Advice To Joe: Beware Of The Trap

Senator Biden, tread carefully in this debate with Governor Palin. I'm sure you are being told this already by folks on the inside, but take this very seriously. You are eloquent, knowledgeable, and a wonderful orator. With that said, the challenge comes not from your opponents skill or rhetoric, it comes from the lack there of. You must not come off as cold, arrogant, and smug. Take note of Senator Obama's presence against Senator McCain. Be earnest, clear, and engaging. Take her seriously, because if it seems as though you aren't, then you are finished. I'm sure you will perform brilliantly, but do so gracefully and carefully.

The Winner?

There seem to be mixed feelings on who won debate #1. I tend to feel it was pretty even, but that Obama had the edge in terms of staying on topic and simply looking/speaking/acting more presidential. Will that be the case? I don't know.

Quote For The Day

A screen legend has passed, and an even better person.
"I have a steak at home. Why would I leave to get a hamburger?" Paul Newman on why he stayed with the same woman for so many years.

The Debate Is On!

McCain says that he will be there to debate Obama. So much for suspending his campaign and not going until a deal was struck. There's a lot of "blinking" going on here. Surprised anyone?

Man Of Faith?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/evangelist_child_porn

Another evangelist has been arrested, this time for child pornography. Do any of these followers ever suspect anything with their "leaders"? I'm not saying all evangel preachers are bad people, but we seem to find quite few. What concerns me is that for all of those who preach modesty and tolerance as a Christian virtue actually listen to these guys in their expensive suits and houses and as they bash other faiths and minorities (i.e. homosexuals).
I have a theory about about this particular case however. In all seriousness, why are children so common among victims in the clergy? My theory is that the religious leaders in any faith that stoops to that repulsive level has been sees an innocence in the children that they preach about, but that they themselves can never attain. The children are, in their minds, physical manifestations of purity, of which they preach. It sounds more like a psychosis, don't you think?

Quote For The Day

"When you run for office, your life is an open book."-unknown

I'm echoing those (Sullivan in particular) who are concerned that some of the candidates--McCain and Palin in particular--have not released their medical or complete financial records yet. This is entirely unacceptable and needs to be dealt with.

Postponing Debates?

I think this whole idea of stopping a debate to act like they are finding a solution to the economic crisis is absurd. McCain's biggest weakness is his economic record anyway. For somebody who claims to not "blink", I see a lot of eye lash batting recently. Is there blood in the water? If so, strike now Barack.

Cliche'

Having been in Seattle for two days, it has drizzled as expected. But there were blips of beauty as well, so all is not lost. The locals here call it "liquid sunshine". The roomies are nice people and all seem to have some direction. Things are looking up.

The Move

Today is going to busy after a nice weekend in Ithaca, New York. Today I'm getting my things together to move to Seattle. Wish me luck!

Soup Clip: Spaghetti Cat

One of the funnier clips from a great show on TV.

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/09/mental-health-5.html

It's Over

A recent poll found on Yahoo! claimed that more people would like to watch a football game with Obama than with McCain. Judging from America's obsession with football, this is nothing to brush off. It's a similar mentality to those who voted for Bush because they felt they could have a beer with him. I don't like the rationale in either case, but it proved successful for the former.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080919/ap_on_el_pr/ap_yahoo_poll_football

The Ohio Blackouts

With the recent power loss across a large section of the state, many people are trying to figure out ways to deal with it. Aside from the financial burden of losing food and spending it on ice and batteries, I think there is a small silver lining to all of it. For the first time in a while, I actually saw a lot of families out doing things together. Kids were actually outside playing games and neighbors were conversing. I had rarely seen that in years past, but with the onset of the electrical problems, it was almost a daily event. I found it particularly refreshing. I hope it continues.

Ooops!

Apparently John McCain is having some trouble in the foreign policy knowledge department too. I guess he and Palin ARE soulmates after all.

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/217802.php

Coates Makes A Good Point

Coates makes a good point about how elitism--in the traditional sense--and irony seems to be absent in this election.

"Matt, examining Lady de Rothchilds defection to McCain, notes that irony must be truly dead. 'Lady' de Rothchilds main reason for not endorsing McCain? Obama is an elitist. More accurately elitism is dead. When a gazillionaire who insists on being IDed as 'Lady' can call a black dude from the South Side, whose mother had him as a teenager an elitist, the word has no meaning."

