an Inconvenience to Consider :: REunited and REformed.

Today's must...

2009-03-10T19:52:00.001-04:00

By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
What if the crisis of 2008 represents something more fundamental than a recession, and 2008 was when we hit the wall - when Mother Nature and the market both said: "No more."

State of the Union, er State, or ...

2009-02-24T22:49:00.003-05:00

It’s been a long eight years. Some may argue for the better, some for the worst. I’d say it’s arguably the longest and most downtrodden political section of my life. Let alone foreign policy, the economy, education and No Child Left Behind, his tax cuts and fix while the economy continued to flail, Bin Laden still runs free, the United States is known for its inhumane stories at Guantanamo, Bush violated laws and constitutional limits on presidential power.

By golly, though, I’ll miss him. Not just due to the problems finding jobs or salvaging our foreign used-to-be-allies, but I don’t know who I’ll misunderestimate now… nor where I’ll find my entertainment when truly looking for news. Without Bushisms, I’m not sure what I’ll do.
I mean, I watched the quasi State of the Union Address tonight, and i almost didn't understand Obama's plans without "strategeries", or "misunderestimated" numbers, or “learned children”.

Let's reflect on some of President Bush’s greatest moments:

"People say, well, do you ever hear any other voices other than, like, a few people? Of course I do."—Washington, D.C., Dec. 18, 2008

"So I analyzed that and decided I didn't want to be the president during a depression greater than the Great Depression, or the beginning of a depression greater than the Great Depression."—Washington D.C., Dec. 18, 2008

"I've been in the Bible every day since I've been the president."—Washington, D.C., Nov. 12, 2008

"I remember meeting a mother of a child who was abducted by the North Koreans right here in the Oval Office."—Washington, D.C., June 26, 2008

"Anyone engaging in illegal financial transactions will be caught and persecuted."—Washington, D.C., Sept. 19, 2008

"Now, there are some who would like to rewrite history—revisionist historians is what I like to call them."—Elizabeth, N.J., June 16, 2003

and to end, because they're all so amazing[ly horrid], a quote that applies to tonight:

"And so, in my State of the—my State of the Union—or state—my speech to the nation, whatever you want to call it, speech to the nation—I asked Americans to give 4,000 years—4,000 hours over the next—the rest of your life—of service to America. That's what I asked—4,000 hours." —Bridgeport, Conn., April 9, 2002

To quote my friend Lindsay, no wonder we can't find jobs.. this man ran our country for eight years.

Presidential Rankings, C-Span styles.

2009-02-16T10:04:00.017-05:00

Thanks to a recent survey by C-Span, conducted with consult from 65 presidential historians, we have our most recent rating of the best and worst presidents.

According to the survey, Lincoln, Washington, and FDR were ranked as the top three presidents. Pierce, Andrew Johnson, and Buchanon brought up the end.

Interestingly, none of the Presidents from the 1990s or 2000s made the top ten... one made the bottom ten -President G.W.Bush, at number 36. Not too shabby, out of 42 so far (Obama was not included on the list). Personally, I think I'd be a bit upset if i found myself ranked under, or even with, Hoover (34th) or Tyler (35th).

According to a Wall Street Journal survey in 2005(Wikipedia ):

Another presidential poll was conducted by The Wall Street Journal in 2005, with James Lindgren of Northwestern University Law School for the Federalist Society.[6] As in the 2000 survey, the editors sought to balance the opinions of liberals and conservatives, adjusting the results "to give Democratic- and Republican-leaning scholars equal weight." Franklin D. Roosevelt still ranked in the top-three, but editor James Taranto noted that Democratic-leaning scholars rated George W. Bush the sixth-worst president of all time, while Republican scholars rated him the sixth-best, giving him a split-decision rating of "average".

Further, a survey conducted by Siena College of 744 professors reported the following:

* "George W. Bush has just finished five years as President. If today were the last day of his presidency, how would you rank him? The responses were: Great: 2%; Near Great: 5%; Average: 11%; Below Average: 24%; Failure: 58%."
* "In your judgment, do you think he has a realistic chance of improving his rating?” Two-thirds (67%) responded no; less than a quarter (23%) responded yes; and 10% chose no opinion or not applicable."

Although, not all of the past 30 years was a bust... Ronald Reagan topped the list at number ten, Bill Clinton came in at 15th, and George H.W. Bush ranked 18th. Jimmy Carter brought up this pack at at 25th, just above Nixon at 27th.

So, we've got in order:

Carter, 25th

Reagan, 10th

HWBush, 18th

Clinton, 15th

WBush, 36th

Mind you, I promise I'm not attacking GWBush or anyone for any reason, I just think this is interesting. Here's the C-Span site with results:
www.c-span.org/PresidentialSurvey/presidential-leadership-survey.aspx,

and read more about it here:
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2009/02/presidential_rankings_leadersh.html

More to come, later.

I promise I'm back now. Needed a break for a while - holidays, traveling, and starting a (few) new jobs.

A must few minutes of your day...

2008-12-17T18:12:00.002-05:00

Another Jib-Jab original. Gotta love WalMart...

annnnd

A message from the Treasury Department: Sponsor an Executive

American Dream, or downfall?

2008-12-16T23:48:00.000-05:00

[Sorry its been a while. Travels, jobs/unemployment, life.. you know.
I'll be back at it from now on. Also, I'm still writing for Lucy Mag so keep your eyes their for posts as well. This is more of an opinion/reaction piece than my normal writing style, but please read and comment as always.]

It's appalling to think that after the largest day of sales in the United States, we finally officially announce that we're in a recession. That's right - a mere two days after Black Friday 2008, on the official Internet Black Friday, the federal government stated officially that the United States is in a recession. Some reports state that should things continue as-is, it will be the largest and worst setback since the Great Depression of the 1930s. No matter who would be stepping in as the next President, he or she would have one of the toughest jobs facing a president in their first few months in office ever.

It's amazing to think that we, almighty Americans, with our geocapital market and every-man philanthropical pipe dreams, might need to hold back.
It seems that our overzealous and nonchalant thoughts and beliefs of the market, economy, and our own pocket size have caught up with us. So maybe that extra eleven passenger four wheel drive SUV for a family of four is overkill - we certainly look good driving it. And my big screen TV surely isn't good enough, as its thicker than a bridged dictionary. And heck, while we're at it, this house is less prominent than I feel we should live in. Let's re-mortgage everything so we can really stand for what we want to. Onward [and upward], American Soldiers, marching in a row, right into Wal*Mart to trample an employee to death, just to save a few dollars even before the store opens. Or, for that matter, we'll just take our guns and battle it out.

For some reason, our college graduates are entering the workforce, if they can get a job, tens of thousands, if not hundreds, of dollars in debt. Oddly, they're the same group of people racking up credit card debt. Is it lack of education, training, understanding, mere nonchalantness? I'm not sure why our youngest generations have cell phones, and credit cards (or access to use them), and the latest edition of the newest gaming system - I don't remember ever having such things, or as many options, growing up, not because they didn't exist or we couldn't afford them, but because they are not essential. And I'm not too far off from these kids.

We've become obsessed with what we can have.
I've heard stories from friends, of kids stealing their parent's credit cards, reporting them stolen, and then later trying to reactivate them, for their use, at their convenience.
We've become obsessed with self growth and wealth.
A local grocery-store chain made an offer on a non-prime location, even over the asking price of the owners, but was denied the property because a "Supersized"', "Large", "Big", ... got it? ... grocery store more than doubled the offer from the local store, just to keep out the competition. The giant (get it?) chain had a store a few miles down the road, but could not see losing such an opportunity to shutout a business that clearly could not compete.

Our proud-to-be-American car companies have known for years that foreign competition was brining smaller and more versatile options to the market. It's obvious - my second car (in 2000) was a mid-80's VW that was dwarfed by the majority of domestic cars from the same time period. That's not to say that the car companies weren't making what demand asked for, but it is to say that maybe a little foresight is better than hindsight. Now we're faced with the dilemma of a flailing (and failing...) American auto industry and its owners and CEOs. If it were a small business, like my friend's local market, most owners would dump their lives into their businesses to keep them afloat and save them. Yet, here we are with the bigwigs of the auto industry asking the federal government for help from their private jets. I don't think they'll be selling their Italian leather shoes and Persian suits, let alone their private jets and getaways, to save the companies they represent. But represent they should.

If I remember correctly, GM announced more than a month ago, that the production of most SUVs, trucks, and even the Hummer brand, would be downsized or even cut. Yet we're seeing more and more 2009 and 2010 models being released, and plans for future SUVs and trucks in the making. Some car dealerships are offering "buy one get one free" deals with their large vehicles. The last thing I bought with that offer was a box of cereal, if I remember correctly... My point is this - we're able to offer such deals in the auto industry, or the housing market, or the banking with financing, loans, etc., yet now we're surprised we're sinking in a rut? I think it's obvious that our lifestyles have led us to our demise.

