From the Editor
by Craig Mazer
Editorial: Freedom and Hypocrisy–"Bush's desire for worldwide freedom is subjective. Only countries that serve to benefit the U.S. (i.e., oil in Iraq) deserve liberation, while those that currently benefit the U.S. (i.e., oil in Saudi Arabia, trade with China) can continue on with their un-American governance."

The New Abolitionism: Capitalism, Slavery & Animal Rights
by Dr. Steven Best
As black Americans and anti-racists continue to struggle for justice and equality, the moral and political spotlight is shifting to a far more ancient, pervasive, intensive, and violent form of slavery that confines, tortures, and kills animals by the billions in an ongoing global holocaust. Just as 19th century abolitionists took a militant stand on behalf of the total liberation of human slaves, so the new abolitionists seek the total liberation of animal slaves. No cage or cop can stop them.

Notes From the Cultural Wasteland
by Morris Sullivan
Democrats announce plans to emulate Newt Gingrich, and the religious right accuses SpongeBob SquarePants of homosexuality. Oh, and the country's most influential evangelist might be gay, too.

Reinventing the Future: Protecting the Earth From Ourselves
by David Suzuki
We need to recognize that our world is finite and that it is in our best interest to find ways to lead fulfilling lives without depleting the natural services upon which we depend.

Comic Relief: The Muddlemarch
by Neal Skorpen
Choose: Cause and Effect | Ownership Society

Opinionated Lizards: The Backbone of Big Business
by Adam Finley
Corporate history is overflowing with mascots who have served as interlocutors in the much needed but oft-ignored dialogue between corporation and consumer.

Quickies
by various writers
A little bit on a whole heck of a hell of a lot of CDs.

Advertiser Index: The businesses that make this magazine possible; includes lots of cool music-label links.

This issue's quotes:

"My language has always been that of liberty and humanity, and I know by experience that nothing so exalts a nation as the union of these two principles, under all circumstances."