Mr. President is an Enemy of the People

This is a personal post, not representing the views of Traveler, and not related to theme of the blog.

I feel I have to post about what is going on in this country. I have never felt such a sense of urgency. It goes beyond my usual hyperbole in political ranting. Currently I don't care about the usual left or right arguments, about individualism, or the welfare state, or social justice, or hawks and doves, or gays, or abortion. Something is more important at this moment in history.

Nothing here is hyperbole:

Bush and his administration are threatening the fabric of our democracy, and the fabric of our environment.

NPR's On Point aired an interview with NASA's scientist and climate-watcher, James E. Hansen. Here's the blurb:

The lead story on page one of the New York Times last Sunday read: top NASA climate scientist says the Bush administration is trying to stop him from speaking out on global warming.

I listened to the show. Bush and administration have politicized scientific and government agencies. Conforming to their message is dictated to rank and file. Hansen is not a crack-pot. He was ultimately allowed to be interviewed because many rank and file members and scientists privately support him.

His 'tipping point' theory claims we need to radically alter our emissions within ten years or bring about inevitable and catastrophic change.

Bush stifles scientific truth.

What else?
Bush politicizes FEMA prior to Hurricane Katrina.

What else?
Bush wiretaps Americans and glibly defends it.

What else?
Two Republican "reformers" in the Senate propose, well, reform. Their prescription? Create rules without enforcement. If a senator stumbles, then the voters can throw the bum out. This: the height of cynicism. Senators enjoying 90%+ rates of re-election base an ethics policy on being voted out of office.

What else?He wants your internet records.

What else?
He is ruining our armed forces.

My frustration stems from my desire to do something now. Today. How can we stand two more years? The administration is cynical and thuggish. Forget the utter failure of its policies.

Where is the outrage?

Impeachment. Right. Now.

Where are the inept Democrats? Where are ethical Republicans. Are you out there?

Here's an ominous thing: I can't respect the opposing viewpoint. I am experiencing a profound, bitter disgust as soon as someone volunteers his or her support of Bush or anything he does. I find it harder to maintain polite difference, or silence. These are issues of intelligence and self-respect. More, the opposition is ruining my country, while painting itself red, white, and blue. And, friend or family member, you are a scoundrel.