This is not some alarmist Orwellian scenario; it is here, now, financed by $20 billion last year and $15 billion more this year of federal money appropriated out of sheer fear. By creating the means to monitor 300 million visits to the United States yearly, this administration and a supine opposition are building a system capable of identifying, tracking and spying on 300 million Americans.

Knowing how things work is the basis for appreciation, and is thus a source of civilized delight.

Previously known for its six syllables of sweetness and light, reconciliation has become the political fighting word of the year.

This is what it's all about. From what I could see, you could get a bunch of people together, whip up the press and have some impact.

When your government, employer, landlord, merchant, banker and local sports team gang up to picture, digitize and permanently record your every activity, you are placed under unprecedented control.

If America cannot win a war in a week, it begins negotiating with itself.

The most successful column is one that causes the reader to throw down the paper in a peak of fit.