CONNECT.MSNBC.COM Latest postings

• February 21, 2005 | 6:00 p.m. ET

"Get out of jail free" card (Monica Crowley)

The “Get out of jail free” card.  It’s one of the most coveted parts in the game of Monopoly. If you are unfortunate enough to land in the board game version of prison, you still may be lucky enough to draw that card that springs you. And then, of course, you could go on to score Park Place.

But real life isn’t a board game, and if you are convicted of a crime and sent to prison, you’re usually there for the duration of your sentence— unless you’re Ricky Lee Claycomb. 

Claycomb was convicted of robbery in Colorado, then brought to Ohio to stand trial on a rape charge, on which he was acquitted.  The Ohio authorities released him, without realizing that he still had two years left on his Colorado sentence. 

He walked out of jail and savored his freedom: He visited his mother, ate a home-cooked meal, saw his brother.  And then, the guilt caught up to him.  Two more years on that robbery sentence.  He couldn’t live with himself— never mind enjoy that freedom— if he ducked the rest of his sentence.

So, he said goodbye to his mom, and then made his way back to his Colorado prison cell.  He even called ahead to let the sheriff know he was on his way.  He wasn’t just an honest crook, but a polite one too!

Now, maybe the authorities would have caught up with him— and maybe they wouldn’t have.  But Claycomb went from committing robbery to doing the right thing. 

Ask yourself:  Would YOU have turned yourself back in?  Tough question, right?  But not for Mr. Claycomb.  And that showed real character— of the unexpected kind.

Thoughts?  E-mail me at

• February 21, 2005 | 5:40 p.m. ET

Your e-mails

5:40 p.m. ET

New talk on CBS memogate & Karl Rove's possible involvement

www.littlegreenfootballs.com

Hinchey is evidence of the dim libs running towards the cliff with a noose around their neck and I for one am saying nothing. — Steve Reynolds

We all know that Karl Rove has built a career on spreading lies about opponents through other sources, while claiming no connection.  We all know that he blatently manipulates the public discourse for the benefit of his candidate.  So why is this speculation so far fetched? — Brad, Los Angeles, CA

5:20 p.m. ET

The CIA secret flights

If we arbitrarily torture and kill people to elicit information, we can expect the condemnation of the rest of the free world who abide by the rules of the Geneva Convention.  If we're torturers and lock people up without benefit of counsel and "throw away the key" we are no better than Saddam Hussein — Arlene, Orlando, FL

Ron, I couldn't agree with you more, we all should be outraged by these CIA tactics, if this is what this administration calls "Protecting us", then no thanks, I don't want to sink to this level, sounds like we are the terrorists now! — Jim, Virginia Beach

I agree with Monica.  Who cares what we have to do to these "terrorists".  We absolutely have to get the information from them or we will all die.  They have made it very clear that they hate us and will try to kill us all, if we do not kill them first. — Sylvia Sturgis, NYC

I simply do not understand how the U.S. Military considers it legal or moral to ship detainees to other nations so that they can operate outside of, or dodge U.S. law or the Constitution. Why do we have laws or the Constitution if it is not to be used by the U.S.? How is this legal? — Kristoffer, Dallas, TX

As a nation, we must show our strength even in the face of possible weakness.  While it may be more convenient to take anyone we like into custody, it is not the Democratic way, and we will create many more new terrorists than we could ever catch. — Jim, Cabondale, IL

Premise: We are at war. If so then captured enemies of that war are prisoners of war; NOT detainees. POW'S  deserve treatment no less legal than the Geneva convention which the United States has signed.  The Bush administration could get rich if given $10 for every new term they fabricate to get around the law. — Robert Allen, Columbus, OH

So the CIA is taking detainees to locations where they can be tortured.  This is immoral on so many levels it should shame all Americans.  In the eyes of the world when it comes to terrorism we are quickly becoming the terrorists.  — Toni Boutwell, Myrtle Beach, SC

• February 21, 2005 | 4:45 p.m. ET

Coming up at 5 p.m. ET hour (Tony Maciulis, Senior Producer)

It's like something from a Tom Clancy novel.  A German citizen of Lebanese descent says he was abducted by the CIA, hooded and chained, and then flown aboard a secret spy plane to Afghanistan.  There he was interrogated and beaten and then later returned.

