Go back to sleep if you can...   I am up early after cab driving last night. I have a bad toothache and have to wait till 4PM to have it the tooth removed. That seems a huge time at this point.   http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/funnyvideos/v/colbertwhca.htm   I listened to the first of three online video clips of Mr Colbert blasting/ribbing President Bush last night. It gave me the chills not just for its bravado but for my fear of the response. Where are we going in our USA and how do we respond as Americans to a trend in American History that challenges the existence of the Democratic Country we know and still cherish. The trend is of course an onward march to war and more war. We deal with the threats perceived by foreign nations by re-structuring our nation into a 'security' state. The greater trend is a growing psychological. unity between leader and supporters that exists and this bond is strengthened with the appearance of threats whether it is disrespectful pundits or Iran with a nuclear bomb. This is not Germany in 1938. History may repeat itself but mostly it just moves along with its infinite supply of twists and turns. However the potential for catastrophe to the American People based on our very different reality seems to me to be every bit as real as the drama facing Liberals or those who stood opposed to the Third Reich.   The biggest mistake that Mr Colbert and I am afraid more 'Liberals' are inclined to make is to ratchet up the aura of hysteria and anxiety that many Americans feel as they watch this continual drift towards a far greater War than this current deadly mess brought about by our invasion of Iraq. Rather than recognize our own power as a very strong nation that is able to bring the people together to solve problems in this world, in this new America we look single-mindedly and simplemindedly at every conflict and potential conflict as a threat to our own security and a test of our Military might. It is obvious that we are preparing for this second greater war. Our secretary of state travels the world trying to line up supporters again. Where will our planes fly from on the new bombing missions? Where will they be able to stop over. These are important questions for our Military to deal with. Wouldn't it have been wonderful if we still lived in a time where the Secretary of State was buzzing around trying to cool the minds of heated national leaders as America successfully looked upon its mission on the Planet to help the people of this world live in Peace. Those days are apparently gone.   As Mr. Colbert and other 'brave' souls earn their good karma merit badges by speaking out so boldly the state of war moves inexorably closer. It is good to speak out and speak out boldly but who is our audience? More liberals? Who are we trying to impress? I suggest that who we try to communicate with is the American People many of whom in fact support Mr Bush. This is a battle for the Hearts of Americans not some bold gamesmanship of gotcha on national TV. Mr Colbert it seems to me is mining the Michael Moore territory, entertain the few who agree with you.. There seems to me to be rather contented in being getting a few jabs in than in being effective in destroying or fracturing your opponents foundation. These jabs are brushed off like messing with an annoying mosquito. It almost strengthens your opponent by trivizlizing the major points putting it in the context of a comedic act.  Flippant, smartass, gotcha liberals playing to an audience of Liberals characterized as or at least perceived in that way. We need America with us and I don't mean America with Liberals but an America that can feel safe and secure with a leadership that understands how to think and deliberate in a relaxed open manner. The only possible way to derail this current administration's train to disaster is to gain allies amongst Republicans and Conservatives and ordinary Americans. If your speeches are not designed to waken people up in a constructive manner then they more likely just add heat to strengthen & fuel the gathering storm.    There was a lot of what Mr Colbert said that was genuinely funny very funny. Brass Balls for sure. I think he seized his moment with courage and great skill, I just hope the next person who has his or her opportunity to speak before the world and the press and there will come more opportunities just find a voice that appeals to even more Americans.   The threat to survival of those who are opposed to life in a 'Security State' is very real particularly because it is not just about the impending War it is about the real threats to this Nation which are based on Nature's Justice and our own stupidity and destruction of the natural bounty of the land. In a state of emergency which is a state that we all need to be prepared for the question is who is in charge of our lives and have we agreed to throw all of out individual liberties away when we get there. The challenge of all Americans is to have their communities state of emergency be met by their own community and not some apparatus of the security state. Its probably a good idea for all of us to begin to acknowledge are communities just a little more, meet a few more neighbors get involved perhaps in some activity that helps you link up even if its just a recreation activity. In a calm manner we need to begin to share life and visualize us surviving all the coming storms and restoring a Peaceful America and if that is America that has never been before let's just go for it. Let's just reel it in with our good spirits. I know that sounds hokey I don't think there are any real simple or easy solutions but too stay constructive stay positive and look to your neighbors, friends & family when you need picking up.      Guy Meyer, Jr.                   May 3, 2006         San Anselmo, California               guy@lifesignsphoto.com