Create a problem. Create a solution to the problem. Create funding, staffing, and legislation to mandate the solution to the problem you have created.

Does this strike a familiar note to anyone?

Politically correct thought has been encouraged, implemented, and when possible, mandated. Conversely, inappropriate speech which might be considered politically incorrect has been discouraged, vilified, and when possible, criminalized.

The blessing and the curse of the First Amendment is "supposed" to be freedom of speech and freedom of religion. That is "supposed" to mean that in order that you and I may enjoy the freedom to freely express our views and opinions and worship as we see fit, we may have to endure and suffer the divergent views and opinions of braying idiots who lack the insight, quality, and cognitive function we enjoy.

Incrementalism has become a government-controlled cancer that is eating away at the essence of America. However, this directed abuse of power under the color of authority is not new, and it is not proprietary to the Clinton administration. They didn't invent abuse of power; they have just practiced it better than most. In fact, James Madison once observed, "I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedoms of the people by gradual and subtle encroachment of those in power than my violent and sudden usurpation." See! Governments have always preferred to boil frogs.

I
A recent issue of The New American Magazine reported that the December 1999 FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin offers police officers guidelines to use when conducting traffic stops with suspected "right-wing extremists."

"Members of extremist groups," advised bulletin author James Kobolt, "may reveal their affiliations in a number of ways. First, the vehicles they drive often provide clues that can help officers prepare for potential danger before making a stop. Specifically, extremists' vehicles may sport bumper stickers with antigovernment or pro-gun sentiments," or may otherwise "fit the profile of vehicles driven by known extremist group members in the area."

OK, slow down. This FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin is referencing us, folks. Yeah, you and me ... and apparently anyone else who has a NRA, WorldNetDaily, "No New World Order," or "This car insured by Smith & Wesson" (unless the latter is now acceptable in the wake of the S&W capitulation to government blackmail) bumper sticker. But what is the profile? Who is the extremist? Old pickup trucks with gun racks are not the sole venue for "extremist" bumper stickers. I recently spoke at a John Birch Society event where the parking lot was full of Mercedes, BMWs, Porsches, Caddys and a gaggle of those $30-$40K SUVs. My Mercedes 560SL has several bumper stickers ... my wife's SUV has none. I have a Safari Club decal, Ducks Unlimited Sponsor tag, LEAA sticker (law enforcement group), Special Forces crest and KSFO logo (which is the very conservative radio station where I host a talk show).

II
Vin Suprynowicz found a lady I must interview. Veronica Boyd-Frenkel is Nevada's "domestic violence ombusdsman." I mean in this environment of PC-ism shouldn't it really be "domestic violence ombudsPERSON"? Since hairdressers often become confidantes of customers, the state of Nevada is now offering training seminars to help hairdressers recognize signs of domestic abuse and "integrate the training into the beauty school classes." Close your eyes; picture Frankie Avalon in "Grease" singing "Beauty School Dropout."

A very dear friend of my wife is an extremely liberal psychiatric social worker in and around New York City. Nancy is a wonderful, bright, and loving person despite her politically atrophied philosophies. In fairness, she considers MY political philosophies atrophied, if not outright anachronistic. She is married to a wonderful, bright and loving man of significantly different politics. Peter is very conservative. Nancy is very liberal. At least once a year we all get together for dinner in whatever city we can coordinate four busy schedules.

Once upon a time, the Metcalfs and the Januses were leaving a restaurant in Providence, R.I. I observed a bumper sticker on Nancy's car, which read, "There is no excuse for domestic abuse." (For the record, let me confirm that I agree with the sentiment.) However, in anticipation of sparking a reaction from our friend I asked her, "Nancy, no excuse for domestic abuse? What if the bitch deserved it?"

As the color drained from her face, her husband gently placed his right hand on my left shoulder and looked into my eyes and asked, "Geoff, do you know why there are 6 million women abused every single year?"

In the spirit of the moment I replied, "No, Peter, why are 6 million women abused every year?"

"Because," he said, "they don't f---ing LISTEN."

III
James Fenimore Cooper once observed, "It is a besetting vice of democracies to substitute public opinion for law. ..." Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen has announced the appointment of the members of a new, congressionally mandated task force to assess current domestic violence programs and policies within the Department of Defense (DoD) and the military Services. The Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence is comprised of members from the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Health and Human Services; as well as highly regarded subject matter experts from the private sector.

This is the classic incremental finesse. First the program is voluntary. Then it is mandated within specific government agencies. Then the venue is increased and increased until it becomes mandated everywhere. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Management Policy Alphonso Maldon Jr. said, "This task force ... will provide the Secretary with a comprehensive report and a plan that augments our current efforts to eliminate domestic violence within the military. I also believe its findings will help in our national efforts to address domestic violence in our communities."

Where do these things come from? This task force was established in October by the Fiscal 2000 National Defense Authorization Act. Members are charged with formulating a long-term, strategic plan that will assist the DoD in eliminating domestic violence within the department. "Domestic violence is an offense against our institutional values. One incident of domestic violence is one too many," said the task force co-chairman, Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Jack W. Klimp, who is also deputy chief of staff for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. "Clearly, DoD has made a substantial commitment of human resources and dollars over the past two decades to address domestic violence. However, like civilian communities, DoD can and should continue to improve its response to this national tragedy. We should continue to be the model for the rest of society," he stated.

The DoD used to be called the Department of War. Despite the "Defense" label, it is still the government agency tasked with blowing up stuff and killing folks who don't agree with the mercurial views of our elected politicians.

IV
A recent edition of The O'Reilly Factor (Fox News) had the honcho of the Border Patrol as a guest. He confirmed three significant items that the mainstream seems comfortable ignoring. First, he confirmed the recent shooting incident in which Mexican police crossed the border into this country and engaged in a brief exchange of gunfire with border control agents. Secondly, he further stated that they, the Border Patrol, were told by the Justice Department to drop whatever investigation was going on into the incident at that border. He also confirmed that reportedly there is a $200,000 bounty for every dead American border patrol agent and DEA agent.

Why isn't this headline news in the "mainstream media"? Better yet, remove the Border Patrol from the Reno Department of Lying, Cheating, Abuse of Power, Bully our Critics and Obfuscation, and turn it over to the Texas Rangers.

Hell, while we are at correcting gross inequities, why not just indict Reno et al. and turn the Department of Justice over to the Texas Rangers. They could make new legends; "One riot/one Ranger" could be replaced with "One scandal/one Ranger."