The Dixie Chicks were hammered into the dead wood of their careers a few years ago because of a statement about President Bush, who now needs a War Czar. His excuse for the continuing occupation of Iraq is that Al Qaeda is gaining strength in Iraq. But Al Qaeda did not exist in Iraq before his invasion. His war has brought Civil War to Iraq and has created a new training ground for Al Qaeda. And Bin Laden lives on.

This past week Rosie O’Donnell received as much if not more “news” coverage than the President. It is clear, diversion and fear-mongering are the primary domestic policies of the current administration and the entertainment/news media is more than willing to oblige, just like they did with the Dixie Chicks.

Back to the Chicks:

“Our children are watching us, they put their trust in us, they’re gonna be like us, let’s learn from our history, and do it differently…

…I Hope” Rosie. Now buck up. Take a leave of absence from the public view. Don’t become a tragedy on display. You’re better than that.

Rosie had to deal with that knee-knocking pregnant quarterback’s wife again today. Joy made the best points early on but then Elizabeth was back-talking, (my grandmother would have slapped the shit out of her), then Rosie was nursing a hurt which got hurt again. What a ruckus.

It was damn good TV, way better than all the white men yakkers on cable because they don’t take anything to heart. Politics is as much about hearts as it is about brains.

I was dancing and singing today to Amy Winehouse and her REHAB tune. I have to get the rest of the CD. Arnette emailed and she loves the same song. Go figure… dirty martinis and cold beer.

A baby is going to be born tomorrow or the next day. Congratulations wife of paper boy. Ok, congratulations to you too, Dad…

I’m moving to Palm Springs next month. A house with a pool. I can swim whenever I want. Water is important to me. I like to drink it, I like to look through it and I like to be in it. My body responds to heat. That’s why water is necessary during my days and nights.

My mantra for numerous years has been ‘onward and upward’. I’m seeing some results. I’ll finish the new book in the studio of the Palm Springs place. They are sweet, both the studio and the book — the book might not be so sweet… I’ll be able to dance again under the high ceilings and spin across the massive floor.

I want to live looking forward and sideways, not backward. My personal history is my writing. That’s when I explore the tender molecules of my past. The rest of the time I peer in a different direction. I’m learning a new dance routine.

The Wolf is leaving the World Bank. Gonzo is next.

Voting is still opened. Scroll down and find the Icon on my blog, click, and go to Best Blog About Stuff, go to pg. 17, there’s a quick registration, then vote for me.

Why does Prez. Bush need a War Czar? Isn’t he the Commander in Chief?

I remember, in 1979, when Falwell formed the Moral Majority — Moral Majority surely being one of the most profound misnomers in modern American politics. Falwell was a hate monger. I doubt Reagan would have been elected if he had not embraced the hate and division that Falwell spewed in the name of Christianity. I suspect that Falwell drew as many people to his version of Christianity as he drove away. That is his legacy. The Christians I know don’t discuss their beliefs publicly to this day because they do not want to be pigeon-holed as a right wing Christian. And that is Falwell’s legacy, too.

Falwell publicly stated after 9/11 that gays and feminists caused 9/11 — along with a laundry list of everyone and every group he hated. I’ve never caused a death and I don’t know anyone who has. I guess that’s the difference between Falwell and me and the people I know.

Most people I know get nervous around change. Just listen next time you talk with a friend. Chances are, if that person is upset, it has something to do with the reluctance to change, no matter the issue or event. I long for change. To me it represents growth. Adaptation. Inspiration.

That’ll be 200 bucks/hr divided by a 15 minute minimum/hr = 50 bucks. Send money now. Change.

Happy Mother’s Day, Sanna Harrington.  Happy Birthday, Bronwyn.  Happy Mother’s Day Paula, Jean, Augusta, Janice, Jean in Louisiana.  Congratulations Barbara and Carol.  Happy Mother’s Day, Carole.  Welcome to India, who knew kisses could get you in trouble?  Happy belated Birthday, Ruby.  Welcome to the Land of the Barons, Squire Terpstra.