I have no idea what I watched yesterday.

I felt a creepy feeling as I watched.  I recognized many of the faces.  I recognized the words, the place, and even the backdrop felt familiar.  But all put together, in the same moment, it just didn't agree with me.

I am not sure if I watched Joe McCarthy yesterday or Adolf Hitler.  But I felt their presence.  Their spirit.  On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

I did not understand why they were there, saying what they were saying, for no apparent event or holiday.  I'm not sure I can fathom why so many people showed up either.  If I knew what the central purpose was, maybe then I wouldn't be so confused.

I felt like screaming at the TV, because I was awaiting Beck to take the opportunity to shape-shift into Howard Beale.  Instead, I heard a sermon, that didn't go into detail, but only hinted.  Signified for the man.  And, the Howard Beale thing didn't leave my mind.

I am not sure I like this new world, where people don't come out and say what they mean, what they're for, and what they are against.  That world that shames people out of being honest with you.  How to use code.  That shames them into being tricky and conniving and learning how to be smarter than you.  Not smarter about life, but about how to get what they want from you.

This is a trend that permeates everything.  And it sounds like a Beck conspiracy, but I find it in every corner.  Yesterday, I saw two tricksters try to become preachers, and try to infuse themselves with religion and God and the troops by wrapping themselves up in symbols that they don't own.  By attaching themselves to dates and places and images and words that have nothing whatsoever to do with them and their purpose.

I am not tricked.  I felt afterwards like taking a shower.  Washing my hands.   

I can't speak for the thousands who felt something yesterday, or showed up to find something there on the mall yesterday.  I don't look down on their faith and hope and charity.  It is real for them. 

But I wasn't fooled.  I don't fall for cons that use patriotism, religion, and symbols of our nation anymore.  Never again, Mr. Beck and Mrs. Palin.  I was here after 9/11. 

I won't be fooled again.