The Red Rose Whispers of ... - Mother Jones
Our correspondent's frustrating, but ultimately enlightening, search for an organic Valentine's Day rose.

You can check out the grower they mention here: OrganicBouquet.com

This is just downright chilling:

Patriot Act II
Last week, that individual leaked a bill secretly drafted by Attorney General John Ashcroft's staff to the Center for Public Integrity. "The Domestic Security Enhancement Act of 2003," is a chilling sequel to the USA Patriot Act, passed shortly after Sept.11, 2001. It's already been dubbed "Patriot Act II."

The draft legislation would reduce judicial oversight of surveillance, authorize secret arrests, create new death penalties and allow the government to revoke the citizenship of any American who is a member of -- or gives material support to -- a group designated as a "terrorist organization" by Ashcroft.

On that same note:

Religious indoctrination dressed up as social welfare - St. Petersburg Times
This message is to anyone who thinks that the separation of church and state is a vital component of American liberty: Wake up and start hollering. Our president is conducting a full frontal assault on this vital right, and few beyond a handful of civil liberties groups are paying any mind.

*sigh*