what is at stake?

Here is an on-target assessment of what is at stake from GeorgeSoros.com:

"When George W. Bush was elected president, and particularly after September 11, I saw that the values and principles of open society needed to be defended at home. September 11 led to a suspension of the critical process so essential to a democracy - a full and fair discussion of the issues. President Bush silenced all criticism by calling it unpatriotic. When he said that 'either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists,' I heard alarm bells ringing. I am afraid that he is leading us in a very dangerous direction. We are losing the values that have made America great."