Only a few weeks ago I was thinking about "useful" anger in public discussions, reminding myself that not every discussion is peaches and cream in even tones. Discussion can help people explore their anger and sort out real culprits and causes versus imagined ones.

But with each day bringing more bad news on the BP front, manipulation of our democracy through money, and poor leadership on so many fronts, isn't it a wonder there isn't more anger? Especially anger that moves beyond discussion to action. Can anyone seriously doubt that there was a time that the events I mentioned would have mobilized people and would still do so in many robust democracies?

Not only have we forgotten how to talk, we have forgotten how to yelp in pain!