Know how a ratchet works? It's like a gear that can only move in one direction, with a catch that locks into place whenever it moves forward and keeps it from moving backward. If I were a proper animator, that ratchet would be my visual representation of the advance of creeping fascism...an inexorable progression you can almost hear clicking away if you pay attention. Click. Democrats no longer have the right to question Congressional spending. Click. Bush can designate anyone as a "terrorist" and throw away the Bill of Rights as regards that unlucky soul. Click. New York is considering legislation to label environmental and animal rights activists as terrorists. Click. No one knows if Guantanamo Bay prisoners are being tortured because the Red Cross and media are not allowed to view the premises. Click. Click.
Orcinus obviously agrees.

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Bush exists in such a worry-free bubble of screened information and access, it's doubtful whether he's ever seen a single protestor at any of his public appearances. Anyone who is critical of Dubya is herded into what is called a "first amendment zone", far from Bush's view. Nor is he exposed to critical opinions through the media, although his admitting he doesn't read newspapers makes that a moot point in any case. He is surrounded by "yes men" (and women) who have made careers out of telling the Little Emperor what he wants to hear.
Bush may actually have no idea how much the world hates him. But perhaps next week he and his diehard supporters will find out.

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Gore Vidal rocks.

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So does Mark Morford.
(best enjoyed with a cold glass of Slim-Fast)

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On the positive side....today's weather was pretty nice.