[Rider on the Rain]

I'd give it a 9.99. I must confess I didn't read the novel and didn't even know about it, but to me it's beyond sick, even for a novel. I used to have respect for Webb, but this is way beyond the pale. I also used to live in Virginia, (9 years), and I don't believe there are many Virginians who are not very disturbed by this.

[rjmeagle]

I have lived in VA for approximately 10 years (now in Northern MD). All I can say, is close to DC, they will yawn, but the REST of VA is quite a different story. Northern Virginia has become more Liberal over the last several years (particularly the close-in counties next to DC - Arlington, Fairfax), just like the close-in counties on the Maryland side of DC (Prince Georges & Montgomery).

The quotes from the novels Webb has written that I had read on Drudge are atrocious, despicable and of no "redeeming value" (One of the US Supreme Court tests for defining pornography- can't remember what case-I think Miller vs. California). I don't care how the Dems spin it, most mainstream Americans will find it repulsive!!!

On the "Redeeming Value" test, note that what is defined as a "redeeming value" in San Francisco is quite different from what is considered a "redeeming value" in Middle America. Yep, most people would be offended by what has been written in Webb's novels. Webb's face will have to turn purple with trying to explain/justify these turgid lines and STILL he won't be able to make it fly.