Top 10 Concerns of 2004

As this blog shows, my main concern for America is that the Bush administration is taking us in the wrong direction on virtually every issue of concern. Instead of adding mine to the ubiquitous top 2004 stories lists, I am here identifying the top issues of concern to me in 2004 and the erroneous direction of the Bush leadership on these issues. These are not prioritized. I expect all of them to be under discussion in this blog in 2005.

1. 
   Bringing religion into politics - encouraging citizens to vote based on religious beliefs rather than on thoughtful analysis of the facts.
2. 
   Undermining civil liberties - using fear of terrorism as a basis for pre-emptively denying basic civil liberties.
3. 
   Advocating that the end justifies the means - using false pretenses to persuade others to accomplish an end that could not be accomplished with the truth (invading Iraq is one example).
4. 
   Disdaining scientific evidence if it conflicts with an intended political goal.
5. 
   Systematically working to disenfranchise black inner city voters.
6. 
   Undermining the role of the media by facilitating consolidation in the hands of the wealthy and subverting or attacking diligent journalism.
7. 
   Attempting to emasculate the judicial branch of the government by undermining public confidence, passing restrictive legislation and appointing sycophant judges.
8. 
   Disregarding the environment in favor of exploitation by the rich.
9. 
   Perverting political discourse by disconnecting what is said from what is done and then claiming that there is no disconnect.
10. 
    Making America the bully of the world.