What an eye opener that book is—it explains everything about this incompetent that is the most powerful man in the world. Too scary for words. He has to go, or I move to Canada!
Posted by Nancy on Aug 27, 2004 at 8:42 PM No, Joe Keene you will not have to live in hell; it is the less fortunate among us that are living in the hell that this administration has created.
I acknowledge that Bush may win the upcoming election, but it will not be fair and square or, in your words, legitimate. He has proven that already.
Posted by Iris on Aug 27, 2004 at 8:44 PM God bless Garrison! The text belongs in a history book free of censorship by the current administration.
Greed and power hungriness have led the Bush cult to begin a systematic dismantling of democracy, selling the pieces to the highest private bidder.
There is a sinister, oddly transparent, process underway to squander the American idea, covered by a smokescreen of Orwellian propaganda.
It is no less dangerous than the origins of an authoritarian Germany during the 30’s.
Keiller is right - this is NO time to be neutral.
Posted by Robert Herman on Aug 27, 2004 at 8:44 PM Nice article !
Im sure ill be corrected if im wrong, but didnt our founding fathers say ” our government is here to protect the powerless from the powerful “.
My how far we have gotten of the beaten path.
Posted by Mark on Aug 27, 2004 at 8:55 PM G. posted on August 27, 2004 at 2:42pm. It is noted how often you had to refer to the fact that you USED to be a Democrat. Perhaps it does give you some legitimacy. No Democrat I have ever known could do such an extreme make-over. Do you think it may just be your bad side coming to the fore?
Posted by Iris on Aug 27, 2004 at 8:58 PM thank you, garrison, for your usual candour and wit. we north of the border are watching anxiously this fight of your lifetime to preserve democracy, which will have profound influence on our future, too.
we are watching 1984 being updated - scary indeed!
Posted by peter on Aug 27, 2004 at 9:01 PM Let us hear Garrison comment on the party of Bill Clinton with the same “unbiased”, objectivity. Let us hear his comments on the party that rented out the White House, and then vandalized it when they moved out. Let us hear about a party that defended a President who committed adultery while on the job in the Oval Office, and then directly lied to Congress and the American people about it. Let us hear about the party that panders to the worst, and most useless people in the nation which drags us all further down to the lowest common denominator.
Posted by lunatech on Aug 27, 2004 at 9:21 PM This is the second piece by Garrison I’ve read in a week. Keep the fire going, Garrison, and the rest of us—all the way to (and through) election day. And for those few dissenters on this discussion thread: The current Repub-liban Party (Republican crossed with Taliban) does not resemble the party I joined while living in Wyoming. These Repub-libans are well represented by President Duh-bya who was proud of being a C- college student—because the GOP has been highjacked by the cynical, the callous and the clueless.
I sent the following letter to the Nashville paper today, and don’t expect it will be published. But it expresses the sentiments of one former Republican who has no desire to surrender to the shallow meanness that pervades the GOP now. Read it and weep, you Duh-bya apologists:
Letter to the Editor: A Republican (Not) for BushAs a registered Republican in Wyoming before returning to Tennessee, I have felt that the Republican Party’s history has sometimes given moderate voters a choice in elections. Over the years, some proud Republicans have supported protecting the environment and conserving our natural heritage. Others have helped pass the Americans with Disabilities Act to give the less fortunate greater access to jobs and public services. Many (if not most) Republicans have supported fiscal restraint and a balanced budget at all levels of government. The GOP has been a strong states’ rights supporter and has often fought against federal intrusion into our personal and family lives. Until recently, Republicans have also honored our veterans without fail, and have sometimes even practiced a foreign policy that walked softly, even as we carried a big stick.
My question today: where did that Republican Party go? For the past four years, George W. Bush has muddied everything that was worthy of support in the Republican Party’s history. Instead of standing on, and governing from, sensible and long-held principles; he has used personal attacks against his opponents to deflect attention from his “what, me worry?” incompetence, the radical agenda of his handlers and the selfishness and self-centeredness that is the foundation of his appeal within the “I’ve got mine, so screw you!!” suburban set.
So, in this election, I am voting against Bush. In so doing, I hope that the Republican Party can reawaken some of its honorable and deeply-held values and quiet the shrill extremists who now control its voice. I am joined by other Republican friends and family members in this decision, and I hope that many Americans who value principled (and competent) leadership over personal attacks and political sleight-of-hand will join us by defeating Bush, for the sake of our conservative values and the nation we all love.
