Friday, October 31, 2008

Three days left till E-Day... tired of the volumes of rhetoric.

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Happy Halloween! Boo!

Lots of political tidbits:
Al Gore out in Florida for Obama. About time Al.
Since you're "Al the global warming guy" and Obama is with you on this topic.
McCain is the Drill more and build nuclear power plants guy-
And Palin is the dunno about global warming's causes at all gal.

McCain has Ahnuld out stumping for him now... you know Ahnuld the governator right?
McCain will be stopping in at Saturday Night LIve for a down to the wire visit to the cosmopolitan NYC where all those nasty elitists he keeps talking about all live (and vote). Oh boy, as a New Yorker I for one can't wait.

McCain keeps saying things about Obama like: "His eloquence is very excellent..." I don't know why that bothers me. But it surely does my friend.

Monday November 3rd is the day the automotive industry reports on auto sales. That likely won't be good news.
And there's talk of more layoffs in the industry.

Joe the plumber has a agent now. Good God. If only he got his fifteen minutes of fame and then went away.
Joe the writer, the country singer, the congressman, the stater of such nonsense as "a vote for Obama would be a vote for the death of Israel." This guy is NOT representative of the average Joe, please could he go away after the election and stop talking. Please. Watch this clip bearing in mind that it's from FOX news.



Perhaps the republican ticket (the conservative, right wing, evangelical core) could run a Palin/Joe the Plumber ticket.
I would have suggested Palin/Elizabeth Hasselbeck but that would be too much I think for most people.
Palin could do it cause now she can claim presidential ability because she simply ran for VP as a candidate.

McCain seems to have captured the coveted voting group of ambitious mavericky opportunistic narcissistic rogue presidential campaign sidekicks.
Speaking of folk that are benefiting from the McCain connection here... If McCain's looking for someone besides himself that he can blame his loss (if they lose) on Tuesday night as many people feel he is. He could look to the internet blogger that takes the credit for starting the whole Palin for VP ball rolling in Colorado. Adam Brickley. Here's his blog take a look.
Brickley's Palin for VP site
Today McCain stated that in this last week his campaign has made impressive strides. Really?
McCain apparently forgot to put those infamous "air quotes" around "impressive strides" so I'm doing it for him.

I have no idea why we should trust anyone in the government or corporate America to tell us the truth about the economy.
It's not really in their own self interest is it?
You have one channel telling us that there will be far more job losses, drops in personal spending, and really tough times still coming. So you listen nervously drinking your coffee in the morning feeling really stressed out and worried. Then not very long after that they're telling us how Halloween spending isn't down that much, and that people are feeling a little better and spending money on partying to enjoy themselves. It might indicate a faith that the recession will be over. Are people more optimistic now? Or worried to death? Same channel, but somewhat mutually exclusive story lines. No wonder no one understands the media, government or the economy. They can't even agree amongst themselves.

Bill Clinton seemed to finally give a rousing speech while campaigning for Obama. Strong supportive words.
It's about time that he lit the old Clinton fire in support of Barack Obama. I wish Bush spoke with such authority and energy.
The clip is only part one and you don't have to listen to it all if you don't want to but he's definitely NOT Bush.



And why does it sound like John McCain always says "Warshington" instead of Washington. There's no R in it that I'm aware of.
Bush's mispronouncing everything of course was far worse, so I suppose McCain is an improvement.
I swear Bush is linguistically challenged. Then again there's a lot of that going around it seems.

My little video camera came so now this weekend I get to play with it.
I was all set to go fishing and take it with me to play with it a bit out there but when I went out to get the fishing pole I realized that when my son borrowed the van to go to school today the fishing pole and gear was in it.
Bummer. A good day to fish too. oh well, plan to go tomorrow for sure.

Tired of election news today. Need breather till tomorrow.
Going to watch my tape of CSI.

G'night
See you tomorrow.

Laura


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Thursday, October 30, 2008

Government excess as usual or... four days till E-Day.

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First up:

The Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series!!! Way to go Phillies!!!
Which was great news and a rather dramatic rain induced ending.
Although I guess it wasn't as great if you were a Tampa Bay Devil Rays fan.
But one or the other had to win after all.

Palin's wardrobe... Who cares? If she was thinking straight she would have refused such extravagance considering her "average hocky mom stance. Then again, McCain's wife is rich and there are those... gee what's that word again? oh now I remember... elitist standards to hold up.
The bummer to me is the fact that her clothes are worth more than our yearly income. Actually Cindy McCain's outfit for the RNC was way over the income levelof most of the people I know, and that's counting two earner families.

Me? I would have put those duds on e-bay and even if I only got 1/5 of their worth I could have replaced my car that has an engine that's very shortly going to implode. (Service shop's words not mine).
That's mildly annoying but then what isn't this election season?
You know what most families have for extra money for kid's education, mortgages, car loans, uncovered health issues, escalating bills... and the hope of retiring like our parents did with pensions? The lotto. That's our plan out here.
Not likely for any of us but that is the hope and dreams many folk have left.
Elizabeth Hasselbeck of the view addressed the issue of clothes when she introduced Palin. Here's a link if you really want to listen to her. I've always found the View mildly annoying and don't watch it but here it is anyway.
Elizabeth's view

The Palin comment that got turned into proof of her ambition to be the president herself. It did get spun much farther than she said it. Skip to the last part of the clip (around :44) ABC's Vargas asked about 2012. Judge for yourself.
Palin/Vargas Interview

Another thing about Palin and terrorism (and I'm still trying to figure out why McCain's association with G Gordon Liddy isn't paling around with domestic terrorists as they are actually friends and still are). She had an interesting definition of terrorism targeting abortion clinic bombings, or maybe it was a non answer. Again judge for yourself if you want to. Enough about Palin now.


Gee thanks go to Jim Lehrer for bringing this profound news to us:
The longest American shopping spree is now over. Pronounced protracted decline in the economy and spending.
We are in a recession, it's just a matter of when it actually began... Wow.

Another "duh" news story from this morning CBS news says that the recipients of the taxpayer bailout are misusing the bailout money for things like paying dividends and bonuses. Really, could it be? Damn I didn't see that coming. Barney Frank says they're watching this carefully, when asked how this could have happened and why they didn't make better rules about this issue in the bailout- Barney said they had thought the "bailees" would do the right thing with the money themselves. Monitor themselves? Uh, yeah. Have they fired any CEO's or corporate heads yet? No? Now what a surprise all that is.
Resisting... resisting... trying to resist... the urge... to say... resist... ing... re...
I told you so.
The cat is coughing up feathers from the canary it ate. You betcha.

This is a funny make believe clip but I got a kick out of it. A little rude to all, but Laughing at the election might be a good thing at this point.
McCain Obama dance off

Going to nestle in with a good book and a cup of hot tea.
Still no word on my wallet, I guess it's gone for good. ::sigh::
I now have a paper temporary license and a BJ's card... otherwise empty new wallet.

G'night
and have a pleasant tomorrow.

Happy (almost) Halloween!!!

Laura

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Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The Obama show... or five days till E-Day... yay!

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So tonight Barack Obama had his half hour of fame...
Added onto all those other hours of fame, that is.
Actually it was pretty good. Very human.
But there will be howling about it I'm sure.
Who cares. Most folk have their minds made up, lets just vote!
So much hate is out there, so much fear mongering.
Obama is a good man.
McCain is also a good man.
Though I think ole John is running a much more negative campaign.
It may be time to change from the old politics of divisiveness and fear-
to move into the future.

I see complaints about his not addressing the budget limitations that will strap either candidate that gets in office.
Well, they both are a little delusional folks... all politicians are.
McCain is very nasty about universal health care but we do need it in some form.
Even if Barack doesn't get to do all the things he wants to (and none of them do) he will try and frankly anything that benefits the working class, small business owners and the little guy will be an improvement in this government.
I've carefully gone over both candidates

I don't believe that McCain gets it, I'm sorry. He lives in a wealthy world where the rest of us do not.
He has lived in that world of extravagance for a very long time.
Once a while ago he was a POW, a maverick, a straight talker.
I feel he has lost his way.
Both sides can point fingers at each other but it wastes so much time and energy.
Both men are decent American citizens.
Palin is not ready at this juncture in time to take on the presidency.
We had enough inexperience with George Bush, enough fuzzy thinking, he had some political experience but no real education, no curiosity for knowledge and the criteria for voting for him seemed to be "I'd like to have a beer with him, he's like me."

Forget it. I don't want a president that I could slug down beer with and bullshit about nothing. I can go down to the local watering holes and listen to lots of people solving all the world problems from a bar stool. I'd rather find someone really smart that is far more experienced in the way of the government than me, who would gather together all the best and most intelligent problem solvers in our country to help run the United States of America and lead us into the future.
And hope to hell that they are way too busy working (unlike Bush) to have time for socializing with me.
Hell, I don't even have to like them enough to want to sit down and talk to them... I just want them to look out for our interests within the country and elsewhere in the world.

I worry about all the fear, blame and hatred out there right now.
Against so many people like- foreigners, liberals, right wingers, muslims, blacks, hispanics, jews, poor people, homosexuals, lesbians... the list goes on and only leaves a few groups out.

Barack Obama is a good man, he and his wife have worked from rather humble beginnings to get the education and opportunity they now have. They have an adorable family. They are strong and good people.
I would be proud to have them represent me if Obama wins.

Off for now. Some writing to catch up on.
I have ordered a camera and will play with some videos next week.
Might be back later on.

