THE TENSION: The Decline and Fall of Western Civ. for 28 Aug

Tonight's DFWC just wallows in the politics:

Russel Shaw writing in the Huffington Post blog asks what if another terror attack just before this fall's elections could sway voters enough to elect Democrats? Make no mistake, this is the mindset of the so-called "netroots" who fancy themselves as the new liberal force in U.S. politics. You have been warned; please act accordingly.

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Monday he is deeply troubled by the success of terrorist groups in "manipulating the media" to influence Westerners, reports AP.

Reflecting the true goal of radical Islamic fascism, FOX News reports that their journalists, who were released by kidnappers Sunday, were forced to convert to Islam at gunpoint. You can easily pass this off as a frivolous perhaps even meaningless point. However, it would be wise to recall how many folks in history have died before renouncing their religion.

Toy manufacturer Mattel is reportedly threatening to sue a Brazilian artist for portraying Barbie as a lesbian, according to IOL.

It's a theme I have alluded to before: Forget any comparisons with Vietnam, the conflict with Islamic fascism is engaged on six continents and mirrors the rise of global fascism in the 1930s. U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum on Monday drew parallels between World War II and the current war against "Islamic fascism," saying they both require fighting a common foe in multiple countries, according to AP. Is there an echo in here? "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." --George Santayana

AP reports Sen. John Kerry didn't contest the results at the time, but now that he's considering another run for the White House, he's alleging election improprieties by the Ohio Republican who oversaw the deciding vote in 2004. It's a little late now.