What we have just seen at the Democratic Convention in Boston could be produced as a another episode of "Extreme Makeover." There was more snake oil sold in Back Bay than in any century in the American West, but reality testing has never been the long suit of Democrats or their followers. The party of the Hollywood left turned in the acting job of the year, trying its darndest to look mainstream. Speaker after speaker waxed lyrical on patriotism, national security and the military. Words like "optimism" and "hope" counteracted the typical leftist doom and gloom. John Kerry's podium salute came dangerously close to Michael Dukakis in a tank, but nevermind. As long as Michael Moore stays happy, they will do anything for votes.

 But lets look for a moment at what the Democrats actually did in Boston. This is important not simply because what they said is so irrelevant to what they actually believe, but because their actions give us a peak at how they might actually run the country. If they do to the country what they did to and in Boston, we are probably in trouble.

 First, they invited Al Jazeera, the Al Qaeda Network, to come and stay. Yes, the dems made them take down their banner, but they still stayed. Speaking of the media, the Democrats couldn't even get enough portable toilets to serve them. (Hint: You can't serve non-stop coffee and expect people to go in the street like the French.) The party that complains about the economy and promised boom times for Boston before the convention, drove all the local businesses bust due to security concerns. Not a great message for an election year! Moreover, the party that rails against special interests and touts McCain-Feingold, invited them all to foot the bill in Beantown. Makes you wonder doesn't it? Speaking of security concerns, here are the democrats trashing John Ashcroft from the podium. (He always gets the biggest applause line.) And yet, they lock Boston down, crippling free enterprise and blocking free assembly. (Isn't that what they would say if Republicans did it?) Apparently, when it comes to protecting themselves, John Ashcroft is a great guy. The final straw was the "balloon man" and his profanity-laden tirade on CNN when 37 balloons were released from the ceiling instead of usual millions. In summary, this was a genuine sneak peak of how the Democratic Party will organize America should it get the opportunity.

 So don't look at what they say. Look at what they do. What they did should have hastened Terry McAullif's resignation as Chairman of the DNC, but he apparently has lifetime tenure as long as the Clintons are around. To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln, the world will little note nor long remember what the Democrats said in Boston, but it should never forget what they did there and the sheer incompetence with which it was run. At the state level, they have done similar things in California, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Maine and the voters have either already or are about to revolt. And the US government is a lot bigger than a convention or a state. The question of the hour is this: Are any of the ABB crowd paying any attention?

  John Pendleton