Laura

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Gone fishing... only six more days left till E-Day.

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Just dropping in before I go to bed (and yes, I know I don't get nearly enough sleep).
I've been an insomniac as long as I can remember, since around my early teens.
So if as a friend of mine tries to tell me I've taken years off my life by not getting enough shut eye.
Well, at least it'll work out about even-steven, cause I've had more awake time in my days over the years.
And besides they could very well be wrong. I've out lived at least a few people and they did everything right.

I have a million (okay maybe not exactly a million) photos to work on for others and to put some items on e-bay.
I'm behind and need to spend some time probably every day for awhile getting it done.

Here are a few non-political shots of my relaxing weekend fishing. It was a beautiful day at the beach.
That's my son and one of the blue fish he caught. I haven't uploaded my cell phone photos in a while now and was surprised to find so many things I didn't even remember were in there. It's so relaxing to listen to the waves roll over the rocks.




I'm going to get a flip video camera shortly. I want to be able to post my own videos online.
Maybe short opinions, silly skits or interviews on different topics.
I could even read some of my short stories or chapters I'm working on.
I think it would be fun... what do you think?
I believe that's a cheap and easy way to get usable footage.

My son keeps telling me I need a website so I can have all my projects in one central place.
Maybe he's right.
Okay well. I think I'm on Wednesday time now so...

It's time to go to bed (actually it was time to go to bed about 3 hours ago but you know how it is, um, right?)

Tomorrow I'll go to the police station get my police report and replace my driver's license.

G'night,

Laura


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Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Political rainy day blues... or Seven days till E-Day!!!

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I can't believe that there's only 7 days until this crazy election is finally over!
It seems like it's been forever and a day or two.

Stock market went up today again don't know what that means exactly. But at least it's not bad news right?

Waiting for the tied World Series Game to resume tomorrow night. Canceled again today. Really crummy, windy, cold, rainy day here on Long Island. So tomorrow they'll finish the game and Barack Obama will speak. Should be an interesting evening.

I keep hearing that people think Palin will run in 2012 on the republican ticket. What do you think? I can't see her disappearing since she's gotten so much attention. However, I see her as more of a conservative talk show host or something of that type. She's ambitious so I'm sure we'll see more of her. I can't see her as president and I imagine it would split the republicans into two groups in the next election. Which might not really be a bad thing. Our two party system often doesn't give us much of a choice. I often find I"m voting against one candidate, not voting for one I really truly like.
Maybe everyone feels that way I don't know. It's not that clear cut to me. We could use more choices I think.

And do away with the electoral college: Every other seat is by popular vote. If my vote is to truly count it can't be lost in the electoral college. Both sides lose or gain votes depending on the way the state goes as a whole. Ridiculous. That means a whole lot of votes cast don't go where the voter wanted them to go.
__________________

I'm a bit of a music fanatic and I've read Rolling Stone since the first issue in 1967.
It's been through many changes over the years from a newspaper to oversized color magazine to what apparently is it's latest incarnation: a regular old conventional magazine format (which I despise). It has also gone from mostly music, to politics and music to popular culture, music, and politics in different combinations. I guess I'll keep my subscription, but these days it's more out of an odd devotion to a long standing but possibly no longer necessary relationship. I don't rely on my music info solely on Rolling Stone, I often pick up other magazines or go online to search for information on less known bands. That's because although the magazine has gotten a bit better in coverage of new bands, they often don't cover cutting edge well enough. I like finding new music, and I do sometimes agree that RS likes to favor classic and established bands more.
I see Rolling Stone more as an old friend. We keep in touch out of loyalty but can't see each other too often anymore.

This is a short post because I have some photos I need to work on tonight.
Still bummed about my stolen wallet yesterday.

G'night for now,
Back later.

Laura

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Politics of a stolen wallet... Eight days till E-Day.

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Well, Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens was found guilty on seven counts for corruption.
He announced that he's still going to run for the senate regardless and fight the verdict.
Will he get jail time? Maybe, maybe not... up to the judge.
Glad to see someone being found guilty of something these days in politics.
Perhaps this will allow his challenger Mark Begich (Dem) an edge in the election.

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I read that they found Jennifer Hudson's nephew's body inside a SUV in Chicago.
This is a terrible thing after her mother and brother were found murdered on Friday.
I can't imagine what pain she's going through. It's so sad.
Why is this such a violent society? And why are there so many gun related homicides in this country?
I know when you bring up gun control of any sort everyone gets all constitutional on you, but...
Seriously.

I know the stock market wasn't as bad as it could have been today.
Which I suppose should be a good thing but the way it's been up and down I don't feel all that comforted.

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So I'm really out of sorts and working on a wicked headache. Why?
This afternoon in Starbucks my wallet was stolen. I suppose it was my fault because I allowed myself to be distracted and set it down on a counter top. I walked to a nearby table and set my computer bag down on it. As I walked back towards the counter my coffee was ready. I picked up a napkin and a stirrer (they put in my sugar since I'm a regular) all the while watching my bag and table. I guess I should have been paying attention to where I put my wallet. I was there happily typing on a chapter I'm working on for about 2 hours. I never moved from my table. I never even went to the bathroom. I packed up when I was done editing and went out to the car. Went to take out my wallet and realized I didn't have it. Went right back in looked around spoke to the people working. Also checked the garbage cans and bathrooms. Gone.

Now the local Starbucks isn't all that busy this time of the year and not too many folk came in but there was a steady number. I didn't pay attention to them as when I'm typing the outside world tends to recede from my awareness. I called the police and filed a report. Also filled out a Starbucks incident form. They have cameras but they are set at the registers and don't cover every bit of the counters. Unfortunately for me they can't look at them until a few days from now because all the managers are at some kind of convention in New Orleans(?) and only the manager can access the recording system. Figures doesn't it?

My day wasn't going well. I had gone to the ATM nearby before to take out money to get gas, coffee and a few groceries. Most of the time I only have between $5 and $25 dollars in my wallet on any given day. But today? Nope. I had about $80 dollars in my wallet and I never have that kind of money sitting in my wallet. That's really killing me too. Don't have it to waste. My son gave me back $25 dollars I paid him to mow the lawn. ::sigh::

Maybe to you that amount of money is chicken feed, but not to me. When I got home we went through the fun of trying to figure out the things that were in my wallet. Like my driver's license, credit cards, BJ's card, Health Ins card, ATM card and an assortment of other things like AARP membership, Best Buy, Library and I'm sure there are other things I have forgotten. Most missed are the photos of my four kids and family together. I also had a four leaf clover I found and laminated when I was around 10 years old. I've carried it in whatever wallet I had for over 40 years now. Well, not any more.

Cancelled all the cards, will get a new NYS license soon as I can.
I guess I'll have to drive to motor vehicles without my license to get a new temporary license.
I'd normally say what would the chance of being pulled over without it, but after today, I really don't know...
Will go to Police station and get a copy of the report tomorrow and take it with me I guess.
I suppose now I need to worry about identity theft.

I'd mix myself a stiff drink but I all ready have a headache and would rather take an advil.

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So for today although I spent the evening catching up on news and listening to information.
My heart's just not in it tonight.

I'll likely feel better tomorrow.
So until then-
Sleep well.
Except for the person that stole my wallet.
You can toss and turn, but you probably won't, you'll sleep fine.
After all you had a small windfall today.
I had a loss.

I realize it's technically Tuesday because I'm late posting. Sorry.

G'night,

Laura


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Sunday, October 26, 2008

Nine days to E-Day... Finally we're in the single digits!!!

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There was good news and bad news this weekend.
First the bad news:
Anne Pressly, anchorwoman for Channel 7 in Little Rock Arkansas, died Saturday. She was only 26 years old. She was found badly beaten in her home. It is an open investigation. My heart goes out to her friends, colleagues and especially her family.
There are clips and thoughts at the KATV 7 site. Anne Pressly

The good news was that the Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update skit was interrupted by the fact that Amy Poehler was having her baby. The proud parents named their newborn son Archie! Congrats to you all, enjoy the little one! Amy Poehler It was sweet to see Maya Rudolph and Keenan Thompson sing the tribute at the end of the Weekend Update: "We love you Amy, and we can't wait to meet your baby." Sung to the tune of Frankie Valli's "Can't Take My Eyes Off You."
Seth Meyers did a biting piece of Greenspan's grilling on Weekend Update. "He made a mistake." Worth skipping to when they post the episode online!

Now I suppose I'm considered liberal leaning though not always, but am I the only one that can't really see the title "Senator Al Franken from Minnesota?" I just don't know about that. (On the other hand didn't they have wrestler Jesse Ventura for their governer?) And why did Hillary do that ad for Al? I don't exactly get that either. I hope it isn't used against her. I don't mean because she endorsed Al Franken. I mean the "He could be the "60th vote" statement she made. Weird thing to say when Repubs are running ads about how they fear a democratic majority congress with Obama. Oh well, nobody asks me. lol
Hillary for Al

Speaking of political ads, I got such a kick out of this ad I had to post the clip here and share it. It's apparently very real. John Cornyn is an incumbent Senator from Texas up for reelection in November.
Big Bad John from Texas's political ad:



Latest on Republican defection of traitors or Republicans who have come to their senses depending on which side of the fence you're on. Senator Larry Pressier a republican from SD. He's a Vietnam Vet and has now after much thought backed Barack Obamas candidacy. Many of these folk don't really want to vote Democrat but are compelled to. Never seen this before.
Though there were a lot of Reagan democrats if I remember right.

