Puzzle: what does your handle and “Hansel and Gretel” have in common?

In traditional Greek myth Ariadne gave Theseus a thread to find his way out of the labyrinth (although, technically there is only one way in and out in a labyrinth, while a maze has many dead ends). H&G left a trail of crumbs to find their way back. I’ve been trying to delve back into the prehistoric Ariadne, so haven’t thought about the thread part for a long time.
http://www.mjleach.com/ariadne.htm

At A Tiny Revolution (Jonathan Schwarz’s blog: http://tinyrevolution.com/mt) on September 5, JS posted “Democrats and the Iron Law of Institutions.” That puts forward one plausible version of what’s wrong with the Dems.

excellent link, thank you!

John Edwards — leadership America is crying out for!

While it would be nice to have a sane leader, it may be time to consider alternatives to leaders, electronic democracy for example. As for our present predicament, I don’t think putting money on the Dems is a good bet. It hasn’t been, and there are no indications they will improve. The internet is infinitely expandable and it is fast. We could talk about how we might use it as an engine for change, but we have to hit bottom vis a vie the Dems. I don’t think most of us are there yet.

Sha:
It’s exhausting to be angry all the time, but at the same time it’s been exhilarating for me to awaken into political consciousness. …

“Seek the Truth for the Truth will set you free, but first it gives you a headache.” — Internet joke by the famous author anonymous

Laura Doty @ 39

Dear Sha–

There’s a Buddhist prayer I use a lot: As long as the sky exists, as long as there are sentient beings, may I remain to help relieve them of all their suffering.

And, if that doesn’t work there’s always a 60s protestor, Arlo Guthrie:

“If you wanna stop war & stuff ya gotta yell LOUD.”

Yes, I’ll go for that. Pray and yell loud.

Also –basil, when all else fails, sauté some basil.

Ann in AZ @ 36

I blame the Senate big time for giving this Administration such a wide open blank check. They signed something that basically left off everything but the signature. They’re mostly lawyers and should know better. I’m in real estate, and there is a concept calling a meeting of the minds. Does anybody now believe there was a meeting of the minds built into the AUMF? They did not make a clear cut contract. It’s inexcusable and sloppy, sloppy work.

I’d guess they knew enough about Bush that he would do whatever he wanted, regardless of the intelligence (which is proven to be true now), so they didn’t bother opposing him. Plus, some wanted to avoid being seen as not supporting the troops and some wanted specifically to support the president’s freedom to do his job (especially if they were to someday become prez).

There was no strong argument for voting against it except that “The president ought to know better.” and we know that is irrelevant with Bush.

The Democrats fear of being viewed as weak is exactly what makes them weak. They are not street fighters like the GOP. Until they are willing to stand up for something bigger than themselves they will continue to disappoint. With a few exceptions, I have never seen such a crop of people unwilling to speak the truth, unable to frame a simple truthful argument or call out the GOP when they blatantly lie to the American people. Daily, they insult our intelligence. If I were an employer, I wouldn’t want 99% of them on my staff because we cannot put our trust in them to act in the best interest of us all.

Dear Sha–

There’s a Buddhist prayer I use a lot: As long as the sky exists, as long as there are sentient beings, may I remain to help relieve them of all their suffering.

And, if that doesn’t work there’s always a 60s protestor, Arlo Guthrie:

“If you wanna stop war & stuff ya gotta yell LOUD.”

We cry out for leadership

John Edwards — leadership America is crying out for!

I blame the Senate big time for giving this Administration such a wide open blank check. They signed something that basically left off everything but the signature. They’re mostly lawyers and should know better. I’m in real estate, and there is a concept calling a meeting of the minds. Does anybody now believe there was a meeting of the minds built into the AUMF? They did not make a clear cut contract. It’s inexcusable and sloppy, sloppy work.

I’d guess they knew enough about Bush that he would do whatever he wanted, regardless of the intelligence (which is proven to be true now), so they didn’t bother opposing him. Plus, some wanted to avoid being seen as not supporting the troops and some wanted specifically to support the president’s freedom to do his job (especially if they were to someday become prez).

There was no strong argument for voting against it except that “The president ought to know better.” and we know that is irrelevant with Bush.