We don't want to spend a lot of money and it must be very safe, for obvious reasons that I am not going to mention.

So I'm going to have a big party and play the music really loud, it'll be lots of fun and EVERYONE'S invited!

Of course I have time to write on this blog, that blog, blogsforterri, work, be a mommy, cook, clean, wash clothes (ugh, maybe someone else can do that?) and sleep too...no problem...

We are determined that Terri's terror will be the rallying cry of a wake-up call for America, and the begining of a coming together of liberals and conservatives in the common cause of supporting life. As has been the case in bringing Terri's plight into the media spotlight, bloggers from all sides of the political spectrum will increase our number, as the powerful force we have already become, in order that we turn back the forces that seek to euthanize the disabled, the elderly, and the unwanted.

I like Jeb Bush and I like George Bush, no they're not perfect. They're human, just like the rest of us. But some Terri supporters have decided to deride and insult the governor of Florida and the president of the United States for not marching in there and taking Terri away from the murderers. I understand the frustration, I truly do.

I even think that DCF, a state agency, most likely has the authority to do such a thing despite a court order. In fact they tried to do it, until they were turned away by the local police. I agree with the decision not to act in order to maintain peace and civilty in that community although I think it would be good to remind the Pinellas Park police that their job is to protect lives not pieces of paper.

Okay, so far so good, right?

Here is where I disagree with you "blamers" of the Bushes. (And NO, I am not linking to your rhetoric!) It is not their fault. They feel they have done all they could. They have alienated many people and they have fought hard.

Jeb Bush especially deserves credit.

Do you not realize that Terri would already be dead if Jeb Bush had not signed into legislation "Terri's Law'", which the Florida Supreme Court struck down? Jeb Bush has done more than any blogger or commentor anywhere to help Terri, myself included. You want to demonize someone who has worked so hard and is feeling just as defeated as you are?

Good plan, strike against the ones who agree with you.

Yeah, tell me how that works out for you.

But then something happened to change all that.

And without controversy great is the mystery of Godliness, God was manifest in the flesh; justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (I Timothy 3:16 KJV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The Word became Flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:1; John 1:14 KJV)

God came to earth, though He didn't have too. He suffered affliction, though He never needed too. He Died. To Live Again.

And when He Died, the earth shuddered. The sky turned dark. And the veil. The veil of that temple?

And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. (Mark 15:38 KJV)

Jesus became our high priest and entered the temple. Our sins were not just pushed forward but now they can be washed clean. The veil was torn to give us all access to Him and to His Mercy. We no longer need a priest for atonement, we can repent and pray to God ourselves. We can be free from the bondage of sin.

And when we repent, it is for the "remission of sins"; as though they never existed. Erased from the memory of an infinite God...

(Read Hebrews 6 and 9 to learn more about the veil.)

I understand what Michael is trying to do. As Terri's guardian, he wants to fulfill his wife's wishes. When he sees Terri, he does not see the active, young woman he married, or the woman who told him that she would not want to be kept alive by artificial means.

He sees a woman who has spent the past 15 years unable to eat or speak or move. Her limbs are rigid and curled. She has a catheter. She wears diapers. He says she would not want to live this way.

Though he has fathered two children with his fiancée in recent years, I believe Michael is acting out of love for his wife, and not out of greed or selfishness as others, including Terri's parents, have suggested.

Doctors say Terri is unaware what is going on around her, because most of her cerebral cortex, the thinking part of her brain, is gone. But how can they know for sure? What if she hears? What if she sees? What if she is trying to communicate but her body won't let her? What if she has changed her mind and really doesn't want to die? Miracles do happen.

That possibility, no matter how minute, is what motivates her parents. Bob and Mary Schindler cling to hope that Terri will recover one day. They insist she is minimally conscious because her eyes are open during the day. She moans, groans, laughs and cries.

The baby girl they brought into the world 41 years ago is still living and breathing. How could they, or any parent, stand by for two weeks and watch their baby starve to death?

I couldn't. If my 18-year-old daughter was in Terri's state and there was no living will, I would do everything I could to keep her alive. That's what mothers do. We protect our children, no matter what the costs or inconveniences. We would give our own lives to save theirs.

With all those thoughts in mind, the one thing I know for sure is that this is not a matter for the Bushes, the courts, Congress, the Legislature or activists to decide. And, though I sympathize with Michael, even he should step aside. He has fought a good fight.