Watched George Stephanopoulos this morning and caught the segment with Jack Welch the former CEO of GE. It got interesting towards the last quarter of the segment. He said things like we shouldn't be fearful, that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that after the next three quarters we'll begin to recuperate because the government is doing the right things. He defends large corporations cutting jobs. Really? I'm getting so sick to death of listening to CEO's of businesses that make mucho moola off the American Working Middle Class and spend it on their own bloated salaries while bitching about profits and unions and taxes... on and on. They are the whiners. It's all bullshit. I hate it. They rarely slash the administration of the corporations or cut back there... if it gets bad they "retire" with bonuses and golden parachutes. Damnable Leeches.
I can't believe the shenanigans going on all over. And I say shenanigans because if I start using the words going through my mind I would still be ranting incoherently two days from now. If you want to view the segment it's here: Jack Welch

Last but not least:I came across a 16 page diatribe from the evangelical group "Focus on the Family.". It's in the form of a letter from "A Christian from 2012 in Obama's America." I read the whole thing, it's pretty odd, with a lot of fearful stuff that, uh, would happen apparently by 2012 with a democratic government.
It's a chore to read, if you feel it's ridiculous but very insightful as far as smear and scare tactics that apparently are the Christian thing to do. Just look at the topics and at least scan the areas you would find interesting as there are many sections, gay marriage, loss of freedoms, guns, abortion, supreme court... it's rather broad. If you're like me you'll find it a bit repugnant as it's not representative of the Christianity I was brought up in. But give it a try. Maybe you'll agree with it all, in which case I'm sorry you would be so scared of an elected official in our democracy. Neither of these men are even close to the anti-Christ. However I recognize your right to believe what you want to. Would you show me the same courtesy please.
Letter from a Christian in 2012

Going to stop talking and make a hot cup of tea.
Probably watch the taped episode of "House" I still haven't gotten to 5 days later.

G'night
Sleep well
At least the election part of the process will be over shortly.

Laura


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Saturday, October 25, 2008

Ten days till E-Day... the comedy edition.

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Tomorrow the countdown to the election finally drops to the single digits!!! Hallelujah!

So much has been happening.
I'm going to leave the economy until Monday, there's a lot at stake in our economy.
Waiting to see (like everyone else in the country) what the hell the US and global markets are going to do next.

Some of the things below aren't just from today but aren't old either. I just can't write at the time about everything I'd like to or nobody would read this because it'd be far too long a post.

So, I'm going to go from one topic to the next: some aren't that serious or are things I just felt were interesting-

Opie and Andy (or is it Matlock and Ron?) for Obama. Have to admit the spots are kinda cute and fun to watch.
Particularly like the Fonz and Ritchie short supporting Obama.
Check out this site, can't vouch for all the clips but it's well worth at least looking... you'll find the above clips there also!
funnyclips

Let's see, there was also the Saturday Night LIve "Thursday Eve" Show with the Bush endorsement of McCain/Palin ticket.
It was funny. Nice to see Will Ferrell, Tina Fey and Darrell Hammond (together with brief appearance of Jason Sudeikis as Todd Palin) for a political skit. Ferrell states: "John was there for me ninety percent of the time over the last eight years. When you think of John McCain, think of me, George W. Bush. Think of this face. When you're in the voting booth, before you vote - picture this face right here. A vote for John McCain is a vote for George W. Bush." Have to admit it was fairly enjoyable!

How about the comic book cover for Tales From the Crypt? Palin wielding a hocky stick. This election is certainly interesting.
comic cover

Then there are the gaffes and things that just seem oddly funny, but probably aren't upon reflection:

John McCain's brother Joe (yes, yet another Joe) calling 911 about traffic and ending call with a swear.
Then re-calling 911 back again...
You can hear that at ABC 7 news from Alexandria, Va:
traffic alert

Joe McCain's subsequent appology for the call is also there:
Sorry?

Another Joe McCain statement about "Communist Country" in Virginia: cute lil' joke Joe.
Jus' jokin'

Ever noticed how odd many of the brothers of Presidents are?
There was Billy "Beer" Carter, Roger "Pardon me" Clinton, Neil "Savings and loan" Bush, Sam "Drink 'er up" Johnson... I'm sure there are more but those are the ones I easily remember. Now we have Joe "Foot in mouth" McCain.

Enough about bro' Joe: the best misstatement belongs to John McCain himself, and it was priceless. We all knew what he was actually trying to say though he seemed to have enough trouble correcting himself. John Murtha (Dem in Pa) said that "western Pennsylvania was a racist area" Then he later apologized for the comment. What a bunch of real jokers some of these guys are... John McCain was using this statement in a rally in Pa to make his point against such statements by democrats. Not surprising but then he actually stated:

"You know, I think you may have noticed that Senator Obama's supporters have been saying some pretty nasty things about Western Pennsylvania lately, and you know, I couldn't agree with them more."
Full transcript and video at:
Wait what did I say?

Then there's Biden's latest flight into the surreal. Obama called it one of Joe's "rhetorical flourishes" (which you do have to admit Biden is prone to). However the ad that McCain made using that sound bite is a bit "scary" not a surprise there as most of his ads are rather fear oriented.

I wanted to find a link to the complete text of the Biden speech in Seattle about a deliberate international crisis to "test the mettle" of Obama if he is elected... there don't seem to be any I can find vary easily. There are a lot of out of context parts and snippets with editorial comments. I wanted to post a link so one could see exactly what he said, fully and in order. Gave up for now. I expect being tested internationally comes with the territory of a new president of the USA... I'm sure McCain would be tested right away also. Just a hunch. And did Joe Biden actually use the phrase "Gird your loins?" Who uses that line? No wonder the young people don't relate to McCain and Biden. Good lord what is that exactly... have we teleported back to height of the Roman empire?

How about Palin's own statement insisting that she was exonerated of all wrongdoing in the troopergate inquiry... not quite the truth, did she read the transcript herself? Now there's the wardrobe-gate story with the purchase of around $150,000 in clothing for Palin from fancy stores which would be bad enough but then we find that there is also a stylist/makeup artist that was paid $22,000 for the first half of Oct. Wow. Of course Sarah says she hasn't used most of the clothes and they are either "borrowed" or going to be "donated" after the campaign. Hmm.
The average Josephine indeed. Anyone remember the fuss over John Edwards $300 dollar haircut?

Oddest note on the campaign:

The reports of a female McCain Campaign worker that was apparently at an ATM, robbed and then attacked and a letter "B" scratched on her cheek because the over 6' tall black man who was robbing her saw a McCain sticker on her nearby car and wanted to teach her a lesson. She was sporting a black eye and a backwards B on her cheek in the photos. I thought it sounded very strange at the time, why would this black man stick around to do all that near an ATM where people might come at any time?
Drudge and a Pennsylvania campaign communications director for McCain told a very incendiary version of the "attack" right away without having the details. They should be ashamed but they surely don't appear to be. Especially because she made it all up! She admitted it was all a hoax. The police arrested her.

Remember the judicial system's concept of being "innocent until proven guilty" in this country? It's one of the big ones...

Sadly prejudice & racism is still an issue in 2008 United States of America.

I've never seen a campaign like this one before, it's mind boggling.
I still worry about all the underlying hatred and fear that is coming out in this election. It's really quite scary.
I even remember the McGovern/Nixon campaign and that was interesting and a bit tense also. Was it '72?

*Note: The Smother's Brothers Comedy Hour dvd is out. It covers the controversial third season and is worth watching.
There are a few correlations to today oddly that stand up over time. It was a funny show and wrongly cancelled.
(sortof like Bill Maher's Politically Incorrect)

Pat Paulsen for President!

Hmm, let's go back and see if Steven Colbert would run again... lol.

G'night
Going off to make a hot cup of tea as it's pouring rain here on Long Island...
Wonder what will show up on SNL tonight?

Oh, also we caught a 32 inch blue fish surf casting last night. I filleted it last night and we ate it tonight for dinner served up with a fresh salad. Very, very good.
Yummy free food.

Laura

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Friday, October 24, 2008

Eleven Days to E-Day... the economy is cratering?

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Well got up to the news that the Asian markets are down.
The past few days our stock market has dropped more.
Has it bottomed out yet?
Third quarter home foreclosure notices were around 750,000...
Now they say as long as this mortgage crisis is happening on Main Street it will effect Wall Street.
Yes, let's compare the obscene profits these corporations made at everyone's expense to the people who are loosing their homes which in many instances is all they have left.

Still say if we we're going to use government tax money (we don't even actually have) to bail out Wall Street
We should have had far more control of the money... where exactly it went and what it was spent on.
There should be no question of parachute caps, parties for any reason, layoffs at the lower levels... all should be overseen.
Where's the crack team of business men, government advisors and where's the accountability and oversight?
We get Paulson, such a joke, except the joke's on us isn't it?
Yes, let's blame all those home buyers in trouble that's so helpful in the scope of fixing this disaster.

ABC's Good Morning America was asking this morning-
Should the CEO's responsible for this mess say they are "sorry" and "apologize" to the American people? Great.
Yea, on the hot seat in congress we saw Greenspan say "I made a mistake." Somehow he didn't see it coming, and he doesn't understand what happened. Some expert. Are we stupid or what? Who should we put our faith in at this point?
No apology? GMA blames it on lawyers... I don't care. Forget apologies, FIRE THEM, every one of them. Replace the boards.
Goodbye Good morning America. I turned off the tv.
Who the hell cares if they apologize? I'm more interested in indictments.
They'll come later on if at all, after they've had time to protect their ill gotten gains. Fantastic.
So later on down the road some of them might be punished in some way... I don't suppose it would be PRISON?

