Travis Morrison is the frontman for the soon to be defunct Dismemberment Plan. He has posted on his personal website--after taking it down from the band website when his bandmates became less than thrilled with using the band's forum for his own views on a very touchy subject--a very cogent, thoughtful, and even-handed analysis of the War on Iraq. Considering the metro D.C. location and the associates of The Plan (Fugazi/Ian Mackaye/Dischord, anyone?), it is probably safe to assume that Travis is a pretty solid lefty. But while most of his peers are busy being reactionaries (I'm sure), Travis has approached this topic with pragmatism, intelligence and even a little wit. Kudos to Mr. Morrison for pointing out the big problem with anti-war protestors: their habit of running down the "history of American geo-political fuckups without actually using that knowledge to construct a coherent approach to the present and future." My friend Beth and I were discussing this the other day at the Aislers Set show after The Quails set, where the singer(s) would occasionally punctuate their set with anti-war rhetoric. Neither of us are for war, but we're also offended by anti-war protestors whose arguments are more reactionary and naive than forceful and informed. Unfortunately, these are the people who get the most press (and they say there's a liberal bias in the media...puh-lease), and it presents those against war as being simplistic and ignorant.

Anyway, check out the spiel, and sign the petition. Iraqi oil for Iraqis!

Thanks, Travis. Reading that made my day.