I'm not sure when these ideals took over our nation, our way of life. Sure we've always been the best of the best, topping out the top of... you name it. But when did our stupidity outrun our ideology? Why must we have the newest, greatest thing, just to get by? But yes, on top of all of this, we're finally realizing that maybe we should hold back, maybe we should be frugal and thoughtful on our spending and gluttony. And when we decide that maybe we should not be so thoughtless with our spending and we actually find the bottoms of our pockets, it's too late - we're failing to uphold what it means to be American, and our economy plummets. It seems that maybe we've woken up from the American Dream, and we've realized the realities of its dark corners.

Hope, with a new day.

2008-11-05T11:57:00.001-05:00

I've been unhappy for eight years. I cannot fathom the fact that we may now have a president who stands and fights for what we believe in. Hearing discussions of plans and ideals for this new administration while incorporating many of the things we all stand for is beyond my comprehension. All this, after eight years of President Bush.

It's not a revelation like the civil rights movement, or women’s voting rights; it is a revelation of a new kind. I am reveled to know we have a president who is what we elected; he is not a president for the people but by and of the people.

We are watching videos from Australia, Greece, Japan, Indonesia, France, Kenya, England, Iran, China, … the world is celebrating a new leader that hope will bring them change as well.
Hope. Hope that will change America; hope that will provide support and change around the world. Kenya names a new national holiday. Iran announces hope for better understanding from the west and east worlds. France and England, that the United States will once again stand up, fight, and lead as it should in this world. We’ve put aside our hard-edged partisanship and banded together to prove once again, how great of a nation we are. Obama: “Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.”

No matter on which side you stand, the energy and excitement of these days is enveloping. We need not be afraid of a separated people if we can all continue our undying support and charisma in the coming times.

America is the land of the free, the home of the brave. “This is your answer,” Obama said, if you believe that anyone can achieve anything in America. We have moved on as a nation, beyond our bickering and strong lines separating us. We will put our hands on the arc of history, and once again bend it towards a better day.

“To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.”

It is morning in America; it is a new day.

(I hope none of you missed the acceptance speech made by President Elect Obama, if you did, or if you’d like to rewitness it: http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/obama.transcript/?imw=Y&iref=mpstoryemail)

It's been a long haul, but here we are.

Today's must...

2008-10-31T11:06:00.003-04:00

Today's must: Editorial about spending in McCain and Obama campaigns. Very, very interesting... and revealing.

New York Times - With Ambitious Campaign, Obama Is Both Big Spender and Penny Pincher

Race or Sex: Which is the winning card?

2008-10-29T13:21:00.002-04:00

We are no longer growing closer and closer to the 2008 Presidential Election by the month, week, day; we are growing closer by the hour, minute, second. It's less than a week away now, and still we are debating and arguing over points that seem less than important to the whole picture.

So what, you ask, will make or break this election for either party? What could and probably will sway this election more than any other factor? No, it's not that McCain will suddenly come out as a Muslim, or that Obama will admit that he's actually a socialist - either way those two are arranged, they're both false...

In these final days, what is coming subtly to the forefront is the attention to racism and sexism. Both parties have the advantage, or disadvantage, here... it's more than obvious that the Republican ticket has been playing the sexism card since the beginning - even since their plan to only allow a few interviews with high-profile media personnel backfired. And we all know that Barack Obama is a tad less than 100% Anglo-Saxon.

Why is it okay for the Republican party to play the sexism card, accusing the other side of being sexist any time they try to attack Sarah Palin, yet every single speech she gave in these last few days seems to be negative (and mostly false, but that's another story) towards the other side? It seems her false interpretation of Obama's tax plans or economic ideas are perfectly fine to publicly announce, yet should the Democrats call her out on an idea, they are accused of sexism. And let's not forget the fact that the Republicans have called votes against their ticket sexism...

Interesting. After years of mocking the Democratic party, women's rights groups, and especially men fighting for women's rights, it seems the Republican party has discovered feminism.¹ Somehow, any words against or questioning Palin's knowledge and experience are now sexist issues. I'm sorry, but the last time I checked, I was most concerned about a presidential or vice presidential candidate's views, knowledge, and experience - not his or her number of X chromosomes.

And I’m pretty sure that sexism is about reducing a woman to her body, her motherhood, her beauty, or her … you get the picture - things that make her inferior simply because she’s a woman. I’m sorry, but the last time I checked, questioning a political candidate’s experience, knowledge, and readiness has something to do with their political campaign. If someone comes up short on the latter, she shouldn’t be allowed to claim she’s being attacked because of the former. They really aren’t related.

I don't care who you are, Republican or Democratic, male or female, black or white - no one can deny the fact that a limited understanding and knowledge of international and national affairs, economics, taxes, and healthcare systems cannot be called sexism.

Recently, a plan to assassinate Obama and 88 black individuals was foiled by the ATF.² Really? That cannot be directly related to his views on economics, foreign policy, or alternative energies...it seems to include other individuals. And then there's the fact that it comes from a skinhead group... And the fact that he's black... No, this must be related to his tax cut plan.

The NAACP yesterday announced a lawsuit towards the Virginia government with regard to voting booth numbers. They are concerned that, with the large numbers of recently registered voters (mostly black) there will not be enough time nor voting machines for all residents of Virginia to cast their votes come next Tuesday. Let's see how long it takes for the Republicans to call this "playing the race card." Even FOXNews picked this up: Click here to read their report.

Additionally, McCain's repeated television ads attempting to call out Obama's experience, especially of community organizer, are clearly racist. Palin even said, "I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a "community organizer," except that you have actual responsibilities."³

So which is it. Which will prove itself as the greatest campaign-ruining fact - race, or sex? Sexism seems to get the most attention, the most scolding and yet this breed of political sexism has its own double standards.

Palin herself scoffed at Hillary Clinton's campaign, when it triedto use the sexism card.⁴ Again, I say interesting. She tried to call sexism on Obama, for using the same phrase (lipstick, pitbulls, pigs...) I'm sure we'll all remember for years to come that her running mate used similar wording less than a year ago.⁵ I'm sorry, but that's not sexism. (But maybe making rape victims pay for their own rape kits is?⁶)

No, I'm sorry. This attempt to bring sexism into the ticket is nothing more than a typical card played by the Republican party. Remember, these are the people who brought you "compassionate conservatism," "time horizons," "No Child Left Behind" and yes, even, "Pro-Life."

(Source: Reuters)

But what about the fact that Reuter's runs sexist pictures of Palin? For some reason I have trouble believing this one. Sure, you can try and play it out as you like, but should a picture like that be run of Joe Biden, I'm sure we wouldn't notice. I saw the picture when it came out; as a photographer I thought it was great framing, actually reveled in the thought of a good shot. I thought it captured the essence of the woman candidate, with people looking up to her - not sexist perverts in Pennsylvania looking up her skirt.

Another picture problem arose when Newsweek's cover printed what the Republicans called an unflattering picture of Palin. Excuse me, what?

The Republican Party immediately jumped on the issue, claiming that Newsweek was trying to hinder her campaign. Republicans even called the picture a "slap in the face" to Palin. "Why? Because it's unretouched. It highlights every imperfection that every human being has. We're talking unwanted facial hair, pores, wrinkles."⁷

(Source: Newsweek)

Palin is even having trouble within her own party. As they try to play down the $150,000 spent on her wardrobe, Palin keeps it alive. Within her own party she's referenced as a "diva."⁸ It seems Palin sees herself as the next leader of the Republican Party. She's trying to save her own political career and not that of her partner and party. How dare her. Or wait, sorry, that's probably sexist.⁹ They're also calling her a wackjob-is that sexist too?

It doesn't matter which party will play their cards the best. Clearly, the United States and its people have set the standards for what we view as racist and sexist. So has the Republican Party. Sadly, it seems the country may not be able to move on past all of these issues by November 4. The Republicans are trying to change definitions, and I commend you, Democratic Party, for not playing their game. With a week to go, I hope you keep it up. Don't let them bask in their double standards; if you aren't playing cards, neither should they.

1 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122058255216602625.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
2 http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/elections/national/ATF_Says_it_Has_Disrupted_Skinhead_Plot_to_Assassinate_Obama.html
3 http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/4/02739/39108/335/585475
4 http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0908/13129.html
5 http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/215162.php
6 http://www.feministing.com/archives/010930.html
7 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/sarahpalin/3171956/Sarah-Palin-Newsweek-criticised-for-unflattering-cover.html
8 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/10/27/ST2008102702695.html
9 http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/27/palin.tension/index.html

For justice for all

2008-10-28T00:13:00.001-04:00

So I’m stepping out of my normal pattern to write to you, because I feel it must be done. I’m not going to write to you, in hopes to sway you one way or the other. My blogs of information pointing out positive or negative attributes to either major party of the election will go on hold for the next few days, because it’s time for us to band together.

Regardless of your opinions or feelings either way in this 2008 presidential election, I hope that you’ll step back and listen, as this goes out to all.

I have a sad feeling that this election will be decided not by those swing voters alone, but by those voting within their party lines because that’s what they know. I’ve traveled over a thousand miles in the past week, from Pennsylvania to New Hampshire and back, and I am saddened to see the same patterns as before.

My point is this - voting within your party lines because that’s what you know and are comfortable with will in no way help resolve any problems we have, currently are having, and will face in the future. Basing your voting on whatever party you are from will not help decide the best candidate for the presidency.

