Comparing the cross to the figure of Pomona is faulty in that while both are religious figures very few people know of Pomona while the cross is a recognized icon which has a current significance. The cross is still used by a very active religion whereas Pomona is gone, a figure from a past belief system. Or to put it another way Los Angeles has a tremendous Jewish history, would people get upset if the seal had a Star of David on it but not a cross? You bet! They'd be demanding the removal of the Star or an equal opportunity for the cross. And to be fair if one religion gets their icon allowed then others should be allowed as well since LA has a history that spans cultures and religions.

The argument that the cross is historical and represents the Missions is counter-argued that the Missions themselves represent the destruction of a native people and further counter-argued that Pomona therefore holds little historical value other than the name. We have no missions or temples to Pomona in our history!

I agree with ACLU that this is a violation of Church and State, and I agree with the city that the cost will be enormous to make the necessary changes. A solution would be to phase in the changes and spread the cost over several years. Both the ACLU and the city should find comfort in that. Heck, the city could probably make a buck by selling the old seals. I would also suggest that to make the seal look nice simply move one of the two nearby stars over to where the cross was - making the Hollywood Bowl icon look like it's truly under the stars.

Lakers and Pistons
I'm debating whether to sue the Lakers to reclaim the costs for my ulcer medicine. Note to Lakers: "The Pistons aren't going to give you the Championship. You have to take it. Play some D. Play some O. Attack the basket. Get Billups and either Wallace in foul trouble. Play smart." I think the winner of game 3 will take the series. Go Lakers!

Rumsfeld and Torture
All these memo leaks and reports sure make it look like, at the very least, Rumsfeld knew and approved of some forms of torture. Whether it goes all the way to the top is debatable but I'd like to think that Bush wouldn't be "out of the loop" a la Reagan on this topic. So, will Rumsfeld assume Personal Responsibility as per the Republican/Neocon Party line and resign? Doubtful, very doubtful and very sad. This is why this Administration is so unloved - no responsibility, no accountability.

The Compassionate President
Bush keeps harping that he's the "Compassionate President" but compassionate for whom? Compassion is empathy, to feel anothers pain. Is he compassionate for the suffering Americans he's ignored while tromping through Iraq? Is he compassionate for the students he's leaving behind by gouging Education? Or for those who've lost their jobs?

Or even simpler. How can a person call himself the "Compassionate President" and also the "War President"? The two do not mix. One does not lead to the other. That Bush is so involved and blinded by Iraq unequivocally demonstrates his lack of compassion as he ignores all the other crises (such as running this country in an effective and positive manner).

How about a new name: Ex-President.