For the first time in a very long time in this country, we are at a flashpoint regarding individual rights, largely because of our current president.

Interesting comment. The very first time was of course right at the start when Jefferson commented that "A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine" and Franklin quipped that democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for dinner. ;-) Which is why the Republic and Bill of Rights came about. For there to be a "flashpoint regarding individual rights" presumably there must be an assault on the Bill of Rights. If somebody can identify *exactly* how healthcare insurance reform does this, I'm all ears- I don't mean slogans or pronouncements that collapse at first examination into ad hominem taunts, I mean specific infringements. Seems to me that people wanting to tie current events to individual rights should be volunteering this stuff.

Presuming that it may revolve around tax, may I get in first with another Jefferson quote: "Taxes should be proportioned to what may be annually spared by the individual." ;-)

And you'll love this one: "The rich alone use imported articles, and on these alone the whole taxes of the General Government are levied... Our revenues liberated by the discharge of the public debt, and its surplus applied to canals, roads, schools, etc., the farmer will see his government supported, his children educated, and the face of his country made a paradise by the contributions of the rich alone, without his being called on to spend a cent from his earnings." Yep, Jefferson again. He's lucky that somebody didn't call him a liar and assert that canals are unAmerican and an infringement of individual rights. ;-) OK, in fairness he also said "Excessive taxation... will carry reason and reflection to every man's door, and particularly in the hour of election." And there you have it.

As for the bullying and aggression of the mob: suffice to say that if there is mob behavior around here it is not Tamar or Mike Beane exhibiting it, or their likes elsewhere it would seem. I'd also observe that we characterize ourselves by those with whom we keep company. Perhaps we should all think about that.