Thursday, 7 October 2004 - 3:08 PM CDT

Dean...

Great posts:)...

You are so right...this was a very cynical move by Charlie Rangel...John McCain made clear a long time ago that there would be no draft...and Democrats have clung onto the idea, I think, both because some Republicans and conservatives starting talking about it, but, mostly, I think, out of the same fear that drives too much of policy, these days...

Also...I really appreciate your criticism of John Kerry's plan to institute mandatory public service...it's a terrible idea that will likely be about as effective as forcing your children to go to church when they don't want to does for inspiring faith...

I've been pretty discouraged, lately, Dean, about the prospects that Americans and everyone might take seriously the deepest commitment to freedom and democracy...but I have to say that your posts sustain my hope:):):)...

I think we may be in a moment, Dean, where we might just be ready to expect that Americans -- all of us -- grow up:):)...meaning that we learn to take care of ourselves and each other, better, and rely less on government to do it for us:):):)...it's still far from my expectations...but I guess I can learn to grow up, too, and learn to be more patient...and come to terms with the fact that most of our largest ideals come to fruition with our support, but not necessarily in our lifetimes...

But it's nice to see a lot of people that I respect moving in similar directions...

Talk with you soon, Dean:)...

Ben