Elections are not competitions for voters, no matter what the parties and candidates may try and tell you. Yes, they are competitions for the candidates themselves, but it is up to us to listen, decide, and elect the best possible candidate to the office of president. A candidate may win the competition, but without proper consideration and decisions made by the people, we may lose. By blindly voting for a candidate because they stand as the choice for our parties, we may unintentionally give the power and control of the presidency to someone who is not the best-suited individual.

I ask that in the ever dwindling days before the election, we all reassess and examine our choices for every office we are voting - president, state representative, or local offices. Think about the issues that really matter to you, your family, and the nation as a whole, and look at the candidates and where they stand. Read their platforms and plans on education, foreign policy, health care, and spending, don’t just listen to the television and radio ads - look it up for yourself.

Step back from whatever position you have and listen again to the debate performances, look at the ads he supported, and examine the ideals for which each candidate stands. Look at the styles, understanding, air, and approach of their public appearance, presentation, and acceptance.

I hope you base your decisions and votes on your personal feelings, beliefs and considerations. I hope that come Election Day, you have a good understanding of both (major) candidates and where they stand on the issues, so that come the next president’s term, we do not find ourselves questioning our decisions again.

No matter which way you decide to vote, I hope you do it with confidence and complete consideration. When asked why you support one issue or another, I hope you’ll be able to answer with interest and knowledge, and the willingness to debate and discuss.

Today's must read

2008-10-12T22:55:00.001-04:00

A little older, but today's must read:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/28/us/politics/28gambling-web.html?_r=1&ei=5070&emc=eta1&oref=slogin

McCain - Lieberman '08... ?

2008-10-11T00:09:00.003-04:00

So there's this thing that I've discussed with a select few. Something I've been afraid to formulate in my head; something I've been afraid to consider; something I'm more afraid of than a McCain-Palin ticket.

What's this, you ask?

A McCain-Lieberman ticket.

It scares me because its something I wouldn't put past the Republican party. Not that I feel it would be a worse ticket, nor do I feel it would be a better ticket, it's the mere fact that I wouldn't put it past the Republican GOP to have that planned out that eats at me the most. Shrugging aside the Palin plan for another running mate is just something they'd do. It's a "gotcha" point, as McCain would say - it easily could be a real deal.

The McCain-Lieberman ticket is an idea that came to me in a discussion with an annoyed Republican - it wasn't me annoying her, but the past thirty or so years of her party. She's a secretary at a local college, and was considering voting across party lines this year; that is, until she switched parties.

Here's the scenario:

The Republicans use Palin as the vice presidential "running mate," not because of her experience, gusto, or her similar-to-McCain views, but for what she "stands for." She's a strong female character in a predominately male-ruled position. By selecting her as a running mate, the Republicans hoped to pull in lots of votes from the undecided: the ticked-off Hillary supporters, the democrats not sure where to stand, the Republican women homemakers, the racists. You name it, that was their goal.

The plan?

She's recently had a baby. No one can argue that fact. Her teenage daughter is pregnant and unmarried (for now). Her husband is a hard-working man who couldn't possibly leave his job or his "snow machine racing." He's also connected to some Independent Party of Alaska calling for the recession of Alaska from the Union. No, I'm not poking fun at any of these nor am I overplaying them - they're all facts, and have been in the news and they're easy for anyone to find. There's more out there, but you get the picture.

I could see Palin dropping out closer to November 4 due to personal issues that she needs to attend to (the list above).

The GOP names a new running mate. And the pick?

Joe Lieberman.

He's been with McCain since the beginning. He's been there, in the background of almost every interview McCain has given. He's been one of the first faces seen and interviewed after rallies, speeches, debates, and even the Republican Convention. He goes everywhere with McCain. Interestingly enough, Palin does not. She is only present at larger-scale events. And when it came to the question of Palin being ready to serve as vice president should something horrible should happen to McCain, Lieberman was the one reporters asked. His response? "John's in good health, ... but yeah she'll be ready." Ready, because she wouldn't be on the ticket?

It seems that Sarah Palin stays in the background, doing what is necessary for her to be "ready" to possibly serve as vice president (see: bonding with Joe Six-Pack). When she does give an interview, such as the embarrassing and degrading ones with a harmless news anchor such as Katie Couric (search YouTube or iTunes if you missed them), it seems like she's on her own. You'd think she could handle it--I mean, come on. She's the vice presidential candidate for one of the two largest (only?) political parties in the United States of America. I think she can handle it, if she's going to be in the room making life- and world-changing decisions with the top leaders from around the globe.

But she wasn't alone. McCain was there--in the room--for the Couric interviews. He stepped in at one point, calling questions loaded and "gotcha" points, taking the time to explain how Palin could handle herself and didn't need help from such questions. Wait, what?

Fact: Since Biden was named as VP running mate with Barack Obama, he's given nearly 100 press interviews. Palin, named less than a week later, has given three. (The Week, 10/8/2008)

But, I digress.

With the recent release of the findings on the Palin power abuse scandal, it seems the only viable option for McCain and the Grand Old Party is to pick a new running mate. I wonder who it will be...

An excerpt from the previous post

2008-10-09T15:59:00.004-04:00

God is apparently on the side of the Republicans (who could have guessed..), judging by McCain's rally at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA and the prayer preceding his .. sermon?

This was the prayer to the gathered:

"O God, we are in a battle that is raging for the soul of this nation," the preacher said. "You, O God, have raised up Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin for such a time as this." The preacher went on: "Help them, O God, to strengthen our economy, to keep our taxes and spending low . . . and grant them the privilege of being elected the next president and vice president."

Clearly, the rest of us are sinners.

Today's must read

2008-10-09T10:08:00.000-04:00

again, worth every minute:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/08/AR2008100803601_2.html?nav=rss_print/asection&sid=ST2008100900063&s_pos=

New read for all, worth your 5 minutes

2008-10-08T17:32:00.001-04:00

Today's must read:
Politics of Attack, from the NYTimes, October 8 2008.

Excerpt:

Ninety minutes of forced cordiality did not erase the dismal ugliness of his campaign in recent weeks, nor did it leave us with much hope that he would not just return to the same dismal ugliness on Wednesday.

Ms. Palin, in particular, revels in the attack. Her campaign rallies have become spectacles of anger and insult. “This is not a man who sees America as you see it and how I see America,” Ms. Palin has taken to saying.

Just a short.

2008-10-02T12:41:00.004-04:00

A quote I enjoyed from The Daily Show last night:

Jon Stewart: I like this whole Sarah Palin show [after clips of Katie Couric interviews]; it's like the first season of LOST only it makes less sense.

Ha. How true.

Further, a speech, a president, a vice president.. is supposed to inspire. To make us think, to make us believe, to give us goosebumps. Like Dwight D. Eisenhower's farewell address to the nation, and countless others.

These things are supposed to make us think, to open our eyes, to inspire us to achieve more; stand up for what's right in this world, and fight what's not. Not make us question our choice of Vice Presidential candidates, to the point of news-hosts having more experience and knowledge on almost all issues than the candidate. I'm tired of hosts calling Palin's performances embarrassing and degrading to the American public.
I'm sad that her running mate / presidential nominee has to step in to protect her from relentless badgering by those very hosts that he and their party approved.

What do we think this is? What can we call this?

Clearly there is much reasoning for the GOP's choice of Palin, but it has yet to be shown to the general public as far as I can tell. I've watched every interview and read every article i could, in as many sources as possible. I've tried to be non-judgmental while reading and listening, but its just embarrassing. All we've seen is the Republican party pointing out why Biden (and Obama) are bad choices; where is the support for your own? What she supposedly stands for is not what she speaks for, not what her record shows.

Her novelty of woman-hunter-mother has worn off. More and more reports show skepticism of her is rising and support is falling. Her first impressive speech was just that, impressive. But as time goes on and she's placed in front of cameras or questions, without her teleprompter she's slowly deteriorating. She's stumbling in what should be her strongest time ever, when her party and running mate need her most. She's failing to do exactly what she needs to be doing. And no, it's not just a learning curve - there shouldn't be a learning curve at this stage. If you're ready to be Vice President, standing tall ready to take the role of President, there should be no time for learning the system, the projects and people you need to know.

There should be no rule-changes in the first and only vice presidential debate, disallowing questioning between candidates. If you're not confident in your vice presidential choice, confident enough for her to go out and speak on her own without influence, input, or protection in whatever way possible, then we're not confident in it either. We're not caught up in the hype about the first woman candidate, or that she has children, or that she's a hunter, or that she was president of the PTA. Those things can only distract for so long, and the time has run out.

The novelty has worn off, and the reality is slowly settling.
As much as I'm excited for tonight's debate, which I hope will reveal much about BOTH vice presidnetial candidates, I'm scared. I'm worried that I'm going to be embarrassed, let down, undermined, again. The person you've chosen to represent us is all but prepared to take the role you've handed her.

Even she seems worried. She seems stressed. She seems to realize just how underqualifed and unprepared she is.

And that, my friends, is not a good sign.

Series of Truths, Part III: Palin..Excuse me, what?

2008-10-01T23:07:00.011-04:00

It's interesting to note how the two candidates are handling their VP choices.