Let the Schindlers care for their daughter until God takes her home. It's time to end this turmoil.

Does that make the law right? No, but I think it is unnecessary to question the motivations of our president during this time. He tried as "leader of the free world" to help Terri by pushing for legislation to give jurisdiction to the federal courts. What happened? The federal courts snubbed their noses at the law and ignored Congress' intent.

One man does not run this country. We are a nation of checks and balances; to blame Terri's situation on the president or the governor or any legislator who tried to help by passing these laws is misguided and pointless.

For more thoughts about the limitations of our politicians, see this post by Beth at My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy.

And if you still need someone to blame for Terri's situation:

Blame anyone who has ever felt uncomfortable around a mentally disabled person. Blame the person who thought themselves better than the homeless man on the street. Blame that one who maybe dismissed another because they didn't seem to add value to the conversation or didn't seem "up to the task". Or blame someone who laughed or made fun of someone not quite as smart, or someone handicapped, or someone different.

Blame me and then blame yourself.

Because each time we devalue each other, we make it that much easier for others to devalue our lives as well.

WE JUST ARRIVED HOME FROM THE FEDERAL COURT HOUSE IN TAMPA. THE HEARING BEGAN AT 6 PM. SEVERAL OF US WERE THERE WAITING TO BE CALLED AS WITNESSES, SHOULD OUR TESTIMONY HAD BEEN NEEDED. WE WAITED FOR 2.5 HOURS BEFORE WE WERE TOLD THE JUDGE WAS NOT GOING TO HEAR WITNESSES IN THE CASE.

WE ARE ALL TIRED! HOWEVER, NOT NEARLY AS TIRED TERRI IS SINCE SHE HAS RECEIVED NO FOOD OR WATER FOR 6 LONG DAYS. TIME IS CRITICAL FOR TERRI AS SHE LAYS WITH NO BETTER TREATMENT THAN THOSE WHO SUFFERED TORTURE IN NAZI, GERMANY.

TODAY, MICHAEL SCHIAVO DENIED TERRI'S FAMILY VISITATION FOR 12 LONG HOURS. THIS MAN IS NOTHING LESS THAN SATAN IN ITS PUREST FORM. IT IS SO TRAGIC TERRI REMAINS HIS VICTIM. AS WELL, IT IS EQUALLY SHOCKING THAT HIS EVIL APPEARS TO REIGN OVER CONGRESS, THE PRESIDENT, AND THE GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA.

WE NOW WAIT UNTIL JUDGE WHITTEMORE AGAIN RENDERS HIS DECISION. EACH MINUTE THAT PASSES, TERRI LAYS SUFFERING FROM THE DISCOMFORT ASSOCIATED WITH STARVATION AND DEHYDRATION.

MY DAUGHTER TELEPHONED TONIGHT AND ASKED, "MOM, IF THEY TOOK HER FEEDING TUBE, WHY WON'T THEY AT LEAST ALLOW HER WATER OR NUTRITION BY MOUTH?" THE ONLY ANSWER I COULD COME UP WITH WAS......."IN FLORIDA THEY USE STARVATION AS A WAY TO KILL OFF THE DISABLED. IF THEY ALLOW HER FOOD AND WATER BY MOUTH AND IF SHE IS CAPABLE OF TAKING IT, THEN SHE WON'T DIE. THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS NOT TO DEPRIVE HER OF A FEEDING TUBE; THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS FOR THEM TO KILL HER."

WE ARE CONTINUING TO FIGHT FOR TERRI........AND ASK YOU NOT TO GIVE UP. TERRI IS PUTTING UP A GOOD FIGHT. SHE DEPENDS ON US TO HELP TO SAVE HER LIFE.

PLEASE KEEP HER IN YOUR PRAYERS.

THANK YOU,

CHERYL

Terri Schiavo may well die. No good will come of it. Those who are half in love with death will only become more red-fanged and ravenous.

And those who are still learning--our children--oh, what terrible lessons they're learning. What terrible stories are shaping them. They're witnessing the Schiavo drama on television and hearing it on radio. They are seeing a society--their society, their people--on the verge of famously accepting, even embracing, the idea that a damaged life is a throwaway life.