Bernie Ellis
Old Natchez Trace Road
Fly, TNPS: These days, I would much rather be labelled a “tax and spend” Democrat than a “borrow and steal” Repub-liban.
Posted by Bernie Ellis on Aug 27, 2004 at 9:31 PM Garrison, almost thou persuadest me to become a Democrat. As a 70 year old lifetime Republican who voted for Dubya last time and is now ABB, I have watched the transition from the proud and reasonable Ike to the collection of religious nuts and geeks but I still believe we must have two parties - and I am going to do what I can to return the Republican Party to the party of Lincoln, Ike, Charlie and Ev. The best indication Dubya is worried - look at the “librals” he is now showcasing in prime time during the convention. Ain’t it great to see the conservatives and religious nuts shunted behind the curtains until after the election?
Posted by Bob Scott on Aug 27, 2004 at 9:45 PM The time for talking is over. Now it is time to work. Answer phones at your local Kerry headquarters, hold a Kerry house meeting, make calls at a phone bank, volunteer at Kerry events, help register voters, become a precinct Kerry captain, hand out information on absentee and early voting, help get voters to the polls. Enough talk… lets get this thing done!
Posted by Rob North on Aug 27, 2004 at 9:51 PM Thank you for expressing my thoughts as I never could. Recently, I saw these two items that made
me feel eviscerated again—“Scopes Trial: Fundamentalism confronts modern science” and “Hitler makes use of the new media to mold people to his will”. We will wake-up to a revolution.
Is it possible to send your article to the local newspaper?
Posted by Liz Browne on Aug 27, 2004 at 9:54 PM What wonderful lines (” Hypocrisies shine like cat turds in the moonlight!” and such). Angry much, mr Garrison? It sounds as though a few people here are in dire need of a blow job.
Being a centrist, I was thinking of voting for Kerry, but all this anti-Bush hysteria (and that’s just what it is — pure, unadulterated, unbridled, hate-filled hysteria) has me changing my mind. I’m not going to vote for a guy whose supporters — convention kooks, Hollywood, Moore, Franken and THIS guy — act like the frickin’ world is going to come to an end if they don’t get Bush out of office (someone here recently mentioned that the Republic will end if Bush is reelected). I interpret this as meaning that they’re not that really enthused about Kerry… Just getting a certain republican out of office.
Obviously, the people commenting here were Liberal Democrats before they read your article. So congratulations, Mr. Garrison. Your article HAS made a difference. You just made your enemy one man stronger.
PS — even if your boy does get elected, he will be as useless as tits on a bull. You guys need to get both houses of congress back in order to make this country a nice socialist utopia, and that will be no easy task. I guess you better keep ranting and screaming, but don’t let it kill you.
Posted by John sKerry on Aug 27, 2004 at 9:58 PM To John sKerry:
You were as likely to vote for Kerry before reading Garrison’s piece as you are to stop polishing your own knob someday. These aren’t fellow frat boys you’re communicating with now, so try harder next time. You Bush apologists are literal and figurative W-ankers.
Posted by Bernie Ellis on Aug 27, 2004 at 10:08 PM I absolutely agree with what Mr. Keillor stated, and I’m very thankful that he had the courage to speak out.
However, I am quite pessimistic about the state of current affairs, and to echo what John McNamara wrote on this blog, I also believe that Kerry can’t undo the damage of our neo-con administration. I would go a step further, and say that Kerry is only the lesser of two evils.
As a democrat, I want to support Kerry full heartedly, but I’ve been unable to do so. He just doesn’t have enough clear answers to the tough questions, and more importantly, I believe that his corporate affiliations and interests aren’t far removed from those of the Bush/Chaney administration.
In some ways, as dismal as the prospect sounds, it may indeed be best if Kerry lost this election.
First, because it would let Bush & Co. show all of their true colors without having to worry about winning votes. Their recklessness is bound to create such turmoil, that even the staunch supporters will be appalled.
Second, the damage done is so vast, that if Kerry wins, the likelihood is that he won’t be able to repair much if any of what Bush has created. Further more, Kerry’s inability to change the situation substantially will only serve as a comparison note to republicans. They’ll say that the situation got out of control under Kerry, not under Bush. And given the scope of the mess left in Bush’s wake, it probably would take several administrations to undo the damage.
