I just downloaded a program called Web of Trust (WOT) which supposedly rates sites according to some criteria:

” Trustworthiness:

Do you trust this website? Is it safe to use? Does it deliver what it promises? A poor rating may indicate identity theft potential, Internet scams, credit card fraud, phishing, viruses, adware or spyware. An unsatisfactory rating indicates that the site may contain annoying advertisements, excessive pop-ups or content that makes your browser crash. ”

When I went to your site I was surprised to receive this:

WOT Warning: This site has a poor reputation.

Tsk, tsk, What have you done to deserve this?

More details here: http://www.jeffrieswymanbooks.com/home ..

and here: http://theboogle.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/kipling%E2%80%99s-cat-a-memoir-of-my-father/#respond

Best wishes — Jerry

Your show is an essential fixture to this democracy – thank you, from the bottom of my heart!

Bob Hall

hallbob@mac.com

585-797-5254

Below is a letter I just sent off to The White House “on the eve” of an announcement to escalate in Afghanistan. I’m heartsick about the direction things seem to be going on a number of fronts . . .

Dear Mr. President,

I am a white, middle-class, middle-aged, self-employed, educator. I read, I think, I stay informed, and I vote based on issues and positions, not political parties.

I have been distressed by U.S. foreign policy for decades. I LOVE this country. My father served in Paton’s Third army, but the buddies he left behind in Europe did not die for the America we have become.

Despite our good intentions as Americans, we have much to answer for and much to be ashamed of, given our conduct around the world since WWII.

After the 9/11 attacks I wrote the previous occupant of your office a letter, essentially urging him not to go to war in Iraq or Afghanistan. I knew my letter was a fool’s errand but I nonetheless felt compelled to speak my mind. Now, again, I find myself compelled to go on the record against a plan to throw more blood and treasure at a region that has been torn apart by war for decades.

Ah shit! I’M TIRED OF MINCING WORDS! GET US THE HELL OUT OF IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN, STAY OUT OF IRAN, WORK WITH THOSE WHO GENUINELY KNOW WHAT INQUIRIES, LEGISLATION AND SAFEGUARDS NEED TO BE PUT IN PLACE TO RESTORE OUR BANKING SYSTEM AND THE PUBLIC TRUST, AND LEAD ON HEALTH CARE BY ARTICULATING THE KIND OF PLAN THAT NEEDS TO BE PUT IN PLACE – REGARDLESS OF WHAT IT’S POLITICAL PROSPECTS SEEM TO BE.

RECONCILE YOURSELF TO BEING A ONE-TERM PRESIDENT AND ACT ON YOUR CONVICTIONS AND THOSE OF THE MILLIONS WHO SUPPORTED YOU AND YOU MIGHT JUST HAVE A CHANCE OF BECOMING A TWO-TERM PRESIDENT!

As a white male just waking up to the world in the 1960’s, I wept like a baby as I watched history made in Grant Park last November. Before going to bed I found King’s last speech from Memphis on the internet and listened to it in silence. I felt truly proud to be an American.

I fear that the sun is quickly setting on this country. It’s not your fault, WE ALL have things to answer for – I know I do. But you are in a unique position to LEAD US IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION – PLEASE, please, use your education, your heart, and find the courage to be the change we all wish to see in the world. I’ll be working hard with you, along with millions of other Americans who know it’s time to grow up and join the rest of the world.

Godspeed Mr. President

Sincerely,

Bob Hall – A Patriotic American who loves this country and knows it’s time for real change, not just words.