Fifty-one days left of George W. Bush...

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I'm sitting here catching up on news and finally drinking my reheated latte.
Took Coll to train station today (sob) and his bus was delayed in the city by over an hour.

Quiet once again.

Went shopping, got a few small presents for folk since we were up near the mall anyway.
On a budget for x-mas that I shall keep to. Found some pretty good buys and mall wasn't too terribly busy at all.

Which brings me to Cyber Monday Sales.
Have a couple of electronic gifts I'm waiting for the best price on.
I'll check around for online prices tomorrow. (Well actually I'm wide awake and drinking coffee so I'll check before I go to bed.)
I think I'll bring up our little x-mas tree tomorrow to help me get more in the Christmas spirit.
Can't bake too early so I'll have to shop sales and work on my handmade gifts. I'll manage.

This Friday is going to be a pip. I've got something that I'm doing that'll be interesting.
Won't tell you now, but with any luck I'll have a few photos to post on Saturday.
If you know me or have been reading this blog at all regularly I think you'll find it as amusing as I do.

Watched Laura Bush and Ted Turner on Meet The Press... still don't really like him. Oh well.
Is there some reason his eyes always half or more shut? Odd.
There are many interesting people out there, I wish I could meet them, no actually I wish I could sit down with them and discuss politics, social issues and ask how they ended up in whatever field they are in.

Still pretty worried about the economy along with many major economists...
Let's see how the next few weeks and months go.
Really feeling for those who have lost jobs, health insurance, retirement packages and their homes.
We're fortunate that these things haven't touched our lives, have no idea what the next year holds for us all but I hope for the best.

What happened in India worries me. Terrorism is the most vile form of social disruption and psychological oppression.

I'm hoping that Obama doesn't have to deal with the racism stirred up within our own country during the campaign.
Don't people realize we're all in this together?
Our country would be so much better if we ALL stood together.

G'night all,
Hope your Thanksgiving was warm, cozy, friendly and fun!

Laura

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Fifty-two days left of George Dubyah Bush... Football, football, football.

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Too much fooding. I'll start my diet Monday. Hmm.
Everyone has dispersed this evening... Coll going back to DC tomorrow.
Will miss the company quite a bit.

Finally the Mumbai, India attack is over.
Though I think the scars will live on in the minds of those involved that made it through.
The pain is borne in the families who lost loved ones and those who were injured in the attack.
What a terrible thing to happen anywhere. So unjustifiable.
A lot of conflicting stories out there but more accurate information is trickling in.

If man does find the solution for world peace it will be the most revolutionary reversal of his record we have ever known.
-George C. Marshall

Been trying to stay away from the news and my computer this weekend.
Thanksgiving and Christmas are our real family gathering times and I try to chill as much as I can.
Coll might rent extra space in apt out for inauguration day. They're not sure yet.

So keeping in line with my Thanksgiving philosophy...
I'm making a cup of hot tea to drink and watch yet more football.
Meet the Press tomorrow. Ha.

G'night
Hope your weekend is a great one.
Enjoy your Sunday
Count your blessings and get some sleep!

Laura

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Fifty-three days left of George W Bush... Black Friday.

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I don't go shopping on Black Friday (or Thanksgiving Thursday).
Crazed consumerism isn't consistent with a time of family gathering for a relaxing and Thankful holiday at all.
I understand wanting to save money, but running around trying to beat everyone else to the holy grail isn't my idea of fun.
No tv, game console, computer is worth standing in line at Best Buy from 7pm Thanksgiving night to 5am the next morning...
I guess I don't make a good shopper. I'd rather shop online or shop less crazed times for sales.

This year a Long Island Walmart had a death at it's Valley Stream store.
People rushed into the store knocking down and trampling a 34 year old worker who died.
They also knocked down a pregnant woman that had to go to the hospital.
This is utter insanity, no material item is worth someone's death. It's scary to me how crowds of people act.
Crowd mentality. First come first served. Everybody for themselves.
Black Friday doesn't bring out the best in people.
My family lived in Valley Stream a long time ago. I was born nearby and then we moved when I was 6 months old.
Black Friday Story

Still don't even know what we're going to do come Feb when tv goes digital.
We're one of the last few die hard antenna people that don't have cable and have lived quite well without it and another monthly bill.
I guess we'll have to go cable or satellite but I'll hate doing it.
Honestly I'm tempted to just use the computer, but everything isn't available free online for tv. Sigh.
I'd do without but doubt the kids would be happy with that. We have some time anyway.
Don't even know which would be better or cheaper for that matter: satellite or cable.

Still updates to the Mumbai, India terrorist attack. It seems that the attack is over but the final information isn't released yet.
There are at least 150 people dead and many more injured. It's so sad that people are able to treat others so callously.
If humans spent as much effort getting along and working together rather than plotting to kill people that don't agree with them or look different from them the world would be a much better and safer place for everyone.
A child of 12 does not deserve to die in such a manner. A premeditated act of violence... that proves what?
Is everyone's God so different that this is justifiable behavior?
Is "peace on earth good will to men" such an unobtainable possibility?

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On a far lighter note take a look at this short video on a SNL Brian Williams skit. Sometimes they actually get it right... ha.


Williams introduces 'new' Nightly News intro

Going to try to enjoy family and relax as much as possible this weekend.
Can't believe Monday will be December 1... yikes.
Doing a lot of home made foods (pies and cookies) along with hand made things (jewelry, gift baskets, silkscreened shirts, etc.) this Christmas to save some money. No big gifts this year.

Might be back later.
Going to watch a little tv for a while.

G'night for now,
I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving.

Laura

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Fifty-four days left, GW's last presidential Thanksgiving!

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Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!!!


Don't eat too much but do enjoy, laugh and be merry.


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Fifty-five days left of George W. Bush...

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Been following the Terrorist situation in India's commercial and financial capital of Mumbai.
There are hostages and it was highly coordinated attacks on the Taj hotel, train station, resturants and hospital.
Apparently they were separating people with British or American passports.
There have been many deaths. Scary stuff going on in the world. This is beyond suicide bombing, taking Western hostages.
So to talk about Bush or Obama and politics tonight just seems not all that important.
My prayers go out to all those caught in this horror.
Is this international terrorism or domestic terrorism? We'll hear more shortly I would guess.

NYC Transit on alert. Has happened before in NY and any of us that take the trains and subways are not surprised by national guard walking the lobby or platforms...
But Coll came out from DC on Bus and LIRR from Penn and will return the same way...
It feels different when it's me on the train or in the subway, a little more nerve wracking when it's Coll.

Trying to put images seen on tv and online out of my head and to be thankful for my family and home.

All eight of us will be eating turkey tomorrow, My brother and I along with mom are jointly cooking the dinner.
I made two apple/pear/blueberry pies for dessert and the house smells so wonderful. Just took them out of the oven.

I'm going to head off to bed and hopefully will catch some sleep, today was a long day.
Meeting trains, food shopping and running around at the last minute. Tomorrow should be better if all goes well.
But I'm going to pack it in early for me because I'm tired and my feet really hurt.

G'night everyone,
Count your blessings on Thanksgiving.
Take care of each other.

Laura

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Fifty-six daze left of George W. Bush... or let's mess with the environment now.