Third, Kerry may indeed be a war hero, and to many around the world a much needed change in American politics. But what happens to the morale of our country and that of our allies when Kerry fails to deliver? What if the situation in Iraq worsens after Kerry is elected? What are the consequences of a declining economy under a democratic administration?
In my opinion, it’s better to let things run their course. Let the neo-cons do themselves in.
After two consecutive terms, it is my belief that our country will not be divided as it is now, and that it will be clear to all that the neo-cons are weakening America in every way. Four years from now perhaps a more liberal, more revolutionary, less corporate democratic candidate may surface to rally our nation.
Let’s keep the dialog moving, and let’s tell it like it is.
Thank you for speaking the truth Mr. Keillor.
Posted by Gerald Iragorri on Aug 27, 2004 at 10:11 PM Hey Bernie Ellis. Go fuck yourself. You don’t know jack shit about me, and you’ve just shown your ignorance. Are you even an American, btw? The reason I ask is because of your use of British slang. Just curious.
Posted by john sKerry on Aug 27, 2004 at 10:17 PM We have 45 million people with no health insurance. We have 39.5 million more people living in poverty than was the case in 2000. We have almost 1,000 dead Americans in Iraq.
What do we have to do to relieve us of this individual ocupying the White White Oval Office?
We have to get him out in order to get Mr. Kerry in to create some semblance of civil behaviour in our country.
Thanx for your piece.
Evelyn
Posted by evelynfriedman on Aug 27, 2004 at 10:17 PM Pass this around. Everyone needs to read it! Man, it’s a sad day when a Democrat (and democrat) says he missed Nixon….
Posted by Michael on Aug 27, 2004 at 10:21 PM Gerald,
Your comments, though well-written and intended, remind me of the Vietnam era refrain that “... we had to destroy the village to save it.” I understand your concerns, but our goal should not be to hope for a political revolution by allowing Duh-bya another four years. And that’s the only reason not to vote for John Kerry—because you want George Bush to remain at the helm. We need to defend America and the world NOW—and defeat Bush.
I also want to apologize to the blog for getting John sKerry to rise to the bait so quickly with the usual Cheney-like charm that Bushies are known for. As an eighth generation Mississippean, that was the first time I’ve ever been called un-American (such an original insult, too, from a political substrate that thinks that Kerry’s ability to speak French is somehow comical or “un-‘merikan”). But then again, I’m not surprised that Bushies would relate to erudite references as something foreign—because for them, they are. Now, as my momma would counsel, it’s time to leave Mr. sKerry alone before he strokes out—to kill him with silence. Here’s hoping he goes to Repub-liban heaven—soon.
Posted by Bernie Ellis on Aug 27, 2004 at 10:37 PM Garrison Keiller’s remarks are scary and right on the money. I’m ashamed to admit that I’m one of the people who have been standing ideally by while the radical right wingers were gradually taking America back to the dark ages. George W. Bush was my wake-up call. The lies and arrogance of this man along with his unwillingness to consider any opinion other than his own has done more to ruin the American way of life than any other president I can remember. I read a perfect description of him. “George W. Bush—a totally worthless, morally impaired warmonger”.
Posted by Bill Anderson on Aug 27, 2004 at 10:38 PM I grew up on the American border (north of Detroit)in the late 1950’s, 1960’s and into the early 1970’s. America for me was the ideal. Over the past 20 years I feel that it is not the same place I knew and unfortunately your current Republicanism is infecting my country. I believe that the principles of American are being re-awakened. After reading Mr. Keillor’s article and the majority of the responses maybe it is getting safe to be a liberal in America again. We will all be better for it.
Margaret Atwood has expressed this much more eloquently in a letter to America. If you get the chance read the article and trust that there are a lot of us rooting for you.
http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=31514
Posted by Mike in Toronto on Aug 27, 2004 at 10:39 PM “There are those who believe that, if you will only legislate to make the well-to-do prosperous, their prosperity will leak through on those below.”
William Jennings Bryan, 1896!! From his “Cross of Gold” speech:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/1900/filmmore/reference/primary/crossofgold.html l
Republicans, time to wake up. “Trickle Down” is flawed for the same reason as Socialism: people’s intrisic greed.