Now a German TV station says it will run the story just as President Bush arrives for his much promoted visit.  Odds are the story won't have a tremendous impact, but it raises some interesting questions about U.S. policy on torture.  A former CIA operative and a military interrogation expert will debate it at 5 p.m.

And then, two moms of U.S. Marines have banded together to run an online blog and web support group for military families.  We'll hear from them how they are using the technology to form a virtual community of pride and care.

A developing story to tell you about, as well.  The blog littlegreenfootballs.com is reporting that New York Congressman Maurice Hinchey is accusing Karl Rove of planting the fraudulent documents that led to the CBS Rathergate scandal.  Ron and Monica will give you the latest.

Write us at

• February 21, 2005 | 1:05 p.m. ET

Belief-o-matic (Ron Reagan)

These days, faith is fashionable. George Bush is back in the White House, apparently with a mandate to bring the Holy Spirit to heathens around the world and politicians of every stripe are falling all over themselves squeeezing into the big photo-op at the right hand of God. Even the secular-minded among us are thinking, hmm, maybe I ought to get religion. But with so many religions to choose from, which one is for you?

So many faiths, so little time. Would you prefer one god or a pantheon? Do you want a diety that comes in blue? Just what is the sound of one hand clapping? And where to go to figure all this out?

Well, as luck— or providence— would have it, help is only a key-stroke away. The same source that provides you with used Beenie-babies and hotmilitarystuds.com can bring you to God or a reasonable facsimile thereof.

Just visit Beliefnet.com and you'll find the "Belief-o-matic" and the scales will fall from your eyes. It turns out a simple 20-question multiple choice quiz is all you need to plumb the depths of your most profound beliefs.

Who knew? This could have saved folks like Saint Augustine a lot of trouble.

I took the test myself— turns out I'm either Buddhist or something called a Unitarian/Universalist. Not sure what they are, but apparently we share similar outlook on life.

So this is what it has come to— everything quick, everything now, all of it online. We buy cars and houses on the Web. We find spouses online. Why not religion?

Umm, because it's ridiculous? Don't get me wrong, "Belief-o-matic" is a fun party game. But really, if you're so busy you're trying to order your moral universe around a pop-quiz on some Website, you've got bigger problems than deciding whether or not to eat pork.

Get a life, then work on the rest.

Thoughts? E-mail me at

Your e-mails:

12:35 p.m. ET

Hunter S. Thompson

HST was without a doubt one of this country's most gifted and brutally honest writers/satarists of the past 100 years.  His understanding of America's modern political process was uncanny.  I hope he finds the peace he was seeking.  RIP, Good Doctor.  — Tim, Fairfax, VA

Pat Buchanan's that his comments of Hunter S. Thompson were moving. I have a great pain in my heart today because HST has left us, but I must admit I was laughing through the tears as Pat recalled some his interactions with HST.  Pat was absolutely correct in calling Hunter a "true wordsmith". Cheers, Best Wishes, and Mahalo, — Ian

  Click here: Friends remember Hunter

12:20 p.m. ET

The Bush Secret Tapes

Why are the Bush tape big news? We already knew George W. Bush has used drugs and skimped on service during Vietnam. And we already knew George W. Bush, and most Republicans in fact, only use the religious right as a tool to get elected, in the same fashion Democrats use minorities.  — Steve White, Spring Hill, FL

Shame on all involved in the secret tapes. As an Americian I am ashamed. Our President is overseas, talking to Heads of states and we are talking about secret tapes.  If Americans can not trust there good friend not to stab them in the back. Why would we expect other countries to trust us. — Sharon

Oh boy is the double standards going to surface now!!! Shame on all those who will make excuses for Bush. But it will all be overlooked because he ias a highly religious man with high values!!!  — Dan Hoffard, Sac City, Iowa

I didn't need tapes to tell me that W'ya evades, denies and hides all sorts of things from the public.  As a Christian I'm getting tired of "talkers" for this man pull out the Christian Card every time they're caught in a lie or denial.  Ms. Crowley needs to stop being an apoligist for anything GOP — Dee, LA County

The inability of those on the right of the political spectrum to read between the lines (no pun intended) is comical. They way that they crucified Clinton for similar action many years before his presidency show the double standard they use. I have no problem with W using drugs earlier in his life. It is the hypocracy involved that bothers me — Dave, Mt. Pleasant, MI

Efforts by those in opposition to this administration to destroy the credibility of the President is one, humorous, and two, a sign the left is lost in its own confusion. — Jake, Hoboken, NJ

E-mail us at

• February 21, 2005 | 11:02 p.m. ET

Coming up this hour (Tony Maciulis, Senior Producer)

The author and journalist Hunter S. Thompson once said that his job was covering the death of the American Dream.  How macabre and yet somehow poignant that we remember him on this day, President's Day.  Thompson killed himself last night at his farmhouse in Colorado.  The curtain has descended for a writer who chronicled everything from the rise of the Hell's Angels to the fall of Richard Nixon.

