I just returned from the ACLU of Utah’s 2008 Bill of Rights Celebration.  The keynote speaker was Dr. Daniel Ellsberg, whistle blower of "The Pentagon Papers."

His general theme was the America has devolved to a monarchy and only outraged people can save it.

But he forgot a few fundamental pieces of the constitution along the way.  We have the ability to impeach a president (and other elected officials) if only people are willing to exercise the checks and balances spelled out in the constitution.  And there lies the problem.  The system is so rife with people that have begged, borrowed, and stolen in order to attain power, they are far too afraid of losing said power to rock the boat.

Dr. Ellsberg made some very good points though.  Courage is often lonely, and usually comes at great personal expense.  He leaked "The Pentagon Papers" believing that in doing so,  the rest of his life would be doing so.

That is certainly a true test of bravery and I was uplifted in hearing him recount his story.