Posted by George on Aug 27, 2004 at 11:11 PM forces are at play:
1) corporations have the status of personhood, as people. Corporations have, for instance, protected speech (it’s not false advertising). The underlying criminal acts of a corporation in misrepresenting income tax cannot, by law, be revealed (they are treated like people, like citizens, like singular personages). See supreme court ruling, 1896, on the southern pacific rail road. The modern corporation is a golem.
2)From “Look Away, a history of the confederate states during the civil war” one will see precisely the current GOP, but it was then the democrats in the south. Fast forward to the dixiecrats, civil rights, and vampire like, the tyranical hatred of the southern aristocracy leaves the democratic party and infects the Republican party.
Posted by gerald berke on Aug 28, 2004 at 12:07 AM Mr. Keillor speaks truth to power. I can only hope that people are listening, as polls in the last few days show that—amazingly—Shrub’s poll numbers appear to be improving following the “Swift Boat” garbage.
Posted by rena stone on Aug 28, 2004 at 12:22 AM I wrote this poem back during the Reagan years and thought everyone would enjoy it.
Oh beautiful for spacious skies,
Look into your childrens’ eyes,
Why spread the hate, why spread the lies,
Under beautiful and spacious skies.
Home of the Brave, land of the Free,
Not as free as it used to be,
Wave the Flag, the people can’t see,
In the home of the brave, land of the Free.
Posted by DruidMerlyn on Aug 28, 2004 at 12:23 AM I have linked this article elsewhere because this is a rant the likes of which I would be proud and pleased to see in the editorial pages of any press anywhere.
And I’m not.
I should be seeing it all over the papers and networks, but no.
All I get is the clones of Rush.
Why?
I’m also quite concerned about touch-screen voting machine fraud and all those Florida troopers trying to intimidate little old southern black ladies who were getting beat up long ago, back in the Jim Crow days, by the same sort of troopers.
Then there’s the fake felon rolls, of course.
It won’t matter what anybody wants to vote if the margin is tiny and hundreds of thousands of votes
are cheated away.
But the latest twist is that Anonymous has been sending in huge numbers of change of address forms to the Registrar of Voters—and doing it completely **without your knowledge**—to remove all kinds of voters in heavily Democratic districts.
If they do it to you, then when you show up to vote at the polls, the pollworkers don’t show you in the district where you actually live. They don’t recognize you, they won’t let you vote, and by then you have no recourse.
You have to check if you’re properly registered, where you actually live, in time to get it fixed.
This happened to various people I know in Missouri’s last election, so it’s no joke. It coul be happening on a vast scale, too.This could be prevented by not allowing state Registrar of Voters to do so many suspicious change of address forms at once, but that isn’t going to be fixed in the law in time for this vital election, is it?
The answer? Vote absentee. Check to make sure you’re properly registered in time to fix it.
Posted by Heather Gladney on Aug 28, 2004 at 12:28 AM ‘Good hearted people’?????
I loathe this sort of commentary. It involves the assumption that once upon a time the Republicans were decent people with quite reasonable ideas and a genuine devotion to the public interest, but that at some stage (apparently only after Nixon for this writer but more recently for many others), they degenerated into nuts.
In fact, this is a form of nostalgia. If you study the history of American conservatism, you will find that the Republican party has always been the party of reaction and obscurantism, and has been tied to nutty ‘free market’ economics since the 1920s.
The only basis for the more positive estimate of the Republicans is that, in the 1950s, they were led by Eisenhower, who was a ‘moderate’ Republican, in other words, a paradoxical creature. Since the personal preferences of a president tend to set the tone of the administration as a whole, the tone of the 1950s Republican administration was in some respects mildly progressive. By present standards, Eisenhower was not too bad.
But after Eisenhower left office, the party rediscovered its true colours, and the nomination of Barry Goldwater in 1964 was part of the process by which the party went back to its roots. Bush II represents nothing more than the natural culmination of Republican party politics.
Why do people feel the need, when attacking Bush and the current gang, to invoke a past era when Republicans were somehow much better people? Unfortunately, I remember the 1960s very, very well - and I can assure you that very little has changed.
As far as I can see, the only real change is that over time Republicans have become angrier and more aggressive.
Posted by Carl Wernerhoff on Aug 28, 2004 at 1:01 AM Sally McCoy, talk about a call to arms! “War on Error” is the perfect counter-mantra for this election.