Quote For The Day:Scalisms

I've decided to dedicate at least one quote a week (maybe more) to one of our most conservative Justices on the Supreme Court, and certainly the most outspoken. It usually provides for some good entertainment.
" 'What did I learn at Harvard Law School or at my practice in Ohio or in the federal government that qualifies me to determine whether there ought to be - and therefore is - a right to abortion or to homosexual sodomy or a right to suicide?' Scalia said. 'I don't know any more about that than Joe Six-pack.' "

Here Come The Lawyers

In a recent Huff. Po. article, the author explained that several high ranking GOP lawyers are consulting with Sarah Palin's attorney in Alaska in regard to the "Troopergate" scandal. I can understand how the McCain camp would want to get this issue out of the news, but doesn't that put more focus on the issue? It's the logic that if you have nothing to hide, then why not come out with it. Well that seems to apply here. If Sarah Palin has something to hide (which she does apparently), then don't you think she might be better off to just come out with it then just keep trying to hide from it? That seems like the logical thing to do. If it is too big of a scandal to fully disclose the comlete facts, then why not excuse herself from the ticket with McCain and give them time to vet (hopefully) and have another VP choice join their ticket. Just a thought.

Economic Graphs

An interesting write up from Wolfers and the candidates' economic plans. I recommend checking it out.

http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/16/competing-tax-plans-two-perspectives/

You Know It's Bad When Romney Scolds You

My original post was of Romney on video from Sullivan's blog, but it was changed due to an error in the accuracy. Here is the actual transcript from his blog:

"ROBERTS: An awful lot of back and forth between you and Senator McCain. And I wonder, just a few days before the primary, is that what the voters want to hear? Didn't they want to hear substance on the issues?

ROMNEY: Oh, I think substance. I think Senator McCain was called out for what everyone has said was a false accusation. "The New York Times," "Washington Post," "Time" magazine, Bill Bennett, everybody has said what he said was simply wrong and reprehensible. I think it was a huge mistake on his part.He wants to stick with it. So he got to take the shots for it, as long as he's doing that. I think people are going to really say, what's the heart and soul of the Republican Party going to be going forward?"

Another Earth?

Maybe. An interesting article from what scientists are looking at in space.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20080915/sc_space/possiblefirstphotoofplanetaroundsunlikestar

The Bush Doctrine Doesn't Matter?

With the recent stories about how Sarah Palin didn't know what the Bush Doctrine was, I've been reading and hearing that it doesn't matter if she knows it because most Americans don't know what it is. ARE YOU SERIOUS? The problem with that theory is that most Americans are not going to be Vice President or potentially President! Do we want our leaders to be ignorant of this information just because we are? Does that make any sense at all? The qualities we want in our leaders are those of knowledge and extraordinary skill in many areas. Who cares if they are like us? That's what got us in the mess we're in now with George Bush in office. HE IS TOO MUCH LIKE US! If it came down to an elitist who knew what he was doing and could run our country soundly versus a down-to-earth know nothing idiot who would drive our economy and nation into oblivion, give me the elitist.

I Might Try This Reaction

“Please forgive me for not accepting your rejection letter. At this time I cannot accept a rejection of my short story. I accept more than 99 percent of the rejections I receive. Many I don’t agree with, but I realize that accepting a piece of fiction for publication is a very subjective judgment call. My acceptance of your rejection letter is also a subjective process and therefore I am returning your letter to you."

That is funny.

McLies

McCain's getting called on his lies, as well he should.

http://www.reason.com/news/show/128781.html

Personality Maps

Interesting and fun post from the Atlantic.

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/09/good-people.html#more

Here We Go Again

This is the last thing we need. We don't want to piss-off Pakistan who has helped us to a degree in fighting against the Taliban. I pray this is just a warning.

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSISL14941720080915?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0

A New Depression?

With the recent downturns of Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac, along with the sale of Merryl Lynch and Lehman Bros. bankruptcy, I'm further wondering how much deeper our problem will get. Before, I wasn't sure the depth of the problem. With these recent events, it's no doubt that we are in the direction of economic disaster. Am I surprised? Not in the slightest since our current president has run everything else he has ever done into the ground. Why should the US economy be any different? Wall Street is suffering major problems and the light at the end of the tunnel is looking dimmer by the minute. Alan Greenspan over the weekend said that McCain's economic plans for lower or no new taxes was not viable and that some taxes will need to be raised regardless of who is in charge. Things are about to get worse folks.