Pat Buchanan was a close friend of Thompson, despite their seemingly Yin and Yang personalities.  In fact, Thompson once said of Pat, "We disagree so violently on almost everything that it's a real pleasure to drink with him."  That's a heartfelt compliment.  We'll talk to Pat about their friendship today.

Of course, the big story of the moment is the secret recording of then Governor Bush from before the 2000 Presidential campaign.  A close friend had surreptitiously taped Bush discussing drug use, gays, and even his take on Evangelical Christians.  From what I have read, no real bombshells were dropped here.  But their are two issues worth discussing.  The first is loyalty and the betrayal of a confidante, and the next is hypocrisy.  Drug laws in America are quite tough.  Imagine if President Clinton or President Bush had been busted for marijuana use.  Chances are their lives would be very different.  Not only would the Presidency be out of reach, but as convicted felons they wouldn't be able to vote.  We'll discuss this today, as well.

And lastly, it's goodbye to Sandra Dee.  While we now know that this studio creation of a starlet was not the wide-eyed innocent she appeared to be on screen, there is something to be said for the modesty and wholesome charm she exhibited publicly.  Today we have Britney gyrating in a see-through body sock holding a boa constrictor, and quite frankly even that is no longer shocking.  Can stars be wholesome today?  Join our conversation and drop us a line.

Write us at

Februray 18, 2004; 5:49 p.m. ET

On weight expectations for Borgata casino employees

I feel that the casino can have weight expectations for their employees because when they are hiring people they are directly picking people based on their looks.  The casino would never hire a three hundred pound waiter or waitress and these expectations should  be controlled after one is hired.  They are selling an atmosphere and it is up to them to control it and this allows the casino to do so. —Doug

Pleasantly plump waitresses rock. The bottom line is that this casino is making judgments on the waitresses'  "fitness" for the job using the wrong criteria.   Having them step on the
scale is not appropriate as far as judging their competence.  Having them serve customers in an efficient and accurate fashion *is* the measure of competence.  A few pounds less or more won't affect their competence.  The measure of a man— or a woman— should not be taken with a measuring tape, but by judging competence in the area of skills. —Shalanna

5:36 p.m. ET

Blog link

Re-entry Blog— a blog that aids former prisoners in their transition back into their communities.

5:33 p.m. ET

On felons being allowed to vote

Felons should be able to vote, but only after they have completely repaid their debt to society, including any and all prescribed Victim's compensation. —Ray Maddux, Shoreline, WA

I love your show! If ex-felons were allowed to vote, perhaps they would get a sense of belonging to something greater than themselves. —Frances Z.

Prisoners should be able to vote. They are american citizens in jail or not. Our prison population is out of control, and that could change an election win. Many prisoners get a collge education why not vote. —Reesa

5:25 p.m. ET

President Bush's EU trip

Get off France's back. It's not thier fault that they're more educated,refined, and better informed than us. The Bush Administration's Foreign Policy has made us a pariah in the world. It's not France's fault. —C.Whitten, Klamath Falls, Ore.

In regard to Bush's foreign policy, one must note that there wouldn't be such hardline terrorist groups out there if Americas hegemonic policy was not as hardline in itself. By imposing American ideals on the world, Bush is simply brewing more hate in the Arab world. —Ziad

5:20 p.m. ET: Blog reads today

• Witnit.blogspot.com: Blogging on election reform
• Also, imao.us
• Televisionwithoutpity.com: for reality TV fans
• Matthewholt.net: Black box warnings on Cox2 inhibitors

• February 18, 2005 | 5:02 p.m. ET

Coming up this hour (Tony Maciulis, Senior Producer)

Did you know that there is a blog devoted exclusively to re-entry into regular life after a prison sentence?  It's called Re-entry Blog and it's an information portal for the Transition from Prison to Community Initiative.  I would not have discovered that, but we were doing some research on the reasons why ex-convicts cannot vote, and Sam from our team stumbled upon it.  We're bringing on an expert from that blog site today to explain the laws. 