Posted by Adam Swayne on Aug 28, 2004 at 1:08 AM “Hypocrisies shine like cat turds in the moonlight!” Oh, that so really lit up my day!
Posted by Dave McLane on Aug 28, 2004 at 1:18 AM Was sent your article by a friend and very happy to get it. Now I know there are at least a few people or journalist that will “Tell It Like It Is”. Just got through watching “Bill Moyers” on PBS and all the extravagant parties sponsored none the less by big business in search of favors. It happens on both sides be it Republican or Democrat it seems and we the people are the ones that are being “SHUT OUT”.
They take our money sponsored by big business say it is for Aids or health care, therefore it is deductable on income tax. Of course this is by invitation only….And do the Delegates get to go in???No they are turned away at the door. What a gosh awful mess this is. No one is standing up for us the little guy except a very very few. It is time for our press which is supposed to keep this from happening by revealing all this to the public to get off their butts and start reporting something worthy of being called news and not some more smut or smear that is going on. They (the press) could stop all of this by not giving air time to smears or state it for what it is. We better wise up and wake up or we will wake up in
a condition that our forefathers would be sick of.
Where are the good people???Where are the patriots???Where are the Brave????Who will stand up????Don’t look at the other guy next to you and ask this question. Look in the mirror and ask this question? Where are you America?????Close to the end if you don’t wake up and speak up.
Posted by Dee Lochala on Aug 28, 2004 at 1:35 AM I enjoyed the article. I found it halarious, especially the paragraph that listed all the shady characters that make up the bulk of the Republican party. One category, however, left me a little confused. Why did he include Fakirs? Perhaps this bit was meant to be ironic. I don’t think that a Hindu/Muslim mendicant holy man from India would likely be included under that tent. If a Fakir were involved in American politics, or any politics for that matter, I would imagine he would probably be an independent. I happen to respect these figures, and would hope that they would have more cosmic wisdom than to align themselves with the gods of war (though, as often the case with the truly wise, there might be some deeper rationale that is not apparent to mundane minds like mine).
Posted by Tony on Aug 28, 2004 at 1:49 AM “Angry much, mr Garrison? It sounds as though a few people here are in dire need of a blow job.”
“(and that’s just what it is — pure, unadulterated, unbridled, hate-filled hysteria)”
“Hey Bernie Ellis. Go fuck yourself. You don’t know jack shit about me”
john sKerry, your comments are well-reasoned, objective, and certainly not tainted by strong emotions. You’ve certainly earned the mantle of “centrist,” being a Greek ideal of moderation and ratiocination. Though, to be fair to Garrison Keillor, as shrill and paranoid as he obviously is, I think he was making a larger point about the GOP as a whole, not just a screed against just George W. Bush. I believe the point is that the GOP has slowly and tragically declined since its founding in the mid 19th century (when it started as a party of Lincoln and abolition).
Posted by Mr. Liberal on Aug 28, 2004 at 2:15 AM Dear Mr.Keillor,
THANK YOU for you report What is so confusing about the trail of lies, the secrets, the betrayal of the USA and it’s citizens, stil 50% of the public think this Judas is who they will vote for in November. (That is if we can believe the news) Perhaps the Democrats should start taking a look at their past failures. No one holds these FAILURES ACCOUNTABLE. We the public need the simple tools our employers use to get rid of the prostitues, those who write legislation for Corporations, legislation that is not good for the citizens. WE NEED THE ABILITY TO STEP IN AND FIRE THESE ELECTED BEFORE THEY CAN COMPLETE THEIR DAMAGING LEGISLATION.
We can look at Tom Scully or Scally Wag as I called him in my e-mails to him, while he was writing the Medicare Drug Bill, he was in negotiations for employment with a law firm that lobbied for the drug industry. This Drug bill is very detramental to the seniors but so lucrative for the Drug Industry. Then we can look at 26 years of Congressional Hearings telling us how bad nursing home care is in the USA and we find some PAID OFF POLITICIAN who wrote laws where negligent Homicide or manslaughter in a nursing home is NOT a capitol crime but merely a regulatory issue. Then lets look at Enron, Harken Energy Corp (Bush former CEO) or Halliburton (Chenny former CEO) who was, has and is screwing us taxpayers every day and we do not have the means to get these CRIMINALS OFF THE PAYROLL AND OUT OF WASHINGTON DC and into prison. It is apparent BUSH encourages fraud and as long as he proceeds his lies with how religious he is, it’s OK. We accept all this lying, cheating, fraud, grand theft as ‘DIRTY POLITICS’. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful change to have the way to imprison these crooks and replace them with men and women with morals and codes of ethics and be able to do it at the time of their crime or their puposed dirty regulations?We have had filthy Politicians and Dirty Politics on both sides, with no way to hold them criminally accountable. We need a change, a total change of OUR attitudes. This dirty politics has got to stop.
