Fahrenheit 9/11, The Manchurian Candidate, plays like Glory, Glory Hallelujah! and Homeland and works by other artists can play an instrumental role in affecting how those who see or read them will vote in one of the most – perhaps the most – crucial election in American history.

This is not hyperbole. What is virtually at stake here is the ongoing viability of the American constitution, including its vital first ten amendments – The Bill of Rights.

In no other election, have the stakes been so clear. The Bush administration would impose a virtual fascist government in America under the guise of preserving the very liberties it promises to preserve.

If - God forbid – it manages to steal this election or ram itself back into power – it threatens to not only continue but enlarge its military empire building in order to increase the profits of its corporate sponsors.

And while we wield our might internationally, the rights of Americans will be eroded because of the supposed need to maintain a war-footing. This totalitarian power would continue open-ended if the administration and cohorts in a Republican House and Senate, aided by a partisan Republican Supreme Court, fashions new laws to abrogate meaningful elections forever. And all this could be accomplished using the techniques of slick public-relations spinmeisters who count on the laziness and ignorance of the electorate to let them do it.

Sounds far fetched? Extreme lefty-looneyville? The same tactics were used by Hitler and his corporate sponsors in the 30s. Stalin and Mao and dictators all over the world have used – are using – the same blueprint.

And while rights are being destroyed, so will be the welfare of average Americans. The "have-mores," who President Bush proudly calls his base, will take even more away from the "have-lesses." Not a day goes by that the Bush administration does not chip away, in agency regulations, court decisions and laws, at of better health care, education, housing, better working conditions, the right to unionize, racial equality, women’s rights, sexual and religious rights, and other aspects of social welfare for average Americans.

The national media, most of which are owned by corporations and the "have-mores" don’t publicize these incessant actions to return America to the unregulated swashbuckling days of the robber barons of industry in the 19^th century.

That’s why Americans need to educate themselves through alternate means on the internet, through publications, and by out-spoken films, videos, documentaries, radio and plays such as Glory Glory Hallelujah! and Homeland. (Click on writings link above to read.)

They comprise the truly patriotic media because democracy works when there is an enlightened and energetic electorate. Let’s take our country back.

This is the first of a series of opinion pieces that will be published on this site. Keep coming back for more. Gene Ruffini