Our beloved John Ashcroft is touring the country to campaign for the PATRIOT Act, extolling it’s virtues in protecting us from terrorism. Why campaign for an act already enacted, you ask? Not only would he like to extend it, but soon we’ll see the new, improved VICTORY Act which elevates his power to that of a full-fledged police state. (There’s no little irony that Victory is the brand of choice in Orwell’s 1984.)

Angry? Then do what I did and oppose the VICTORY Act before it even has a chance to rear its ugly head. It’s an online petition, yes, but it’s one that has the Dean campaign behind it, so it’ll get press.

My brother Carl sent me this neat test to determine which presidential candidate (who has declared candidacy) is my best match for election 2004. I was 100% with Dean, but only 19% with G.W. Bush. Go figure!

Two new books worthy of our attention.

A new book by Ted Nace that you can read online.

From the Gangs of America website:

Corporations are the dominant force in modern life, surpassing even church and state. The largest are richer than entire nations, and courts have given these entities more rights than people. To many Americans, corporate power seems out of control.

And another book by Jamie Court with a forward by Michael Moore.

From the Corporateering website:

Corporateer: v. to prioritize commerce over culture; n. one who prioritizes commerce over culture

This book offers empowering strategies for counter-corporateering so we can reclaim our private lives, our right to health and safety, and other personal liberties.

Remember, knowledge is power.