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I think I lost a whole day, not really like me.
Sorry, I think I'm going to call it a lost weekend.
Blame it on my birthday it's as good an excuse as any other I guess.

Term of the day: Fiscal Responsibility.
Is this corporate welfare or corporate socialism? It's getting hard to tell.
And someone explain to me who decides which bank, agency, business gets money while others don't?

Mismanagement is the cause...
If you don't adjust the people responsible for the whole problem how does that realistically send the message that the market and capitalism actually works? Survival of the fittest or of the government favorites?
Perhaps the government should take over the American Car Industry until it is working again... and they've made the tax payer's investment dollars back. Now that would be interesting.

Did I really see Scooter Libby dressed up as a turkey while GW Bush pardoned him on the Onion site?
Great spoof folks and what a real turkey that truly is!


In Thanksgiving Tradition, Bush Pardons Scooter Libby In Giant Turkey Costume

The recount goes on in Minnesota with a little over 100 votes between Coleman and Franken leaning to the former.
Very contensious, get it over with all ready. Then we just have Georgia left in the runoff election.

Seeing a lot of Barack Obama the second day of speeches for him, then Paulson who is starting to really drive me crazy.
Not hearing too much from ole GW these days...

Damn Midnight Regulations that GW Bush is putting through. Decimating some of the environmental issues yet once again.
Get the damn lame duck (not my word for him but it does rhyme with it) out of office before he gets even more stupid. Please.
Here are some of the things he's putting through last minute that we have to deal with-> check it out it's amazing:

Bush's Midnight Regulations

White collar vs. blue collar
When comparing the bailout for financial institutions to the bridge loans for the domestic auto industry, Steelworker President Leo Gerard made this comment:
"The people who take a shower before they go to work get bailed out. The people who must take a shower after work get thrown out."

This sums up how I feel about this bail out. Wall Street gets bailed out because they can't go broke. CitiGroup is too big to let go broke? What the heck was that? Free market society indeed.
But blame the American auto workers and the union for the problems Auto management made... let them go out of business because who the hell cares about blue collar workers anyway?

Union busting is not a good thing folks. Hasn't worked before. Damn those workers that want good wages, realistic hours, job protection, safe workplaces and health care, stupid little things like that.
The CEO's fly around in corporate jets, get paid obscene wages (for f**king things up) and get bonuses, perks and unbelievable retirement packages... but hey, blame it on the workers because they're unionized and simply show up for work every day to make cars, well until they're laid off that is. Yup blame them ya'll.

Bye, bye middle class... Maybe they'll bail us out some day, you never know.
They should we're all cheap and easy ain't we, or is it expendable?

I still have my problems with Obama, we shall see what he actually does now that he's elected.
They all say lots of stuff before they get in, then the reality of politics kicks in and usually promises are hedged and dodged.

Politicians, can't live with 'em, wish we could live without 'em.

700 billion and not one job created.
The deficit is horrific.
But hey at least GW was cute in his Peruvian Poncho, wuddn't he?

Let's hope Obama has a better plan and let's hope it actually works.

Non politics:
Going to pick up my son tomorrow, visiting from DC for the long Thanksgiving weekend!
Everyone will be home so it'll be a cherished holiday.
My favorite holiday has always been Thanksgiving.
Family gathering together for a fine filling fall meal. The best!
(not to mention that I was born on Thanksgiving, though it rarely falls on it again)

G'night,
Enjoy Thanksgiving and help those less fortunate over the holiday season.

Laura

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Fifty-eight days left of George W. Bush... the "unprecedented times."

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After midnight post once again... sorry, bad me.
So pretend it's still Sunday though it's really early Monday morning.

I really don't like Hank Paulson. He said in an NPR interview when asked
"I gotta tell you, I think our major institutions have been stabilized. I believe that very strongly."
Give me a break.
What about CitiBank now looking for their piece of the bailout windfall?
Seems everybody wants some of the corporate socialism, um welfare...

Auto industry: Seriously should we give Chrysler money a second time?
Is it our fault they never foresaw the need to upgrade, retool and face the future?
How about GM or Ford? What a mess.

Apparently us middleclass taxpayers are wealthier than we think we are. So why does it feel like we're swimming upstream into a waterfall? Because, of course, we don't actually have it at all, we're borrowing it from... well, not really sure exactly where are we?

I can't help wondering McCain wishes on some level that he could put the Palin genie back into the bottle?
We'll never know for sure!

Tomorrow I"m back to my more normal routine at least until Wednesday.
Then it's holiday stress, err, um, fun that is, yup that's the ticket.

Reviewing the Bush Midnight Regulations.
Talk tomorrow.

G'night,

Laura

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Fifty-nine days left of George W. Bush... slowly but surely.

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This is a very short post for me...
I usually can't say anything in less than 3 paragraphs.
Seriously. (though I'm laughing at the same time).

Anyway I know it's over midnight so I'm technically on day 58 but this is my late Saturday post which to me is day 59...

I've been out all day, wandering around, doing stress free things for my birthday.
So while I'm sorry I'm off schedule, I'm allowed since it is (well, was I guess) my birthday.

Didn't do anything remarkable just talking, walking around window shopping, food shopping and getting away from home for a bit! Making fun of products, laughing at prices and noting that for a saturday in November the mall was pretty quiet compared to even six-eight months ago.

Bought myself 2 new cookie sheets, and a double burner no-stick griddle for my birthday.
Maybe they don't sound like exciting or expensive gifts but they're needed and useful.
And right now it's all about practical here.
Besides if I'm gonna bake xmas cookies I really needed the cookie sheets...

Not going to talk politics tonight, not going to talk about anything that's likely to cause stress.
So now I'm settling in with my mug of just poured hot tea, getting ready to watch CSI on my trusty computer while wrapped in a velour blanket (heat's turned down) chilling after a quiet but fun birthday.

G'night all,

PoliticalQuestioning will resume tomorrow : )

Laura
A little older not any wiser.

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Sixty days left of George W. Bush... only two months more, can it be?

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Looks like Hillary is going to leave her senate seat for the secretary of state. Nice.

Looks like Tim Geithner is the choice for Treasury secretary.
Pundits stated that it was his choice that caused the rise in Dow, well, maybe or maybe not.
(He's the New York Federal Reserve President)

And Bill Richardson (New Mexico Gov.) Secretary of the Commerce Department?
Janet Napolitano (Arizona Gov.) Secretary of Homeland Security?

Supposedly Monday Obama's going to make some announcements formally. Hmm.

Did everyone see the Palin Turkey Pardon interview?
Doesn't anyone pay attention to what is going on around her when she's talking?
Mildly amusing considering, but then I'm not a vegetarian. Just bad timing and poor judgement on someone's part.
What a Turkey

Going to bed.
Have a great weekend.

Laura

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Sixty-one days left of George W. Bush... or the white sale at the White House.

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Remember Michele Bachmann the republican rep from Minnesota who almost lost her re-election bid because of her statement about Obama being anti-American and that the media should investigate members of congress to see if they were pro or anti Americans?
Well, she's at it again. Now she calls it a "urban legend" and that she never said that on Hardball to Chris Matthews.
Here's a link to the story Bachmann's Urban Legend
This is the clip of her backtracking on what she previously said.


This is what she originally said to Chris Matthews:


Now my problem with this aside from the text of what she said going into the never never land of McCarthyism (as in what would she recommend is done with these anti-American representatives that were elected in a democracy by the people).
My real problem is that before the video "You Tube" world people like Michele could get away with backtracking by saying "you took my words out of context or I never said that I was misquoted" and nothing could be proven.
But now, everything is on video and available to the public. You can watch and hear what they say.
Lying doesn't work that well anymore... not when the whole conversations can be seen online.
LIAR, liar, lies... Nobody stands behind what they say anymore and now this culture of evasion and outright lying is easily exposed for what it is: people lying and cheating to cover their own asses. It's endemic and discouraging.
Too bad she was re-elected.

And speaking of lying... VP Dick Cheney and Alberto Gonzales (former attorney general) were indicted in Texas.
Cheney/Gonzales indictment
This amuses me, of all the outrageous things Cheney has been associated with this is what they indict him on. Amazing and sad at the same time. Of course it still might not go anywhere but it is an interesting development.

Another thing, the news reporters are tossing around the terms disinflation and deflation while talking about the economic crisis. They've been using disinflation more often but it's really a slippery slope from one to the other it would seem...
Scary stuff. Seems the auto industry is in real difficulty since congress is in disagreement about the bail outs now.
I think bankruptcy mightn't be a bad thing, it's a really tough call. What a mess.

disinflation:
A slowing of the rate at which prices increase. Typically, this occurs during a recession as sales drop and retailers are not able to pass on higher prices to customers.

deflation:
A general decline in prices, often caused by a reduction in the supply of money or credit. Deflation can be caused also by a decrease in government, personal or investment spending. The opposite of inflation, deflation has the side effect of increased unemployment since there is a lower level of demand in the economy, which can lead to an economic depression.

Declining prices, if they persist, generally create a vicious spiral of negatives such as falling profits, closing factories, shrinking employment and incomes, and increasing defaults on loans by companies and individuals. To counter deflation, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) can use monetary policy to increase the money supply and deliberately induce rising prices, causing inflation. Rising prices provide an essential lubricant for any sustained recovery because businesses increase profits and take some of the depressive pressures off wages and debtors of every kind.
Note: these definitions come from:Investopedia

Not political:
Got a free 21 pound turkey and a second one for $5.00 not a bad days shopping.
I'm a coupon clipper and shop depending on what we use that's on sale, and look for double coupons too.
For instance I totaled $47.87 in Waldbaums, saved $36.26 in coupons and qualified for a free turkey (which I got).
Not bad? Well, then I went to King Kullen and totaled $72.25 and saved $70.35 in coupons/sales.
So today I saved a total of $106.61. I love to do that and we can use the savings for other things that's for sure.
Really keeping an eye on the budget these days.

Anyway,
Going to pack it in early again.
Tired and needing sleep.
Had a bad nightmare last night, woke up and then couldn't sleep for a while.
Ugh.

G'night

Laura

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Sixty-two days left of George W. Bush...

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Well, McCain actually won in the close election in Missouri.
Hooray!

Obama picked Tom Daschle for Secretary of Health and Human Services.
What's with all the Clinton era picks? Not a bad choice though.
So he'll be the guy that works on health care.
Would be more interesting if Barack Obama gave us his own reasoning behind each of his picks...
He wouldn't of course, but it would be telling to know what he was thinking and why.

To Hillary or not to Hillary... now that IS the question.

Not politics:
Been working with my son on Global History review each night because he needs to pass the regents in January.
It's a two year course. Glad to be able to help but Social Studies isn't my favorite subject.
Learned it fairly well by the time my fourth kid went through school system. Ha.
I love English, Science, Art, Psychology and especially Anthropology.
(I'm a teacher at heart, studied some graduate English thinking I'd be one in the 80's.)
Every once in a while I think about going back to get my English degree because I love English but don't really know what I'd do with it. Have a MSW so unless I come into money I doubt I'll go back to college any time soon.
Though I have to admit I'm the happiest I ever am when I'm in college learning new things and meeting new people.
Don't know why I just am.

My mom has been quite sick for two days and she looks miserable.
Not sure what's wrong but it's not a cold. She's very discouraged.
I'm hoping she feels better soon. She's hard to get to go to the doctors.
::sigh::

This time of year is not my favorite. I get moody in November.
It's been the same pattern for over 30 years.
My best friend died a short time before my birthday.
I put flowers on the grave every year and try to fathom why I'm still here and she isn't.

But anyway, I'm going to bed because I'm really exhausted.
Still not feeling great and mentally weary.

So G'night,

Laura
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Sixty-three days left of the Cheney presidency...

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I'm rather late on everything today I admit it... not too much to talk about that I haven't all ready talked about.

One thing I'm happy about (with reservations of course) is that Ted Stevens seems to have lost his senate seat in Alaska!
Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich a democrat has won, but there will probably be a recount.
If it holds up, there will thankfully (at least for now) not be a Senator Palin.
Go write your book, or dictate your book to someone that can translate greatness out of gibberish, sarcasm and cliche.
I'm sure it'll be great, and a best seller.

So, Lieberman gets to keep his Committee Chair of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs. ::sigh::
Figured he would. He's gonna lose his place on the Environment and Public Works Committee (so what).
Politics as usual... many Connecticut democrats and others are pissed off at the Senate Dems and Lieberman with good reason.
But hey political treason isn't treason after all is it? (Just ask Rudy)
Anyway when Joe is up for re-election Connecticut democrats are gathering forces to run a successful campaign against him.
Well, we shall see in time.

Not 100% sure about Eric Holder as attorney general. He is surely qualified but I have to think about it a bit to decide.
Probably not a bad choice.
And Hillary still hasn't accepted or denied the Secretary of State position. Wonder what that means?
I know Bill's a wild card (or Joker depending on how you feel) but I'd like to see Hillary in a high post in the Obama administration. She deserves it and she campaigned extensively for him.

Poor Barack has to lose his Blackberry for security purposes.
Whoa, that's not an easy feat for those who have become addicted to using them all the time.
Likely quitting cigarettes would be easier for many including him.
I love the fact that he's using You Tube for his "fireside chats." lol.
Someone that's not technologically inept. Finally.

As far as the auto industry bailout is concerned:
Why should we give money to the CEO, administration and stock holders of GM?
Aren't these the people that had the brilliant idea to market Hummers to the public?
I say it again:
These are the people that keep making gas guzzlers and pick up trucks that come in sizes
Large, Huge and What the hell is that?
Good God what a joke all this is... except the joke is on everyone middle class and down.
Like the economy disaster was such a huge surprise. Just snuck up on them to spoil the party.
Seems like the taxpayer's that will be paying for this fiasco will be my grandchildren.

I'm beginning to truly dislike Paulson. The more he talks, the more I wish I could fire him myself.
I actually dreamt last night that I fired a bunch of people he was the first on my list... funny huh?
Or maybe not really all that funny upon reflection.

Non politics:
My son is coughing and miserable with a cold. Stayed home from school today.
I'm a little behind in my NaNoWriMo unfortunately. Didn't plan on getting sick.
Oh well, even if I don't make 50,000 words, it's fun to try and I'll have quite a lot done in any event.

Going to bed, trying to take care of myself and lose my cold.
G'night,

Laura

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Sixty-four days left of GW Bush... is it a trick somehow?

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Lordy, I almost got through a whole day without hearing anything about Sarah Palin.
Then I went and watched some of todays news clips... and that was it.
Although at least it was only one mention... All the book publishers want her to write a book for millions of dollars.
Figures doesn't it? Well now, who will she use to "help" her write this book since if she wrote anything even remotely in the um, style(?) she talks it would be unreadable to the majority of US citizens. Kinda hard to follow to and you betcha.

Economy still going to hell in a hand basket.
I figure that while the govt argues about why, where (and who) to apply money to and how they might regulate how it's used... everybody will all ready have lost their homes to foreclosure by then.
All these lay offs won't help the mortgage problems either.

No clear answers in sight. It's all speculation, what will work? Not sure anyone really has a clue.

Making this a short post tonight.
Normally I'm up really late every night (Insomniacs unite!) but I have a few things I have to do tomorrow morning.

Talk tomorrow eve then,
G'night

Laura

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Sixty-five days left of the Bush Doctrine...

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It will be nice to finally have a president that doesn't say "ta" instead of "to" or "ditn't..."
I think that if you can't pronounce “nuclear” you shouldn't be allowed to be sworn in as president.
After 8 years handlers still can't get him to say nuclear right even 50% of the time.

Saw the Obama's on 60 Minutes tonight and it was a nice interview.
They have a great rapport and nice family.
Both have worked hard and should be very proud of their accomplishments.

Why the hell don't people in the public eye think through what they say BEFORE they say it???
Paul Broun the congressman from Georgia (Republican) compared Obama's policy proposals to Hitler.
And now he's apologizing for his misstatement. Yeah. Read it see what you think.
Broun's Hitler statement
Hey next time Broun... make your point without the bullshit about Nazi Germany, Marxism and most of all ole boy: Adolf Hitler'sname shouldn't even come up in the discussion at all. Totally offensive misuse of history, unbelievably tactless and completely asinine (to put it mildly).

Good God now Gulliani is looking to run for governor of NY. No freakin' way Rudy.
You're way too "cosmopolitan" for us, too "elitist" and you seem to think "community organizers" have some sort of socially unacceptable disease. Really sad, coming from the once mayor of NYC don't you think?
Is hard work, advocating for human rights and compassion a bad thing now?
Go away Rudy and take your delusions of grandeur with you please.
The community of NY state doesn't need you to lead us anywhere...
Retire from politics and become a makeup artist all ready, or a really homely Marilyn Monroe impersonator.
You know you want to.

It would seem that there's going to be a real fight over the automotive industry's bleak outlook... and cash relief.
Now they're saying once again that we have to get the economy up and running again by the American people spending money to save all the businesses that are facing a dire year ahead... Um, wanna give us some money, maybe we'd spend it.
Maybe.
Or maybe we'd pay off our debt, or maybe we'd put it in the bank, remember the savings part of "savings and loan?"
This is going to be a tough year for many. No way around it realistically yet. Need better ideas, and no I don't have them.
Neither does the government on either side of the fence so far.

Weaselly bad credit commercials are showing up on the TV now... Let us fix your credit problems, get you loans, etc... just call this number and one of our wonderful representatives will take care of you. Yea sure.

Non politics:
Starting to feel better, cold is letting up a bit. (crosses fingers & knocks on wood)
My husband did a lot of maintenance on my imac and upgraded Parallels which now works a lot better...
I use my imac exclusively for photography, artwork, video and most creative projects.
I do most of my writing on my MacBookPro cause it's mobile and I can write anywhere.

G'night,

Laura

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Sixty-six days left of George W. Bush's signature mangling of the English language...

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Lot going on these days:
Economic meetings of world leaders to discuss the world economy and what to do.

Paulson babbling on and on about economic "stimulus/bailout/rescue" plan, let's make it better now he days. Right.
Tired of hearing Mr. ex-CEO of Goldman Sachs talking.
Grilling of KashKari. Yes, about time... ask some questions.
Have to say Kucinich was getting some shots in there. Not enough but hey... at least someone tries.

I'm still against the bailout in any form it's been in so far.
The job losses across the country and the foreclosures happening every day while the govt. figures out what to do (or who to hand money over to next) is a crime.
By all means take care of the top heavy officials and share holders.

Not only are the people that lose their homes often put out on the street with their families but if they lose their jobs they lose their family insurance coverage. This country needs to fix these problems.
Compassionate conservatism my ass.
Compassion where exactly?

There is an ever widening gap between those that have money and those that struggle to get by.
But nope we shouldn't make people that make over 250,000 dollars a year pay more taxes, nor should we close those loopholes in the tax code that wealthy folk take advantage of. Hell, the rest of us are lucky we get a deduction for our children, no less have money to use for hiring a tax lawyer and accountant to find us assorted deductions and hide our money.
Most of us only had one real asset: that was our homes. And that ain't exactly going too well for a lot of people right now.

And bailing out the auto industry isn't going to stop lay offs or make people buy new cars.
Union busting isn't the answer. (But the ghost of Reagan past loves the idea).
If you're going to point at the unions as strangling these "poor" industry giants, complaining that they have too much power-then you have to cut back on the administration and CEO''s wages, on stock holders dividends, extravagant bonuses, business charges like lunch, dinners and bullshit inspirational perks, also those golden parachutes.
Then and only then do you get to point down the food chain to the workers.
They DID NOT cause the malaise in the auto industry.

How about we make it harder for American companies to ship jobs out of the country, tax them for factories in other countries, tax them like any other company that wants to sell stuff from elsewhere here.

I'm still amazed by the idea that government should not regulate these industries when they want money cause they are running out of their own, due to their own mismanagement. Wow.
Almost every small business owner knows that they will lose their business if they run it poorly, take too much cash out of the till for themselves, or do stupid things like: gamble their money on bad ideas, lie, steal, cheat, fail to update services or products... or they just simply get too greedy to care about their employees or the consumers of their product or service.

And can't Sarah Palin go back to Alaska and hibernate for a while, she could come back out in the spring sometime.
Still waiting to hear how Alaska's senate race turns out we should know Monday. Mark Begich is up 1000 votes as of Friday.
Though I suppose if it's close there'll be a recount which will drag it on for a while longer.
My fingers are crossed at least that Stevens loses, then we won't have to deal with Sarah as senator dancing around DC with the media following her around like a bunch of paparazzi on a celebrity hunt.
Don't really like Al Franken for senator, he's a blow hard, brash, and loudly opinionated... don't need more of those in senate. lol Though I'm not crazy about Norm Coleman either. It's been a very hostile competition and not getting better. Won't know for sure who is the winner until possibly mid December. Wild.

Non politics:
Still sick. Feel crummy. Staying away from mom don't want to get her sick.
Cleaning my kitchen, writing and zoning out for the time being.

G'night.

Laura

*

Sixty-seven days left in the reign of George W. Bush.

*

Well, Joe Scarborough "Morning Joe's" slip up on air was hysterical in the sense that he didn't even know he'd said it.
Used the F-word accidentally and now has a 7 second on air delay. Incredibly amusing to me. Sorry Joe.


Actually Conan O'brien had a short clip of "Joe's apology" wherein he's bleeped out a few times... funny.
If you go to NBC and watch Conan's Thursday night monologue both Joe's slip up and his "apology" occur in it.
Conan's monologue Nov. 13 It's only available to view until December 1st however.

Also this morning watched Bill Ayers on Good Morning America interview. Strange.
Judge for yourself. Somewhat unimpressive for such a "subversive character."
Part one

The sixties were a really strange time in America for so many, many different reasons. Real undercurrents then.
Very concerned with the undercurrents today in the USA too.
post election threats NBC

California seems to be on fire again. I can't imagine what that's like to see flames heading towards your home.
I heard seventy mile an hour winds were making it hard for the fire fighters there.
Bless all of you it's a dangerous job. Please keep safe.

Non politics:
Son's back tires slashed, very odd. Fixed one and replaced one.
Don't know what that was about, don't like it.

Started the week on Sunday with Neil Gaiman signing which was great.
Downhill from there however. Lot's of stuff going on.
Felt even worse yesterday and now I know why, I woke up all congested and miserable this morning.
Took cold stuff but nothing is working. Sneezing my brains out and getting a horrible cold.
Hoping I didn't give it to my mom this week.
Going to bed early for once.

G'night

Laura

*

Sixty-eight days left of George W. Bush...

*

So it seems that there's a save Senator Joe Lieberman group.
They feel that Lieberman should stay on as chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Also he should caucus with the Democrats. ::sigh::
I guess I understand why they want to keep his vote in the Senate but I hate it. Were they not listening to what Joe said about Obama? Politicians doing that politicy thing once again. Sucks sometimes far as I can see. Maybe they trust him, I don't.
Wonder how Connecticut feels about him now...

Democratic candidate Mark Begich is up by a number of votes over Republican Senator Ted Stevens (the convicted felon) in Alaska. there are still more absentee ballots to count, hopefully tomorrow or Monday we'll know the results. Let's hope that Begich wins so that Palin doesn't take the Senator position in Alaska. Oh please, please, please. Just let her stay Governor Palin. She can use the time to re-invent and study up.
So Alaska turns into the Florida of the Senate race eh? Is Katherine Harris in the House?

And what about Minnesota? Looks like they won't know who won the senate seat until around mid December.
Democrat Al Franken (ugh) versus Republican Norm Coleman (not much better). Coleman ahead by small amount so far.
In Georgia there's a run-off election between Republican Senator Chambliss and Democrat Martin early December...

Still a fascinating election, one that just keeps on going. At least we know the clear winner of the Presidency!!!

The bail out package is getting odder... hedging a little on the auto industry and American Express now wants money too.
If there's any money left over, I could use some too. Actually how about we divide that 700 billion between all citizens, now that would be REAL trickle down theory wouldn't it?
I wouldn't mind bailing someone out if it wasn't for feeling like they're a bunch of money grubbing bastards... CEO's gotta love 'em. Finally the govt admits maybe the bail out has to be be done more carefully... Um, Really? Wow, didn't see that coming.

So, it's possible that Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton might be Secretary of State? Supreme Court? Very interesting stuff.
Would she take the Position of Secretary of State... I think she might if it's offered. She'll have some position I'm sure.

********

Not Politics:
Got an echocardiogram, EKG, and broke a record on vials of blood taken at one time.
Need a chest x-ray now, but I shall live it seems. Warning to mend my ways.
Will hear on tests soon. Feeling a little better, but very weary.
Advice: resist stress. Am laughing, not sure why. That's like telling me after I had my gall bladder out not to lift anything or drive. Okay, okay, okay I'll try. I promise. I do.
Acupuncture, massage, meditation, exercise, long walks on the beach? Never answer my phone again?
Must re-invent myself more completely than I had planned to I guess.

Will, be starting a video blog shortly, hopefully next week.
Not sure if I'll do it independent of this one or just put the option at the top of this one.
Charl has inspired me into motion... wants me to chill and make a website he can manage for me (computer son-guy)
Still working on NaNoWriMo it's a fun experience whether or not I make 50,000 words or not.

G'night everyone,
Sleep well and have pleasant dreams.

Laura

*

Sixty-nine days left of George W. Bush...

*

The stock market continues to stay down.
This is going to be a tough year all around.
At least our representatives are finally starting to rethink the "money lending" without clear restrictions.
About time, and a little late.
Downward turns at Starbucks, Macy's, Linnen's and Things, Best Buy, Circuit City, Hasbro, Airlines, Automobiles, on and on...
Not looking too great right before Christmas.

Everywhere I look for news whether magazine, newspaper, tv or computer I see Palin's face.
She's being interviewed all over the place. Larry King, GMA, Lauer, and an assortment of others. Is overexposure good?
Interesting, will she begin campaigning for 2012 in 2008...?
Because people got tired of the Obama and McCain marathon two years. Four years of Palin media will drive me crazy.
She's the future of the republican party?
Go home, study a lot, learn tolerance and come back later on an, err, better person. Please quietly re-invent yourself.

Thanks Republican National Party for making the divide between our citizens even wider than before. For scaring people with made up fears. For calling people un-American, un-patriotic, and dangerous because they disagree with you, or because fear works to your advantage even if it isn't based in truth. I would really like Palin to retire off to Alaska but she won't because she now has tasted power. I wish McCain and especially Palin didn't deliberately help to stir this kind of animosity up. How ironic that the campaign was called the straight talk express.
Racism is never right. Prejudice is never okay. Hatred is evil. Religion should not condone or promote discrimination.
This is not associated with the Christianity I was brought up in. The very fact that this is happening is a disgrace to our great nation.

Disturbing reactions to Obama's election in the USA
I said it early on in this election... stirring up hatred is dangerous and evil.
There will never be peace and progress if we never heal.
Remember the "United" in the United States of America? Some people don't seem to care about it at all.

Bill Ayers (remember him?) did an interview talking about his association with Obama finally. Not sure why he didn't do it before the election. So he gets death threats too.

Bill Ayers talks
What is going on in this country that it's not enough to just disagree with someone and try to understand or work with people that hold opinions different from their own?
Has it become okay to threaten, bully and denigrate people?
Would you take the life of another over a political difference? What does this teach our children?
What does it say about us as people? About the concept of tolerance?

Gay marriages begin in Connecticut while they are banned in California. So strange.

Hate crime murder of a hispanic man took place in Patchogue, NY. Spent a lot of time there over the years. Very sad.
Hate Crime in Patchogue

There was racial and sexual grafitti found on cars in Mastic, NY. Also threats and anti Obama epithets.
Racial graffiti found on cars

What worries me about this is that NY is fairly liberal as a state with a very diverse population. It's really disturbing to me.

****
Non politics:
Note to music friends: Mitch Mitchell died today at 62 years old.
Remember the jimi Hendrix Experience... he was the original drummer.
None of the original group members are left. Noel Redding, the bass guitarist, died in 2003.

Getting blood work done tomorrow early, yay. Not feeling that great.
Getting cardio workup... etc. Tests. Fun. My family history sucks, mom has significant artery disease and a triple bypass. Dad died from massive heart attack, grandfather died at around 54 of heart attack. Well, at least I don't smoke.
Guess I should take what my body is telling me seriously...
Lose weight. Exercise. Get sleep. Eat better. ::sigh::
Cut down on stress... now that's going to be an interesting one. Don't know where to start right now.
But try I will.