Unbelievable

A write up on Sarah Palin, and it basically sums up my own sentiments her as well:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article4746999.ece?print=yes&randnum=1221348138515

A Long Day

I won't be posting anything today because I have some much else going on. In any case, have a great weekend and be safe wherever you may be.

Questions

Inspired by a post on Sullivan's Atlantic blog, I've decided to think of some of my own questions for Governor Palin. These will be generally broad questions, but certainly one's that need to be answered. Some of the questions might also be similar or the same to the article on the blog:

1) Why did it take you roughly 6 years and several tranfers to complete your BA? Was there an unusual circumstance behind it?
2) How do you think your experience as a mayor and governor in Alaska has prepared you for being vice president and potentially president?
3) How do you feel about our current position in Iraq? Do you find it stable? What would you do if you were currently in charge?
4) Are you familiar with the "Sunni Awakening"? Can you tell me the difference between Sunni and Shia?
5) What is your position on the Isreali/Palestinian conflict and how would you go about resolving it?
6) How do you feel about China's environmental and human rights record? How would you approach it?
7) Do you have plans for alternative fuel/energy?
8) What is your position on stem cell research? If, one day, we could cure cancer with the help of stem cell research, would you oppose it (assuming you oppose it to begin with)? If you don't oppose stem cell research, then how do you rationalize that with your position on abortion and how do you rationalize it with your faith?
9) If you had to select a Supreme Court Justice in the mold of any one of the current Justices, who would it be and why?
10) What is your stance on how Russia has handled the situation in Georgia? Would you have gone about it differently from the Bush administration?
11) How do you plan to reduce the debt in our country?
12) How devout are you in your faith and how much would it influence your potential policy decisions?
13) Do you have a plan to help reduce the spread of AIDS in Africa?
14) What do you plan to do about the situation in Darfur?
15) What is your position on allowing gay couples to adopt children?
16) How do you plan to approach the issue of illegal immigration from the Mexican border?

The Interview

The much anticipated Sarah Palin interview will be broadcast fairly soon. I'm interested to see what she has to say in a relatively friendly environment for her with Charlie Gibson tossing up softball questions. Will she be able to get through it without saying something problematic? Will the McCain people be standing behind Charlie Gibson feeding her the answers on giant cards? Who knows. If she can't handle a Charlie Gibson, look out for Joe Biden.

In Memorium

Today marks the 7th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks on New York and Washington, D.C. Today, we all should reflect on where we've come and tell those around us how much they mean. But what we must also recognize is the abuse of the vicitims' memory by vile politicians in order to not only maintain a perpetual state of fear, but also for their own political gains. They put pins on their lapels and chant "patriotic" slogans as if that proves they are patriots. They salute the flag and give homage to days gone by, and in the same breath continue the same failed policies that undermine and erode what the real America once stood for. The America that once stood for fairness, justice, equality, and truth, has now become a nation of torture, corruption, lies, and smoke and mirrors. The object of the attackers on 9/11 was not to destroy America in one blow, because that would be impossible. The objective was to destroy what America stood for, and in that sense, we are losing terribly and may have already lost entirely. So, this day is not entirely in memory of the attacks and the victims of them, but it is also in memory of the ultimate casualty of the attacks: America herself.

The Missing Press

David Yglesias sums it up:

"It seems to me that if the practitioners of campaign journalism can’t figure out a way to make it so that lying is punished, rather than amplified and rewarded, by the press then they ought to pack up their bags and go do something else."

Quote For The Day

"Because she thinks like me!"-unknown female McCain/Palin supporter.

This is the answer given by a female McCain/Palin supporter in Virginia this week, when asked why she supported the GOP ticket. You mean, you (the unknown female voter) support larger debt, further religious infringement in politics, lower wages for women, elimination for a woman's right to chose, and no knowledge of foreign policy at all? That's great lady! How in the hell can she know that Governor Palin thinks like her when almost NOBODY knows how Governor Palin thinks? This kind of reasoning among some in the electorate makes me depressed.

A Pontifical Politician

This is a well reasoned and overall good article on how politics does not belong on the pulpit from the Moderate Voice blog.

http://themoderatevoice.com/at-tmv/newsweek-blogitics/22587/politics-has-no-place-in-the-pulpit/

Flying Pigs With Lipstick!

