STEVEN JOMAS, MD, MPH FOR BUZZFLASH AT TRUTHOUT

In 1820, Thomas Jefferson described the Missouri Compromise as a "firebell in the night," warning of "future bloody conflict." That Act of Congress had allowed the expansion of slavery beyond its original boundaries, into the territory of Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase, although limiting it to south of a given latitude, except for the Missouri Territory. As the 19th century progressed and westward expansion did so with it, the Slave Power became ever more concerned with securing the place of the "peculiar institution" in that expanding territory. Even though it appeared to be unlikely that slaves could be used productively for the kinds of farming and cattle raising opportunities that the Great Plains could offer, the Slave Power still saw them as a potentially huge market for slaves.

DEE EVANS FOR BUZZFLASH AT TRUTHOUT

A few months ago, I stayed home from work for two days straight with crippling abdominal pains. My first thought was maybe extreme menstrual cramps but I soon realized that this was something else. Never had I had cramps and pains so bad that it kept me from going to work or even getting out of bed without a struggle. There was one point where I literally almost called an ambulance to go to the hospital because I thought I may be dying. Seriously, it was that bad!

These cramps encouraged me to go see a doctor, a move that I admit I had not done in almost 2 years and I was way past due for a physical check-up. I admit that since I had not been to see my doctor in a while, I was somewhat apprehensive of what they might find. Leading up to my doctor's visit, I found myself Googling everything from kidney stones to fibroid tumors to uterine cancer trying desperately to get a handle on my symptoms and what may be wrong with me. I don't mind telling you that I was pretty scared!

PAUL BUCHHEIT FOR BUZZFLASH AT TRUTHOUT

Milton Friedman would have been proud, if he hadn't been so confused. The push for privatized education is just what the good doctor of economics ordered, in the form of vouchers to allow parents to purchase the best school for their kids. But he also said "We have always been proud, and with good reason, of the widespread availability of schooling to all and the role that public schooling has played.."

The following is a conservative summary, liberally interpreted, of the five steps necessary to save education in the U.S.:

BILL BERKOWITZ FOR BUZZFLASH AT TRUTHOUT

Despite massive cultural changes, young people coming out an at earlier age, more support groups, greater awareness of and attention paid to bullying as exemplified by the powerful It Gets Better Project, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender teens continue to face incredibly difficult times in their homes, schools and communities. A new Human Rights Campaign (HRC) survey finds that "Official government discrimination or indifference along with social ostracism leaves many teens disaffected and disconnected in their own homes and neighborhoods."

WILL DURST FOR BUZZFLASH AT TRUTHOUT

From out of the green mist enveloping the campaign doldrums they come. Relentlessly. Doggedly. Cattedly. Trudging blank- faced and soulless. Armies of cash hungry zombies brandishing partisan pickaxes, shovels and crowbars, with only one goal rattling around their feverish brains. Campaign booty. Pieces of 8. Entire 8s.Eight figured 8s.

We're in that lazy seam that marks the home stretch to the National Conventions, with little else to occupy opposing squads than raising moolah to prepare for the epic upcoming battle. Negative ads don't grow on trees you know.

GEORGE LAKOFF AND ELISABETH WEHLING FOR BUZZFLASH AT TRUTHOUT

Framing is (or should be) about moral values, deep truths, and the policies that flow from them.

As of their kickoff speeches in Ohio, Romney and Obama have both chosen economics as their major campaign theme. And thus the question of how they frame the economy will be crucial throughout the campaign. Their two speeches could not be more different.

Where Romney talks morality (conservative style), Obama mainly talks policy. Where Romney reframes Obama, Obama does not reframe Romney. In fact, he reinforces Romney's frames in the first part of his speech by repeating Romney's language word for word - without spelling out his own values explicitly.

MARK PERKEL FOR BUZZFLASH AT TRUTHOUT

I'm trying to figure out what happened to Bush? I can understand why the Republicans aren't talking about him, but why isn't Obama talking about him, and why aren't the Democrats talking about him? After all - our country is in serious trouble and the reason things are so bad is because of Bush.