Going to bed.
G'night.

Laura

*

Seventy more days of George W. Bush...

*

Watching McCain on Jay Leno at the moment.
He's being rather gracious, funny and straightforward which is nice to see again.

The Dow Jones still down, where's this all going?
I saw a few angry articles about how it's Obama's fault that the stocks market is tanking further.
Right. Here we go with the bullshit again. Never stops does it? Never so much as a truce on either side.
Stated that it was falling because of Obama fear gripping the country. Seriously guys?
I suppose if he doesn't fix everything by the end of next year they'll be screaming.
(Like McCain had any real plans other than more of the same.)
The country is broken and we're all going to have to pitch in to fix it.
We're not used to hard times, especially our children.
Unfortunately our government's budget has no wriggle room. Using "magic money" it seems.

Bailing companies out and hoping for trickle down economic theory to work isn't gonna cut it.
Business as usual has to change, for all of us.
Who's gonna buy a car in this economy if the one they have is still runnin'?

Saw a clip that Conan O'Brien is giving all his audience members left over John McCain dolls.
We have the weirdest celebrity, political figure, media relationships in this country.

Have to go get a bunch of bloodwork, ekg, and other stuff.
Blood pressure up, chest pressure, head ache, shoulder pain, shortness of breath, oh yay.
Extremely tired. Doc today says get all these tests done. See cardiologist now. Fun.
Oh and losing weight would be good too.
So taking it easy tomorrow if at all possible. Probably typing some more.
Blood work is fasting so Thursday.

G'night.
Take care of yourselves everybody.

Laura

*

Seventy-one days left of GW Bush.

*



I was in NYC last night to see Neil Gaiman in conversation with Chip Kidd for the Sandman 20th Anniversary Celebration.
I lugged my Absolute Sandman Vols I, II & III in to get them signed. Vol IV comes out on Nov 11 I think.
I got a line on how I can get that one signed too after I get my copy.
Yes, that's me in the shot taken with my cell, absolutely in awe of this ability to tell a wicked tale.
A true first class storyteller! He's very multi-talented. My favorite author, creative person.
I'm definitely trying to absorb some of his talent by osmosis there. lol
He's so incredibly funny, smart, friendly and very nice to his readers.
Poor Neil was exhausted by the time he finished signing, he actually had circles under his eyes.
Since we had 2nd row seats you felt you were sitting in the living room with him which was great... but because we were in front, I was towards the end of the line to get my books signed. (Took around an hour)
Thank you Karen for going with me, enjoyed dinner and sing your praises for waiting for me so long to give me a lift back to Penn station!!! Thoroughly enjoyed the night.




*****

I'm so tired of Palin. Stop criticizing her, stop defending her, stop following her around, just stop. Please.
It's not about Palin anymore, or McCain, or Hannity, or Joe the "plumber." Enough, enough, enough.
She's going to be on Good Morning America tomorrow. Ugh. Let it go, let her go. She'll be back don't worry.

AIG is supposed to get more money. I still hate this whole bailout thing.
If any one gets money there has to be very powerful strings attached to it. This is what you can do with it, this is what you can't. Now get to work, get out and don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way. 150 billion dollars, makes me ill.

Auto industry will get money. Don't know where all this "magic money" is coming from because it seems like the govt is broke. Linens and Things and Circuit city is going bankrupt why don't we bail all them out too...
And maybe you could pay my student loans, the mortgage and buy me a modest car as a incentive "perk" as mine will shortly stop running. I hate this whole hypocritical thing. Reward the people that created the mess. Pay those on the top and cut lose the workers that made them the profits. Want to puke.

Everybody's bitching about socialism... what's so great about the unbridled greed of unrestrained capitalism???

Gotta go I'm participating in the National Novel Writing Month, trying to get to the coveted 50,000 words by the end of the month marathon. NaNoWriMo
Not doing badly either. We shall see. Spending huge amounts of time typing. Going to do a few overnighters to make up for some of the days I won't be able to do much writing (like Thanksgiving when Coll is out for a few days). I have my fingers crossed.

See you tomorrow. Kinda off kilter and tired today, didn't sleep very well last night at all.

G'night,

Laura

*

Seventy-two days left of GW Bush...

*

Well, I got home a bit later than expected so I missed yesterday's post...
Unless you're a night owl like me in which case you're still on Sunday night time.
But it is technically Monday morning I suppose so... I'm late. I admit it.

Left at 2pm for the city to see Neil Gaiman talk about the Sandman series for it's twentieth anniversary.

Now running on a DDonuts latte and sheer will power that's rapidly dissipating.
A loaf of bakery bread was left on my computer.
So I cut off a yummy hunk of Brown bread with raisins and the best crusty crust I've eaten in a long time.

I guess the world did fine today without me following the news.
Usually I sneak in some news no matter what but I didn't even turn on the radio in the car.
TV, radio, computer and newspaper free day. Doesn't happen all that often but every once in a while.

Tomorrow I have a lot to catch up on, a million errands and not enough time in the day.
So off to bed I go. Will upload some photos tomorrow afternoon.
Behind in almost all my projects at the moment. Oh well. They'll get done, they always do.
Too tired to talk so...
G'night,

Laura

*

No more George W. Bush in seventy-three days...

*

So the Palin camp and the McCain camp are fighting over who said what about whom... awesome.





What does everyone think about Senator Joe Lieberman's position in the democratic ticket?
He's a democrat that ran against his own party in Connecticut on the independent party but is a member of the democratic party and holds the position of chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. He would likely lose that if they excommunicate him from the party.
It's no big secret that I'm no fan of Lieberman (I said he should be tarred, feathered and sent out of Connecticut for his RNC speech. Look he can support anyone he wants and it's mavericky and all but... it was what he said and how he campaigned that pissed many off. Republicans are courting him now. Ha. Fascinating this election was don't you think?
Now if NY could get rid of Rudy. ::sigh:: But that's almost impossible isn't it?
Not too favored by Social workers here even before the "community organizer" and "cosmopolitan" comments. Ugh.

Lieberman discussion(2:25 is the beginning of the Lieberman info...)
If you continue on in that clip on Lieberman it discusses Elisabeth Dole's loss and her ad that probably cost her the re-election. Isn't there something very important about not throwing stones if you live in a glass house. Be careful who you call godless as a Christian Elizabeth, Kay Hagan came back with the perfect better Christian response. Good job North Carolina.

Going in to the city tomorrow to see a lecture by Neil Gaiman. Trudging in with my Absolute Sandman 1,2 & 3 books, hopefully I can get them signed. That would be a great birthday present to myself. Heavy but I'll manage.

Obama's mutt comment was wonderful by the way! Honest, and so American. We are ALL mutts folks... deal with it.

G'night,
Enjoy the weekend!

Laura

*

Seventy-four days to Obama's inaugural address.

