I know things can be different.

[Tobin S.]

I think I first started to think about politics when I was about 12. I didn't come from a family with a strong political identity. My folks would just as soon vote for a Republican as a Democrat. They didn't read on the matter or follow things too closely. They only voted for president.

I remember writing my first essay about politics when I was in the 6th grade. I had to read it in front of the class and it was a hit. Everybody liked what I had to say and I got a big round of applause. I don't remember exactly what I said, but my thinking at the time was that it seemed to me that we had it within our means as a world community to feed, clothe, house, and provide medical care for everyone on the planet if we set aside our differences and our greed. Being 12, of course, I didn't really understand the complexities behind politics. I guess maybe I still don't have too good of a handle on things sometimes. But it still seems to me that we can help and take care of each other and put an end to a lot of the suffering. I guess I've been a democratic socialist from the get-go. I just didn't know it until 2002.

Some Steve Miller for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zT4Y-QNdto

Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future

I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I'm free
Oh, Lord, through the revolution

Feed the babies
Who don't have enough to eat
Shoe the children
With no shoes on their feet
House the people
Livin' in the street
Oh, oh, there's a solution

I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I'm free
Fly through the revolution

Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future

I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I'm free
Fly through the revolution

Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin'
Into the future

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. My dear Tobin...

I think your instincts have been really good from the get-go.

The highlighted lines in the song tell me this. These ideas are the good ones.

I sure as hell wish our politicians in DC and everywhere agreed with you!

:hi: