Dear Readers,

0 Comments | Insight on the News, March 15, 2004

Byline: Paul M. Rodriguez, INSIGHT

Dear Readers,

We are in a culture war, and the security of America is at stake. Culturally, politically, morally, spiritually and individually we as a people - as a nation - are at risk of ripping asunder the basic tenets of our society that historically have held us together as a civilized people subject to the rule of law and guided by a higher power than us mere mortals.

What brings this to mind are a number of things that have been in the news. They run the gamut from so-called gay marriage to the war on terrorism to politicians who have no backbone and who, in comparison, make fish flip-flopping on the deck appear to be steady hands at the helm.

While we believe that President George W. Bush's call for a constitutional amendment to define marriage as between one man and one woman is premature pending necessary court battles to be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, it is troubling to see (for example) Sens. John Kerry of Massachusetts and John Edwards of North Carolina say they oppose gay marriage but think it should be resolved on a state-by-state basis. This is an unacceptable and cowardly position to take for wanna-be presidents who should think of the nation at large and uphold federal laws - such as a federal law that defines marriage as between one man and one woman.

Failure to take a stand, especially during heated political debates, undermines the very thing that politics is about - allowing people to see authentic and contrasting viewpoints so they can choose the candidate in the presidential race they think would best lead the nation. How is that to happen if candidates waffle and speak with forked tongues in juvenile and politically correct psychobabble that makes mush of the ideals and values of this great nation? Doesn't our country deserve better?

Kerry campaigns against special interests, yet his entire political career has been filled to the gunnels with such deal-making. Edwards talks about two Americas and panders to the "have-nots," pretending he is one of them when his background shows otherwise - something we'll explore further in a future report.

Even as we've railed about duplicitous politics and its supporters, whether in the GOP or among Democrats, the nation has been hijacked by yelping dogs of various persuasions seeking only their small piece of red meat. There is a larger picture. And to see this picture - to see the greatness of America - requires honest debate with no skimming of the truth. It means putting issues into context without frivolous spin.

We recommend that you see a "little" motion picture called Osama. It portrays vividly what happens when lying fanatics overtake a population afraid or worn out or devastated by internal bickering. When core values are lost, events similar to those shown in this movie can take root in places such as Afghanistan, Haiti, Rwanda and even in America, where we have a Constitution to protect and unite the nation. As we predicted, the Janet Jackson/Justin Timberlake fiasco at the Super Bowl has ignited a firestorm far larger than the antics surrounding a single exposed breast.

The media and the press play a huge role in providing authentic review of such big-picture issues. That's why, as our cover story shows, Fox News has exploded on the scene - like it or not. Also check inside to read articles about Kerry that you won't find elsewhere. And there are stories on the vice-presidential race among Democrats and vast evil uncovered - but little reported elsewhere - in Iraq. The mix also includes a rare, in-depth interview with Thomas Sowell, a true thinker of importance. The investigative report on the 9/11 charities is shocking and will give you much to ponder as you continue to keep the tips and story ideas coming in to our news bunker.

From the nation's capital, I'm your newsman on the hunt. God bless.