*

I know a lot of folk are trying to figure out what to do with themselves after the election.
It was pretty all consuming. Morning tv was talking about the post election blues or depression and what to about it. Sigh.
Not me... I'm happy to relax now after all that energy that went to the campaign.
Me? I went fishing for a few calming hours today, which felt great.
We caught good size blue fish around 4pm, came home filleted it right away.
I put fillets in broiler and made spiced rice to go with it.
Ate at 6pm. Just not going to get fish much fresher than that! Yummy.
Didn't get much time to write today but I might get some time tonight.
I'm probably going to take a break this week. I've been running for weeks on empty and I think would like to read a book or something... a novel would be nice.
My son is coming up soon for a visit from DC. That'll be nice. Don't see him all that often. : )


I don't miss the constant barrage of election ads, the constant droning of the pundits (not that they have completely stopped) or the angry accusations. Let's hope that we will move on now from all that.

Obama seems to be surrounding himself with good people so far. I think maybe we will work on at least some of our problems now. The last four years were a social and economic mess, with nothing very constructive getting done at all.
I'm not sure I understand why Louisiana voted Republican this election especially after the Katrina fiasco but they did at a rate of 59% to 40% it seems.

The one thing I was upset about was when the Brady Bill was dismembered. Now all the tv can talk about is the rush on guns because people fear that the new administration will put restrictions on gun ownership. Imagine that.
So, it's not even the hand guns that bother me although they kill far too many people in this civilized country...
It's the assault weapons that the run is on. Seriously folks, what do you need with assault weapons.
hand guns are made to kill, to injure, to maim. Do you really need assault weapons?
Would Columbine have happened so readily if these guns weren't so available?
Is that a good thing to stockpile these types of weapons? I truly wonder.
Semi-automatics? Why not allow crates full of hand grenades, rocket launchers.

So the question before the Republican party is this:
Is Sarah Palin the new face of their party or will they move more towards the moderate center of conservative?
Remember Bush's idea of "compassionate conservatives?"

I for one am not unhappy to see the McCain/Palin "Air Quotes across America" campaign ended.

Anyway feeling better for fishing and no longer hungry either. Fed family for almost nothing. Always nice.

No news for me tonight, taking a break from politics and news.

Enjoy your evening.
Smile at those you love.

Laura

*

Seventy-five days to Barack Obama's inaugural address.

*

Finally only 75 days in office left of George W. Bush the lame duck president!!!
Very happy to say that. No more mangling of the English language.

I'm interested in which direction Palin will go now.
(Though I'd really like her to disappear back to Alaska until at the very least 2009, perhaps a little longer.)
Will she be persuaded to pursue the power and distinction of running for the first female president in 2012?
(And it makes me really ill to think she would be elected the first female president.)
or will she go for the really big bucks that the conservative talk show hosts get from the "elite" media?

I don't think she can do both. Interesting. I doubt she'll go away. But hey I can dream right?

It was really inspiring to see how the world reacted to the announcement of "President Elect Barack Obama."
Amazing. How people here reacted.

I don't imagine he will accomplish all the things on his agenda... none of them do.
But I do think he'll heal some of our wounds if given a chance. And I hope he is given the chance.
Already we are hearing complaints on the air, I don't imagine that will stop.
The press likes to crucify presidents it seems and especially the democratic ones.

I'd like to think that the republicans next time will run a more moderate, less divisive candidate.
Or even better, since many conservative moderates feel left out of the system in both parties...
They will create a three party system... Left leaning democrats, right leaning republicans and an Independent party
that is more in the center of both. Now that would be interesting.

Meanwhile, I think attention should be rightfully given to Barack Obama. It was a long campaign and difficult.
The end of the Bush years.
Still smiling.

G'night
Going to get some sleep tonight.

Laura

*

President elect Barack Obama. Next day feelings from a woman in NY.

*

I'll begin by saying that both McCain and Obama gave fantastic speeches last night.
Both were sincere and both showed grace from opposite sides of the election result.
I'm truly glad that we didn't have to listen to Biden or Palin last night. It's not about them anymore for now.

For someone like me that stood up for a more moderate and yes, a more accepting, inclusive, liberal outlook on the world, this was a historic night.
While I'm thrilled with the Obama/Biden win, I do feel a tug at my heart that this was not the time for a female leader.
I voted for Obama/Biden because I am a woman, because I feel they will protect my rights as a woman and create a more moderate, inclusive government.
McCain/Palin won't represent my beliefs. They are too conservative.
I've stood for human rights all my life, ALL people's rights.

I stood along with other women for equal pay for equal work, for access to birth control, for legal rights and the right to choose.

I love the diversity of our country. The ethnicity, colors, and voices of all of our people. I cherish our freedoms, our rights, our democracy.
New York city is the image of the country I envision, the wonderful patchwork of movement and people.
I realize others see it differently and I respect that. I do not see a "real" America nor an "elitist" one.
We need to work together as a nation to seek a better future for all
of us.

I remember the extreme prejudices of the past, the marches on Washington, The loss of the lives of many good men in the cause for true equality and justice. People of all colors, sex, age and ethnicity stood together, sometimes for the first time ever.

I remember the split the Vietnam war brought to our country. The anger on both sides. I know you can be vehemently against a war and both love your country and totally support the young men that are sent to risk their lives in support of it's military actions.

I believe that gay people should have the same rights that "straight" people have across the board. I know many don't share that view.

This is truly historic and exciting. An amazingly dynamic time for our country; we are poised to change our future, to strengthen our place in the world.
Can we do it? I want to believe we can. I have Hope once again, I have a dream now too, and I think "Yes, yes, we can."

This is not a total mandate, I've lived long enough to know that nothing is ever cast totally in stone.
No, the future won't be easy, there will be many problems to face along the path, both expected and unexpected...
Kudos to the young people of this nation who actually DID get out and vote en masse this time.
For many of the young see the world as more diverse and varied than many of their older generation counterparts.

But today I believe with all my heart that we are a better people.

*****
There were some things that were interesting along with the election:

Unfortunately (to me anyway) it seems California will repeal the rights of gay couples to marry in that state. A loss of rights there, that could effect new initiatives in other states.

Michigan is now the thirteenth state to legalize medical marijuana.

Massachusetts has decriminalized small amounts of marijuana by 65%
yes, 35% no.

Michelle Bachmann of Minnesota was reelected. I really don't get that
at all.

Still can't see Al Franken as senator, but there will be a recount.
Coleman has the edge.

Washington state joined Oregon passing a right to die with dignity
bill allowing for lethal dose for patients with short time to live.

There are other items, but I'm way too tired and desperately need
sleep.

Au revoir

*

President Barack Obama! Sounds fine to me!

*

Seems Obama won in Callifornia, Nevada, Colorado, Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington
and... maybe Montana?

President elect Barack Obama.
Dare I have hope for the future...
Dare I dream of unity and commitment to change.

A historic day.
I can't express the emotions.

Popular vote so far:

58,012,814 for Obama
52,436,767 for McCain

Electoral so far:

349 for Obama
159 for McCain

Sitting alone sipping my LI iced tea and watching news streaming on my computer and the tv in the background.

Talked to my son in DC who voted earlier today and was out celebrating with friends tonight.
Crowds of people out in streets of DC chanting, laughing and crying. Said he's never seen anything like it.
I know. Neither have I. He had a random crowd of happy folk yelling "Hello mom" over the cell to me (chant).
Awesome. I'm impressed. Feeling the love of random young strangers over the air waves... lol

Proud to be a New Yorker. Proud to be from the USA.
G'night if you can sleep.
I'm not even close to tired.

