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Equality Helps Everyone

Red Stick Splintered

My hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana is in shambles after hurricane Gustav.

The national media is gone, seeing that Gustav didn't put a hit on New Orleans the magnitude as hurricane Katrina, but Baton Rouge is still suffering. 

This report, on NPR today, was the first national news I have heard about Baton Rouge in days.  There are parts of the city that won't have electricity for two more weeks.  I guess the utilities are working as hard as they can.  However, there are still people that need ice and basic necessities.  This is something that should have been taken care of.  

Once again failure, although this time the media is not there to shine light on it.

Letter To The Editor

Here in northern Kentucky, the three counties across the river from the Cincinnati metro area of Ohio, local governments are in preliminary talks about a smoking ban in public places.  I read about these current events on the front page of the small, local newspaper The Florence Recorder.  I was surprised by a comment in the story, so I wrote a letter to the editor.

My original letter to the editor, that was published, regarding comments from a Florence City Councilman: 

The editor titled it:  Statement Was Offensive

On the front page of your July 10th, 2008 edition of the "Florence Recorder", Florence City Councilman Mel Carroll is quoted as saying,

"We need to allow local property owners to decide what type of business they have, rather than have the social elite, professional do-gooders, and what I sometimes refer to as 'behavior Nazis' decide for us how we are going to live and that is what is happening right now."

Perhaps Mr. Carroll spoke without thinking, by stating his judgment of class, which is offensive in it's own right, amongst citizens that do not wish to breathe second hand smoke, but his comparison of those with that viewpoint, to those of the Nazi Party, is inexcusable and worthy of a public apology. 

Maybe it's a lack of education or perhaps it shows a glimpse into one's rational of thinking, but it is disturbing to have a Councilman compare a person that wishes to breathe clean air, to one from the Nazi Party, that executes unthinkable acts of hatred upon others.

Kevin

The following week, these two letters were published in response to mine:

The first the editor titled: Don't Impose Will

In response to Kevin's letter entitled "statement was offensive", I have to wonder who may be uneducated.  If Kevin was a student of history, he'd know that Nazi Germany initiated and led one of the strongest anti-smoking movements in history.  To insist on a public apology from Mel Carroll for simply using the term "behavior Nazi's" is completely absurd.  People that share Kevin's beliefs may not simply be "behavior Nazi's", but in lock step with beliefs that this great country country has fought against since its inception.

We dare not tread down a slippery slope that slowly gives the government more and more control over our everyday lives.  What's next, a government mandate that we must drink diet drinks, for our own good?  Why can't Kevin find another establishment and not impose his will on the masses.

Phil

The second was titled by the editor:  How Are We Baby Boomers Still Alive?

I've been quiet and listening and enduring the past 15 years.  I just want to someone to explain how we are the largest group (baby boomers) alive today.  Believe or not we were put in cars with smokers, held in the hospital while our mothers smoked and while pregnant she smoked.  I must say they did find nicotine in our hair, we went to groceries, courthouses and everywhere else and the workers were there will all that second-hand smoke and golly gee, we are alive and not being doctored every week for allergies as a lot of our younger citizens seem to be.

My point is (like poor councilman, Mr. Carroll) grow up people.  We will die when our time comes and we can't fight life for ever.  Your children like ours will be fine and if someone says a word like Nazi, grow up.  Lord help us if someone says something to offend us.

You will get your wish and someday, the government will tell you what to do and you won't have to worry about second-hand smoke killing us off.

Keep our freedom as long as we can and let people decide for themselves what is best for them and their property.  I can promise you we will still be alive -even with smoking- to whine about something else in a few years; fast food, colas, fat, helmets, guns, drinking, etc.  See Big Brother, all kinds of bad things that someone needs to take away so I don't get sick.

Debra

The one thing I noticed about both of these letters is that both authors think I am for a smoking ban, when I make no reference to being for or against it in my original letter.  However passionate their responses are, they did not get my point..

So today the paper arrives, as it does every Thursday, and there is another letter published in response to mine.

The letter is titled by the editor:  Regulate Rudeness?

Kevin (July 17 letter) needs to check all his facts before writing about an individual such as Mel Carroll, longtime educator and city councilman.  Carroll is no different than any of the other citizens in this country; he has the right to his opinion.  It is irrelevant what the issue is.

I quit smoking in 1991 because I chose to do so.  I do not enjoy the smell of smoke now, but I'm able to choose which establishments I patronize, and that's as it should be.  If Kevin does not wish to smell smoke, he should not blame Mr. Carroll or any of the current business owners; instead, he should investigate his smoke-free dining/bar options and make his decisions accordingly.

Mr. Carroll has been a staunch supporter of the development of Florence and has been responsible for many progressive changes in our community.  I am not exactly certain how long Kevin has lived in our community, but his comment concerning Mr. Carroll's level of education was incorrect and offensive.  Mr. Carroll does not smoke, but he believes in a business owner's right to choose how he runs his establishment.

I hope Kevin thinks about it before he spouts off again about an individual in our community.  My husband and I do not dine out or go to bars frequently, but when we do, we are disturbed by other people's behavior more than the smoking.  Adults who cannot manage to keep their children behaving or keep their problems  private are offensive to other diners: perhaps we should put a ban on public rudeness ... what do you think?

E. Paulette

Yet another response that got published that did not get my point.  I wrote a response to the two previous letters and it did not get published.  Here it is:

My original letter that was published in your July 17th edition made no reference to me being for or against a smoking ban.

The point I was trying to make is, instead of saying, "We need to allow local property owners to decide what type of business they have, rather than have the social elite, professional do-gooders, and what I refer to as 'behavior Nazis' decide for us how we are going to live and this is what is happening right now.", why couldn't Mr. Carroll just refer to that group of citizens as non-smokers?  By mentioning a class status and referring to a group as "behavior Nazis", I feel the Florence Councilman crossed a line, as if trying to alienate a group of people.  A group, that based on last weeks chatroom question that was published in this very paper, seems to be the majority.

In the responses to my original letter, Debra said that I should "grow up" and Phil asked, "Why can't Kevin find another establishment and not impose his will on the masses?".  When I read or hear ignorant, judgmental statements from others in a public forum, the only will I try to impose on them is to think, before they speak.  Sure, I've heard worse comments from others here in Northern Kentucky and other places I've lived, but if these statements continue to go on without someone questioning them, then will we as a community ever grow up

Kevin

Maybe the editor would have titled that one: Beating A Dead Horse.  I don't feel I need to say this, but for the record, I think an individual business owner should be able to choose if they allow smoking in their establishment.  I have the option of patronizing it or not.

It's true what the media was saying a while back about Kentucky.  Since we moved here, I've heard and read so many derogatory comments about people based on class, race, and so on.  This the same part of the country with a steeple on every corner.

I can't say I'm not guilty of this, because with all the narrow minds and ignorant statements around me for the past two years, I can't help but wonder if the "Hillbilly" stereotype will ever end. 

I guess that makes me hypocrite number one.

J Mac & Dem Two

J Mac pretty much captures the republican nomination for president, with the fancy haired Mitt suspending his campaign and saving some of his fortune.  However Huckabee will make noise as long as he stays in.  If I was him I would stick around for fun, even if not spending a dime.

It's too bad we vote for someone to be the court jester for the nation.  I would give the nod to Huckabee.  He's sly, has a very quick wit about him, and scares me enough to make me laugh nervously, even when he is serious.  There is one person he isn't making laugh now, that would be Romney.

With John McCain being the republican nominee, the democrats have to realize that Hillary Clinton cannot beat him.  Barack Obama can.  Obama I think could beat McCain by a large margin.  I hope those that are voting in the upcoming democratic primaries are thinking about this.

My thoughts about Hillary Clinton are not because she is a woman, I would vote for a woman in a instant if I thought she was the person for the job.  However, I believe she is not the right person for the country now.

Best Wishes John Edwards

I was sad to see John Edwards bow out of the presidential race today.  He was my guy back in '04.  I appreciate the fact that he did it in NOLA, to bring attention to the fact that stuff is still not right there, some two years and change later.

I was hoping it would be Obama and Edwards, not Clinton, in the race to the nomination.  Because if Obama didn't get it, at least my second choice would.

I caught myself today thinking A.B.C. as the daughter and I were going over letters.  Anybody But Clinton.  I just don't get it, I'm not a fan...and it has nothing to do with her gender or race.  I just don't find her truthful and she's the biggest glad hander I've ever seen.

She does have one thing going, it will be hard for me to vote for a grandpa that has to read everything.  McCain, I'm a fan, but I can't picture voting for him. 

Yep, The Lady is out of town, the kids are sleeping and here I am wasting time watching political junk again. 

However, I am going through tons of compact discs because I will be donating them to the local public library, but I'll be offering up some favorites here soon.

So what is your favorite band?

Democratic Debate Cage Match Style

Of course the debate I decide to not type along with is the most heated.  So since it seems like it is cold across the nation, if you don't want to read my take on the debate, go ahead and snuggle by the fire and relax.  John Edwards, fine job sir.

Between Clinton and Obama there was a lot "Girl you crazy!", "Oh no he didn't!", "You better recognize!" and "Your momma!"

I'll be the first to say, I don't want to hear this crap anymore.  CNN, the way you handled the debate was kind of dumb.  Wolf, I expected more out of you.  Edwards is right, if you open it up for people to just take the entire time to fight back in forth like a couple of 10th graders, we hear nothing on the issues.

However, Bill Clinton, in my opinion, has been an idiot with his words as of late and the way the Clinton's are ganging up on Barack Obama is silly.  Bill Clinton looks like a goofy old man that is just trying to get back in the White House for himself.  Let us remember, he had some good times there.

Here are some comments from this past Sunday's episode of NBC's, "Meet The Press", which was a round table discussion on the presidential primary races.  I think this is important considering the Clinton gang up on Obama.

(Videotape, Monday):  SEN. BARACK OBAMA (D-IL): I think it's fair to say the Republicans were the party of ideas for a pretty long chunk of time there over the last 10, 15 years, in the sense that they were challenging conventional wisdom.

Ronald Reagan changed the trajectory of America in a way that, you know, Richard Nixon did not and in a way that Bill Clinton did not. He put us on a fundamentally different path because the country was ready for it.

He tapped into what people were already feeling, which is we want clarity, we want optimism, we want, you know, a return to that sense of dynamism and, you know, entrepreneurship that had been missing.  (End videotape)

(Videotape, Friday):  Senator HILLARY CLINTON (D-NY): My leading opponent the other day said that he thought the Republicans had better ideas than Democrats the last 10 to 15 years. That's not the way I remember the last 10 to 15 years.  (End videotape)

No Hillary, read the quote, that's not what he said.  That's old school, good ol' boy politics that I'm sick of.  Continuing on.

MR. RUSSERT: Interestingly enough, the Salmon Press in New Hampshire, which endorsed Hillary Clinton, cited as one of the reasons that, when they talked to her in the interview, she listed Ronald Reagan as one of her favorite presidents.

Gee, go figure.

(Videotape, January 18, 2008):  MR. BILL CLINTON: Her principal opponent said that since 1992, the Republicans have had all the good ideas. It goes along with that plan to ask the Republicans to become Democrats for a day and caucus with you tomorrow, and then go back and become Republicans so they can participate in the Republican primary. I'm not making this up, folks.  (End videotape)

No Bill, that's not what he said.  Nice attempt to spin, but get your facts right.  I dig the fact that you think because you are an ex-president you can get up there and say whatever you want, but you also need to be thinking long term here.  What if Edwards or gasp, Obama, beats your wife in the primary?  Do your party a favor and think a little bit before you open your big mouth.

One last comment from the program that caught my attention was the following.

MS. NOONAN: Can I say, on the campaign trail, one of the things I find jarring the past few weeks is that Hillary Clinton is the first major party woman running for president of the United States. She is a woman. She's running for president. She's running for head of the United States, chief executive officer. And she has to send her husband out to yell at the neighbors? It's like she's, she's saying, "You go out there, you fight for me. My husband's going to tell you off!" There's something strange, jarring, unbecoming and even unfeminist about it.