The recent uproar about Senator Obama supposedly referring to Gov. Palin as a pig with lipstick is absurd and it's frustrating to no end. It's this kind of politics that irritates me because it has nothing to do with anything and just stirs up emotions. Anybody that believes this is an idiot to begin with. Here's the quote in it's context, as pointed out by Andrew Sullivan:

“John McCain says he’s about change, too — except for economic policy, health care policy, tax policy, education policy, foreign policy and Karl Rove-style politics. That’s just calling the same thing something different.”

With a laugh, he added: “You can put lipstick on a pig; it’s still a pig. You can wrap an old fish in a piece of paper called change; it’s still going to stink after eight years.”

The 9/11 Bounce?

Tomorrow is the 7th anniversary of the attacks. The day will undoubtedly conjure up images and memories of that day, all of which are not good. With that said, I could foresee a slight bounce for the McCain side simply because they are in the GOP. Not because they did anything on that day or since, but simply because they are in the same party as President Bush. One would think it would cost the GOP votes, but I'm never surprised by the ignorance of some voting blocs in the populace.

Palin the Feminist?

I have to say that I have a hard time believing Governor Palin to be a feminist in the traditional sense. In fact, she seems rather anti-feminist unless her own gains are at stake. Here is the definition of what a feminist according to Wiki (I know, I know, it's not all encompassing): "Feminism is a discourse that involves various movements, theories, and philosophies which are concerned with the issue of gender difference, advocate equality for women, and campaign for women's rights and interests." Has Palin really been for women's rights? Sure she represents a new face for women in politics, but, in my mind, she was placed on the ticket as a token rather than any kind of substantive female leader. Honestly, what else does she bring to the table aside from her appeal to a base crowd and some women. She is staunchly against abortion and is against equal pay for women in the work place just to name a couple. Is that really helping women? In this article below, I would have to disagree with the author's premise of Palin being some breath of fresh air to the feminist cause. If anything, it's being damaged by her. Sadly, some women will vote for her (not McCain) based on anatomy.

http://www.salon.com/opinion/paglia/2008/09/10/palin/index1.html

The Benefits of Panhandling

Maybe I should quite my day job.....maybe not.

http://scienceblogs.com/cortex/2008/09/begging_for_sympathy.php

Boy Problems

There's a recent article and study in Newsweek detailing why, today, young boys are having problems in school and, as a result, in life. From an epidemic of ADHD to too much stress being applied, it's tough to say what might be the root of the problem. After reading the article, I found it pretty amazing that young students at the kindergarten and first grade levels are already studying foreign languages and being required to know various topics that might not have been required until second or third grade previously. Why all the pressure suddenly? Is it to compete with other countries? As the articles says, some kids are thriving in such an environment, but many are not. Take the time to read this interesting article.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/157898?gt1=43002

A New Form Of Life?

This is a pretty interesting article about biological research out of Harvard. Maybe this is the first step to something even more profound.

http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/09/biologists-on-t.html?npu=1&mbid=yhp

Quote For The Day

Maybe this bit of lyrical poetry will be used as some advice for the Dems. Don't be that story that gets told.
"I'm only nineteen but my mind is old

And when the things get for real, My warm heart turns cold

Another brotha deceased, another story gets told"

-Mobb Deep, Shook Ones (part 2)

An End To Objectivity?

Since 2000, the Democrats have stumbled through the elections as a result of many things, including relentless and ruthless GOP attacks. Nothing much has changed in this current election from the GOP, but is there any difference with the Democrats? Can they afford not to change? The change I speak of is becoming more like the GOP attack dogs. Fight fire with fire, right? For too long we have seen Democratic candidates try to rise above the "swiftboat" rhetoric in hopes that the voting populace would look past it. Time and time again they don't. I had hopes that both parties could actually speak objectively on the issues, and there has been some. But most of it is coming from Obama with any depth. McCain and Palin, to me, speak on issues very superficially and attack Obama and Biden on equally superficial issues (i.e. celebrity). You can't speak objectively on the issues without being called a "flip-flopper" or something of the like. You get branded as an opportunist that goes with the polls. This concerns me because Obama is trailing in several polls and needs to find a strategy to regain that lead. We have seen some attacks from Obama, but they are either in response to a McCain attack or it is original but just not sticking. Therefore, I believe it is time for the Dems to take a page from the GOP playbook and go after them the way they go after the Dems. If not, I fear they may again let another campaign slip away.