Barack Obama's running mate, Biden, is constantly giving press interviews, speaking on his own in public to media sources about such topics as foreign policy, the economy, and campainging around the United States, for the most part, on his own. Standing up for issues that the two believe in, and explaining their views on European and Middle Eastern issues. Sure, he's made some comments that differ from the opinions of Obama, but they're not the person. Of course they're going to differ.

John McCain, on the other hand, has recently sat in on interviews with Palin and Katie Couric, where he accused her of making "Gotcha" pointsPalin calls herself a "Maverick", just like JOhn McCain, but yet cannot be questioned by more than the few select media sources that the Republican campaign managers decide on.. because she's still learning. Rephrasing questions as answers doesnt get you anywhere but further in the hole. And answering a question siding with Obama, while you're running mate is right next to you in an interview; then asked to explain why your answer differs from his... and he steps in, explaining that she's not speaking out of line and that what she said isn't what she really said.. and that she knows what she's talking about, and can handle it herself.

Excuse me, what?

Joe Biden is reported as possibly not helping out Obama's campaign, as it may point out his lack of experience with foreign policy. Biden is chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, and has been in the senate for 35 years.

Sarah Palin is showing us just what inexperience is. Good to note that her running mate is very experienced. And a war hero. And repeatedly points out how Obama isn't experienced.

Excuse me, what?

People scoffed at Major Rudy Guiliani as a presidential/vice candidate, as his only experience was as major of New York City. Now, we have Sarah Palin, whom is known as a reformer who will stand up against her fellow republicans.
Let's review her major points, or better yet, her flip-flops.

PIPELINE TO NOWHERE ~ The project that Palin credits herself for, that has also been stalled for decades, seems to have problems. Apparently, when you forget to check with local tribes if they’re OK with a pipeline running through their lands, you may run into problems. Not to mention the lack of planning.

Regardless. It seems Palin has (also) over exaggerated the Pipeline’s accountability and progress.
Certainly [Palin] proved effective in attracting developers to a project that has eluded Alaska governors for three decades. But an examination of the pipeline project also found that Ms. Palin has overstated both the progress that has been made and the certainty of success. The pipeline exists only on paper. The first section has yet to be laid, federal approvals are years away and the pipeline will not be completed for at least a decade. In fact, although it is the centerpiece of Ms. Palin’s relatively brief record as governor, the pipeline might never be built, and under a worst-case scenario, the state could lose up to $500 million it committed to defray regulatory and other costs. (http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/2008/09/11/palin_pipeline/?source=refresh)

MAN and CAUSING GLOBAL WARMING ~So at first, man had nothing to do with global warming – it was once again, something of God’s will. Yet now, it doesn’t quite matter whether or not man has something to do with global warming, it now only matters that it exists. Hmm… (http://climatechangetoday.wordpress.com/2008/09/12/palin-flip-flops-on-whether-global-warming-has-man-made-causes-falsely-claims-she-never-suggested-otherwise)

TAXES ~ Sarah Palin, on response to Joe Biden’s statement that paying taxes is “patriotic”, responded with the following:
Palin states that raising taxes are "about killing jobs and hurting small businesses and making things worse.” http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/99525/biden_on_palin%27s_tax_retort:_%27give_me_a_break%27/

And that’s why to not vote for Obama. It’s interesting, I wonder if she’s reviewed McCain’s (and her own) tax policies compared with Obama’s. Obama’s tax cuts will save the average American familiy up to $1118; McCain’s will save a mere $325 (factchek.org)…

BRIDGE TO “NoWHERE” ~ "Thanks but no thanks" has recently - as in, since she joined the GOP ticket - been Palin's stance on the Bridge To Nowhere, stating that she had always been against the bridge, and had even refused and returned all the funds given for the project. But. Once again, Palin's views may be skewed by the confusing role of VP candidate she has undertaken, because as many sources can provide proof, Palin originally supported fully the Bridge.
She would continue state funding for the bridge because she wanted swift action on infrastructure projects. "The window is now while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist," she said. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/31/palin-flip-flopped-on-inf_n_122843.html)

EARMARKS ~ Here we are again. She stands to fight earmarks and poor spending in Congress, yet:
Just this year, she sent to Sen. Ted. Stevens, R-Alaska, a proposal for 31 earmarks totaling $197 million — more, per person, than any other state.

But by 2000, into her second term, the city had hired a Washington, D.C., lobbyist, Steven Silver, a former aide to Stevens, then the ultimate rainmaker as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

advertising

"She was hungry for earmarks just like everybody else," said Larry Persily, who worked at the Alaska state office in Washington, D.C., until earlier this year.

Read even more, as there’s too much to type. (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008154532_webpalin02m.html)

COAL ~Palin's statements in early September differ from those from when she was governor.
She recently stated:
Starting in January, in a McCain-Palin administration, we're going to lay more pipelines ... build more new-clear plants ... create jobs with clean coal ... and move forward on solar, wind, geothermal and other alternative sources.

However, back when she was just Governor, her views differed. And she was very public about them:
As governor, Palin vetoed wind power and clean coal projects, including a 50-megawatt wind farm on Fire Island and a clean coal facility in Healy... (http://www.wvablue.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3050)

We've never had a Vice President candidate that couldn't step up and talk about experience, views, foreign policy, the economy, earmark and pork-barrel spending..... before the Vice Presidential Debate. Which, my friends, is slated for tomorrow night.

I’m excited, and can’t wait to have more for you.

Obama Profile Picture

2008-09-28T22:48:00.008-04:00

Please feel free to use the following picture as your profile picture for Facebook, Myspace, or anywhere else you have a profile!!

Thanks for your support.

Series of Truths, Part II: Palin and Foreign Policy

2008-09-26T15:54:00.001-04:00

So I’m at it again. I’m again contemplating how Sarah Palin could possibly be a good, or ready, vice presidential running mate for John McCain.

This time, I turn to her leadership and foreign policy—and how she’s being pampered by McCain and his conservative buddies. For McCain to constantly pursue the notion that Barack Obama is not ready nor prepared to be the President of the United States, and then choose Sarah Palin as his running mate, completely blows my mind. How can anyone in his right mind make BOTH of these statements?

Even Laura Bush stated that Palin lacks sufficient foreign policy experience but not to worry as Palin is “a quick study.” She stated to CCN reporters that Palin has “a lot of really good common sense”. When asked if she thought Palin had sufficient foreign policy experience, Mrs. Bush said: “Of course she doesn’t have that. You know, that’s not been her role, but I think she is a very quick study, and fortunately John McCain does have that sort of experience.” 1

Even Palin suggested that her foreign policy experience is nowhere near enough to lead the nation, when she claimed that she could see Russia from her bedroom window. Nebraska Republican Senator Chuck Hagel said it right, stating that Palin lacks in foreign policy experience and calls it a “stretch” to say she’s qualified to be president. “I think they ought to be just honest about it and stop the nonsense about, ‘I look out my window and I see Russia and so therefore I know something about Russia,’” he said. “That kind of thing is insulting to the American people.” 2

After her main experience of being near Russia, Palin obtained a passport in 2006 and visited soldiers in Kuwait. Her plane refueled in Ireland. She went on vacation in Mexico. Many study abroad students have seen more countries and interacted with more foreign people than Palin has.

Her only other foreign policy experience was just recently, in planned out meetings set up by McCain’s campaign—with international leaders who just happened to be in New York for the UN. Palin had private meetings with Pakistani Presiden Asif Ali Zardari, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, and joint meetings (with McCain) with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh; the two had previously met with Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili and Ukrainian President Viktor Yuschenko.

So, she’s ready to be vice president; she’s met with the world’s leaders (only five…?), from the world’s most important countries. Once. And notice, of course, those chosen—Pakistan, Iraq, Georgia, India. What, exactly, is the agenda of the Republican Party? We’re all Georgians, remember?

Oh, and the “fundamentals of the economy are strong.” But that’s another story.

Let’s talk foreign policy for a(nother) second. Joe Biden held a press conference and discussed his views, experience, and knowledge of foreign policy. For almost forty-five minutes. I’d like to see Sarah Palin do that. He spoke continually on every country in our radar. Names, dates, figures, plans. What needs to be done, what is being done, and what isn’t working. Biden knows his stuff. Palin? Don’t worry, the Iraq war is God’s work. We’ll be O.K. Her views on Russia, Israel, India, Pakistan, the Taliban, China, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sudan, … haven’t heard them. Maybe McCain will hire me to talk with her.

Biden ripped into McCain’s policies, calling him the “Odd Man Out,” since even President Bush has sided with Obama and other congressional leaders in finally developing a timeline and exit strategy for Iraq. McCain’s side? We’ll be there indefinitely.

McCain won’t even meet with the Prime Minister of Spain, of a country that’s a NATO ally and has troops side by side with our own in Afghanistan. Rather, he calls him out as one of our enemies that wants to “do us harm.” John McCain is the only one who opposes direct talks with foreign leaders, especially with Iran, going against almost all current leaders, and even past ones - including Henry Kissinger and Colin Powell. 3

His plan for Iran? Stop all nuclear programs and then we’ll talk about your nuclear programs. Wait, what?

Shall I continue? No, no, this is about Palin. Sorry.