It will be so sad to see their wealthy families tossed out in the street like... no wait that won't happen I'm sure.
Yup, everybody cares about Main Street.
I know I'm feeling real secure.

I'd like them to be fired, without any compensation and without their fancy pension plans.
It's pure unadulterated bullshit, plain and simple.
Why? Because if you or I screwed up so badly in our own businesses we'd be history.
No bailout at all, do not pass Go, do not collect $200 dollars. Just go and don't let the door hit your butt on the way out.
The failing corps should have fired their CEO's and people responsible for the mess, to be replaced by accountants and management that weren't knee deep in the bullshit they created with their own greed.
But no, what do we do? We give the cat that has previously repeatedly tried to eat the canary --control over the canary.
Sounds like a pathetic but real life version of the Sylvester the cat and tweety bird cartoons-
Except it really is happening, and we're the ones left watching the whole thing with no say in the complete fantasy.

Remember what the congress of the USA almost impeached Bill Clinton over?
And many people thought that was such a kangaroo court... this is unbelievable.
The important things that have happened since then like a war based on "oops" but it doesn't matter.
No accountability. Questions met with charges of being "Unpatriotic."
More of the same Bush tactics... (sound's a bit like McCain's strategy of calling everyone else unpatriotic).

And by the way after I would have gotten fired or my business would have died a horrible death... I would only have one rather messy modest modular house to sell. Not multiple homes, boats, cars and all that other stuff to auction off.
And indeed it would be auctioned off to pay the bills.
I'd probably have to let my cook, housecleaner, nanny and gardener go too.
Yea. I wished I had a babysitter many times when my kids were young. I stayed home to save us money.

Can't believe that there would be so much to talk about every day... our elections have gotten into the realm of the absurd.
Often things are different from morning to night. Hard to be much more than discouraged with the whole political machine.
Auto industry lay offs coming. Happy holidays everyone. Go out and buy stuff, it feels good, right?

I wish both candidates would be straight talkers, especially the "mavericky" McCain ticket.
And realize the pain out here in the real world they keep telling us they are in too, well, at least they understand us, um, right?
Yea, I'm feeling great, how about you?

See you later.

Laura

*

Still only twelve days to E-Day... short note on Giuliani.

*

Yet another robo call being sent out by the RNC in battleground states, ex NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani says: "I'm calling for John McCain and the Republican National Committee, because you need to know that Barack Obama opposes mandatory prison sentences for sex offenders, drug dealers, and murderers. It's true, I read Obama's words myself."

Check out the truth of this here:
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/23/fact-check-does-obama-oppose-mandatory-prison-sentences-for-violent-criminals-and-drug-dealers/

There are other fact checking sites if you don't believe this one... search for the truth.
To quote something I once heard somewhere (a wink and a nod to the X files) "The truth is out there!"

I don't believe I could be much angrier with Giuliani at this point. I'm a New Yorker, born and raised here.
My family has worked hard, my four children attended the LI public school system. My youngest a senior now.
My husband and two of my children graduated from NYS colleges. I commuted on the railways and drove the LIE for two years to attend NYU. Leaving at 4:15 in the morning and returning after 10pm.

What the hell Rudy? Why have you sold us all out? You know Obama isn't for letting sex-offenders, drug-dealers or murders get away with their crimes... You KNOW that. It's a smear campaign and I'm embarrassed that you still personify NYC to many people out there because of 9-11. I know as a New Yorker the programs you decimated, the food stamp fiascos and homelessness that you created.
Anyone can research your terms as mayor of NY and I did not support your bid for the senate.
I don't know why anyone would ever listen to you again while you travel around with John McCain on his personal plane.
Straight talk express, not even close.
What an ass you have become. What a joke, except I'm not laughing.
I'm just so pissed off. Keep it up. Some sleazy conservative republican you make... I don't know why they want you.
But then again you are walking the walk and talking the talk of the new John McCain.
The one who will say and do anything to get in the oval office.
I'd say tuck your tail between your legs in disgrace and go home Rudy but if that involves coming back to NY: please don't!

I don't think that I've ever called anyone a lying bastard to his face but I assure you I would be happy to do just that at this point. I keep wondering how people sleep at night when they're so irresponsible.

G'night
I can't help wondering if other New Yorkers feel the way I do.
There must be many more.

Laura

Let's hope Rudy stops talking so I don't have to waste any more time on "that one."

*

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Did I just hear John McCain right?... or twelve days to E-Day.

*

I just listened to part two of Brian Williams interview with Palin and McCain.

I'm so far past wanting to be reasonable towards the republican presidential ticket but I'll try not to rant as so many do these days.

In answer to the question who would be considered elite... Palin of course backtracked made nice saying the "right" thing for once.
John McCain said:
"I know where a lot of them live"
Brian Williams: "Where's that?"
"Well in our nations capital and New York City. I've seen it. I've lived there. I know, I know the town. I know what a lot of these elitists are. The ones that she never went to a cocktail party with in Georgetown. I'll be very frank with you, who think that they can dictate what they believe to America rather than let Americans decide for themselves."

Wow the Career Senator is anti Washington, DC... interesting. Never been to a Georgetown cocktail party, doesn't have a rich second wife or seven houses, just a regular joe six pack. Right.

Rudy Guilliani I have said this since you spoke at the RNC.
You sold New Yorkers out, making fun of "cosmopolitan" and "community Organizers." How nice Mr. Mayor.
You lost this Social Worker, not that you would care since you'd rather "pal around" with the money shakers.
Elitist indeed. Anti-American, unpatriotic, I can't believe what I'm hearing these days.
I love the United States of America and I love my home state of New York.
As far as I'm concerned Rudy, you could be tarred and feathered and sent packing...
New York City (and frankly the rest of our diverse and wonderful state) doesn't need you!
Go to hell in a handbasket.

And I don't get too much angrier than that sir.

Note that Palin wouldn't call herself a feminist... I wonder what her definition of that is?
Have a hunch it's negative.

Everything's negative.

Later.
Need a break.




*

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Thirteen days to E-Day... or finally under 2 weeks to go!

*

I never submitted the whole system of my opinions to the creed of any party of men whatever, in religion, in philosophy, in politics or in anything else, where I was capable of thinking for myself. Such an addiction is the last degradation of a free and moral agent. If I could not go to Heaven but with a party, I would not go there at all.
THOMAS JEFFERSON

It took me this long to respond to congresswoman Michele Bachmann's (republican from Minnesota) rant on Obama, terrorists, liberals, because I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I had to listen a few more times and let it sink in.

"Absolutely. I'm very concerned that he (Obama) may have anti-American views."
She goes on about people that hate America and then states:
"And unfortunately, some of these people have positions teaching in institutions of higher learning."

I was at attention at that one... could it be a touch of anti-education? anti-elitist? anti-Americanism?
Far leftist views? You mean the ones that are as extreme as the far rightist views?

So let me get this straight Michele, you think that because I got my education at a "liberal elitist college" like NYU and I disagree with your complete rant there, that I'm unpatriotic, anti-American, a far leftist liberal?

But no she doesn't stop there when she should have she goes on to vilify congress... you know congress: the representatives we vote into office in this democracy.

Chris Matthews: Well, he's a United States senator from Illinois. He's one of the people you suspect as being anti-American. How many people in the Congress of the United States do you think are anti- American? You've already suspected Barack Obama. Is he alone, or are there others? How many do you suspect of your colleagues as being anti-American?

REP. BACHMANN: What I would say -- what I would say is that the news media should do a penetrating expose and take a look. I wish they would. I wish the American media would take a great look at the views of the people in Congress and find out, are they pro-America or anti-America? I think people would love to see an expose like that.

Good God. And how would THAT witch hunt go exactly? What criteria would you use to rout out these anti-American representatives? Even better than that: What exactly should be done about them since WE THE PEOPLE put them there in the first place. Is she suggesting a purge of congress to only people that believe how she does???

Boy this election has brought out the best in the extremes of left and right views, hasn't it?
Perhaps it was a good thing that McCain picked Palin, it has shown to the more moderate, centrist conservative republicans just how far the further right conservative base is willing to go. Will there be a fight for power and the party line shortly?
Compassionate conservatism indeed: Michele Bachman maybe you will the one voted out of congress?

Wow, that is so surreal, I never thought I would hear such nonsense and yet there it is.
Now the attack is on socialism... liberals... elitists... congress... the list just keeps getting larger.
Yea, lets just censure half the country. Sounds like McCarthyism, smells like McCarthyism, looks like McCarthyism and that we understand as bad right? But what was McCarthyism, a slip and a slide down the road to fascism.
Never really thought I'd say that. Feel really bad about it.
But also very patriotic also, but I guess it depends on who is deciding the definition. Bachman or the dictionary.
I live in a democracy, not a theocracy, kingdom or dictatorship, let's defend that proudly please.

Apparently talk isn't all that cheap after all...

There's a lot of things I want to talk about but I have to get up early tomorrow.
So I'll make a list and check it twice.

G'night,

Laura

Watched Brian Williams interview of McCain and Palin...
Part one: Not very informative (big surprise) and not very difficult.
Will wait for part two and see if it improves. Doubt it but you never know.