If for some strange reason you did not see our noon show, let me get you up to speed.  Hillary Clinton, along with Barbara Boxer and John Kerry, have submitted an election reform bill for consideration. One of the more controversial ideas put forth is allowing ex-cons to vote.  We got a ton of e-mails on that one.

And also at 5 p.m., the president is heading to Europe on a mission to win back some hearts there.  High on his agenda is convincing France to go along with sanctions against Hizbollah, a group many believe is a large funder of terrorist activities around the world.  The French have been reluctant to condemn Hizbollah, and we will ask a group of experts to explain why.

But the action doesn't stop there, kids. In the glitzy town of Atlantic City all-you-can-eat buffets stay open all night and cocktail waitresses walk casinos with snacks and free drinks for all the stationary slot machine players.  While the customers can be as portly as they please, the Borgata Hotel as instituted a weight requirement for its staff, both men and women.  It's causing a big, fat debate over the rights of the hotel versus those of the servers.  We've convinced one of the waitresses to join us, identity concealed, to tell the tale.

And, last but not least, a small silver lining in the Tsunami story. An ancient city has been discovered in the ruins off the coast of India, a treasure trove of carvings and stone artifacts that could help us understand the development of civilization in that region.

Enjoy, and have a great weekend.

• February 18, 2005 | 2:18 p.m. ET

He saved your life (Ron Reagan)

We want to take a moment to remember the passing of Samuel Aldreson. Do you know who he is? He saved your life.

So who is Samuel W. Alderson?

He was a physict and engineer who passed away last week at age of 90. He helped develop something that has likely saved all of our lives: Alderson invented the crash test dummy— now used by automakers and government agencies to test the safety features on your car, like seat belts and airbags.

E-mail:

Web fun

• If you missed that hot link, here's the crazy frog ringing tone
• And speaking of Web phenomenon, here's the kid Gary, who is dancing and lip-synching in front of his Webcam. If this hasn't been e-mailed to you by a friend, you should definitely   take a look.
• Video of the Day:  The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy trailer is out!

12:50 p.m. ET

On ex-cons voting

If a person pays his or her debt to society, then that person should be able to vote. —Stanley Hetz

I want to comment on the Bill proposed by Hillary Clinton. I do believe that Ex-Convicts should be allowed to vote because no matter what they do, they are citizens of this country. So long as they have completed their jail times, they should be allowed to vote. —David, Rochester, NY

My son was convicted of a D.U.I with injury. He never went to jail, now he can also own a hand gun. But he cannot vote. Does that make sense to you? —Ken  Blanchette, Wolcott,In

Do you really want a murderer who was released to have a say in politics after he or she has taken someone's life. They do not deserve that right after all they have taken the victims right. It's just another category the Democrats think will favor them. — Rob De Santo

12:42 p.m.

Marine drowning death

I think this country in condoning the abuse of the young Marine is going down the wrong road.  He should have been let go from the Marine Corps if not strong. We are getting much too violent and I thought Monica's comment about tough soldiers was horrible and not appropriate since she isn't in the military. —Lucy Muller, Cragsmoor

This kids death is very unfortunate and no Marine would condone deliberately allowing a recruit to die in training.  But, the tough atmosphere on Parris Island is why we graduate as Marines and not Brownie Scouts.  —JT USMC, Atlanta, GA

I was in boot camp 5 yrs ago through the Navy where I almost died due lack of medical attention. I believe the Military has to be held accontable for mistakes occured through the traning and and placement of recruits. —Bill, Ridgecrest, Calif.

12:33 p.m. ET

On student porn king

My thoughts on pornography on public TV on a public college campus is that it should not be on there. This case should be forwarded it to the FCC. —Aaron Buechner, Vidor, Tex.

Well, that Steven kid is an exhibitionist egomaniac.  Who is he to take matters into his own hands... er... ahem, I mean, to try to mandate some "excitement" for the campus?  Of course all you have to do is turn OFF the idiot box for a change if you don't want to see the trash, but if he had been serious about energizing the campus, he'd have made a film about studying and the fulfillment of learning, not the fulfillment of his more base desires. —S.