Our children have been reared in the age of abortion, and are coming of age in a time when seemingly respectable people are enthusiastic for euthanasia. It cannot be good for our children, and the world they will make, that they are given this new lesson that human life is not precious, not touched by the divine, not of infinite value.

Once you “know” that--that human life is not so special after all--then everything is possible, and none of it is good. When a society comes to believe that human life is not inherently worth living, it is a slippery slope to the gas chamber. You wind up on a low road that twists past Columbine and leads toward Auschwitz. Today that road runs through Pinellas Park, Fla.

In '96 we studied the book of Mark. In order to memorize references to the verses I would make up tiny hints so I could know which verse reference referred to which verse. While I was learning Mark 11:22, I looked up at the time and saw that it was 11:22 pm...

And from that point on, whenever I see a clock that says 11:22, I remember the verse. God has helped me more ways than I can count by nudging me to look at the time. It is a gentle reminder from Him that he has everything under control.

Oh and what is Mark 11:22?

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

Of course. :)

Right. Because she did not die 15 years ago only to be kept alive by extraordinary means. She is living, breathing, responding. Her life is worth something. The date she dies will be someday soon as she finally ends her struggle and starves to death.

Don't be fooled by those who say she is already dead.

Due to a congenital neuromuscular disease, I am having trouble swallowing, and it's a constant struggle to get by mouth the calories my skinny body needs. For whatever reason, I'm still trying, but I know a tube is in my future. So, possibly, is speechlessness. That's a scary thought. If I couldn't speak for myself, would I want to die? If I become uncommunicative, a passive object of other people's care, should I hope my brain goes soft and leaves me in peace?

Someone in this case knows that Terri is a life worth living. But the courts have shown no wisdom and have decided to award her death to the one who believes she is just a possession.

PRESS CONFERENCE JUST RECORDED:

GOVERNOR BUSH MAKES ANNOUNCEMENT

3:35 PM ET --FLORIDA

* MAY BE NEW EVIDENCE

* THERE SHOULD BE NEW INVESTIGATION BEFORE THE COURT, BASED ON FINDINGS FROM DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY.

* DR WILLIAM CHESTSHIRE (SP) WORLD RENOWN NEUROLOGIST FROM MAYO CLINIC HAS COME FORWARD TO SAY THERE IS REASON TO BELIEVE THAT TERRI IS NOT IN A PERSISTENT VEGETATIVE STATE.

*THERE IS A MOTION RIGHT NOW IN FRONT OF JUDGE GREER ENCOURAGING HIM TO ALLOW THE DCF TO CONDUCT THEIR INVESTIGATION.

* GOVERNOR WAS ASKED BY REPORTER DURING THE CONFERENCE IF HE WOULD PLACE TERRI INTO PROTECTIVE CUSTODY ACCORDING TO 415.1051. GOVERNOR REPLIED: THAT WILL BE HIS DECISION.

* IF THE STATE PASSES THE CURRENT BILL THAT HAS BEEN IN TALLAHASSEE FOR THE LAST FEW WEEKS 701 ND 804, BY 2/3RDS VOTE, MEANING 21 SENATORS WILL HAVE TO SIGN THE BILL, THE GOVERNOR STATES HE WILL SIGN THE BILL BY THE END OF THE DAY.

THE GOVERNOR HAS ASKED THAT THE SENATORS PLEASE GIVE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION WHEN REVIEWING THE BILL TODAY.

*GOVERNOR BUSH SENDS MESSAGE TO ALL OF TERRI'S SUPPORTERS: YOUR PRAYERS AND PETITIONS ARE WORKING. THERE IS NO NEED FOR THREATS, PLEASE REMAIN PEACEFUL EVEN THOUGH HE RECOGNIZES SUPPORTERS ARE DISTRESSED.

Please take time today to pray for Terri and her family. Give them strength and peace and pray that a miracle will happen. Hope is fading quickly...

In contrast, Daily Kos is rejoicing in what they refer to as "a silver lining in it all. Watch Republicans as they go on the defensive on this case. Their memo bragged about how great an issue this would be to wield against Democrats. The reality is shaping up looking much different."

The reality is that so many people are consumed with their own party line that they can't see over the wall they have built and can't understand this more than a Christian thing. This is so much more than a Pro-Life thing. It is about protecting the rights of those who can not speak for themselves. Just because someone is disabled does not mean they should die.

