Concepts without percepts, are blind. Don't confuse inuendo and accusation with legitamate speculation. Thinking about and discussing what may come to pass; is healthy and entertaining. Looking to the future is a quality that sets the humans apart from the animal world. Your pet may become excited around dinner time because it remembers that you fed it yesterday, but does it think about what is on the menu for tomorrow's dinner?

We merrily use this wonderful quality and muse about the future. Are we alone in the universe? Is there life on Mars? Was Kennedy killed by a lone gunman? These kind of " wonderings " are usually quite healthy...usually. They are based on observable facts. There is a universe, a planet Mars, and Kennedy was killed. It is safe to speculate about these thing and many others, but only for their intrinsic entertainment value!

Speculation is also safe ( and in fact essential ) in science; as long as it is based on observable fact. Some fields of science are based on making connections between facts and predicting the outcome. It is called theory.

Speculation about the outcome of a sporting event is healthy, and loosely based on fact ( though mostly based on one's emotional attachement to a particular team or participant ). You " hope " some team or person will win.

Lately, it has become very popular to speculate about the outcome of trials or investigations. This can be a quite dangerous form of prediction, if taken too seriously. Our Constitution assures that an individual is presumed innocent. No amount of unsubstantiated rumor can convict someone of a crime; only a jury can do that. Feel free to engage in as much of this type of speculation, but just don't start to think that your theories are proven facts!

Take heed the messenger.

If you must speculate on matters that are not based on things you saw or heard yourself; be careful who you believe. Someone you thought was an expert, may accually be a crank or partisan attack dog, lying to confuse you ( and the issue ). This is rampant in any speculation concerning political matters! Don't believe the talking heads and elected officials, as they always have " an axe to grind " in one way or another. The talking heads often just repeat things they heard some where, without any verification. Political pundits are always looking to the next election. Hollywood, the trial attorneys, and the labor unions; are also examples of groups that may have an agenda ( and a reason to misslead you ).

Speculate about the " speculators ". Don't fall for their line, " hook line and sinker ". If you must take issue with prediction, then weigh the baloney before swallowing it!

- Bongo ( Speculate...speculate...take a shot at those you hate...( not ). )