"I’ve always been impressed by the intelligence, imagination, creativity, and humor of the American people, then found myself wondering how we end up with such mediocre and milquetoast leaders in public office." -- Excellent essay by Cornel West, Ivy League professor and all-around cool cat, whose forthcoming book, "Democracy Matters," addresses the nihilism and plutocracy of the Bush Administration and how America is really a land of thoughtful, principled, even compassionate people, if only they would wake the f*ck up.