Spending Like A Drunken Sailor!

This is a good find by Andrew Sullivan. Here are a few snippets from the read:

"In fiscal 2003 — the last fiscal year Palin approved the budget — the total government debt service was $658,662. In fiscal 1996 — the year before Palin took control of the budget—the debt service was $390,385. The increase was 69 percent. [Wasilla Comprehensive Annual Financial Report 2003, Table 1]"

"Palin Left Behind Almost $19 Million In Long-Term Debt, Compared to None Before She Was Mayor"

"In fiscal 2003—the last fiscal year Palin approved the budget—the ratio of debt service to general government expenditures was 6.24 percent. There was no long-term debt before she took office. [Wasilla Comprehensive Annual Financial Report 2003, Table 11]"

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/09/a-fiscal-conser.html#more

For more, look at the link above.

"Liberal Media"

Some have said that the biggest myth in politics is the liberal media. Whether that is true or not I do not know. But with the recent demotions of Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann from the debates, I have to wonder how much pull the conservative media has. I'll be the first to admit that both of these guys are clearly leaning in one political direction, and that is left. But it's not like there aren't conservative TV pundits that do the same crap (for lack of a better term). The job of a moderator in a Presidential debate is to ask questions and make sure nobody gets out of line. This isn't an interview, it's just asking prepared questions that neither candidate has seen before. What does it matter whether a person from the liberal or conservative media reads it? Nobody is going to be grilling the candidates except maybe one another. And the whole idea of Charlie Gibson getting the interview with Sarah Palin is pretty sketchy. Gibson, by several accounts, is a right leaning pundit. He may not be overly blatant, but it's sort of a generally accepted fact. Why is he not being asked to move over? So he can lob softball questions to the hockey mom? Give me a break.

Condescending?

Ta-Nehisi Coates wrote up an interesting piece about whether Democrats condescend the working-class during election time. I would have to agree that I have never seen many, if any instances from major political figures. Sure, you may see it among a few pundits or some comedians, but actual political figures? Few and far between. Here is Coates' money quote:

"Still, whenever I hear these charges of liberal condescension they're almost always accompanied by what I would very generously call a sprinkling of examples. Clive only gives us a routine by comedian Bill Maher. For this to stick, I'd need to hear about Walter Mondale's condescension to working class voters, or Jimmy Carter's. It's true I hear a lot of Republicans invoking that charge, but I rarely hear actual examples. Interestingly enough, Clive doesn't believe that Obama fits the bill--and yet that's exactly how Karl Rove chose to paint Obama in his silly "country club" remarks."

OSU-USC

I just wanted to comment mindlessly on this week's big game. As an avid and loyal OSU fan, I've been looking forward to this game for some time. I've heard of the great match-ups from the past against USC and have seen footage of those games. But now the old rivals shall meet again. What does OSU bring? They bring veterans and experience. They played two games already, both of which should have been easy wins. The first was a cake walk, but the second was not. I'll chalk it up to looking ahead and simply being unmovtivated. Further, having realized their lack of passion in that game, I believe they will come out with a fire that we have not seen in some time. Second, OSU's star halfback will return after missing the second game with a toe injury. The evidence was clear that this team's offense does not run as well without Mr. Wells.
What does USC bring? They bring a great defense led by some of the best linebackers in the nation. They are big, strong, and fast. Their coach likes to take it to you with all kinds of blitzes and offensive schemes. His record at home is proof alone, amounting only 1 loss at him in his tenure. But I find that stat to be a little deceptive because they really have played no great teams at home. In any case, their offense, in my mind, is still an unknown. In their first game they destroyed a hapless team in the weakest conference in the country. That really didn't show me anything. So, I can't really say what this team is like on offense other than they have quite a lot of potential. Throw in the fact that they have been practicing for two weeks and lost any momentum from their first win, I don't know how this team will come out. Overall, I think it's going to be a great game. Prediction: Ohio State 27-USC 22.

Quote For The Day

A good quote for the many issues facing us in the upcoming election.
"Justice is conscience, not a personal conscience but the conscience of the whole of humanity. Those who clearly recognize the voice of their own conscience usually recognize also the voice of justice.”-Alexander Solzhenitsyn

Goodbye Coney Island

A piece of Americana is shutting it's doors for good. I was there once and have no intimate connection to it, but I recognize it's role in pop culture. Maybe they'll build a Starbucks there instead?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/coney_island

Muslim Perspectives

This is a very interesting read about the Muslim perspective of the RNC. Worth the read.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shahed-amanullah/looking-at-the-rnc-throug_b_124313.html

The Polls

I've been trying to keep an eye on the national polls lately just to see which candidate is moving in what direction and so forth. Of course, each person got a nice bounce following their party convention. But when will the real polls begin to show? I knew that Obama's sizable jump would not maintain itself, and I know McCain's slight lead will probably drop with time as well. But this led me to a question which has bothered me since McCain's VP nomination. If he can pick Governor Palin with only meeting her once, without properly vetting her, and still being fully confident in his selection, how can he be taken seriously? More importantly, how can somebody vote for somebody that reckless? Would you want somebody making those "gut" decisions when dealing with Russia or Iran? I sure wouldn't. But the polls reflect something more. I believe they reflect a grand denial from many GOP followers. Had McCain been a Democrat and selected Palin, they would have been lambasted, tared, and feathered. But when the GOP does it, it's perfectly legit. Is there no responsibility or accountability in their ranks? The polls surely reflect mostly base voters for the GOP. If the Palin choice actually swayed large numbers of people from the middle ground, then I have concerns.

Uppity

Ta-Nehisi rails on this congressman, and rightfully so:

"I wouldn't call the elitist charge racist. Certainly it's been used against non-black politicians, and no party has a monopoly on populism. But still:
"Just from what little I've seen of her and Mr. Obama, Sen. Obama, they're a member of an elitist-class individual that thinks that they're uppity," Westmoreland said.Asked to clarify that he used the word "uppity," Westmoreland said, "Uppity, yeah."
That would be Congressman Lynn Westmoreland. Comparing Michelle Obama and Sarah Palin. Incredible. The worse part is it isn't vague. Uppity is exactly the term white thugs and terrorists used to use for high-achieving blacks--right before they burned down their neighborhoods and ran them out of town. Only this time, they're going for the whole country,

UPDATE: Note that this is not anonymous "conservatives." This is not amorphous "Republican bloggers." This is not a strawman. This an elected member of the Congress who supports John McCain calling a woman from the South Side of Chicago, a mother of three two kids, and Ivy League grad, "uppity." And you guys want to rail about shadowy, uncited liberals "looking down" on Sarah Palin? You gotta be fucking kidding me. Cry me a river--and then go jump in it."

Old Conservatism

McCain's speech gave me some more time to reflect on what the GOP used to represent, since his speech seemed to be reflective of a career gone by instead of the future. It used to be a party for balanced budgets, government checks, strong and intelligent defense, and much more that I happen to agree with. The current neo-conservative wave has drawn me away from the party because it has nothing to do with what the more traditional conservatism stood for. It's a mere shell of itself that has emerged as a party for the theocrats. No longer is it a party based on logic and fair-handedness, but now it is the party of slander, partisan issues/tactics, division, demogaugery, and fear. I think that the pre-Reagan Republican will emerge again someday and I hope that they do. In my mind, that represents what the average American is. The current GOP is so rotted that it is beyond repair and needs to be scrapped and begun again. I truly believe that McCain was trying to appeal to those traditional beliefs last night, but I believe his party is too far gone to embrace them.

McCain's Speech

I must admit that his speech was nice in a sentimental kind of way. I don't mind the guy as a human being, and I think he's done some good things in his life. But didn't he seem pretty tired? I don't think he won over anybody that wasn't going to vote for him to begin with, but I believe he did energize more of the base. I did like the fact that he promoted bipartisan action, but who knows if that would actually work in the end. Overall, the only word that comes to mind is "nice".

Crowbar 1 Head 0

So, as a part of my duties today, I helped take some water samples for my engineering colleagues. Everything had been going great all day with no mishaps. But, of course, my luck (of which there is little) ran out and the crowbar I was using slipped from what I was pulling on and hit me in the head, creating a gash about an inch long. Needless to say, I looked like I had gotten into a fist fight with Freddy Kruger fairly quickly. Thanks crowbar, for making my day.

UPDATE: I don't know how many people carry around crowbars, but I got hit in the head, again, on High Street following the Ohio State football game, in the same spot. To hell with crowbars.

