Pat Buchanan. Right about something? Kill me.

It is Sunday evening and I am only now getting over the shock of the events of approximately 10:30 AM CST. I was watching "Meet the Press" (I keep up with more than just slutty middle school teachers and Corey Feldman) and I witnessed a series of events I thought impossible. No kids, I am not a late morning drinker, so this was really going on and I'm even TIVOing the rebroadcast just to make sure.

Debating an Israeli politician who wrote this book supporting the concept of pre-emptive war and interventionism for the sake of promoting Democracy, Pat Buchanan went off. And I found myself cheering for him. For Pat Buchanan. A man I had more than once referred to as the Anti-Christ. You see, this politician had written a book that President Bush referred to as one of the guiding forces in his foreign policy. Buchanan debated this man, a highly intelligent speaker in his own right, with a force and precision that blew me away. Buchanan's historical knowledge and his ability to meet this man on every point was awe-inspiring. Buchanan, while a Republican for sure, stood firmly against the concept of pre-emptive war without immediate threat to the United States and stood starkly in contrast with the Bush philosophy that intervention is somehow helping to win the war on terrorism. While he supports Bush as president, he does not believe that we have the right to try to overthrow existing governments unless they present an immediate threat to the United States. Simply put, the 1,200 plus American lives lost thus far are not an acceptable cost to promote the freedom of others. It may be a viewpoint some of you don't agree with. But it's fascinating, nonetheless.

Buchanan's key defining phrase: "Intervention is not the cure for terrorism, it is the cause of terrorism."

Today I not only agreed, but was inspired by Pat Buchanan. I feel gross and dirty inside.

Anthony's Sunday Album Review Because Your Taste in Music Is Not Sufficient


Bright Eyes: I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning

For those of you not in the know Conor Oberst, a.k.a. Bright Eyes, is a target. Upon first glance, he is certainly that annoying, skinny kid that bullies want to pummel and sensitive little girls want to guard. Upon first listen, the sneer and whine of his voice drives you a little nuts. But for some reason, you have a hard time ignoring him. You go from annoyance, to curiosity, to intrigue in relative short order. I've never totally understood why Bright Eyes intrigued me. There are times when listening I'm inclined to turn him off and cast him off like so much other indie pretense. But much like Morrissey, another figure in music history with the ability to suck you in inexplicably, Bright Eyes has made a niche for himself with a combination of abstract poetics, unadulterated passion, and an unapologetic nature.

I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning is the latest release from the young indie whiz kid from Nebraska. Unlike many of his previous releases, I'm Wide Awake is a shorter, more focused effort molded from folk pop sensibilities and a country texture that adds a welcoming rootsy feel. Oberst welcomes the legendary Emmylou Harris to a few tracks for some duets, but don't be fooled into thinking this is some sort of Gram Parsons channeling. The only artist to come close to that distinction since Parsons' passing is the enigmatic Ryan Adams, whose beautiful duet, Oh My Sweet Carolina, with Harris from his first solo effort Heartbreaker still stands as one of his most pristine efforts. Oberst is instead trying to ground his sound in a more subdued Midwestern mood and the addition of Harris adds a quiet beauty and substance to that effort.

Overall, the album is a quiet little masterpiece with a bit of twang added to make sure you're paying attention. The album is for a day when you need to be sad or would just like to quietly reflect on why it feels good to be sad sometimes. Simply stated, Bright Eyes is a target who has no fear of anyone taking aim. His vulnerability is on the table and he's waiting for everyone's best shot.

The Best Three Tracks:

1. At the Bottom of Everything
2. Lua
3. First Day of My Life

Overall Rating: 8/10

Bright Eyes Official Website: http://www.saddle-creek.com/bands/brighteyes/