Those who profess to favor freedom and yet depreciate agitation, are people who want crops without ploughing the ground; they want rain without thunder and lightning; they want the ocean without the roar of its many waters. The struggle may be a moral one, or it may be a physical one, or it may be both. But it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand; it never has and it never will.
FREDERICK DOUGLASS

*

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Fourteen says to E-day... or Hallelujah only two weeks left.

*

Well it would seem that Palin's approval rating has lowered.
Around 55% feel she's not qualified to be president, 40% say yes.
47% have negative feelings about Palin while only 38% have positive feelings.
Hmm.
This is interesting because I think the very conservative republican base would rather see Palin for president over McCain.
I'm not sure yet what this means to the party as a whole. Guess there will be conflicts in the party next election for sure.
Wonder how that'll play out? You betcha.

I don't know which was the problem: keeping her from the press & isolating her or...
letting her talk to the "press." Even the limited interviews created issues.
Guess it doesn't really matter at this point.

McCain and Palin are doing a joint interview with NBC's Brian Williams to be broadcast on Wednesday & Thursday.
Yes, of course I'll be watching that. I don't understand why McCain needs to be there but guess Brian will take what he can get.
I guess Williams isn't seen as a "friendly face like Hannity or Limbaugh et al.
I really wonder how hard he'll be on either of them... would like to see a tough interview like Obama on O'Reilly.
Not very likely that will happen, but one can hope.

Palin has a very creative view of the constitution and the powers of a vice president.
She may just be Bush and Cheney rolled up together in lipstick.

So in hindsight, I was right. Palin would become a drag to the republican ticket.
Guess not only Hillary supporters weren't fooled...
As I said most women are patient we can wait for a woman as president.
Something else I'm very sure about, we will have a woman president sometime in the not too distant future!

G'night.
Get some sleep.
Only two weeks left until it's finally all over.
(well, as long if the results aren't challenged right?)

Laura

*

Monday, October 20, 2008

Fifteen days to E-Day... We're almost there.

*

Finally a quieter day in politics.

Palin stated she wants a constitutional amendment banning gay marriages.
The constitution should not be used to take away people's rights.
McCain wants the issue to be decided state by state.
Yes, gay people getting married would destroy the fabric of the democracy we live in.
So ridiculous.
*

One of the important things that Colin Powell said when he endorsed Obama was:

I'm also troubled by, not what Senator McCain says, but what members of the party say. And it is permitted to be said such things as, "Well, you know that Mr. Obama is a Muslim." Well, the correct answer is, he is not a Muslim, he's a Christian. He's always been a Christian. But the really right answer is, what if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no, that's not America. Is there something wrong with some seven-year-old Muslim-American kid believing that he or she could be president? Yet, I have heard senior members of my own party drop the suggestion, "He's a Muslim and he might be associated terrorists." This is not the way we should be doing it in America.

Americans of all ethnicity, race, gender and religion have died in the wars in Iraq and Afganistan.
Scapegoating is not a good idea and solves nothing. All Arabs are not bad, all muslims are not radical terrorists.
We don't despise white clean cut young American males because of Timothy McVeigh or Terry Nichols, should we?

*
The other day I was discussing the statement made that someone made on immigration.
They said that the Mexicans and hispanic illegals were the cause of all our unemployment and problems in this country.
This is not true. Our jobs are being outsourced over seas by corporations not being stolen here by illegal immigrants.
We're being downsized because of our own cavalier business practices and excesses at the top in companies.
Workers hurt profits for having the audacity to want decent pay and benefits.
I think it makes more sense to slash from the obscenely overpaid top heavy administration but rarely does that ever happen.

Americans are overworked, under appreciated and mostly underpaid.
The worst part of it is that we're overextended and in debt to try to live the American dream.
*

To those on the blogs and comment pages that are criticizing Obama for going off to visit his ailing grandmother with all those conspiracy theories and smears... Learn humility, it's possible to take a break from the negativity, it'll do ones heart and soul good once in a while. Take a deep breath and picture a cute furry baby polar bear.
I have been reading and hearing some of the most unChristian statements I've heard in a long time these days.
I just don't understand. It is my understanding that Jesus was not a hater, he actually wanted to help people.
The true uniter, not a divider.

Well, stock market is up a bit but who knows tomorrow... does anyone actually know? Nope.
The world marketplace is in a touch of trouble too. Hmm.
Capitalism ain't perfect is it?

G'night
Tomorrow there will only be 2 weeks left till the election.
Thank goodness.
This campaign has taken a toll on this country of friends, neighbors, families and co-workers.

*

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Sixteen days to E-Day... get out the vote must get out and vote!!!

*

I think the cultural issues in this country are almost more important than the political issues to some voters.

The country is more centrist and moderate than the people that are at war on both political extremes.
There are some fringe people on both ends but the republican tact to cater to that extreme political and religious base was a clear mistake. American's are more to the center.
McCain might have stood a chance with the rest of us if he stayed the John McCain that both sides respected.

Obama is the more positive candidate now and people don't need more blatant negativity.
We're not naive, we expect negative ads but not brutal or nasty ads.
We are intelligent enough to see the difference.

So Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama. Not exactly a huge surprise but important support.

McCain has lost many of the more moderate or centrist republicans.
While McCain might have energized the very conservative base of the party by picking Sarah Palin he began alienating the large more central part of the party.

Sarah Palin has yet to give a press conference with questions from the press.
More microphones have been thrust in the face of Joe the plumber than the Sarah the Vice Presidential candidate.

This whole election has been astounding.

Saw the clip of SNL with Palin. Not that exciting or great, but I suppose brave on her part.
Poor Tina Fey might be out of her successful "second" job soon.

Settled down a little bit from yesterday but still very upset over ACORN being set up to delegitimize the election if Obama is elected. That is the strategy there's really no doubt, it's even set up before the election even happens.
If we can heal this rift that was deliberately created in our country it won't be an easy task.

Am I wrong in worrying that the same type of people that shot doctor's for performing legal abortions are energized against Obama? I find this type of campaign repugnant.

I said yesterday that I was sick of this whole presidential pissing contest... that's not exactly what I mean.
I now want to rephrase it to I'm tired of the presidential candidates pissing at each other.

Have a great day,
Little cold here in NY but beautiful fall day.
Probably going fishing.

G'day then
unless something happens to bring me back
and the way things are going who knows by this evening.

Laura

*

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Seventeen days to E-Day... I'm really sick of this presidential pissing contest.

*

I'm sorry but I'm very upset with the McCain/Palin Campaign.
They have crossed the line now into deceptive unrepentant sleeze.

These Robo calls going out to people in the swing states is a point in fact.
Text:
Obama "has worked closely with domestic terrorist Bill Ayers, whose organization bombed the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, a judge's home and killed Americans. And democrats will enact an extreme leftist agenda if they take control of Washington. Barack Obama and his democratic allies lack the judgment to lead our country."
The charge is misleading: The bombings, which took place more than 35 years ago, didn't result in fatalities and the group didn't claim responsibility for the attack on the judge's home. Obama was 8 years old at the time.

These three terms were associated today with being liberal:

Liberal: extremist far-left philosophy: anti-American agenda
Calling the liberals in congress anti-American and extremist stating they should be investigated into.

If you disagree with McCain/Palin, you are apparently anti American, unpatriotic, extreme leftist, and liberal?
Where the hell is this sentiment coming from?

Pitting people against each other, calling people that disagree "evil" and unpatriotic.
Pushing forth an agenda of fear and hatred.
So now you find people that hate America teaching on college campuses?
Does that mean that the higher education system now suspect too?
Hatred and fear does nothing to unify: it divides and sows the seeds of dangerous thoughts or actions in the name of being on the "right" side.

I ask you Senator John McCain, POW, Maverick, Leader of the Straight talk Express: Is this where you really want to go?
Is this your philosophy of facing crisis in America? To spread fear and hatred? To discredit, smear, demean while smiling?

Palin stated "We believe that the best of America is not all in Washington, DC. We believe that the best of America is in these small towns that we get to visit, and in these wonderful little pockets of what I call the real America, being here with all of you hard working very patriotic, um, very, um, Pro-America areas of this great nation."

So does this mean there are unpatriotic, anti-American, areas of this great nation?

I'm afraid that we're starting to veer off into McCarthyism... and this should be very troublesome to all Americans.
Never, never again.
Never!

Do you doubt that I love my country? How outrageous, how unbelievable to me as a US citizen.

Today is the deciding day for me... I wouldn't have voted for McCain after his choosing Palin but that was just my opinion.
But now, no, I'm sorry this is becoming a dangerous presidential pissing contest.
Where has John McCain's conscience gone to?
Does McCain want the presidency so bad that he is willing to do and say anything?
I don't have a problem with negative ads that are within reason but this is getting ridiculous and alarming.
I'm hoping that Obama doesn't now cross over that line from negative to harmful also.

This country is heading into economic disaster, spread thin in two wars that we aren't even close to winning, people are losing jobs (and health insurance), losing their homes, their retirement money, college money and their faith in the government and each other... And you want to go down this road. Shame on you, I once respected you as a great man.

I was thinking that SNL would be worth watching tonight if Palin did a guest spot, but right now I'm really discouraged, maybe by 11:30 I'll feel like watching it. I doubt it though. It'll be all over tomorrow anyway.

This is one of my favorite quotes:

"We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasant facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values. For a nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people."

John F. Kennedy


G'night
I've said all I feel like saying.

Laura

*

Friday, October 17, 2008

Eighteen days to E-Day... or starting to see the light at the end of this tunnel.

