This is a story about my neighbor across the street.  He is a good guy.  We've been neighbors for 12 years - he has lived in the same neighborhood for close to 30 years now.  He is about 55 or so.  He retired a few years ago from a government job to take care of his aging parents, who have since passed away. He has never married, generally putts around his house all day.  He and I take care of each other's lawns when we are away, he keeps an eye on my house, my kids, I do the same for him (he has no kids though).  He helps my wife with tasks when I am not around.  Generally, all in all, a really great neighbor and a really great guy.

Oh, and during the entire time of our acquaintanceship, he has been, until now, a republican . . . .   Join me below the fold for a synapsis of the absolutely stunning discussion I had with him this weekend.

I thought I'd let you all know that even here in Idaho, home of the 59% approval rating for George Bush, support is waning.

Let's take this morning's edition of the Idaho Statesman for example.  The Statesman (definitely NOT your typical "librul rag") asked for its readers to write letters to George (apparently for him to peruse while he is in Idaho next week as part of his daily reading in order to keep his finger on the pulse of the American people - yeah, right).

As discussed in a diary yesterday, the Idaho Atheists sued Governor Dirk Kempthorne (R) and a member of the State Capitol staff in U.S. District Court in Boise to enjoin the favoritism showed by the State to proponents of the National Day of Prayer.

See below for more

In this state - one of the "reddest of the red" - we often end up with our governmental leaders tied in knots due to the policies they back or the statements they make.  For example, Governor Kempthorne (R) has issued a "proclamation" on the National Day of Prayer (1st Thursday in May) from the steps of the State Capitol building every year.  However, when the State went to ensure that the steps were available this year for the "proclamation" it found that, curiously, the steps had already been reserved by the Idaho Atheists (gasp! oh the horror!). . .  see below the fold for more

I am having an ongoing e-mail conversation with my conservative (although somewhat thoughtful) brother-in-law.  We often poke fun at each other ("you liberal pansy" - "you brainwashed conservative sheep"), but the tone this morning took an unfortunate turn.  I need some help.  I want to preserve this relationship, but also want him to understand my point of view.