Since announced as McCain’s running mate, Palin has only granted two interviews, one town hall meeting, and given zero press conferences. From Marc Ambinder’s political blog:

A senior McCain campaign official advises that, despite the gaggle of requests and pressure from the media, Gov. Sarah Palin won’t submit to a formal interview anytime soon. She may take some questions from local news entities in Alaska, but until she’s ready - and until she’s comfortable - which might not be for a long while - the media will have to wait. The campaign believes it can effectively deal with the media’s complaints, and their on-the-record response to all this will be: “Sarah Palin needs to spend time with the voters.” 4

Clearly, the McCain Train (I’ll coin that. Anyone want shirts?) is afraid. Afraid of what might become of them, should the general public realize whom they’ve picked to represent the republican party, afraid of what might happen to her should she be placed in front of cameras and reports, afraid because they had almost no knowledge about the person they chose as McCain’s running mate. Keeping her in the deep freeze will hide the fact that she has no real set ideas or plans with regards to domestic policy, let alone foreign policy, as even Palin herself has laid out.

By hiding Palin from reporters, press conferences, meetings, and by limiting the questions at the vice presidential debate, the Republican Party is all but announcing Palin’s inexperience and admitting that she is not ready to lead.

Rick Davis, McCain’s campaign manager, gave the game away when he said on “Fox News Sunday” that she would not meet with reporters until they showed a willingness to treat her “with some level of respect and deference.” 5

Even her friends from the great state of Alaska aren’t happy. A lady from Anchorage, AK said she had never seen anything like it in the seventeen years she has lived there, when over 1400 demonstrators showed up, to show that not all of Alaska is like, or likes, Palin. Check out the Photo Gallery at Bigfolio.com.

Did you know that Palin changed the laws, making sure that Alaskan women who are given a rape kit must pay for it? Or how about her attempting to get a policeman fired because of his history with her family and friends? Or how about her connections, although denied, to the same lobbyists that currently have an Alaskan Congressmen under investigation? Gosh, there’s just too much to write.

Even McCain has recently avoided talking. At one of his “Straight Talk Express” meetings, reports slung questions at him with hopes of him demonstrating the Straight Talk he stands for and to help explain his stance and understanding (or lack there of) of the economic crisis. 6 Nada, zilp, nothing. When someone yelled to him, “Is this the no-talk express?” McCain just smiled, and boarded the bus.

And when he does finally talk, he’s most likely flipflopping-it seems McCain (and Palin) can’t agree on anything. They had a great understanding of her and her policies when they chose her as VP, but once it got down to the convention and her real self was revealed, whoooooa boy. How many different views can the two have, then share, then differ, and back around again? I’m pretty sure if I were to be picking someone meant to back me up and possibly replace me, I’d want to know right away what they stood for, stand for, believe in, whether or not their daughter is pregnant, and what they had for breakfast. But (as always) that’s another issue. Same with his understanding of Germany and Putin. 7

With all the heat that the Republican Party has constantly thrown at the Democrats, specifically Hillary Clinton and other female leaders, you think they’d expect them to return the favor. Or, maybe they do, and realize what a poor pick for Vice President they have made.

1 http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080924/ap_on_el_pr/palin_4
2 http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132×7103841
3 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/24/biden-rips-mccain-on-zapa_n_128923.html
4 http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/09/no_interviews_till_shes_ready.php
5 http://www.ncpolitico.com/mccain-campaign-palin-not-ready-lead
6 http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/01/mccains_previou.html
7 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfealLrWLIY
http://bigshow.bigfolio.com/?s=000011662&t=0e6a8ae03101be65098418ccb735e4a1

Part I : Palin and energy

2008-09-11T00:34:00.002-04:00

So I’m really getting wrapped up in trying to write all my thoughts down about this election—and especially Sarah Palin. I’m continually struggling to find reasons for the Republican choice of Mrs. Palin as their VP candidate. A few reasons blatantly stand out, while some clear red flags pop up. I’m going to write these in a series, to explain why the McCain/Palin ticket is the wrong choice without giving you readers a headache—there’s so much to write on.

During the Republican convention, when Palin was being discussed and introduced, the only two traits that really stood out as *possible* positive attributes to her serving a public office were the fact that she is known as an “energy expert” and a “reformer.” Sure, we need some energy style reformation, but I have yet to see any form of alternative energies in her repertoire. She supports exploring drilling at home, specifically in the remote wilderness of Alaska’s ANWR area—not all too bad of an idea, but what exploration into alternative energies does she support or stand for? Under Palin, every resident of Alaska gets approximately $1000 from oil companies each year…Why does she support further drilling in Alaska?

Even the great T. Boone Pickens recognizes the need to the end the United State’s dependency on foreign oil. His plan, as his website outlines, includes cutting our dependency on foreign oil but at the same time investing, exploring, and using alternative energies, because the simple fact of using “domestic” oil will not last more than 60 years, let alone be a solution to energy problems.

As top of the ticket, considering his connections to big oil, his voting records, and his obvious opposition to alternative energies (although very outspoken of his concern for the environment), it’s clear to see that the McCain/Palin ticket is not the correct choice for those concerned about the environment, atmosphere, and the future of American energy sources.

It’s obvious that Palin will not be making the policies should the Republican ticket win come November 2008. McCain has a 24% lifetime approval rating from the League of Conservation Voters and has been voted the lowest-ranking lawmaker among all 535 member of congress.1 His rating for the past two years has been approximately 7%. McCain, unlike Palin, mostly (but not always…) opposes drilling in the ANWR region of Alaska—his views seem to change, depending on common thought of America’s energy needs. His spokespersons, for the most part, strongly advocate for his belief in not drilling within Alaska. But his pick for Vice President? She says, “It’s nonsense not to tap a safe domestic source of oil. I think Americans need to hold Congress accountable on this one.”

Palin approved Chevron’s (formerly Texaco) plan to dump toxic waste into the Cook Inlet of Alaska, which borders three national parks. Cook Inlet’s population of near extinct Baluga Whales has dropped from the thousands to the low 300s.2

Palin is not even concerned about global warming. In an interview for the September issue of the conservative magazine Newsmax, she stated that she doesn’t think global warming is caused by human actions. “I’m not one though who would attribute it to being manmade,” she said.3

It seems her views and understanding of global warming will need some honing and refiguring by her party and running mate, just as her non-experience and understanding of foreign policy did. For the first time ever, the Republican party has taken a stance on global warming, and it is the exact opposite of what Palin believes. The party’s new platform reads:

“The same human activity that has brought freedom and opportunity to billions has also increased the amount of carbon in the atmosphere,” the document reads. “Increased atmospheric carbon has a warming effect on the Earth. While the scope and long-term consequences of this warming effect are the subject of ongoing research, we believe the United States should take measured and reasonable steps today.”4

Even worse, only 27% of Republicans share this belief with their party. Blind faith, much?

Palin’s connections to Big Oil companies furthers the Republican stance and position within. “Gov. Palin shares John McCain’s commitment to … the agenda of Big Oil,” spokesman Bill Burton said in a statement that was the campaign’s first official response to the Alaska governor joining the GOP ticket. Her inauguration at the Republican Convention was sponsored by British Petroleum (BP), who also employs her husband. Further, Palin was unsuccessful while seeking the office of Lieutenant Governor for Alaska until she received generous donations and support from the VECO Corporation, a large Alaskan oil field company.5 Public corruption regarding VECO Corp. led the indictment of Senator Ted Stevens, and the VECO Corp. and its “donations” are currently under investigation by the FBI.6

Additionally, Palin vetoed a $1.5 million state and federal grant to the Alaska Center for Energy and Power organization, which was formed to develop new technologies to lower costs of energy for rural Alaskans. She also signed into law plan HB 152, which was a bill setting up a fund for renewable energy projects. She also agreed to give out $50 million of Alaskan funds for renewable energy projects. However, this money can only go towards projects using proven technologies 7,8

Further, she vetoed funding for a windfarm and replaced it with a half-billion dollar grant to any oil company that could further the Alaskan pipeline.9

More and more about Palin and other examples are out there—just google Palin and veto, oil, wind farm, alternative energy…Her vetoes of energy plans totals close to $270 million.

Maybe, as an energy specialist who “understands” policies, needs, and the system, Palin and her party should figure out their stance, rather than straddle the fence and play both sides. Or, she can continue as is and become just another Republican, accepting lobbyist bribes and money from Big Oil. Regardless, Palin and McCain have made it clear that the environment, alternative energies, and being truthful and solid in their beliefs are not part of their campaign.

-------------------
References:
1 http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/02/22/group_ranks_mccain_last_on_env.html
2 http://www.care2.com/news/submitted/category/animals/chevron, http://dc.indymedia.org/newswire/display/144100/index.php
3 http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/08/palin-global-wa.html
4 http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=117D897C-18FE-70B2-A8A22D39966C7B99
5 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VECO_Corporation
6 http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080902/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_palin
7 http://www.newsminer.com/news/2008/may/29/palin-cuts-money-energy-research/
8 http://www.adn.com/front/story/415749.html
9 http://dc.indymedia.org/newswire/display/144100/index.php

Lucy-mag.com

2008-09-10T02:19:00.001-04:00

i'm now politically blogging for Lucy-mag, an online magazine.

check it out!

i will most likely double post my writings here/there, for ease of reading.