*

To be honest, right now I'm cutting up 12 cups of onion, celery and carrots
to put in my huge pot of homemade chicken soup (for the soul)...
Then I have chicken to cut and noodles to cook.
I'll be done in a couple of hours or so.

Why do I make my own soups?
One because I can make a huge pot for the family at once that lasts for a while.
Two because it's a whole lot cheaper than the canned stuff and tastes great and is better for you.
But mostly it's because my son says that he likes it better than the canned stuff.
Gotta love him.

So I'll be back later... I promise.

******
Back... House smells like yummy simmering soup. Mmmm.

Today I feel bad for old "Joe the Plumber" only because if he hadn't gotten caught on camera (and there are lots of theories on why he was) he wouldn't be under all this scrutiny. People fighting and name calling all over the comments pages about Joe and the fairness or unfairness of it all.
Repubs howling that the dems and the media are being unfair and it's because of his "gotcha" Obama question and the liberal media trying to create a scene...
Well, let's see. A lot of discrepancy in what Joe (or Sam as the case may be) told to Obama, which to Obama's credit he stayed to try to discuss the question he was asked. I feel a little bit sorry about the attention (some rather negative) that Joe's getting but it's no less than any of us would get in the same instance. Maybe he'll write a book later on...

What it does illustrate to me is that it's a national epidemic to not exactly tell the truth anymore. That's the sad part.
If it was an honest straightforward question this whole thing wouldn't have happened would it "Joe?"
Wonder if he wishes he framed the question a bit differently about now?

As I said before I taught my kids to tell the truth, because then you don't have to worry about a "Joe the Plumber" moment.
I said a lie is a lie and the truth is the truth. Silly me trying to pass on family values... what was I thinking?

******
Acorn isn't a huge deal really. And they benefit both candidates anyway.
(McCain failed to mention he was a speaker at an ACORN sponsored event in "06)

What is a big deal is the way it's being set up to challenge the election results.
We should be worrying about the real possibility of actual voter fraud.
Voter registration fraud isn't the same thing... If Mickey Mouse gets registered he'd have to be able to vote for it to matter.

The computer voting units can be a problem and with a large amount of them there's no paper trail.
PBS and You Tube are partnered for video your vote to document problems people have at the polls across the US.
I don't see how they could steal this election, but honestly it does make me rather nervous.

Gonna go to bed shortly ) It's 2am now and I have things I have to do tomorrow.
So I'm putting the politics to bed for tonight now.

Tina Fey was on Letterman tonight and she was fun to listen to.
I hear Sarah Palin will be on SNL (no real secret) tomorrow night. I'll have to catch it.
Haven't watched a whole SNL show in a long time, though I do watch the "Weekend Update" segment if I remember to
and can catch it during the show or online.

G'night all,
Feeling good about the election drawing nearer and nearer finally!

Laura


*

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Nineteen days to E-Day... WTF Joe the Plumber, really?

*

Oops, I was going to write some things down here but I forgot that McCain was on Letterman right about now.
So excuse me for a little while I'm going to watch some TV for a bit and check it out.

Well, that was interesting... two cranky men... old and older...
Dave was harder on McCain than most I've seen. Ha.
Dave asked McCain about G Gordon Liddy, made me smile. The point- Ayers doesn't carry any weight in this election.
Entertaining but it doesn't really matter, why did McCain go on again? It didn't really seem to serve a purpose to him at all.
What a surrealistic and weird presidential election this is.

Today everyone's been looking into "Joe the Plumber's" background. Duh.
Seems he isn't all he seemed to be, what a surprise. McCain hadn't even talked personally to Joe and maybe they should have "vetted" him before making us listen to 15 or so minutes of bullshit about him. Wait did I say vet and McCain in one sentence?
Joe doesn't even seem to have a clear idea of how much income his bosses plumbing business makes, whether it's even indeed up for sale or the difference between adjusted and gross income. He doesn't even have a plumbing license in Ohio if I heard right. What a joke and a waste of our time. I don't care at all about Joe the plumber.

This last debate was a little bit more informative I would think for people that are undecided.
There were some clearer comparisons of the two on economy, health care and other issues.

How about the AIG $400,000 golf retreat in Las Vegas "sales and training event" after the party they threw already...
unbef**kinglieveable. So, we bailed them out so they could flip us "lower classers" off?
Again I say as I've said many times long ago...
Unfettered, unregulated, unbridled extreme capitalism leads to gross excesses and a tendency to look at middle class as the "hired help." Say it ain't so Joe...
Sit there and tell me I'm unpatriotic because I totally and firmly believe that, okay fine.
Maybe we should restructure the whole government at this point.
It's time people realize we aren't exactly a true democracy or free market society either.
Smoke and mirrors folks. Oh and by the way computers, TV, ipods, cell phones these are the opiates of the masses now.
(Well, along with the actual opiates that is...)

Why would anyone vote for McCain when he wants to deregulate the health ins industry? Thanks but no thanks John.
I swear people vote against their own interests. Reaganomics didn't work, money still ain't trickling down... stop dragging out the ghost of Reagan... please!!! Most capitalists aren't able to self regulate, it gets in the way of PROFIT at all costs.

On Roe vs Wade: I can't believe McCain used "air quotes" to frame the "health" of the mother when he stated:
"Again…just again, an example of the eloquence of Senator Obama, 'health' of the mother. You know that’s been stretched by the pro-abortion movement to mean almost anything."

John McCain you should be ashamed of how unfeeling that came across... YES, the HEALTH of the mother you, you, you...
r i d i c u l o u s MAN. (no I won't go there and say what I would love to say with all my heart, though I'm thinking it.)
Really John, so what rights do you see women as having, uh, pray tell?

How about Palin? If something happens to you and we are at war, in some crisis (like this economic one), or another terrorist attack comes our way is SHE adept, intelligent and knowledgeable enough to respond? Good Gawd John what have you done?
When asked, in the debate Obama spoke highly of his VP choice and didn't question Palin's ability to lead. On your turn you once again prove that you like the low road and sniped at Biden while praising Palin. Now there's yet another surprise.

All right I have to go to bed. Things to do tomorrow.
We went outside tonight (late) and cooked hotdogs and made s'mores on an open fire.
Two sons, two of their friends and "mom."
Cool night, warm fire, laughter and campfire food.
Nothing better.

Less than three weeks before we have a new president.
No more George W Bush, at least that's good news!

G'night
Sleep well.

*

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The last debate: Twenty days to E-Day...

*

Well the last debate is over!
If only we didn't have to wait 20 more days to vote.
Both seemed to do better than in the previous debates but again no game changer.
God, I hope that helps those undecideds for whatever reason they're still undecided.

McCain said that Palin's a role model to women and other -- and reformers all over America.
A role model for women? Not for all women surely. Certainly not for me.
I wish people would stop speaking for me.
John also added that "her husband's a pretty tough guy, by the way, too."
So there you have it the role model for men... Sarah's husband should be your role model guys.
Maybe while we're at it we should all make their whole family our family role models eh?

So, you go ahead, I for one like my family just the way it is thank you.

The debate was at least more interesting and I still think Obama seems more level headed and presidential.
Schieffer at least was a feistier moderator than the other ones, and asked some tougher questions.

You know before we decide on "Joe the Plumber's" tax issues we would have to know a few very important facts:
Does he make 200,000 dollars adjusted personal/individual income?
There's no way to know with deductions and other factors (employees, health ins, deductions) whether he would indeed have any increase at all in taxes under Obama's plan at all. But we don't know the facts. No one pointed that out, probably neither candidate knows those things.
Maybe someone could ask Joe the Plumber because otherwise we'll have to listen to that over and over again... without knowing if it's true or not.
Wait, isn't that the way this whole campaign has been going?

Will the attack ads go away? I doubt it. McCain likes his nasty ads.
Yes, Obama has done negative ads, but McCain's have been more repugnant.
Somehow we'll get through these few weeks and finally get to vote.
Let's hope we can then try to recapture a modicum of cooperation and good will between all people. I suspect we'll need every bit of compassion, understanding and help from our friends, family and even neighbors next year.

Because I think that this economic crisis will get far worse before it gets better.
There will be more job lay offs... it's fairly unrealistic to believe there won't be.
I fear for those people that lose their jobs and their health Ins.
What a serious mess.
Loans will be hard to get, people won't (or shouldn't) want to charge more stuff so large ticket items won't be the choice for Christmas.
(Except for the rich I suppose... maybe AIG could throw a party for all of us.)

Why do they (meaning pundits and government officials) keep asking "Is a recession inevitable?"
If my memory of the past is remotely correct we're in one now... we haven't seen yet how big it will become or how long it'll last but surely it's a recession.

Hold onto your wallets folks. It might get pricey-dicey after the end of this year.
Maybe I'm wrong but I'm going to err on the side of saving as much money as I can around here.
And go fishing every day till the blues and stripers head back out to deeper waters.
I like free food and we all like fish. Which is what we ate for dinner tonight.
The fish Charl caught I cleaned and filleted for us, and gave two extra fillets to grandma too.
Ahh, life is still good for now anyway.

So now I'm off to listen to the pundits thoughts on the debate but pretty sure, Obama won by a little bit.
I don't find McCain reassuring in any significant way and I doubt this debate helped him by any real amount.

I'm unusually happy that at least the debates are over.
I'll be back tomorrow,


Sleep peacefully
Sleep well
Have good dreams
G'night

Laura


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Twenty-one days (gasp) to E-Day... so close and yet so far.