Quote For The Day

An apt quote for the down and out.
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you"-Woody Hayes

Meditative Writing

Do you ever try to figure out exactly what is going on in your head by writing down your thoughts? Do you often find some of your thoughts are hard to even figure out when you write them out? I think, in many ways, that writing these ideas and thoughts out is a kind of therarpy for people. Having a narrative meditation on the streamlining thought that runs through our heads every day can often lead to very interesting and productive self exploration and examination. Some of the writings (whether it be in blogs, diaries, or elsewhere) are so deep and reflective of somebody, that somebody else who reads them can gain true insight into that person or even themselves. Because, in the end, we all ultimately share a lot of the same qualities. It is, essentially, a living piece of the writer. A glimpse into the honest mind of somebody, unless they had planned for the diary to be read. Then we will never know if the thoughts were genuine. Those candid moments are what can be so interesting about a person, and I would encourage anybody to consider writing as a healthy exercise in understanding themselves. Susan Smalley wrote up a very interesting article on the idea, and I hope you will take the time to read it. Happy meditating!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/susan-smalley/writing-as-meditation_b_123836.html

Criminal Charges?

Amidst the RNC, Democratic VP nominee Joe Biden stated that he and Senator Obama could pursue criminal charges against this current administration if elected. I personally think the argument is valid since international as well as domestic laws have been blatantly violated for a number of years under this leadership. However, is it what we need as a country? Would this help bring us together again? I doubt it. In fact, I think many of the strong Bush supporters would be up in arms (literally) if this were to actually occur. But if justice were to prevail and be fair, then both Bush and several others deserve some punishment for what they have done. American leadership has never been accountable to anybody once in our history. Maybe it's because there has never been the amount of evidence as we have now to prove it. Either way, I believe it to be a legitimate exercise in the rule of law to puruse charges, I just don't know how good it is for the nation at large. I guess we will see what happens if the Obama/Biden ticket wins.

Pakistan

Recently, US troops entered Pakistani territory from Afganistan for a raid on a small village that was believed to be a hot bed of terrorist activity. Having learned of this, the Pakistani government was not pleased at all. Can you blame them? They just ousted America's best ally in the country in Musharef, and there is a growing sentiment of disdain for the American cause. Further, this US entry into the Northern Pakistani region simply shows no regard or concern for the current leadership in the nation. Pakistan is already in a delicate position and the last thing that is needed is MORE idiocy from our current leadership to destabalize the country further. Stay tuned on this.

Sullivan on Bush's RNC comments

Here is Andrew Sullivan's thoughts on what President Bush said in regard to torture (or lack there of) at the RNC last night. I think he hits the nail on the head and it is worth exploring further.

"I checked the transcript this morning and the biggest bombshell in this campaign so far, in my opinion, is the following section of Bush's speech:
John McCain's life is a story of service above self. Forty years ago, in an enemy prison camp, Lieutenant Commander McCain was offered release ahead of others who had been held longer.
His wounds were so severe that anyone would have understood if he had accepted.
John refused. For that selfless decision, he suffered nearly five more years of beatings and isolation. When he was released, his arms had been broken, but not his honor.
Fellow citizens, if the Hanoi Hilton could not break John McCain's resolve to do what is best for his country, you can be sure the angry left never will.
Now have you ever heard someone recount what was done to John McCain in the Hanoi Hilton and not use the word "torture"? I haven't. "Beatings and isolation" is a bizarre phrase to use to describe the torture that was done to John McCain. I'm sure McCain thinks so.
Am I being persnickety? As with the Trig story, there's a very easy way to find out - if the press will simply do its job. A White House reporter needs to ask the president, quite simply, if he believes that John McCain was tortured in Vietnam. Just ask. Use that specific word. See if he can answer.
The reason he put it this way, I infer, is that if he describes what was done to McCain as torture, he has incriminated himself for war crimes.
I repeat: The reason he put it this way is that if he describes what was done to McCain as torture, he has incriminated himself for war crimes.
Now prove me wrong. Please prove me wrong."

Well done Mr. Sullivan.

