the world is a mess and I just need to rule it.

I just finished watching Bill Maher clarify his "coward" comments on Jay Leno. I didn't think a clarification was necessary. I am concerned that everyone will censor themselves, or that we will require it of one another when speaking of this crisis. Already people are taking issue with the use of the word "crusade" to describe this. Please. And "Infinite Justice" is offensive because only Allah can provide that. And there have been places disallowing flags to be flown for fear of offending foreigners in our country. Have we really gotten to the point where we can't do or say anything for fear of offending someone somewhere?!

Yes, we have to keep a watchful eye on the government in times of crisis. We can't allow lawmakers to use our patriotism as an excuse for immoral acts. But there is also a "circle the wagons" kind of mentality that is necessary as well.

I agree that we do have to be careful what we say. For example, that moron in Louisiana, Cooksey. The "diaper head" comment should get him run out of town on a rail. And Falwell. Well, when isn't he saying something dumb? But I worry about the extreme. Prohibiting flags for fear of insulting people? People who, chances are, chose to be here? When we get more concerned with everyone's assumed feeeeelings we lose sight of what's important.

Just as we have to be conscious of what we do say, we have to note what isn't said as well. Sometimes I think what isn't said can be worse. For example, Bush's speech Thursday night. Mentioning Britain as our "truest friend" and not noting Canada's contributions really hurt some feelings. Justifiably, I think. I doubt it was an intentional slight. I doubt Britain would have gotten a specific mention if Blair hadn't been in the chamber.

I think of my friends that I haven't spoken to in a long time, or friends that I said I would call back but haven't. And then there's T. I care so much about him, but I am not sure what to do about it. I want things to be easy. But they aren't.

It's important to tell people how you feel. It's important not to self-censor. Don't assume people know what you think of them. It's possible that they don't.

Yikes it is late. I got all caught up in messing with the color schemes and fonts. Ugh. Tonight was going to be an early night.

Tonight I went to dinner with one of the YCTers that I met at the retreat. We had hamburgers, which was good, because I definitely didn't want to have eggs again tonight. We talked for hours! I had forgotten how nice it is to sit and eat and talk with someone. I had a great time.

I have a meteorology test later today. Ugh. I studied yesterday in the library for about 3 hours with someone from class. It should be easy for me, as I had to explain all the material to the guy I was with. I don't think I will study with him anymore. I don't like having to be the tutor.

Why does Richard Gephardt yell so much? He has a mike on the House floor. Does he think yelling makes his incorrect ideas sound smarter?

I am supposed to go home this weekend, but I would rather not. I am moving from this apartment a week from this Saturday, and I could use the time to pack. Furthermore, the family will all be down here helping move me, so it isn't like this weekend is the last time to see me for while. But Sunday is Konnor's birthday and my mom is really anxious for me to come home. Ugh.

I miss them, in theory. Especially Konnor. He is getting so big and is starting to speak in sentences. I just love that little guy. A visit with him will do me good, as I have been having the baby aches lately. Tonight at the restaurant there were several tiny babies and I just wanted to scoop them all up. Sweet smelling cuddly babies that grab onto your fingers and sleep on your chest. But I still don't want to bear children. And any kids I may have through adoption will have the pleasure of a stay at home dad. He can take them to school and clean the house and make dinner while I am off conquering the world.

Hmmm. To sleep or not to sleep. It is 5am and I have to be on the bus in 4 hours. I think if I sleep, I am done for. I will miss class and the test, or I will be late again and I doubt Kimmel will be as gracious the 2nd time in a row.

AAAArgh. I am so tired. And dumb too.