Thank you again for your WONDERFUL REPORTING
Posted by Ila Swan on Aug 28, 2004 at 2:19 AM The “Correspondent Breeze” created by Mark Twain’s writing just blew into Lake Woebegon and unleashed the message this nation needs right now. Thanks Mr. Keillor… Let us have more.
Posted by Bill Horne on Aug 28, 2004 at 2:25 AM Several people have spoken about the need for action, and what all of us can do to play our part. This prayer and prophesy from the Hopi elders should give us the pleasure of knowing that our purpose here—now—is to do what is necessary to get this country (and the ideals on which it was founded) back on track. Thanks, Garrison, and now to sleep.
From the Hopi EldersYou have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour.
Now you must go back and tell the people that this is The Hour.Here are the things that must be considered:
Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?Know our garden.
It is time to speak your Truth.Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for the leader.This could be a good time!
There is a river flowing now very fast.
It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid.
They will try to hold on to the shore.
They will feel like they are being torn apart, and they will suffer greatly.Know the river has its destination.
The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off toward the middle of the river,
keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water.
See who is there with you and celebrate.At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally, least of all ourselves!
For the moment we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.The time of the lonely wolf is over. Gather yourselves!
Banish the word struggle from your attitude and vocabulary.
All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.We are the ones we have been waiting for.
The Elders, Oraibi, Arizona, Hopi Nation
Posted by Bernie Ellis on Aug 28, 2004 at 2:31 AM Dear Garrison,
I had heard a horrible rumor that YOU had become a Republican. What a relief to know that you are still on our side.
I must, however, remind you that while Eisenhower was perhaps not as brazen as our current Commander and Thief, he was no saint. Just ask the Guatemalans. And, I would not necessarily say that the flourishing of arts and culture during the 1950s was a credit to his administration.
That said, your point is well taken—-this brazenness that is the Republican mode of operation is deeply distressing, and I, too, hope that this country is not so paralyzed by misinformation as to give this CREEP a second term.
Thanks for your humor. I’m glad you are still a Democrat.
Sincerely,
Sara
Posted by Sara on Aug 28, 2004 at 2:35 AM Please allow this to sink in before rushing to judgment. It took me some time to come to this conclusion. Especially after being exposed to much more information on a President than ever before. From sources like NPR, AirAmericaRadio.com, Jim Hightower, and books recently published on Bush ie. “The New Pearl Harbour”, “How Much Are You Making on the War Daddy?”, Ron Suskins book on Paul O’Neil, and others. This is the conclusion I’ve come too: We need to pray for the man who represents our country.
No, not pray for his early demise! lol We need to dig deep into ourselves and pray for his wisdom to grow. For his honesty to shine. For his love to grow. For his desire to do the right thing to galvanise. Not to intend his reelection, but to lead this country in a better way during the time he has left. I don’t think these prayers will help him with his mudslinging campain.;) If, God forbid he gets reelected, i hope my despair does not overwhelm my desire to have him be the best leader he can be!