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Just got back from NYC.
If you get the chance go see Lewis Black in person definitely go!
He's pretty damn funny.
I also recommend the "Black on Broadway" dvd.
Unless you don't like swearing then he'd drive you nuckin futs.
Gorgeous evening in the city, just perfect.

So today I heard the stock market closed down a bit.
Rather volatile market place these days.
Also heard congress has a 12% approval rate...
So much for our leaders and representatives.

So Palin interviewed with Limbaugh, now there's a surprise.
And she's too busy to answer any questions from reporters at her rallies.
What a joke.

Tomorrow will be the debate, we'll see how it goes.
It at least has the best chance of enlightening us to the workings of McCain's mind at this point.
I've lost track of where he's been versus where he's going, it keeps changing.

Could it be that they actually get asked some hard and difficult questions?
Could it be they might actually answer them?

Goodnight,
Stay calm and collected if possible.
Be back after the debate!

Laura


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Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Twenty-two days to E-Day...

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Spent most of yesterday in the City news free.

Went to a concert at Roseland Ballroom last night with two of my sons.
A lot of fun and a pleasant change. Saw Rise Against, Alkaline Trio, Thrice and Gaslight Anthem.
Returned home at 2am relatively tired. Nice change of pace.

Rudy Giuliani is on the tv stumping for McCain again.
I wonder if I'm the only New Yorker that's tired of him these days?

Tomorrow night I'll be in the city again for Lewis Black's "Let Them Eat Cake" tour.
Got tickets quite a while ago a birthday present for my husband.
He should like it and I got really great seats, fourth row center... don't tell him.

Tv this am is touting "new" McCain strategy of not riling everyone up at rallies, but wasn't it mostly Palin anyway?
Does this mean he's putting a muzzle on the pit bull and sizing up a kennel? I hope so.
We shall see. Don't trust much anymore.

Looking forward to debate tomorrow night but realistically unless there's something amazing said on McCain's part I fully plan to vote for Obama. Can't see a President Palin, dont even want to take the chance. Sorry John, thanks but no thanks.
Funny how Sarah keeps saying she's glad she was cleared of any unethical wrongdoing in the Troopergate issue.
Maybe someone should suggest she read the actual report... or if she doesn't want to read maybe there is some news program she would watch for the info... lol. Hmm, let me guess which one.
I love how she ignores anything she doesn't like, instead of being honest.
Wish there was another VP debate.

Liked Hillary's answer to Drill Baby Drill... it's Jobs, Baby, Jobs!!!
It would seem even if the banks and wall street rally there will be an inevitable period of recession, the question is: for how long? This will be a telling Christmas I suspect with job losses into the New Year.

So McCain going on Letterman and Palin on SNL? Interesting if it happens.
I think Letterman should tape earlier and go over to be interviewed by Matt Lauer at the regular time.
Of course he shouldn't do that since that would be petty, vindictive and just mean, not just inconsiderate.

Well, going to catch a nap now.
Be back before we leave and I catch up on the news a bit.
Oh I take it back President Bush is talking about the banking problem right now, will have to watch.

Have a good day if it's possible!
Talk to you later today,

Laura

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Sunday, October 12, 2008

Twenty-three days to E-Day... (Over twenty days too many)

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Round and round and round we go
Where we stop, nobody knows...

This presidential campaign is so incredible.
Obama person says this, McCain person says that...
Back and forth, forth and back.

If Obama has associated with a past terrorist, Palin has associated recently.
Hate, hate, hate. Blame, blame, blame.
Fear mongering. Taking advantage of people when the chips are down.
Everyone is worried about the economy just like we were worried after 9-11.
It's so disgusting to listen to all this mudslinging.

I have no faith that in the next twenty-something days we'll hear anything close to the truth anymore.
Obama, Biden, and McCain don't bother me all that much, not that I like them all the same but...
Palin does bother me.
As she was in the beginning she remains a polarizing factor who deliberately uses fear, sarcasm, and anger to rile folks up.

Now she's gone after the Roe vs Wade issue. Which is fine, but it's the way she does it that bothers me.

And who told her to go to Philly to "start" a hocky game anyway. Many people advised her against it.
So she went anyway which is her right, I have no problem with that.
She got booed, she got cheered, who the hell cares? Not unusual at all.
But I do have a problem with her knowing that reaction was a very likely possibility and still she brought out her young daughters. I wish she would stop trooping her children out with her when she knows she's a controversial figure (especially in Philly)
I would never march my children out into that atmosphere, but then I'm not Sarah Palin and never could be.

I could go on tonight about Ayers, Lewis, Troopergate, GOP anger at rallies, Wasilla Bible Church, Keating Five...
Does anyone trust any politician anymore and why exactly should we?
Perhaps the politicians should earn our trust instead of vilifying each other and everyone else.
Negativity breeds contempt. Unfortunately the negativity doesn't have to be based in truth.
And contempt can turn nasty and dangerous.

So stop with the nonsense and stick to the real issues.
Most of us didn't care about Bill Clinton's um, affair either... Enough.
I'm not sure we can emotionally stand over twenty more days of this, I'm not sure how I'm going to.

Issues. Differences. Intelligence.
People are saying "Show me the money" and "Follow the money trail"
They're not interested in playing "Six degrees to shady associates" at this point.

If this next debate isn't helpful for the undecided/independent voters then the hell with it.
Can we just get on with the voting thing so that this country doesn't hemorrhage what good will we have left?

And here's the thing. lately I've heard on tv, online, and read sarcastic references to... east coasters as something bad and elite.
Wow, I've never thought of myself as an elitist, this is news to me.
When did liberal become a dirty word? When did prejudice become a good thing?
And when did someone trained in Social Work become an east coast #@%$ liberal elitist?
Really?
Wow.

Stupid me for wanting to have faith in people and treat them all equally as valuable citizens.

You betcha I'm mad at this morning, noon and night political pissing contest.

That annoying twacking sound you're hearing
Is the sound of my head hitting the table in complete frustration.

G'night
Going to watch a dvd and pretend we vote tomorrow.

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Saturday, October 11, 2008

Terrorists, gay marriage, booing and the pit bull... or Twenty-four days to E-Day

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You know there was once something said about reaping what you sow...
And if you sow the seeds of discontent, what do you suppose you will reap?
Discontent is valid when there is a clear and dangerous threat but not when it's whipped up and added as an artificial sweetener.
The high risk of playing this card is:
A) not being able to control the effects
B) that it can create a climate with effects you hadn't thought of
C) simple Karma of the cosmos coming back to bite you in the butt, call it whatever you want to: fate, yin & yang, it's the same concept.

So McCain finds himself defending the fact that Obama is indeed: a decent person, an American citizen, not a terrorist, a family man, and someone to not be afraid of as a president. He just differs from McCain as a candidate... No shit, really?
So how did we find ourselves here John? Did the mavericky maverick on the team of mavericks let go of the steering wheel of his very own presidential candidacy?
And what does John McCain get for his trouble? He gets booed... be careful John you pandered to a base that would be happy to turn against you, best tread lightly and realize that big stick won't help you with them.
A portion of those that come to your rallies would rather run Palin than you as top of the ticket. Can't you see that now?
A base that the rest of the country would not agree with as can be seen by Palin's falling approval rate.

Please muzzle the pit bull or even better yet put her out to field and let her run around Alaska being mavericky.
We don't want her John. We are not all strictly Christian conservatives.

We're diverse, we're all very different and we ALL belong here!!! This is our country too, there's room for everyone here.

Perhaps John you have learned something about women that you didn't know before...
We're intelligent, not all blind followers and you know what?
We can wait for a woman to be president of this great country.
It will happen, don't worry, we're long overdue as it is. We can wait a while longer... women are patient.
What we are NOT is a gender of empty headed, spoiled, petty, non thinking, easily lead creatures that are inferior to their male counterparts. We are not better but we are equal.

I have four grown children, a home, a husband, a private life, a great education, a past and I'm NOT what I would consider qualified to be the vice president of the United States. Palin isn't either.

Other news:

Palin used her position as governer to try to influence the firing of her ex brother in law... a surprise to who exactly?
Will this effect her status as VP, don't know, does it matter?
We have such low expectations of the honesty of our politicians at this point in time that it's past distrust and on to sad.
Wake up Washington, nobody thinks very many of you would tell us the truth if you knew it anyway.
Nor do we think you care about much more than getting re-elected.
Can you fix this? Can you make us believe in you again? I wonder.

Connecticut has become another state that has chosen to recognize gay marriages.
"Separate but equal" does not equate "equal" and never has. Don't ask, don't tell is not a legitimate policy.
If this is to remain a democracy then we must realize that the government can't discriminate against one group and uphold the rights of another as the sole "God given" way it can be.
I must have misunderstood my religious background because I believed that God loves me and the rest of his "children" here on earth. And that my doings here would be judged in the afterlife by God. Who are the people that choose to judge me in the light of their chosen religion in this lifetime?
I do not have to like or agree with everything and everyone.
What I feel very strongly is this fact-
Without the belief in this country that we should fight to protect the constitution and uphold justice for everyone not just certain groups: I still wouldn't be able to vote or have equal education opportunity or entertain equal pay for equal work, perhaps there would still be slavery, segregation, and children working in factories.
This would be unacceptable to me and hopefully to a majority of the people in this democracy.

How about the issues; do you remember them?
The economy is probably the biggest concern now but not the only one.
What about the wisdom of the bail/buy out that was shoved down our throats... where are we really headed?

