“Start a discussion on your own blog or on a relevant item here. Eric’s thread is ‘what’s great about America,’ not “Please use this as a half-assed launch pad for a tangential soapbox.”

I was responding to an item on his list, which was clearly a political statement. And the title of his post is not “what’s great about America” it is “why America doesn’t completely suck.” So let’s not pretend he was being completely neutral and upbeat.

Kafkuesqui writes:
“Dear Todd, Manic depression is a bitch, ain’t it.”

Translation: I don’t understand the issues, so I’ll make an irrelevant ad hominem jab.

Wendell writes:
“The mindless bloodthirsty bastards who are trying to kill us all are doing a really pathetic job of it.”

I think the relatives of the victims in London might disagree with you.

/back on topic
30. The low-impact spectator sport of Baseball is still a great way to waste a weekend afternoon.

31. A few of those obscenely expensive prescription drugs actually do some good.

32. It’s possible to be accessable to the entire world at all times , but there is no law (yet) requiring you to do so.

33. Movies like “March of the Penguins” still make it into the theaters from time to time (and the theaters are still air conditioned).

34. No matter where you go in the United States, you know you can always get to the Pacific Ocean is you really really need to.

35. The PT Cruiser is still cute as all get out.

36. There are still places that offer home pizza delivery that aren’t national chains.

37. They still let Keith Olbermann do a kindofa news show.

38. California Avocados.

39. Numbered lists aren’t just for office Powerpoint presentations.

28. We are a land of multiple and bewildering opinions and points of view. Let a thousand soapboxes bloom!

Manic depression is a bitch, ain’t it.

It might be worth pointing out that 9/11 was planned by Al Qaeda long before Bush took office. In fact, Islamic extremists actually tried to blow up the World Trade Center in 1993, when Bill Clinton was in office.

It would be nice to change the subject. But it’s kind of hard to do when Islamic militants keep blowing up buildings and killing innocent civilians and all.

I’m sure that all of this is a big misunderstanding. All the Islamic terrorists really need is a hug, and for Michael Moore to produce a sympathetic documentary about them.

Or, perhaps the Islamic terrorists don’t distinguish between neo-fascist “Bushies” and enlightened liberals. If they get their way, they will kill a lot more Americans. And they aren’t going to give you a free pass because you believe in gay marriage and buy enviromentally friendly cleaning products.

My point is this: yes, Bush is an idiot. He’s clumsy, inept, and I wish Bill Clinton were President again. But George Bush’s many failings don’t excuse the mindless bloodthirstiness of the Islamic fascists. They were dangerous nut cases before Bush, and they will be dangerous nut cases long after Bush has gone into retirement.

We should not underestimate them or make excuses for their actions just because we don’t happen to like the current President of the United States.

24. As Sue mentioned, barbecue (barbeque?).
25. Santa Cruz.

23. We have the best republic that money can pay for. No self respecting leader would ever get near politics. But where else are you your own boss who can vote for your own raise.