I beg to differ with Steven, it is my tax dollars that are helping to fund the universities in California, I'm not a prude but I don't want my money going toward this type of trash in the name of free speech, and enlivenment of the school body. —Marian, Lake Elsinore, California

Can't you see that you are delivering just exactly what this sociopath is asking from you... press notoriety and his face on TV. The campus has it right, shut up and don't jump to this freak's wishes. —Boib Schmitz Belleview, Fla.

• February 18, 2005 | 11:45 a.m. ET

A new bill and some naked lunch (Tony Maciulis, Senior Producer)

We received many e-mails about our story on the Jeff Gannon controversy yesterday.  Both guests, Rep. Louise Slaughter and Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, were gracious and delightfully opinionated.  It made for great television.  Later in the evening, I received an e-mail from a member of our team calling my attention to Keith Olbermann's blog.  I was startled to read that Gannon, aka Guckert, had been in White House press briefings since February of 2003.  I'm sure we will revisit this story at some point. (In the meantime, for more links on this story, check below.)

On the other side of the aisle, Hillary Clinton's camp tossed a juicy bone to her detractors with the introduction of new bill calling for election reform. Clinton, Barbara Boxer and John Kerry are co-sponsored an initiative to make Election Day a federal holiday, give ex-convicts voting rights, and allow people to register to vote right at the polls on Election Day. This bill will attract controversy.  We'll debate its merits with two top strategists and Jeff Jarvis will tell us what the blogs are saying about it.

And, a little naked lunch for our noontime viewers. A student at UC San Diego made a porn video and has been showing on closed circuit television on the campus.  The FCC has no jurisdiction over this one, and the school has decided to not get involved.  The "filmmaker" himself will join us to defend his work, and we will talk to a student who is less than titillated by the film.

• February 18, 2005 | 11:41 a.m. ET

Gannon/Guckert story links:

• Americablog has been leading some of the investigation on this story (may be too graphic for work)
• Washington Post's Howard Kurtz has covered this story before most of mainstream media
• Keith Olbermann, too, on his MSNBC show "Countdown," and on his blog
• Ari Fleischer tells 'E&P' he spoke to Gannon/Guckert's boss
• Salon article: Fake news, fake reporter
• Video: The Daily Show's Jon Stewart did a segment on this
• New York Times' Maureen Dowd on her own difficulties obtaining a press pass
• Frank Rich's NYT column this Sunday is already linked all over the blogosphere
• National Review: Softball reporter questions have been around forever

Thoughts? E-mail .

• February 17, 2005 | 6:57 p.m. ET

A lot of you were personally touched by the discussion on assisted suicide and Terry Schiavo's case:

I saw your show today and I think you never give up on life and you fight to the end. Miracles can happen. During my fight with cancer when I had my bone marrow transplant, I had severe complications. My doctors said I was going to die they gave me zero chance when my bilirubin level in my liver got over 25 (I think it was). I refused the sedative as much as possible even when I was on life support. I wanted to stay awake as much as possible. —Raymond, cancer survivor, Calif.

My father had two strokes, the second devastating, but he survived with little mental function. He had to be tube-fed and could not even drink water by himself. He had some brain function, however, so in spite of many requests over the years that he be allowed to die should he ever be in that situation— we (my mother and I), were forced to permit him to be kept alive this way. He lived a miserable life for 9 months until a series of internal bleeds and a shut-down of key organs mercifully took him. What was gained? The doctors and nursing home got over $50,000 of his hard-earned money, money that would have gone to help my mother in her final years. What did my father gain? Months of pain and agony in a condition in which he could not even recognize me or remember who he was. I was there and I remember well what it was like. The women on your show— who claim to hold the moral high ground— are anything but morally superior. They are just plain stupid and unfeeling. —Kent C.

Meanwhile, after our "reality TV is not real" segment at the 12 noon ET hour, we got an e-mail rebuttal from Raj, a former Apprentice contestant. We decided to invite him on the show to briefly argue the other side.  So, we know that some of our Connected Web page voters said they wanted these two topics skipped, but the staff here thought there was a bit more to discuss.

But please keep voting and e-mailing your story suggestions. We're always refining the show and the blog, and we're listening to what you have to say.