Posted by Kirk on Aug 28, 2004 at 4:11 AM Mr. Keillor,
I love you every week on Prairy Home Companion and I love this essay! As a fellow citizen and a fellow writer I must confess your way with words brings tears to my eyes and leaves me speachless with admiration!Our Nation, however, is truly caught between a rock and a hard place. John Kerry is in favor of the war in Iraq and could find no more harsh critisism than to say that we should have seduced more of the nations of Europe into this quick sand with us instead of going in alone. He supports the Isreali apartheid of the Palestinians- the most egregeous and long running miscarriage of justice and, violation of human rights in the world today, not to mention the primary source of international insecurity and conflict. He voted in favor of the Patriot Act and still fully supports it’s defacto nulification of the Bill of Rights. He voted for, and supports, the World Trade Organisation, NAFTA, the World Bank, and the ongoing economic policies that are decimating America’s middle class. His only offer of solution is yet more corporate wellfare in the form of government money given to those corporations that make a token effort to “keep jobs in the U.S.” As if using middle America’s money to bribe multi national corporations to keep middle America employed was a shell game we could ever win. While not quite so openly and deeply entwined, Kerry is taking money from and deeply indebted to the same special intrests as Bush. Sometimes I don’t know which scares me more, those who inexplicable swallow the lies and propaganda of the Republican fascists, or those who still think that the Democratic party still represents a viable and substantive difference. The state of our Nation can be summed up in the words of a fellow Skull and Bones member (the exclusive, elite secret Yale fraternity that both Bush and Kerry were members of). When a reporter asked this Alum, considering their famous loyalty to other members, how he could decide who to vote for, he smiled and said, “It doesn’t matter. We win either way.”
Posted by Bruce on Aug 28, 2004 at 4:50 AM The people I worry about most are not those who will have read this article by the time it comes to vote, but those who haven’t, or those who dismiss it as blasphemy, or worse, treason in the name of patriotism. Somehow I get the feeling the hottest place in hell is going to be very very crowded in December.
GET THE WORD OUT, MORE DEPENDS ON IT THAN YOU REALIZE.
Posted by Carl on Aug 28, 2004 at 4:55 AM Mr. Keillor if you read this, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to voice (?) my thanks for your eloquence and wit, and now courage in these times, with this powerful message.
Dredging up Vietnam, questioning John Kerrys war record, due to the lack of ANY, throughout this administration, is upsetting, disgusting sleaze politics. But I shouldn’t be so naive and surprised at those tactics by this administration.
You are a national treasure, I love you! Your brother Mark T. is cheering you on! These words (of yours) seem appropriate to quote:Dogs don’t lie, and why should I?
Strangers come, they growl and bark.
They know their loved ones in the dark.
Now let me, by night or day,
Be just as full of truth as they.
—Lake Wobegon Days
Posted by jane on Aug 28, 2004 at 5:26 AM Daggar-in-the-heart logic from Garrison. Let’s not waste our own intelligence and clear opinions on each other. We must spar with folks at places such as the Weekly Standard so that they feel the dissent and breath on the back of their necks. It seems the right is quite comfortable throwing stones from it’s glass bubble. Let’s crack that bitch and fire back.
Posted by Dan Marfisi on Aug 28, 2004 at 5:38 AM Garrison Keillor tells it as I see it and feel it. How can I help spread his pronouncements where they will do the most good?
Posted by Annette Bork on Aug 28, 2004 at 5:57 AM Mr. Keillor,
Thank you so much for your message. It is sorely needed in these times. As I’ve read every post to this point, has anyone else noticed that the Bushies always resort to denigration of individuals, while never giving a single reason to support this president? While on the other side, the Bush opponents gives facts and figures, and heartfelt witness to the hardships imposed by the current administration? Why is that? Will they be backing Bush even after the investigations, the criminal trials, the tell-all books 5,10,15 years from now, or will they hold their hate as long as the Swift Boaters? Only to have it appear at a later date that serves to satisfy their sick revenge at the most self-serving time? I want us to be better than that, but my friends tell me that’s the Utopian in me. You’re darn right!
Posted by D. Johnson on Aug 28, 2004 at 6:15 AM garrison:
i read somewhere that dubya is the most dangerous man in the world.
i agree, and fervently hope you guys in america will rise up and throw him out of office.
Posted by peter on Aug 28, 2004 at 6:20 AM Garrison, you are wonderful! I am very concerned about the environment under this regime. It seems to me that no one is mentioning the horrible, backward steps that have been taken by our country in the last three years. It’s change or die for America! Mr Smirky Jerky, Bush Boy must believe the world is going to end so why bother yourself about the pollution. I do believe SJ,BB is operating with this sort of idea.
Posted by Marian on Aug 28, 2004 at 6:42 AM -
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Also by Garrison Keillor
- A Foul Tragedy
Democrats fled in the face of danger - We’re Not in Lake Wobegon Anymore
How did the Party of Lincoln and Liberty transmogrify into the party of Newt Gingrich’s evil spawn and their Etch-A-Sketch president, a dull and rigid man, whose philosophy is a jumble of badly sutured body parts trying to walk?
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