Hot tea in a bit, reflecting on these last few days.
Then at some point I shall retire and finally rest my weary mind.

Laura

*

Election night!!!

*

Looks like Obama's going to win the election!
I'm very happy about that fact and excited about the possibilities.
However, just because he gets in doesn't mean real change will happen.

I'm holding off on a celebratory Long Island Iced Tea (or two...) until I see him over 270.

Obama has a lot of problems to deal with before he can move us anywhere really.
A huge deficit, war in Iraq and Afghanistan, job losses, the economy.
Not to mention health care, education, and many other big issues that face us as a nation.

It will be no piece of cake.
And even a landslide mandate in congress/senate without money is not a great position to be in at all.

But it is a start.
We have a wonderful multi-cultural, multi-racial country, we should pull together and make the future a great one.

It will take a lot of work, compromise and effort on everyone's part. Everyone.

My only wish for now: Palin should go away for a while and the media should stop following her around.
I'm sure we'll see more of her, but for now. Please go away.

G'night for now.

It's getting closer and it will be a long night for me.
Fascinating.

Laura

*

Very early on E-Day... Yay!

*

Will vote around 8am with my son and then run a hand full of errands.
After that spending the day mostly indoors, mostly in front of the tv or computer.

Not much to say tonight, but I'm really excited about a few things-
1) It's finally election day.
2) I can finally vote in NY.
3) It'll finally be over tonight! *

* Well hopefully we'll KNOW for SURE who the new president of the United States of America is, without any doubts.
Not that sure about all the senate and house elections, might be a while on some of them.

I felt really sad to hear that Barack Obama's grandmother passed away so close to the election
It's a true shame she didn't get to see him get elected tomorrow night.

So, good luck everyone.
Go out and vote!
And we'll see how it all FINALLY turns out.

G'night
Get some sleep, you'll need it tomorrow night!

Laura

*

Ground zero... tomorow is E-Day. Finally!

*

Well the Reverend Wright ad by the GOP in swing states came out... Last ditch effort?
Figures doesn't it? I've seen it so many times all ready (and I live in NY) I'm sick to death of it. Almost every other commercial break. Here it is- though I don't know how anyone could have missed seeing it by now.
Last minute GOP ad

Only thing it tells me is that the respect I had for McCain for not going there is now gone. Though probably they never went there because if they had- then Palin's unusual religious ties would be opened up for scrutiny too, which is something McCain didn't want opened up I'm sure.

So the GOP throws it out last minute when there can be no real discourse, response or finger pointing back at McCain/Palin's past religious connections.

If the GOP isn't associated forever with dirty pool and supporting big business over the working class I don't know what the hell would ever do it.

McCain keeps saying Obama is far left and an extreme liberal...
McCain has gone far off to the right, and is catering to what appears to be a core conservative group that does not even represent the more central moderate, republican.
He is no more a "uniter" than a divider than his pal George W. Bush is.

Today McCain again stated when he's president we will win in Afganistan and Iraq. Our troups will come home in victory. Does he not know that most Americans while we support our troups that risk their lives for their country we do not support this war in Iraq.

I will vote for change. We really need it now more than ever.
I will vote for progress, for unity, for my country.
I will put my country first.
I will vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden to lead this country forward.

Later.
Going fishing.

Laura

*

One day till E-Day... Could it be in just over 48 hours it'll be over?

*

Shortly we'll have a new president!!!
Might be a long night Tuesday!

I have no idea why Cheney endorsed McCain...
It's funny though in the sense that Obama was able to use it in one of his ads... no surprise there.
Interesting. Woulda thought that Bush and especially Cheney were persona non grata for endorsements at this juncture. Hmm.



I can't be sure how the election will turn out. Whether it'll be close or not we shall see Tuesday night.
But at least it will be over. Let's hope we don't have to wait any extra time like the last 2 presidential elections.
Let's hope for a great turnout and a clear winner.

I'm still sick. Crummy old cold.
Drinking a cup of hot tea and hoping to start feeling better sooner rather than later.

So tonight I don't have much to say.
Except this.
Monday: Prepare to Vote!
Tuesday: Go out and VOTE!

If you've all ready voted
Join all the rest of us watching the tv to find out who our next president will be.

G'night, sleep well.

Laura

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Two Days until E-Day.

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I'm sitting here tonight with a heating pad on my neck wrapped in a blanket with a hot cup of tea.
Have the makings of a good cold right now and am hoping to beat it back.
Waiting for the SNL appearance of John McCain before packing it in for tonight.

I wish that Sarah Palin would shut up about the constitution, she clearly doesn't have a clue what it actually says.
She seems to think that she can criticize Barack Obama's associations and that's her right but when reporters of the media criticize her or the McCain negative campaigning THAT threatens her freedom of speech. Amazing.
630 WMAL Chris Plante Show
The first Amendment of the Constitution:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Sarah seems to believe that the Obama campaign is just as negative as McCain's. Yet they have left McCain's relationship with Keating 5 or G Gordon Liddy out of their speeches. They have left her especially alone despite the relationship with a certain secessionsist party, or a particularly unusual religious leader... and some legal issues. No I'd say that the Obama campaign isn't doing the same thing, they're trying to be inclusive of people that don't necessarily agree with them, not name calling, or trying to scare the hell out of people for no good reason. There is a high road and a low road.
I guess to Palin the end does justify the means.
That's a dangerous concept to believe in.
Fear and hatred aren't easily controlled once let loose.

One of my favorite quotes is from the tv show Dr. Who:

"You know, the very powerful and the very stupid have one thing in common. They don't alter their views to fit the facts. They alter the facts to fit their views. Which can be uncomfortable if you happen to be one of the facts that need altering."

That quote is what the first amendment is trying to protect us against.
Hey, Sarah, facts don't need to be altered.
I guess the constitution of the USA must protect you too because you're still unmuzzled ain't ya?
Media=good when it's on your side, media=bad when it's not towing the line.
So what's good for the goose isn't good for the gander after all...

Saturday Night Live:
So far so good. Skit with McCain campaign raising money for campaign by spotlighting products like on the home shopping networks.
Sarah Palin's Ayers fresheners... to use when something just doesn't smell right.
With a cameo from Cindy McCain showing the line of McCain "Fine Gold" jewelry collection.
Tina Fey as Palin stepping aside for a moment and "going rogue" with her Palin 2012 t-shirts, not to be worn until after Tues.
(I'm either gonna run for office or I'm gonna be a white Oprah...)
Have to give McCain some credit for doing the show. Don't know that it'll matter but... still.

Spoof on the View was good too. Joy and Elizabeth. Ben as "Alec" and Jennifer. Whoopie. Ha.
I If I can remain awake I'll have to watch the rest of the show.
Finally the light at the end of the... Wait: can it be a spoof of Keith Olbermann's Countdown?

Wow it seems that the election has woken up the writers at SNL...
Too bad that it'll likely go back to it's normal mediocrity after the election, eh?
Ben Affleck had fun with Olbermann!

G'night.
Two more days... Thank Goodness!

Laura

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