MS. GOODWIN: I doubt that she's sending him out. I think he's going out on his own.

MS. NOONAN: You think he's just on his own. Oh, my goodness, it's her campaign. If she didn't want him out there wagging his finger, turning red and arguing with reporters and bringing a level of temper and heat to the proceedings, if she did not want that, I'm sure she would stop it. And if she cannot, we should all just stop and take a breath.

My wife, who's not into politics much, listened to that and agreed with Ms. Noonan very much.

Bottom line, if you get to see the video clips of Bill Clinton.  What's up with the orange tie?  Bill, Halloween is over.  If Hillary dressed you in that orange tie with that shirt, she should lose just for that.

I'll try and quit talking about this stuff.  I apologize if I'm turning off any of you nine readers.  Please comment, tell me to shut up and we'll get back to the basics.

I clipped some coupons for the first time tonight.  Tuesday is grocery day.

Democratic Debate, Vegas Style

OK, after spending the better part of the afternoon taking the majority of the stuff from our kitchen cabinets, cleaning the inside of them and rearranging stuff.  I'm going to sit down and watch the democratic debate.  So feel free to go and rearrange your kitchen if you don't want to read about politics and my thoughts on the yahoos that trying to be the democratic nominee for president.

They say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.  Not tonight.  MSNBC has decided for me it's only a three person race, how nice of them.  Jerks.  Also, I have to admit, I am 30 minutes behind and watching it on the DVR as to remind myself to save it on here as I watch.  Here we go.