Pro v.s. College

I've often been asked what I prefer, and to me this is a very easy question: I prefer college sports. A lot of people agree with me and really don't get into pro sports except for maybe baseball. Is it because I grew up in a college town? Possibly. But to me, the college games--particularly football and basketball--provide so many more thrills and entertainment for me. Pro football means nothing to me because so many of the player act like idiots on and off the field (i.e. the Ocho Cinco name change). Also, the games just aren't interesting because players can frequently switch teams for bigger contracts. In college, you generally know who is going to be on your squad every year, thus making it easier to root for them. The same idea can be applied to college basketball. Who doesn't love filling out the brackets for March Madness and looking to see the next major "Cinderella" story to emerge from the tourney? The NBA sure doesn't do that for me. In fact, no pro sports league does it for me.

The RNC

Having only caught bits and pieces of the convention I can't give a very well thought out and complete opinion on the entire evening. However, I did see the televised Bush speech. It seemed to me like he was a man in political exile. I don't really believe he was managing anything related to Gustav, but it was simply a good excuse to keep him away. Also, there seem to be a lot of images and rhetoric that reflect a sentimental theme throughout the convention. Images of Ronald Reagan, chants for Teddy Roosevelt, and camera zooms on aging white folks really doesn't show me any indication for a true desire to change. All of this seems to harken back to the "good old days" as opposed to looking into the 21st century. Also, if the Dems win more seats in the senate, what will Lieberman do? I almost feel sorry for the guy....almost.

Quote For The Day

A little humor for the day, courtesy of Mr. Colbert.
"There’s a phrase we live by in America: “In God We Trust”. It’s right there where Jesus would want it: on our money." -Steven Colbert

Rogue Blogging?

We've recently had the issue of Governor Palin's daughter's pregnancy come to light by more mainstream media outlets. I, for one, am very much against any media source going against a candidate's family unless there is a just reasoning. I don't believe that the bloggers who went after Palin's daughter really had any reasoning to do so other than, maybe, contempt of some sort. The mainstream media outlets had not touched on the issue at all (although Hurricane Gustav was to thank for some of that) until these bloggers brought it up. I can see how it might raise some character issues about the governor, but I find that to be an out of bounds topic. There are plenty of other issues about her that can be called into question without having to stoop to digging up dirt on somebody's family. I say give it a rest and go after the real concerns.

Poem For Tuesday

WHEN WE TWO PARTED
by: Lord Byron
WHEN we two parted
In silence and tears,
Half broken-hearted
To sever for years,
Pale grew thy cheek and cold,
Colder thy kiss;
Truly that hour foretold
Sorrow to this.

The dew of the morning
Sunk chill on my brow--
It felt like the warning
Of what I feel now.
Thy vows are all broken,
And light is thy fame:
I hear thy name spoken,
And share in its shame.

They name thee before me,
A knell to mine ear;
A shudder comes o'er me--
Why wert thou so dear?
They know not I knew thee,
Who knew thee too well:
Lond, long shall I rue thee,
Too deeply to tell.

I secret we met--
I silence I grieve,
That thy heart could forget,
Thy spirit deceive.
If I should meet thee
After long years,
How should I greet thee?
With silence and tears.

Palin? continued

I think I've read enough about Governor Palin to come to the conclusion that she would not be healthy for the country as a VP if in the White House. Not only is she inexperienced in many ways, she has no intellectual curiosity. When asked what she thought of the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, she said (and I paraphrase) "if it was good enough for the Founders, then it's good enough for me." First, the Founders didn't add that line nor did they create the Pledge. It was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, and the words "under God" were added in 1954. If that isn't troublesome enough, the fact that she would not have an opinion of her own on the matter bothers me even more. There's, seemingly, a lack of intellectual curiosity that is very much like the current administration. Do we really want a VP who doesn't take time to think about things like this? While Obama might not have a wealth of experience to draw from, at least he has spent years thinking about such issues and he's also been in a hard fought campaign. What has she been through?

19,000

That is the number of people in the crowd that Senator Obama drew this past Saturday in Columbus, Ohio. At face value that number is not impressive to a lot of people. Having lived in Columbus for my entire life, that number is unheard of on a Saturday in which Buckeye football is king. For those of you who do not know, almost everything stops in Columbus on game day when Ohio State takes the field. Easily 200,000 people come to campus for the game and other events that might be related. Not everybody goes into the game, which leaves a large portion of that crowd left outside to tailgate or find a TV to watch the game. With that said, the fact that he could get that many people to come to a rally on a beautiful day when the Buckeyes were playing, really shows me that this guy is for real.