Advice

I was watching footage of last weekend's anti-war protests and have some suggestions.

1. Don't use celebrities. I realize they help draw a crowd (though, apparently, the crowds weren't that great anyway), but they're not a sign that you're serious.

2. Don't make it personal. A lot of people attack George Bush saying he's fighting this war for vengeance. Nonsense, of course, but note the argument itself recognizese that personal reasons are not sufficient for governmental policy. Yet, much of the rhetoric at the rally was made up of personal attacks on Bush. It makes it sound like it's not about the policy, but the man.

3. Don't bring up religion. Okay, you can claim what you want about your own religion, but don't claim those whom you oppose aren't living up to theirs. It's not merely silly, but doesn't play well with the public, who feel that's between the individual, his conscience, and whatever higher power he believes in.

4. Don't bring up impeachment. This is about a war, not war crimes. Trust me, it makes you look like lunatics.

5. Don't say you're for peace. Because you're not. You're for withdrawal, not the same thing at all.

You've got the public on your side. Don't blow it. If you can't help yourself, my advice would be to lay low until we're out of there (like some others are planning).