Please don't misunderstand what I meant by "eternal vigilance". I'm not talking about border patrols, or star wars defense systems, or networks of moles. . .I'm talking about the average citizen's responsibility to remain informed about the events of the day and attend to the affairs of state. You have to know what your government is doing in your name. You have to pay attention to changes in policy and attitude that can be evident in a carefully worded statement made at a relatively innocuous social event or celebration.

It's not paranoia that keeps me politically involved. Neither is it the belief that I know exactly what needs to be done in every situation. Rather it's because I believe that out of the clash of ideas better understanding can be achieved (I was going to say "forged", but that sounded just too darned politician-like).

Have a great evening, wherever you happen to be tonight.
Bart