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Feelings are running deep, poor readers.

Editor,

Now that the November election is over and the results are tallied I, like the millions of Americans that unambiguously reject George W. Bush and his coterie of incompetent dissemblers, find myself contemplating the near future with an even higher level of unease than that which accompanied the disputed results of the election of 2000. Certain facts provide cold comfort, such as the fact that Bush and the equally odious Cheney will only be around for another four years; such as the fact that the 2006 bi-election holds the promise of pushing back the tide of conservative protofacism; such as the fact that liberals and moderates still represent the finest ideals for which our country is rightfully admired by less fortunate citizens in other parts of the world, such as the fact that the Founders were both wise and enlightened to the extent that they surely anticipated just such a situation as we find ourselves in now and provided the finest form of government infrastructure that allows the citizens of this nation to work through dangerous times such as these without devolving into violence and permanent division. Other facts provide no comfort whatsover:

1. The Supreme Court stands a very real chance of being corrupted by Scalia, Thomas, and their clones for several generations to come.

2. Evangelical tinpots and other assorted haircuts now believe they have the right to dictate, among other things, who is acceptable in society and who isn't. To dictate what will be taught in science classes throughout this nation as though the facts of science have suddenly come up for a vote. To dictate when and under what circumstances religion shall be forced onto the citizens of a free and secular society.

3. Congressional Democrats appear timorous and too willing to accept the judgement of Republican a*******, too eager to appear "bi-partisan", notably the new Minority Leader in the Senate, and at times seeming to accept the ridiculous notion that, in the country Jefferson built, the Democratic party does not represent average American citizens.

4. Most troubling is the fact that our government has now been turned into something that does the most good for the least number of people instead of its rightful function as an institution uniquely positioned to do the most good for the most people.

The words of the great Preamble to the Constitution of the United States are, among others, "[to] promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity..." . I've read the text often and for the life of me I can't find any language that allows the right wing to use this great document to enshrine their own limited worldview in all its bigoted and venal ugliness. It's already been noted that the Amendments exist specifically to empower the individual and the only time this great document was amended to erode individual liberty was an unmitigated disaster to the extent another amendment was required to undo the damage of the previous one.

At one point in my life I was sure in the belief that the facts will speak for themselves. Now I know better. There are times when the facts must be spoken for. Clearly, loudly, proudly, and unambiguously spoken for. We are living in those times.

Mark P.
West Kingston, RI

Coincidentally, we've been thinking a lot about the words "promote the general welfare" lately. Something is banging around in our minds, but real life--as it often does--has intruded to keep us from getting it down here. And, to be honest, we've given ourselves a bit of break after the election. January will be tough--lots going on. But following that we promise to get back in the swing of things. In the meantime, all poor readers are encouraged to send their thoughts. There is, as you know, a great deal at stake.

--201k