Really?

That's why there are more than two dozen national disability groups, according the San Francisco Chronicle, that have been following Terri Schiavo's case and supporting her right to live.

Disability groups don't think guardians should have carte blanche to starve and dehydrate people with conditions like brain injury, developmental disabilities -- which the public calls "birth defects" -- and Alzheimer's. People have the right not to be deprived of life by guardians who feel that their ward is as good as dead, better off dead or that the guardian should make such judgments in the first place.

Afterall, shouldn't compassion come before politics?

I worry sometimes about the strength of the blogging movement. It would be easy to shut off the news and stop reading the paper and only receive the perspectives from bloggers that you only agree with. But if this occurs, we will be guilty of building our own cocoons. Our great strength is the ability to see both sides of the issue and to understand the view of a liberal. I hate calling a liberal an enemy because they are not, they're just people that I disagree with, but the old adage, "Know thy enemy" is applicable because this has helped Republicans win elections and it has caused Democrats to lose.

We lose perspective if we only gain our information from one source. In every aspect of our lives, it is productive to question our belief systems. This is how we build our beliefs and faith. This is how we become mature productive members of society. I cannot take a credible stand for anything if I'm not willing to understand the issues at hand.

Why should we be afraid to hear information that conflicts with our beliefs? If we change our mind because we were wrong, we gain by being no longer ignorant to fact and if we reaffirm our beliefs, we gain by knowing where we stand...

Judge Whittemore, the federal judge randomly selected to hear Terri's case dismissed today without making a decision as to place Terri's feeding tube back in. He did not give any indication when he would rule. Terri Schiavo has now been without food and water for more than 72 hours.

Take a moment to pray that Terri has strength to survive yet another day while the judicial system brings Terri yet another day closer to death...

This means that Terri, a woman only convicted of being disabled, will now have her case heard in federal court, where they will determine if she deserves to die.

Hospice could reattach Terri Schiavo's tube early this morning once a federal judge signs a protective stay agreement, which is expected.

Question: This legislation was expected, this really was not a surprising development. Congress had even issued subpoenas to protect Terri before her feeding tube was removed. Why were Michael Schiavo, Judge Greer and George Felos so eager to cause Terri more pain by removing her tube, knowing that they most likely would have to reattach it? Could it be they were hoping that she would die before Congress could act?

I JUST RECEIVED WORD FROM HOSPICE THAT MICHAEL SCHIAVO HAS JUST SUSPENDED VISITATION FROM ALL VISITORS, INCLUDING THE SCHINDLERS FROM BEING WITH THEIR DAUGHTER TERRI IN HER FINAL HOURS.

MICHAEL SCHIAVO WILL BE IN CONTEMPT OF COURT BECAUSE THERE IS A COURT ORDER STATING THEY WOULD BE ALLOWED TO BE WITH THEIR DAUGHTER WITH UNINTERUPTED VISITS.

WE HAVE NO IDEA WHY HE HAS DONE THIS OTHER THEN TO CAUSE MORE PAIN AND SUFFERING TO THE SCHINDLERS.

PLEASE WATCH YOUR NEWS AND EMAIL FOR FURTHER UPDATES.

Update: This information has been confirmed. I guess nothing should shock me about Michael Schiavo. Is this something that should be reported to by the police? I just can't understand how he can get away with this. The Schindlers get villanized daily for trying to bypass court orders working to save a life but Michael Schiavo is going to get a free pass?

Thanks Beth and Blogs4Terri.

Update2: Apparently Michael realized that he would not receive a free pass for this. Terri's parents were allowed back in only moments ago according to Blogs4Terri. Continue to contact and email the contacts above so they know your stance for Terri's life.

It seems incomprehensible that such evil can exist in this world but it does. So many victims of abuse, of neglect, of murder. So many innocent lives taken. It seems so overwhelming to try to place faces with them all. God could tell you their names, He could tell you their dreams and desires. Their hopes and fears, He would let you know everything that the life taken had to offer...but so many of us fail to listen to God.

My mom said she cried when she heard about little Jessica. I thought of my own daughter. Jessica's grandmother tucked the little girl in, she said goodnight and her grandmother left the room, knowing that Jessica was home and safe. She could not imagine the nightmare that would follow. I don't think of it because if I do, then it means that no matter how hard I try, my baby will never be 100% safe.