Obama dislikers, McCain supports: read the following

2008-09-07T23:32:00.001-04:00

McCain fans, or even Obama dislikers, please read the following:
1) http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2008/08/recipe-for-disa.html
2) http://www.theconservativevoice.com/ap/article.html?mi=D92ISU000&apc=9008

young people of America --- just think. this man is, for the most part, 20 years older than our retiring parents.
think about that.

a day with the Conewago

2008-09-07T17:47:00.006-04:00

[Get a bicycle.] You will not regret it, if you live
-- Mark Twain

this is obviously not about politics, it's about a 75 degree, sunny, beautiful Sunday September 7th afternoon (and is completely the opposite attitude of all my other posts...)

did 25+/- miles on the Conewago rail trail on the K2 [crossbike] thisafternoon. left Etown, down the trail to Colebrook, back to Middletown, then back to Etown. met a really cool guy -- 63 years old, riding the same mileage or so. used to ride centurions in Florida while he worked part time as a "certified installer" for Bike Nashbar. his steed of choice was a 1970s Schwinn, U-brakes, frame pump, 27x35c cross tires that barely fit in the brakes. hung with me for a few miles, then trailed off. i'm sure i'll meet him again.

~~~

next came across Gene Clemens, a retired professor of Religion/Philosophy/Ethics from my [ex]college. shared a smile and a few words, then kept on moving.

so why this post? why am i typing about a day that makes me smile?

sometimes its really important to take a ride, enjoy the scenery, forget the little things, remember or forget the big; and remember the reasons we're here, alive. what could be, what can be, and what is are all relative to how you go about them.

more on Palin's speech...

2008-09-06T15:30:00.002-04:00

==================================
a note on Palin's speech
------------------

those of you who feel that Palin is an amazing woman because of her wonderful *cough* speech the other night, let me inform you that. ESPECIALLY if you feel that electing McCain/Palin will be a change from the past 8 years ---- Palin's speech was written for her, by one of President Bush's personal speech writers. And. it was written BEFORE she was chosen as the candidate for VP, and had to be edited for a woman.

Lieberman and Palin

2008-09-06T15:28:00.000-04:00

==================================
a note on Lieberman's thoughts of Palin
------------------

interestingly enough, Lieberman introduced and discussed how Palin was and would be an amazing pick for the vice presidential candidacy.

HOWEVER. After spending days with her teaching her all about foreign policy so taht she would understand her speech (that wasnt written by her, i must add), when asked "Do you feel that Sarah Palin is qualified to be Commander-in-Chief, if God forbid, something were to happen to John McCain?".
Lieberman's response? ---->

Lieberman: Well, you know…let's assume the best. John's in great shape, he's gonna be the president and let's assume nothing bad will happen. Why should we? But if it does…(long pause) yes, she'll be ready.

she'll BE ready? great.

Palin's speech

2008-09-06T14:00:00.001-04:00

==================================
a bottle of wine and Mrs. Sarah Palin
------------------

omg. this lady does NOT sound like a politician. nor does she know how to be one.

i'm looking for jobs overseas, because i feel there are too many people that will settle for a campaign ticket that's as dumb as they are.

"ohh i have children and one of them's a SOLDIER. the other one's preggers." OMFGWTFTHATSAWESOME im voting for her!! SHES A PERSON!!
Yeah, so was Nixon. and Hillary, who wasnt good enough cause she was a woman. Not that i'd vote for her, but i certainly didnt think another female with absolute no foreign policy or federal level experience could muster support.
let us pray.
Dear Lord:
Save Us. Save us from this misery that ye Republicos place upon us, to summon up support that otherwise they cannot raise on their own without the help of a last minute unqualified and certainly unintimidating and unexperience vice presidential candidate. Keep us from near certain damnation.
Thank Jesus (thats what republicans say).
AMan.

OH. and PS. what does Levi have to do with the campaign? the fact that their family too forces shotgun marriages to protect their integrity.

PPS. just think, when McCain dies of old age in office, she'll be the president.

Noonan and Murphy speak out

2008-09-05T23:45:00.000-04:00

==================================
here's a read/listen for you all
------------------

check this out. Noonan and Murphy, caught on microphones, discussing how the pick of Palin is a poor decision for the Republican party, including:

"It's over," said Noonan.

Asked if Palin was the most qualified woman for the Republican running mate slot, Noonan replied, "The most qualified? No. I think they went for this, excuse me, political bullshit about narratives and [inaudible] the picture."

Noonan then wrote on her Wall Street Journal article, that

In her Wall Street Journal column today, Noonan was more circumspect in writing about Palin.

"The Sarah Palin choice is really going to work, or really not going to work," she wrote. "It's not going to be a little successful or a little not; it's not going to be a wash. She is either going to be magic or one of history's accidents. She is either going to be brilliant and groundbreaking, or will soon be the target of unattributed quotes by bitter staffers shifting blame in all the Making of the President 2008 books. Of which there should be plenty, as we've never had a year like this, with the fabulous freak of a campaign."

Levi and Palin

2008-09-05T15:31:00.000-04:00

==================================
Some thoughts on Levi
------------------

So yes. the boyfriend of a hardcore Christian family has the daughter of the VP candidate knocked up. sure, its personal stuff and family and it shouldnt be all over the news.
but.
the mother, a supporter of the NRA and such a good gun lover... also supports shotgun weddings (thanks, Conan).

additionally. did any of you see Levi's personal blog before the REpublican party got ahold of it and removed it from the internet?
i hope so.

it included:

how he was a "real redneck", including

his hate of "niggers"

his idea of family, and how he

never wanted to get married

never wanted children. ever.

and once again. what does he have to do with Palin's campaign? why does he show up on stage after her speeches with her family? sure, he's the 'new' soon to be son in law, but....
republicans concerned about something?

oh, central Pennsylvania...

2008-09-05T12:27:00.001-04:00

==================================
posted on the Harrisburg Craigslist
------------------

this is why i love central PA (has since been flagged and deleted):
http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/zip/828556104.html

"Obama Crap:
I have some buttons, stickers and banners I took from wherever i could find it. I would sell it but who in this country would buy it. I put my country first and i would guess you do as well! if you need something to start a fire or recycle tin let me know. Also i have some used toilet paper that has a splitting image of Obama on it and not only looks like hin but smells like the crap he is pushing. If you reply i may not get right back to you because i may be out putting my country first."

why do i feel the way i do?

2008-09-03T15:18:00.000-04:00

had a discussion with a friend about politics, mostly Republican/Democrat, and it got in depth.

==================================
a discussion with a good friend led to the following
------------------

Obama has sponsored: the Ethics Reform Bill, Anti-Proliferation Acts for Nuclear Weapons, amendments to the US Patriot Act .... here, you can read for yourself: http://blueollie.wordpress.com/2008/03/01/what-has-obama-really-done-in-the-us-senate/

even so, as a Democrat i'd suppose he would vote along the Democratic lines. and its not about what he has done, its about styles of leadership, allegiances, priorities, and personal qualities. He's the anti-Bush. If there was a symbol for Democratic leadership to go against the past 8 years of horendous policies, both foreign and domestic, it would be someone that has the balls to challenge corporate lobbyists and instigate a new era of government reform and accountability; which is precisely what the Reform Bill of 2006 is about.
keep in mind, sir, that this is the only political candidate that is against the war in Iraq, obviously the most apparent foreign policy blunder of the past 60 years.

..............
no worries, my good friend. to each his own, but if the thoughts provoke it than how can they not change it?

two quotes for you, sir, to end the evening:

"Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities." -- Voltaire

"Those who would sacrifice essential liberties for a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
--- Benjamin Franklin

Its been 'a while, but check this stuff out

2006-12-04T19:21:00.000-05:00

its been a 'while, for sure. i really wish i had the time.
maybe next semester, when i actually have a life. and i'll be working on a senior project about peace, conflict, religion, and sociology. so i'll be up to snuff.

but anyway.
check this out

Meet Ms. Jacquie
article about a canadian grassroots group, called "Acorn", helping out with Katrina efforts, by rebuilding homes. all funding ACORN Katrinacame from online donations. lots of them. and they're getting something done.
Acorn is in the United States 'as well.

"ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, is the nation's largest community organization of low- and moderate-income families, working together for social justice and stronger communities. Since 1970, ACORN has grown to more than 220,000 member families, organized in 850 neighborhood chapters in over 100 cities across the U.S. and in cities in Canada, the Dominican Republic and Peru.

visit them here: acorn.org

just thought it was worth everyones time. and i mean everyone's

---sorry if the symbol ' appears in my typing, my key apparently likes to push itself and add that symbol wherever it likes.

CNN pictures

2006-04-24T15:38:00.000-04:00

just thought these were interesting. got them from CNN
more posts to come, i promise...last two weeks of the semester and then finals, and its all over.

Hart Seely -- Jack's House

2006-04-22T19:34:00.000-04:00

OP-ED CONTRIBUTOR

Jack's House

By HART SEELY
Published: March 31, 2006

These are the men
That fleeced the tribes
That paid the money
That made the bribes
That purchased the Congress that
Jack built.

This is the Duke
That sailed the yacht
That raised the eyebrows
And got him caught,
Who helped Mitch Wade,
Who bought Duke's land
And kicked in 700 grand;
