[The following article, written by Bob Howard for Synthesis Weekly, was originally published in the print version of Synthesis on Monday, May 19th, 2008. He can be reached at bob@madbob.com]

Keep on Drinking
By Bob Howard

“Be it destiny or free will, there are those amongst us who might do the rest of society a favor by staying on the couch, taking bong rips and playing the latest version of Grand Theft Auto.”

A Long History of Stupid: I’ve just started reading a biography of long-time FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, and as a result, I’m learning quite a lot about the history of this country and the tradition of our government cracking down on dissent. This latest episode of our history is far from the first time the Bill of Rights has been superseded and suspended in the name of “security.” I have yet to grasp the logic of suspending freedoms to ensure security when I thought that the whole thing we are trying to secure in the first place is freedom; but I digress.
Anyway, here are some interesting factoids I’ve picked up thus far: Remember when in protest of the French dissent against the “War on Terror” our Congress made the brilliant move of re-naming French Fries “Freedom Fries?” Seems like a pretty creative manifestation of nationalistic stupidity, right? Wrong. During World War I, our Congress re-named Sauerkraut “Liberty Cabbage.” Our current stupidity isn’t even original! How do you like that?

Think the threat of terrorism is a new thing? Wrong. Just prior to and then after World War I, the Red Scare developed. Anarchists and Communists were on the rise and there were actually a series of letter bombs and bomb attacks that riddled the nation’s capitol and industrial power figures.
These attacks lead to a complete abridgment of the freedoms granted in the Bill of Rights. Anyone suspected of being a communist, a socialist, or a sympathizer — essentially any Russian factory worker — was rounded up in mass arrests and many were unceremoniously deported so quickly that there wasn’t even time for an appeal.

More heartwarming thoughts after the jump. (more…)

[The following horoscope, written by Synthesis Weekly's longest running columnist Kozmic Kev, is for entertainment purposes only. Or you can plan your life to it accordingly. Either way.]

Aries
Holy bank account! There are robbers and thieves afoot. Lock your car and take your keys. Value and material issues turn into communication issues. Friends, neighbors and the local environment begin to take center stage. Monday’s full moon asks you to look out for your neighbor. Sensual pleasures offer the most temptation.

Taurus
By Tuesday morning, the sun leaves Taurus for Gemini and your second house ruler ship. Financial issues intensify. The full moon early in the week symbolizes partnership and romance. A certain kind of creative bounce adds life to your step. Think in terms of constructive follow-through. Thursday through Saturday are your power days.

Gemini
On Tuesday at 9:01 AM PDT, the sun enters into Gemini. Get ready for four-and-a-half weeks of a growing sun and 15 hours of light a day. Things begin to lighten up and feel less dense. It’s time to embrace the madness and the magic of your own dualistic self. The full moon starts with health and service but ends up in romance.

More divinations after the jump. (more…)