Whatever I do, there are no guarantees. My mother said she would die if anything happened to her. At the risk of sounding callous and being misunderstood; I know I would survive. I can't imagine the pain or the despair and in fact, I don't want to; it is too hard to think about, but the same God I call on every night to protect her would be the same God that I would call on to give me strength.

So many lose their faith when something bad happens to them or their family. They ask how God could let that happen. I understand those thoughts completely. Their anger is focused on God because He is completely able to do almost anything in the world, except to make a choice for each and everyone of us. God gave His most precious creation a choice: To serve Him or to serve themselves. We live in a society that has chosen themselves. Sometimes, good people are victims of those who refuse to live by the rules of God.

Does it seem fair? Does it seem right in our minds? No, but today is not judgment day. Today is not the day when mercy or condemnation is given. Humanity has shown great error in who they choose to whom they give mercy and also to whom they choose to condemn, soon a Perfect Judge will stand and he will rule. Yes, we are troubled at the evil. We are scared of the darkness, but soon there will be light. He will rule and it will be right.

And this is why I can leave my daughter alone in her room at night, say goodnight and hope that she is safe and continue to Trust my God.

If Terri were a murderer, she would be allowed due process before the state takes away her life. She would be allowed an attorney of her own, independent counsel from any concerned party. Her case would be reviewed at the federal level. She would be given a chance. Yes, if Terri were a cold blooded killer, she would have more rights than she does now because she is brain damaged.

If that doesn't sound right. If that doesn't seem to be what your perception of justice is, then maybe you can understand what this bill being considered in Congress is all about. It is about giving those who can not speak for themselves just as many rights as we already give our most heinous criminals.

It certainly does seem like Michael and his attorney, George Felos and, of course, Judge Greer are in such a hurry to end a life... Judge Greer ignored any request issued by Congress to delay any request issued by Department of Children and Families to investigate, he ignored any request for justice to be served for Terri. Ask yourself, please, why are they all so ready to advocate death?

As senator in the Florida Senate said today as he plead passionately for Terri's case:

"Here is $100 bill. If I were to crumple it up and throw it on the floor, If I were to wet and soil it, it would still be worth $100. Lives are like that. Some people's lives are crumpled and wrinkled and thrown away by others, some lives are soiled but they are all still worth it. Life is worth it."

What is Terri's life worth?

Someone woke up this morning. She opened her eyes and to her surprise she saw her family and she laughed. She wasn't expecting them, for so many times they aren't able to visit. And when they do visit someone seems to always rush them out. But lately it seems they are coming more. She smiles and tries to speak. Her head sometimes aches with the pain of trying to reach out to them, her heart sometimes aches more.

But it's okay most of the time. Especially when they are there and it's not so lonely. Sometimes it is scary, the place where she stays is dark and when no one visits it is so quiet. During these times she tries to make a sound, just to make sure she is still there. But today it is not scary. If she listens hard, she thinks she hears a bird from outside singing. And her mom is here! She is smiling and laughing and talking. Mom always has something to say. Her Daddy is laughing too. It seems so forced though. She can tell by the mumbling and whispers that something is else is happening.

Her mom has tears in her eyes and now is telling her how much she loves her. How much she believes in her. Yes, dear sweet mom, always knowing more than she can express. And her dad is holding her hand. Her brother ...Why is he crying? Why are they all crying? What did she do? Have they finally after all this time given up on her?

Her family is reluctantly forced away, she hears wails and sobs now. The nurses take her.

She awakes unsure what has happened. Her body a little sore. After a while, she begins to feel a little hunger, then the feeling intensifies...is this like the last time? When she thought she would die? Will she die?

What did she do to deserve to die?

But Terri Schiavo is in a persistent vegetated state. She won't feel a thing, right? Right, Michael? Your doctors say so, they've examined her for months and months and all of the recommended medical tests have been done, right? Right, Michael?

Terri?s diagnosis was arrived at without the benefit of testing that most neurologists would consider standard for diagnosing PVS. One such test is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). MRI is widely used today, even for ailments as simple as knee injuries ? but Terri has never had one. Michael has repeatedly refused to consent to one. The neurologists I have spoken to have reacted with shock upon learning this fact. One such neurologist is Dr. Peter Morin. He is a researcher specializing in degenerative brain diseases, and has both an M.D. and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Boston University.