—Jesamyn Go, Connected Web producer

• February 17, 2005 | 5:48 p.m. ET

Karl Rove at CPAC (Erick Erickson, Redstate.org, guest on the show and the blog)

Karl Rove spoke to CPAC this afternoon.  He was greeted like a rock star.  Observing Karl Rove, the reason for his success is obvious, unlike many campaign consultants, Rove is content to be in the shadow and let his boss get all the credit. Today, Rove spoke, but he was delivering the President's message.

Rove started out summarizing the rise of the Republican Party.  We have "witnessed the rise of a great cause and powerful movement," Rove said. 

He also said that the GOP must learn from its successes and failures as the true tale of 2004 was the collapse of the one time majority party. 

Interestingly, Rove was talking to a group of conservatives and used "Republican" and "conservative" interchangably.  Many conservatives would, of late, take umbridge with that.  The farm bill and the medicare reform bill were not conservative causes and many conservatives are still upset with them.

Nonetheless, Rove reiterated that the President intends to "seize the mantel of idealism" and seek "the end of tyranny in the world."  Those who criticized the President for the breath of his inaugural will not be happy.  But, Rove just further reinforced that the President does what he says he'll do. —Erick Erickson, RedState.Org

5:38 p.m. ET

On the Jeff Gannon controversy:

This is the real story that lie beneath involving secret info and CIA documents... a real Pandoras box. Where's Ken Starr? —John

Congressman Westmoreland is completely delusional to state that it is "easy"
to get into the White House. After 9-11 the White House is off limits. —J

I wonder how well the "real" journalists in the white house press corps would hold up to the level of scrutiny in their personal lives that Jeff Gannon has been subjected to. —Robert Valdenegro, Tucson, Arizona

Seems that the secret service might consider outsourcing background checks to the blogosphere. if there is dirt, those kids will find it quick. —Robert, Tucson, arizona

5:23 p.m. ET

Blog links today:

• Hyscience: Movement to help save Terry Schiavo
• Wonkette: Maya Keyes, daughter of Illinois politician Alan Keyes
• Dailykos on Jeff Gannon— or as they're calling it "Propagannongate" (More links later, check back)

5:18 p.m. ET

On the Terry Schiavo case:

From what I have heard, the husband has stated that he and his wife discussed "no heroic measures" to artificially extend life. No matter what any of us thinks, including her parents, the spouse has the final word on this matter.  His motives are not for us to judge - God will sort that out. —Pete D., N.C.

Regardless of her status how could society let any human being, or animal for that matter, starves to death or to die of dehydration?  Terry's parents are willing to care for her, soothe matter of public cost isn't an issue. Give her husband a divorce and let her parents care for her.  Any other action is barbaric. —Robert F Beers, Ozone Park, N.Y.

You are giving doctors far too much power! Anyone knows nurses are best able to discern a persons on-going personal physical/psycho state ... They have the opportunity to be with the person daily as a doc is not able to observe except in small quips.   I have personally seen many miracles happen as a result of erring on the side of live.  I say we have no right to put her to death as it will indeed start an ominous president in this country.  —Carol, a 52yo midwife in WA state

• February 17, 2005 | 5:04 p.m. ET

Coming up on the 5 p.m. ET (Tony Maciulis, Senior Producer)

At this point I'm not spoiling much by telling you that the film "Million Dollar Baby" deals with the very difficult issue of assisted suicide and the "right to die." You can read more on this by visiting a terrific article by ethicist Arthur Caplan on MSNBC's Website.  Meanwhile, in real life there are real families struggling with these decisions. Perhaps you recall the story of Terry Schiavo, a Florida woman who has been in a vegetative state since a 1990 heart attack.  She's able to breathe on her own but she can't communicate or eat.  Her husband has been fighting a legal battle for years to have her feeding tube removed.  The stay preventing this could be lifted, meaning the tube could be removed as early as next week.

On the other side, there was a story recently of a woman in Kansas named Sarah Scantlin who woke from a coma after twenty years. She had an ability to recall things she had heard while unconscious.  This is also a powerful story that gives us pause in discussions about these matters.

We will discuss the subject tonight with Geoffrey Feiger, attorney for Dr. Jack Kervorkian, and Wendy Wright of Concerned Women of America. It should be very informative.