Which raised Duke's taxes,
And gave Duke pain;
So Wade paid the tab
On Duke's capital gain.
Bigger than Abscam:
Randy "Duke" Cunningham!
Top gun in the Congress that
Jack built.

This is Bob Ney,
Who knew the fine print
That could pass a casino
And rev up its mint,
Who spawned the e-mail
Where Jack foretold:
"Just met with Ney.
"We're [expletive] gold!"
And Ney in 2000,
A moment quite checkered
Ripped magnate Gus Boulis
In the Congress'nal Record.
His tirade was meant
To frighten the fellow,
Who cops say was shot
By Big Tony Moscatiello,
Who got a small fortune
From Jack's pal in D.C.,
A guy Ney said was known
For his "honesty."
Their pal was indicted
And then copped a plea
Guilty of fraud
And conspiracy.
For creating the vibes
That condoned the bribes
That corrupted the Congress that
Jack built.

This is DeLay,
Who built the machine
That redrew the districts
And raised the green,
That decided the races
That claimed the new seats,
That made the new friends
That owned luxury suites,
That held big galas
That brought the donations
That helped him to greet
The great Coushatta Nation!
With 800 members
And fund-stream support
From the famous Coushatta Casino Resort!
Which paid several million
For Jack to abort
A rival tribe's parlor
In nearby Shreveport,
Which prompted the letter
That outlined their claims
That went to Gale Norton,
Co-signed by these names:
Tom DeLay, Eric Cantor,
Roy Blunt, the chief whip,
Speaker Dennis Hastert.
That's the House leadership!
That played the game
And wears the shame
That hangs over the Congress that
Jack built.

This is the Jack,
Jack Abramoff,
Who bought the souls,
Then sold them off,
Who shook the hands
And financed the houses
And feted the staffs,
And hired the spouses,
And fleeced the tribes
And spread the bribes
That ransomed the Congress that
Jack built.

Hart Seely is the editor of "Pieces of Intelligence: The Existential Poetry of Donald H. Rumsfeld."

Whereduhpostsgo?

2006-04-09T20:23:00.000-04:00

so apparently, blogger has lost some of my posts, or it just has not posted some of my writings, or something.
more to come, hopefully this weekend i'll get a break and get to write. maybe tomorrow. who knows.

i've reposted a few, but they're not complete... the dates are even correct. oddly. but anyway.

enjoy!

YEY for Delay!

2006-04-06T23:32:00.000-04:00

Texas conservative Representative Tom Delay has finally decided to resign his position in Congress, after serving in Congress for 11 years. Delay has decided to resign in either late May or early June, saying after

"...many weeks of personal, prayerful thinking and analysis, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to close this public service chapter of my life,"

He would rather step down than sit in his position and take all the attacks on his political position and possible criminal charges. Delay also said,

"The conservative movement is leaderless and we need a strong leader to pull the movement together, and I want to go out there and try to do that."

Canidates for president in 2008, watch out -- the die hard conservatives of this country LIKE Tom Delay.

More on Delay's criminal charges?
Delay was indicted on conspiracy and money-laundering charges. In his mug shot, Delay smiled like a kid who just got a popsicl and his little sister didnt. Interestingly enough, his mug shot looks better than many of his offical political photographs...But anyway. The odd part of this is Delay's reasoning for smiling -- it somewhat reminds me of the Voice of God in the Senate (Rick Santorum....from PA, sadly). Delay said of his "wrapped in Christ" smile,

"I said a little prayer before I actually did the fingerprint thing, and the picture. And my prayer was basically: 'Let people see Christ through me. And let me smile.' Now, when they took the shot, from my side, I thought it was the fakiest smile I'd ever given. But through the camera, it was glowing. I mean, it had the right impact."

Was the right impact of the picture for people to see humility, forgiveness and generosity of Christ? No, sadly...
Delay continued, saying that by "right impact," was that the

"Poor old left couldn't use [the picture] at all. They had all kind of things planned, they'd spent a lot of money. It made me feel kind of good that all those plans went down the toilet."

Here's a copy of his arrest warrent...

Oddly enough, a Conservative used the toilet-and-Christ line this time...It seems that whenever the two are used in back to back sentences, its the social conservatives of America who mount a protest. Hmm..

Even with Delay gone, President Bush said that,

"Our party [Republican] will continue to succeed, because we are the party of ideas."

No comment. Ideas, such as the Iraqi war? WMD's in Iraq, even though President Bush said he didn't care if there weren't any WMD's, we had to go in anyway? No Child Left Behind? Tax cuts? Darfur? The "Libby" Leaks?All our other actions that seem to be depleting our foreign friends and any chances of retaining what status we have amoung other countries?
Sorry, I couldn't hold back.

But those are other posts.

read more on Delay at the NYTimes

Dateline hits again...

2006-04-05T21:05:00.000-04:00

hey, did you hear that one about the Deputy Press Secretary of Homeland Security?

he was arrested for soliciting sex to a 14 year old girl on the internet, graphically explaining what he wanted her to do, and what he wanted to do....even though the 14 year old was an undercover internet sex police decoy.

more here
yeah, a sick joke.

so it wasnt Dateline's To Catch a Predator, but it was for real. on TV. my roommate and i were switching back and forth between John Stewart, MTVu, and CNN, and randomly (thankfully, i guess...) caught the news as they showed Brian J. Doyle being escorted away in a police car.

Dick Cheney's Suite Demands

2006-03-23T21:03:00.000-05:00

more on this later possibly, but check it out.

FOX news, what what?
not that any of the requests/demands are out of line, but it just seems odd that he would specifically request FOX news. Everything on the list is common place, i'm not going to rip him...but FOX?

How about a War on Error?

2006-03-15T16:19:00.001-05:00

Thank goodness for Russ Feingold and for someone finally speaking out about George W. Bush's actions.

The President authorized an illegal program to spy on American citizens on American soil, and then misled Congress and the public about the existence and legality of that program. It is up to this body to reaffirm the rule of law by condemning the President’s actions.

All of us in this body took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and bear true allegiance to the same. Fulfilling that oath requires us to speak clearly and forcefully when the President violates the law. This resolution allows us to send a clear message that the President's conduct was wrong.
And we must do that. The President’s actions demand a formal judgment from Congress.

This President has done wrong. This body can do right by condemning his conduct and showing the people of this nation that his actions will not be allowed to stand unchallenged.

more to come when i have more time...

Once Again...

2006-03-15T16:19:00.000-05:00

You're moment of Zen, as Jon Stewart would say; your must for the day. Once again, Boston Legal puts on a grand show, with a very interesting topic....its something we all wish someone else, besides an actor, would say. Maybe we can convince Feingold.....

WMV (video)

more later,

To Clarify..

2006-02-19T16:32:00.000-05:00

let me just clarify. opinions and statements here are opinions. i may use facts, current events, etc., but it is a "daily ranting". you're welcome to disagree and tell me about it; i'll gladly discuss subjects with you.
let me again state the purpose for this blog:

It's my place for an outlet, for all the things horrible, for all things unjust, and inconsiderate, in my opinion, that our lovely country does.

no where did i say that i was a democrat. no where did i say that a democratic, green party, independent, whathaveyou, president would be doing a better job than President Bush. i have yet to say anyone did a better job, or could be doing a better job. do i think someone could? yeah, probably, but thats my opinion. if i can summarise/paraphrase Jon Stewart's, from The Daily Show, statement against attacks that he was anti-democratic or wahthaveyou, and no, not because the show has become mainly liberal/democratic, but because its a good quote:

Let me clarify. I'm making fun of Bush because he's our president, and he's in power. Put a democratic president in there, and i'd poke fun at him as well. I've already done that. But, right now, our president is George W. Bush, and i'm going to continue doing what i do.

that being said, let's discuss some isues. my email is easily accessible; comments are welcome.

Blow Job vs War Crimes

2006-02-18T01:55:00.000-05:00

so yeah, its true. the sticker reads: Your conversation is being monitored by the U.S. government courtesy of the US Patriot Act of 2001, Sec. 216 of which (sic) permits all phone calls to be recorded without a warrant or notification. For more information, visit www.crimethinc.com.

and it is true. and it is sad. its sad that we've given up our simple liberties and freedoms because our president is worried aobut us communicating foreigners. dont take this the wrong way; I am in no way speaking about what happend on 9/11, but i am speaking on the things we have had to give up for no reason.

starting in the 1990s, the USA homicide and crime rates started dropping, and continued to drop throughout the 90's. HOwever, starting in 2000, the rates have started to rise again. Anyone know what happend in 2000? Presidential election, maybe?

i mean, seriously. Guantanamo Bay? you CAN'T tell me that it's not worse than getting a blow job from your secretary. OH, and by the way...Guantanamo Bay is located in Cuba...whom we're still at not the greatest terms with. And, the war in Iraq...waht war? We didnt declare war; we havent declared war since 1941, in WWII. Sure, Congress may have authorized "military action", such as the Persian Gulf War against Iraq, but it did not declare war. I could go on with other topics of why this presidency is corrupt, but i'd type another few pages. (corrupt: lacking in integrity )

Seriously. if you want to cheat on your wife at work, thats your own buisness. not Linda Tripp's, the public's, or the Federal Government's, for that matter. Getting impeached for getting a blowjob..... man, that really makes me want to be sexual. OK, OK, he wasnt impeached, and it wasnt mainly for "sexual relations" - perjury, yes. lying under oath, yes. but about personal affiars? If the sexual relations problem was big enough for federal court, i think it was big enough for a divorce. did that happen? Lying under oath, thats a problem, yes. but about your own sexual happenings?
