We on the Right need to wring our hands less over Andy Sullivan’s shift towards the Democrat party (besides he has declared himself a single-issue voter ever since the Federal Marriage Amendment disagreements). I think every one has a right to change his mind, and the proper reaction to any indication of betrayal is not condemnation, but mere dismissal.

For him to be attacked and talked down for “switching sides” belies the dark streak that exists in all of us. For the past three years we have watched that streak consume the Left and turned their most ardent members into foaming-mouthed lunatics; if, at Andy’s switch alone, some of us go insane, what more would a Kerry victory (one that is conceivable, just like any election outcome) do to the very same people who made fun of the Looney Left?

These days, it’s hard to keep an “open mind” if you’re the Australian foreign minister, Alexander Downer. Given the choice between capitulation to terrorism, and actually standing one’s ground, there’s not much space to keep an open mind anyway.

The Philippine national security advisor has been quoted on FOX News (TV) as complaining that the country has been “unfairly singled out” in its promotion of terrorism. To him I say, “screw you.” Right now, the singular country that has paid ransom to terrorists in a situation like that of Angelo De La Cruz’s has been the Philippines. It isn’t unfair to single out the single country that has turned coats and encouraged terrorism with its actions.

It’s time that the Philippines stopped blaming other countries for its situation and to ditch is “woe is me” ethic. It took the Spaniards a train wreck and three hundred dead to bow to terrorist pressure; it took one kidnapping victim to ruin a nation.