Usually, I roll my eyes at Republican tactics.  I didn’t even focus on the viciousness of the swiftboating of Sen. Kerry. 

Why am I so riled and appalled now?

Because just a few months ago, our economy was about to fall off a precipice.  And whither the economy goes, so goes the social fabric that binds us.  And so go the dreams and aspirations and our children’s childhoods.  Now we are a few steps back from the edge of the precipice, but we are not yet safe in our beds.

I was a hard-working and productive worker.  Now, I sit in my office and wonder when I will lose my job or get a further, steeper pay cut.  I wonder whether my practice will ever come back.  I wonder whether I can give to my child all the opportunities I had.  We are at a crossroads.  We need to make the right choice after vigorous debate on the issues.  Fair and honest debate toward a common goal of restarting our economy, our dreams, and optimism.

And the Republicans are swiftboating, just as Nero played his lyre as Rome burned.