Some suggestions:

Step lightly and watch for the problems that come with economic and political unrest...
Such as scapegoating. Beware of scapegoating, guard against it. Do not label honest questioning as unpatriotic, it's dangerous.
Always remember the past and never forget the mistakes made in bad times, not just in this country look around.

Bring manufacturing back to the USA, keep the jobs here. Extreme capitalism lends to outsourcing, realize that.

Lose the stranglehold foreign oil holds on us. Don't just drill baby drill or build more Nuclear plants.
Solar, wind, and hydro power are clean methods of energy, if you have to exploit anything... it should be them.

Restructure the economy, stop running everything on credit. Main Street and Wall Street need to scale back borrowing.

Eventually (as soon as it is possible) we need some form of universal health care for every American. People are losing everything when they get sick. They are dying because of exclusions. We are a civilized, wealthy nation, how come we don't provide the best health care to ALL our citizens? Do not deregulate, do not.

Make college affordable, fix the education system: if we don't adequately educate our children competitively in the world there will be no future for us to hold.

Start to move further into the global future. The world is shared with many different people from many different places. We aren't the only powerful nation anymore, we share this world with others. Diplomacy.

Accept diversity and try to bring people together not tear them apart.
Please. We've had enough.

And here's the simplest concept: honesty.
Try honesty.
Seriously do it.
You dishonor the American people with innuendo, lies and posturing.

Laura


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Friday, October 10, 2008

Twenty-five days to E-Day... and sadness.

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Taking a short break, haven't seen any news today have to catch up.
I did hear the the stock market is still down but that's hardly a surprise any more is it?

Regardless who wins or loses this presidential election once again the American people are the losers.

Our hearts and souls have been ripped out through our noses, or maybe it was our ears... doesn't matter.
The race to the presidency has been a brutal one. Full of innuendo, deceit, anger and stupidity.
Our leaders should know better.
McCain has gone more negative, it's sickening and should have been beneath him.
In his other self, the mavericky one, I have to believe he never would have gone where he has.
What happened? I don't know.

Obama took a slightly higher road and I find a bit of solace in that, but neither one of them have been straightforward enough.

However, Obama campaign rallies don't seem to be filled with such vehement anger in the attendees.
No Queen of Hearts cries of "off with their heads" no incendiary battle cries that should be commented on and defused into more constructive emotions. It should be discouraged not encouraged in any manner, shape or form.
Crowd dynamics can become nasty in this atmosphere and the kernels of dangerous thoughts planted in the mind of someone who thinks they must protect the world from the evil doers... this is so wrong and should not be happening, and yet it is.
Do they really think that by deliberately creating this tension and divisiveness that all will be well the day after the election?
This anger won't stop because of a concession speech that says "oh well it's okay that we lost, it was an honest fight, now everyone stand behind the new president."
Can we cure this mess, can we believe that such bitterness and rancor will go away overnight?

It never has in the past and it likely won't now.

The leaders should be calming their supporters down not inciting anger and fear.
Neither of these men are going to ruin the country, neither is the antichrist.

We have lost even further respect for our government and leaders, just as we have lost our faith in each other.
If we go too much further down this road, and there are 25 more days of this nonsense, we will destroy every bit of the
kindness and good will that we rallied after 9-11 in this country.
We have turned against each other.

This is a bigger loss than a loss from one side or the other in this presidential election.

The American people deserved better than this.
We ARE better than this... or at least we were.


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Thursday, October 9, 2008

The stock market is cratering or... Twenty-six days to E-Day

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Of course the most important happening today is the original CSI season premiere.
I had to tape it so I haven't actually seen it but I'm going to try to watch it before I go to bed tonight.

The continuing downward trend of the stock market is one hell of a scary economic situation.
No matter what anyone says there's no way to know what direction our country is going in right now.
This will be a rather dismal Christmas for a lot of people.
I'm all ready thinking of ways I can cut significantly down on spending... not that we spent tons of money on Christmas before.
The global economy isn't doing much better either.

I'm very upset by the nasty character assassination going on in the election.
In this economic atmosphere with people legitimately scared about the future (jobs, retirement, health care, oil bills...)
it is a very dangerous thing to do to whip up such animosity towards someone in particular.

Barack Obama is not the antichrist. He's a regular person just like Biden, Palin and McCain.
They are all different and they all have a stake in the American Dream.
This is the wonderful thing about the USA we have such a variety of people all co-existing and working side by side.
That is until someone tears us apart deliberately and pits friends, family and neighbors against each other...
While calling those people who think (or even look) differently from us the enemy.
Haven't we learned anything from the past?

Hard times bring out the best in some people while bringing out the worst traits in others.
We need leadership, good thoughtful, intelligent, understanding, leadership.
We're certainly not getting it now. Cheney and Bush aren't realistically doing Jack Squat.
No matter who wins in November I hope they can face the new reality in the US.
It ain't pretty right now and it might get pretty ugly in the future.
Let's hope for a recession and not a depression.

I want to believe Bush, I'd like to believe the candidates' optimism but...
It's my family's security and my kids future I'm concerned about now.

You know what? Reaganomics doesn't work. Trickle down theory didn't work.
Tax the top of the economic curve more, shut down their tax loop holes, there's nothing un-American about that!
Also how about some kind of taxes on the corporations that outsource jobs to other countries?
Just because they have a company in another country don't exempt them from import taxes.

If this economy recuperates sometime in the somewhat near future...
and there's a breather before the next crisis:

Fix It!!!


Get the best people together, the really intelligent ones not just someone off main street... and

FIX IT!!!


And do it BEFORE it gets so bad that the economy craters again.
The hard-working people of America deserve better.
And to all a g'night

Laura


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Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Show Me the Money... or Twenty-seven days to E-Day

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There's a part of me that wishes that we could just get this vote over tomorrow.
It seems like this election has been going on forever.
And if the fundamentals of the economy are strong I'd hate to see it when it was only mediocre...
Even if you take the "fundamentals" to mean the workers, they're getting beaten up by job losses and pension/health care/mortgage crisis, etc.
I wonder if they'll start building affordable housing units for the middle class soon...
More likely we'd get Hurricane Katrina trailers.

Ya betcha I'm cynical...

Still hoping that the campaigns on both sides stop with the really nasty personal attacks. (especially McCain)
But I imagine with less than a month left it won't let up all that much.

What really irks me the most is President Bush.
He's like a rat that comes out of his hole in the wall of the oval office to say a few words like "Pass this bill, right away" and then scampers as fast as his little feet will carry him back into it because the flashes from the press folks cameras and the noise of questions called out scares him to death now or something. Seriously.

Would it be a huge problem with three months left as president if he actually showed some backbone and leadership by talking to the American People and trying to rally us into unity (remember the I'm a uniter not a divider) by acknowledging the economic crisis and how it's hurting the people out there that voted perhaps for him in the past?
Could he show some passion and caring for everyone's situation and recognize the scary place a lot of people are in right now.
Nope. Nothing. Nada. Nothing anyone could hang on to, that would make them feel better or show that he really cares.
I suppose he doesn't want to undermine McCain or cause the Republican Party any problems with some random thing he might mess up saying. And where the hell is Cheney anyway?

I really hate the economic bailout/buyout/rescue plan.
Not because I fear it's socialism or communism or whatever some people are labeling it.
But because of the way it was jammed through as if it was the only possible way this could have been handled.
Bullshit. Complete Bullshit.
Doesn't it bother anyone that the Secretary of the Treasury is Hank Paulson? The former CEO of Goldman Sachs who when he moved over to the government had to sell off his Goldman Sachs stock for somewhere around a half billion dollars. Wonder what his severance package looked like? I guess he parachuted right over to the government. So basically he's in charge of bailing out the same bastards that he was one of a short time ago and we're supposed to trust this? Seriously?

And they wonder why American's no longer trust their government or big business.

How about the party AIG didn't cancel after they were bailed out? I keep reading that it cost around $443,344 to throw it.
What utter gall and complete disrespect for the people working their asses off just to keep their family afloat. Unbelievable.
How many lower level workers do you think were welcome at that party? (Assuming they weren't laid off all ready)
How do these people sleep at night?

I would certainly be thrown in jail if I bamboozled anyone with complete disregard like they have.
But not them, nope. We bail them out and allow them to keep their jobs, throw parties, keep their homes and retirement.
How many small business owners have been bailed out... yeah right.
If they don't recoup their money and still tank even after the bail out what will they leave with the next time.
The only reason these big corporations care about the workers is because they're the reason they can keep their party at the top going. Drones. Worker bees. They don't care if we're all that happy, or if our standard of living is good or not they just care that everyone shows up to work so they can make profits.

No all businesses aren't like that they actually care about the people that work for them and try to pay them reasonably and give them benefits because they realize they wouldn't be a business without the good people that work for them.
But the bottom line is always profits, it has to be, so even if it hurts like hell to cut back; people have to go.

What's going on with that $25 billion automotive bailout loans they'll be getting... and how much more will they ask for in the future? And haven't we bailed Chrysler out of bankruptcy once before sometime around 1979? Let's see, airlines, cars, banks, what else is next?
I desperately need a new car, have two kids looking at college and one has no health insurance. Who's sending me mad money? Who even has mad money anymore? It's all on credit cards now anyway isn't it?

I wonder what the Christmas shopping will be like this year. Not all that far away.
Do people spend money on large ticket items they don't really need in uncertain times without the cold hard cash to pay for it?
Maybe ole Bush will come out and tell us to all go buy stuff to keep the economy strong... again. Sure.

Well, g'night for now
Making Chicken Parmesan tomorrow night I think.

Laura



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