I will admit this comes from an Artvoice cover story so is maybe less than creative journalism on my part, but it is still worth mentioning. A US official in Iraq wrote this memo to his superior officer, outlining some of the critical flaws in US policy before and after our so-called victory: . It is definately a good read. The summary article by Jason Vest does an excellent job of summing everything up: . Basically it reveals just how precarious our position in Iraq is today, and perhaps more tellingly, how many high-ranking officials within and outside of the Bush Administration accurately predicted the many shortfalls of our plans. We have fucked up big time, and unfortunately it is the Iraqis (and our enlisted men and women) who are to ultimately pay the price. I can only hope, though without much optimism, that the omens of Vietnam we see and hear everyday don't become reality.

Choice advocates from around the country gathered in Washington DC to voice there opposition to Bush and his anti-choice views. It was the largest gathering of its kind since Roe v Wade was first argued before the Supreme Court in 1973.

Key issues included:

-The winner of the 2004 presidential election could be responsible for appointing two or more Supreme Court justices, and abortion rights supporters fear Roe v. Wade could be overturned if President Bush fills those vacated seats with like-minded conservative justices.

-Last November, Bush signed the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003, a law to end certain late-term abortions.

-President Bush signed into law April 1 the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, which states that when a criminal act causes harm to a pregnant woman the suspect can be charged with a crime against the fetus as well.

Well not that cruel really, but... The coop is not open for roosting or beer drinking. We tried to go and the door never opened. Lilho tried to go and there's no one there. Ketchup chips are not the key. No beer for the weary. No beer for the persistent. Aw shucks, no beer for anyone.

I am confused. About what to be, what to do. I am too pessimistic. I don't believe in anything. I think too gobally, it's hard to have hope that way. I need to think about my own circle more, what I can influence. And start believing that it matters. That if I try I can make something happen. But more importantly, that what I make happen will have some significance. Do I even care to be significant? Does it matter. Am I too selfish? Is there anything else? I need to convince myself that trying to change the world is happiness. Even if there is little hope of the world being changed. Right?

sidenote: clowns driving cars like normal people is just wrong. Honey the clown was stopped next to us at the light, and when she saw me staring she game me a real creepy clown-smile. Sends shudders down my spine just thinking about it.

Scientists have successfully created the first child of two mothers-that's right, no sperm, or males at all, needed. It is so far just a mouse but hopefully soon we will have adapted the procedure for humans and can be done with the scourge of man forever. Then we will all live in peace, harmony (we shall all stay inside around that time of the month), and great fashion (so shoot me). But really it is quite fascinating. They took eggs from two female mice and managed to create a viable offspring who matured naturally and was even able to sexually reproduce. I wonder if Rosie/Ellen have heard yet, or maybe are secretly behind the whole thing.