It is perfect that Ironweed selected VOICES OF DISSENT for its June/July 2008 DVD release, since July 4th is our country's birthday; a day to remember and celebrate the birth of democracy and freedom in the USA.

It is deplorable that our nation has strayed so far from the founders' concept of democracy. This is due in great part to the currently entrenched Bush administration which operates in their own self-interest, and often disregards the Congress and all other political parties, when it suits them to do so.

It is clear that they never learned the basis Kindergarten lessons of learning how to share and playing by the rules. Whether applying the concept of sharing to toys as children or political power as adults, we must all learn how to include everyone. Playing by the rules means that we are a nation of laws, not of people, and that those in power must respect and abide by the laws and the founding documents which describe what America truly is, rather than creating "signing statements" declaring that the laws don't apply to them, or ignoring Congressional subpoenas.

Looking at recent events, it is clear that the Bush administration is in violation of the Constitution on many counts and is doing everything possible to silence those who do not agree with them, even if it shreds our Constitution and Bill of Rights. They practice torture, lies, intimidation, arresting of their opponents, limiting the free speech of the public, outing of their own CIA operative as a vindictive act of political payback, and much more.

These actions are blatant violations of government "of the people, by the people and for the people." The Bush administration, which has been perverting our basic democratic values in myriad ways over the last 8 years, must be challenged and held accountable. As more and more people understand the extent of their crimes, the impeachment movement grows daily. Recently Dennis Kucinich bravely read into the Congressional Record a long list of Bush crimes against the Constitution and the American people.

VOICES OF DISSENT makes the argument that speaking out in opposition to those in power is one of our most basic and vital freedoms which must be protected, and it shows the many creative and inspirational ways that brave citizens are finding to express their anger and dissent against the erosion of our democracy and the hubris of the Bush cabal. Please visit http://www.VoicesOfDissent.us

Bottom line is that if we do not protect and defend those who disagree with Bush, then we might as well have a dictator. Consider this: Bush, who describes himself as "the decider," said, on three separate occasions (and these are shown in the film), "things would be a lot easier in a dictatorship, if I'm the dictator." Some might say he was joking, others say that people often reveal their socially unacceptable and unpopular, yet real beliefs, in the form of a joke. Watch the film and decide for yourself. Which do you think it is?
-- Karil Daniels