Later in the hour, New York Congresswoman Louise Slaughter joins us. She is pretty much calling White House spokesman Scott McClellan a liar and insinuating that there is more to the story of Jeff Gannon, also known as James Guckert, the now infamous White House correspondent.  Congressman Lynn Westmoreland will also join us.

And then, a much lighter story...

In the middle of our reality television segment during the noon show, we received an email from none other than Raj of the Apprentice cast.  He had been watching the show and felt strongly that our guest, Ken Tucker, was unfairly saying that reality shows are fixed and scripted.  We figured we would would invite him on to defend that position.   It should be interesting.

E-mail .

• February 17, 2005 | 12:55 p.m. ET

Dangerous minds (Monica Crowley)

Ah, high school chemistry class.  It’s the place you learn that two molecules of hydrogen and one of oxygen make water.  That table salt is just a bunch of simple molecules strung together.  That sulfur smells really bad. 

And that you can make a bomb by just connecting a few wires together and adding some explosive powder. That last item was on the classroom agenda of David Pieski, a chemistry teacher at Freedom High School in Orlando, Florida.  He took it upon himself to teach his young charges how to make a bomb in class.  He hauled out an overhead projector and gave his students detailed instructions in bomb-making, including advising them to use an electric detonator to stay clear of the blast.  At one point, students said Pieski actually set off an explosive, videotaped it, and said, “cool” after it went off.  The students called the cops, who promptly arrested him.

In an age of terror and school violence, what was this guy thinking?  It was the height of irresponsibility to teach these kids how to build a weapon that could cause serious injury, destruction, even death. 

School should be a place where reading, writing and arithmetic are taught-— and where childhood adolescence is protected for as long as possible.  This teacher neglected that responsibility.  Thank goodness the kids were more mature than their teacher.  Now there was a role reversal that may have saved lives.

12:47 p.m. ET

On Howard Dean

Please don't waste any more valuable air time discussing Howard Dean.  Surely the country has more nationally pressing matters.  This is just personal attack ... which is what our country would like to get away from.  As for the "scream"... the whole room was ethusiastically screaming and Dean was just joining in— only the mikes were set to only pick up Dean, because he was speaking.  —Faith Jean, Marshfield, Mass.

George Bush speaks candidly and he's called an "every-man" who speaks from his heart.  Howard Dean does the same and he's called a loose canon.  I hope the Republicans continue to underestimate and make fun of Howard Dean, it only proves what most of Democrats already know.  Dean is exactly what the DNC needs, and while conservatives tear him down because they don't understand him, Democrats will be the ones celebrating when he helps us "take back the White House" in '08. —
Julie Stone, Loveland, Ohio

12:44 p.m. ET

On reality TV:

I hate very one of them. They are without value, and they appeal to the lowest side of people. —Steve, Mandeville, La.

Get real. The only real thing about any reality show is that it contains the word "real" in its content. Life is real. "Real" in its content. Life is real. "Reality" shows are a TV writer's fantasy. —Monica

Having taken part in a conspicuous show of this genre, it is remarkably more real than your supposed expert asserts. —Raj Bhakta, from the Apprentice

I suspect the keen interest in those moronic "reality" shows is very much like the interest in our current moronic administration. —Skunk

• February 17, 2005 | 12:25 p.m. ET

On judicial nominations and filibuster:

Monica, you ask why Bush shouldn't get the judges he wants?  For the simple reason that they stay after he leaves and their decisions affect all of us. —Phyllis Pircher, La Canada, Calif.

The reason the Democrats will NOT vote on the nominees is that the Democrats know a burgeoning theocracy when they see one. Bush judges will do nothing BUT overturn every civil, privacy, and enviormental law based on on THIER ideology. The Democrats are the ONLY ones preventing this counry from turning into a theocratic facsist government and take us back 50+ years. —Alex

The filibuster is almost as old as America itself. In 1790, senators filibustered to prevent Philadelphia from becoming the nation's permanent capital. When Republicans opposed President Lyndon Johnson's choice for chief justice, Abe Fortas, they led a successful filibuster to stop him from getting the job. —Brad, San Deigo

The process of judicial filibustering is all about cowardice.  Every nominee deserves an up or down vote.  State your position with a yea or nay and be done with it. 

We the people deserve to know exactly where our elected representatives stand and then make our own decisions about whether our Senators are voting their consciences or simply being obstructionists.  —Delia Emmons, N. Caldwell, NJ

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