Let's revisit the GOP's obsessive use of selective fear-mongering to achieve their goals. They currently are instilling fear concerning "activist judges." Add this to the growing list: terror alerts and threats = you must vote for Bush; Social Security = crisis; we're running out of oil = ANWR drilling; Iraq has WMD = invade the country; gay marriage = jeopardizes the institution and violates Bible; environmental regulations and protection = economy will tank, etc.

Notice what's absent, what's apparently not to be feared: the federal deficit, North Korea, global warming, perc and MTBE in drinking water, our infrastructure, unethical politicians, corporate fraud, etc.

Many are being played. As they say in poker, if you don't know who the sucker is at the table, it's you. A good portion of the general public is being manipulated and taken -- unbeknownst to them. In a way, it's ironic that poker has become so popular in this country.