But i can torture people, go to "war" with countries for pretty much no reason, and run a country as i see fit, without any, in my opinion, indication of caring for it's people and their opinions, and get away with it? Where do i sign up??

and yes, i proudly display a "This Phone is Tapped" sticker on my cellphone.

more on our people-hunting Vice President Cheney, misuse of power, abuse of oil, and the American Dream this weekend. i've finally found some time to write and blowoff. but its now almost 3 in the morning. so, find some more later. for me, its bedtime.

State of the Union

2006-02-18T00:32:00.000-05:00

well, i guess its about time i should get around to writing on the State of the Union address...its been what, three weeks?
life's been so crazy with college and all, i havent really gotten to many things i wanted to. but anyway.

i really wasnt surprised or impressed with anything said. being the me most of you know, you're probably not surprised that i wasnt impressed. but really, President Bush didnt really say anything that he hasnt said before...beside the whole Isreal thing, and the thing about human/animal hybrids???

the first thing i thought was interesting was the "placed" minorities on either side of Mrs. President. i'm the most unracist person you'll meet, but i thought it was quite interesting how much they showed the First Lady/area...who were they trying to impress? we all know there are some interesting views on non-whites in our government.
Bush then went on to speak "directly to Iran", insisting that we do respect its people and it as a country, but that we would get to it [Iran] in the future, and win its democratic "freedom". But oh no, dont worry, we want to be your friends..but once you're the Democratic, little American, Iran. ALong with this, Bust spoke to Islam and Isreal, telling them they must stop their nuclear programs and oppression...

Bush also claimed his innocence with his, and i quote, "Terror-ance" listening program on overseas communication and phone calls, and that he had no problem with what his program has and will do, because it is protecting the United States and our "friends". If we didnt do so, we would be "shortchanging" our "friends", and would harm the world and lower standards. Bush clarified his right for these listening progrmas by stating they were his Presidental "privelage".

oh, and apparently, both you and i want to send more power of the economy to Washington D.C.? i dont know about you, but im not quite happy with our economy and our current money affairs; i personally do not want our president with any more power over our monatary spending. Bush has already cut 104 "unreliable" and "non-working" programs, including federal Education Funding, environmental protection and business development, while proposing significant increases for the military and international spending. Seems familiar to his No Child Left Behind act, which originally had $40 billion of funding for its first year, but has only recieved about $8 billion.
It was also interesting and funny when bush started talking about saving S.S. funding -- the Democrats cheered -- but then continued, saying that it costs us more than its worth and pulls us down -- Republican cheering.

Bush also talked about encouraging Mexicans to legally enter the country so that we can increase our total number of jobs, so that our overall standards and numbers look better. How about OUR unemployment rates? our people sitting at home without jobs, with kids and no money for food or support? The same goes for his Welfare plans and actions. First, he pretty much takes away Welfare, and then states that welofare rates have lowered considerably in the past decade.

He never mentioned our problems at home, such as Hurricane Katrina and our OWN third world; the lack of funding for public schools, healthcare, emplyoment. But we do have money for the "American Competative INitiative", which gives double funding for science and technology research. Yeah, i'm all about new technologies and alternative powers, i've got a few term papers on that. But for serious. Switching America from oil to "Zero or low emissions coal" ? How about we go by Brazil's idea, and switch all cars to ethanol? Or how about we lift the strict policy since the 80's on diesel imports, and go all to BioDiesel and soybean fuel? If you want to argue about biodiesel and its emissions, feel free. i'd love to have a discussion with you.

As to our problems at home, such as Hurricane Katrina, etc, Bush moved on without any indication of more funding; only more funding for our "international relations". Bush moved from Katrina, into eductaion, and right into HIV/AIDS. I know HIV/AIDS is a major problem, i'm in a class that is talking a lot about the world's AIDS epidemic, but must we overlook our problems and draw the viewers attention to another problem we have?

George W. Bush, i'd like to say that this was supposed to be a State of the Union Address, not a Foreign Policy Convention. A one of your Republican former supporters called in and said, "It really looks like he [Bush] is making the USA the world's 'Sugar Daddy'". Sir, you are really starting to loose all your support. Republicans also called in to say that the speach was "pure propaganda to support Lying, and the future Israel war". Bush, you also ignored a 2/3 vote by the people to end/get a plan to end our war relations in the Middle East.

Sir, i'm a very openminded liberal. i wont specify a party, because i dont feel labels are the way to go -- i'll support you if you stand for the right things. But Bush, i've given you six years, and you have yet to show me anything that would make me support you.

what a saying...

2006-02-15T21:09:00.000-05:00

from Boston Legal last night...

If all else fails
When you think you've lost
Pretend you won
It works for our President!!

i love networks.

A Prose of Home

2006-02-09T01:35:00.000-05:00

this is something i wrote a while ago, about the conformity of everyone in my hometown/area, and how they give up everything to be like their dad, and like his dad, and his dad before him, without a thought of what they could do for themselves.

it really bothers me how people can just sit back and relax, while barely making it through life; no idea of what pleasures they could enjoy if they just would get out of the area and do something with their life.

anyway, here goes

touched by the tortured and forgotten by few
remembered for the downfalls as the life progresses.
mocked up in a scale that judges oranges from apes
blindsided by opinions that wont let the mind run away
filed like a chart of hierechy to a system of yesterdays
threatened by the few who run, by those that challenge
beliefs and customs and your neighbors name
the system that encourages shoots down the education
that once stood for your future and all that can be.
the houses recycled as son replaces father
the assembly line brings the product and tonights meal
while taking away all that is earned
forgotten ideas of tomorrow bring the traditions of yesteryears
as a life is lost to the tradition of conformity.
we somehow got away
and yes, this is waht i call home.

i guess it could really be about anywhere. as much as home is home, sometimes it really doesnt seem like a place i want to be, but more of a place to go.

so i called my senator

2006-02-05T23:38:00.000-05:00

i'm in the Moveon.org mailing list,, and the other day they sent out an email with our senators phone number *listed below -- specter* and a message asking us to call in support of not supporting Alito's nomination to the supreme court. i bit. even though i got his secratary, she knew why i was calling and said she waws surprised at the nuber of calls he had recieved on this issue. i did my part, even though we didnt accomplish our goal. the following is what i said; ignore that if you like, but keep the number on hand...never know when it'll come in handy.

hi, i'm a student at Elizabethtown College, and am am calling to ask you to please reconsider your possible nomination of Alito to the supreme court. i just wanted to make sure that you are considering both sides and are looking out for the citizens of not only this nation, but of Pennsylvania.

thanks for your time
1 202 224 4254

an Inconvenience to Consider :: REunited and REformed.

Today's must...

State of the Union, er State, or ...

Presidential Rankings, C-Span styles.

A must few minutes of your day...

American Dream, or downfall?

Hope, with a new day.

Today's must...

Race or Sex: Which is the winning card?

For justice for all

Today's must read

McCain - Lieberman '08... ?

An excerpt from the previous post

Today's must read

New read for all, worth your 5 minutes

Just a short.

Series of Truths, Part III: Palin..Excuse me, what?

Obama Profile Picture

Series of Truths, Part II: Palin and Foreign Policy

Part I : Palin and energy

Lucy-mag.com

Obama dislikers, McCain supports: read the following

a day with the Conewago

more on Palin's speech...

==================================a note on Palin's speech------------------

Lieberman and Palin

================================== a note on Lieberman's thoughts of Palin------------------

Palin's speech

==================================a bottle of wine and Mrs. Sarah Palin------------------

Noonan and Murphy speak out

==================================here's a read/listen for you all------------------

Levi and Palin

==================================Some thoughts on Levi------------------

oh, central Pennsylvania...

==================================posted on the Harrisburg Craigslist------------------

why do i feel the way i do?

==================================a discussion with a good friend led to the following------------------

Its been 'a while, but check this stuff out

CNN pictures

Hart Seely -- Jack's House

Whereduhpostsgo?

YEY for Delay!

Dateline hits again...

Dick Cheney's Suite Demands

How about a War on Error?

Once Again...

To Clarify..

Blow Job vs War Crimes

State of the Union

what a saying...

A Prose of Home

so i called my senator

==================================
a note on Palin's speech
------------------

==================================
a note on Lieberman's thoughts of Palin
------------------

==================================
a bottle of wine and Mrs. Sarah Palin
------------------

==================================
here's a read/listen for you all
------------------

==================================
Some thoughts on Levi
------------------

==================================
posted on the Harrisburg Craigslist
------------------

==================================
a discussion with a good friend led to the following
------------------