So, did Dr. Cranford, or any of the doctors testifying for Michael Schiavo, spend months evaluating Terri? No. To be fair, none of the doctors appearing for the Schindlers spent months with Terri either. But it is hardly coincidental that the doctors who spent the most time with Terri came to the conclusion that she is not PVS. The doctors brought in by the Schindlers spent approximately 14 hours examining Terri over more than two weeks; their conclusion was that Terri is not PVS, and that she may benefit from therapy.

In marked contrast, Dr. Cranford examined Terri on one occasion, for approximately 45 minutes. Another doctor for Michael Schiavo, Dr. Peter Bambikidis of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio, examined Terri for about half an hour. When Dr. Bell learned of the cursory nature of these exams, he said: ?You can?t do this. To make a diagnosis of PVS based on one examination is fallacious.? In Cranford?s examination, described by one witness as ?brutal,? he discounted evidence under his own eyes of Terri?s responsiveness. At one point, Dr. Cranford struck Terri very hard on the forehead between her eyes. Terri recoiled and moaned, seemingly in pain. In his court testimony, Cranford dismissed the reaction and moan as a ?reflex.?

You received your diagnosis. Your wife was deemed worthless and tomorrow you will, with the court's blessing kill her. Right, Michael? That is what you want. To be able to "move on" with your life? The life you seem to already be living with a live-in girlfriend and two children by her...

Is it too late for Terri? No. The Florida House of Representatives passed legislation to help Terri but it is being held up in the Senate. Because some don't care enough about a life to get beyond games. Is Terri's life worthless? Not to her mom and her dad. Not to millions of people who are praying that she be spared. Not to me, and she shouldn't be to you,either.

Take a moment and call or email a Florida Senator. Let them know you support the bill that will help save Terri. Also know that in the US Congress, a bill passed the Senate today and is waiting on House approval before coming law. These legislatures need to be reminded the urgency of the case.

Then pray for the that dear soul who will wake up tomorrow morning and laugh and smile when she sees her mother's face...

But no. Instead of considering the fact that the Republicans won big last election because the American people are tired of the antics and games that the Democrats play instead of offering real alternatives and solutions. Harry Reid and 37 of his Senator friends announced to the whole world the other day that they would stop the government.

?If Republicans want to go down this road, they are going to be beginning a huge, partisan, cataclysmic event, the implications of which are so profound that none of us really know the answer to it,? said Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., one of the Democrats arrayed behind Reid on the Capitol steps. ?It would mean the government could not function, which, more importantly, means we could not be doing the people?s work.?

Update (3-12) - For anyone as interested as I am regarding this robot, you can see video here.

When I saw the video it reminded me of Disney's Hall of Presidents display with the "robots" and it also reminded me of an article I read in Slate (of course), about the more realistic robots and animation becomes, the more "creepy" they seem.

The problem, Mori realized, is in the nature of how we identify with robots. When an android, such as R2-D2 or C-3PO, barely looks human, we cut it a lot of slack. It seems cute. We don't care that it's only 50 percent humanlike. But when a robot becomes 99 percent lifelike—so close that it's almost real—we focus on the missing 1 percent. We notice the slightly slack skin, the absence of a truly human glitter in the eyes. The once-cute robot now looks like an animated corpse. Our warm feelings, which had been rising the more vivid the robot became, abruptly plunge downward. Mori called this plunge "the Uncanny Valley," the paradoxical point at which a simulation of life becomes so good it's bad.

Trust-busting: Hugh Hewitt, in his distressingly pre-emptive book Blog, says "the blogosphere is about trust." It is? I don't read Hewitt 's blog because I trust him. I read it because he's smart, makes arguments I want to hear and tells me things I want to know about. And I'd rather have a blogosphere filled with readers who need to be convinced than with readers who trust. ... Bloggers didn't bring Dan Rather down because they were trusted. They brought him down because they had the goods on him. ...

If you can prove me wrong, fine. I can be wrong, I'm actually very good at that. Blogs are a great equalizer because everyone's opinions and voice has the opportunity to be heard but remember some voices have more depth and perspective than others. And some voices are wrong and inaccurant, and others are right.

You can agree with me, you can disagree with me, but don't trust me... Not at least until I have earned that trust.