• "Down To Three", gee really?  What about the guy from Ohio and the crazy grandpa, that I like, Gravel?
• Brian Williams, why the long face?  Oh, you were born with it...but the hair, by goodness the hair is perfect.
• No outburst or applause from the crowd.  Ladies and gentlemen sit on your hands and shut your pie-hole.
• Q&A First
• Tim Russert is a badass, but he looks like kind of crazy.  Natalie who?  Nice dog chain necklace.
• Mitt gets Michigan.  Not much of a surprise there.
• MLK birthday...oh geez, here we go with race already.  This talk in the past few days has been pretty stupid.  Clinton talking about the truce.  Obama putting the issues up front and agreeing with the truce.  Edwards talking about the pain and struggle of the civil rights fight.
• Good grief Russert, give the racial stuff a rest!!!  It's done.  The media was just waiting for this thing to turn into a race issue and they got what they wanted, but now they are beating a dead horse.  This drives me crazy, because basically the school yard spat that Obama and Clinton got into over the past few days does nothing but fuel the fire for those old farts that refuse to vote for a woman or a minority for president.  What, is Tim Russert going to bang this drum all night?  I'm losing respect for you very quickly Tim.  Everyone wants to move on...how about some issues?
• Edwards over there writing like mad, while Clinton talking.
• Natalie asking Edwards a question from the rafters.  Not much difference in the policies between candidates.  John, this just in, we know you are from a poor mill family.  What is a white male to do running against these historic candidates?  Laughs..  He says it says really good things about America.  I agree John.
• Brian asking Obama about calling Clinton likable.  Ouch.  It's getting all mushy in the room, but Obama is focusing on issues.  Who's going to be fun to have a beer with!!!  That would be me. 
• The boys vs. girl?  Are they piling on.  Edwards has never taken a dime from a special interest.  Hmm.  Edwards talks with his hands, passionate.
• Uh-oh, someone is not keeping there pie-hole shut...outburst from the crowd.  Race based questions?  I'm guessing someone just got shown the door, perhaps taken behind the woodshed?
• Clinton asked about what all the sparring between her, Clinton, and Edwards will do towards the general election.  She says she is the best prepared to do the job.  Are the other two qualified, that's up to the voters.  Edwards throwing daggers at her with the eyes.
• Obama asked about when he stated a weakness of his as not being a "operating officer".  His answer is looking pretty weak here, green if you will.  That's why I like the guy though, he's talking about his strength to rally people to change.  That's were he has it right, but I just don't see it happening.  People are too complacent.  If everyone that was pissed off about something would write a letter to their public officials, meet with them, hold them accountable, vote them out of office for crying out loud if they weren't doing the job as they see fit, instead of just complaining for a few minutes then going back to normal, stuff would get taken care of around here. 
• The three of them look exhausted when answering their strength & weakness.  Clinton takes first shot at Obama about him not being an executive, just a inspiration.  Clinton now goes off on current administration and brings up Gulf Coast.  Go Hillary, go Hillary!  Obama gets a few laughs about Bush, then throws a curve-ball to Clinton about her war vote.  Sneaky.
• Obama gets to fight off all the rumors about him.  What!!!  He's black?  Holy moly.  He gave a good answer in saying that the American people are smarter than some give them credit.  Well, some of them Barack, just some of them.  There are still those folks that read the pulp up near the checkout at the grocery.
• Now they are going to talk economy and the candidates will be able to ask questions of one another.  Hmm.  OK, economy...am I the only person in America that connects what's going on with house foreclosures and interest rates to the the terrorist attacks of 9/11?  I guess I am.  Remember right after that happened?  Interest rates went to zero, money was falling off trees, rainbows were ending in everyone's backyard.  Not really, but Bush told us to go out shopping and interest dropped faster than tube tops in NOLA during Mardi Gras.  We bought a car with zero percent interest, unheard of at the time.  All of us that couldn't really afford a home yet, went out and bought one because we could get in a five year arm, then refinance later.  Well those arms have come up and people that were told to go out and buy stuff, can't afford their current rates now.  Is it their fault?  Sure, some of it, but were they not chasing the American Dream and being patriotic also?  Sorry for the rant, just kind of a way I remember and see them now.
• Edwards loves to give the thumb.  Obama and myself use the term "folks" a lot.  Great minds..whatever.  Edwards wants minimum wage $9.50 an hour...wow!!!  I'd like to get me some of that!  You hear that you crazy kids, I could be out there making bank, but noooo I'm at home trying to teach you some numbers, letters, and wiping your backsides.
• Southside!!!  Obama giving a shout out, well kind of.
• Natalie in the rafters.  Tax codes?  Tax the rich, duh.  Warren Buffet pays a lower tax percentage than his secretary.  I won't even comment, speaks for itself.  I often wonder how much money does one need.  I don't mean to sound goofy, but I just wonder how much money does one really need to live out the rest of their life in kind of a easy going way?
• Edwards gets to ask questions of Obama & Clinton.  He asks Obama about his campaign donations from drug companies & health care.  Edwards looking at Obama like the guy just knocked over his beer.  Whoops, only one question.  Gee, thanks long face.  Clinton gets her choice of Edwards or Obama.  She wants to ask Obama to join her in doing something.....she wants Obama to co-sponsor a bill to make sure Bush is reigned in as far as Iraq goes.  Obama says we can work on this.  All three want to end the war, with Edwards really wanting to pull the plug.  Obama gets a very big laugh when he starts to ask Edwards something then asks if it's using his one question.  Obama showing his youth and hipness, if you will.  A very nice light hearted moment for all three candidates. 
• When going into break, Obama leaves the stage quickly. Gotta go, gotta go, gotta go right now.
• All three are very supportive of veteran services.  Everyone in America should be.
• Talking about Yucca Mountain and nuclear waste.  All three are against Yucca Mountain now.  Edwards is not for nuclear power plants.  Clinton trades words with Edwards about his votes for Yucca in the past, but he gives her the thumb, says science has changed, something about forged documents and he's now against it.  Everybody wants to get green.  It's clear that Edwards has a strategy of pointing out who's giving to Clinton and Obama campaigns.  And he's going to have us reading by candlelight.
• Straight on to immigration.  Edwards believes people should learn to speak English if they come here, that would be good.  I only say that because, if I moved to France I would expect to have to learn French, if I moved to Germany I would expect to have to learn German, or if I moved to Mexico I would expect to have Dora and Boots give me more comprehensive lessons in Spanish. 
• Russert!!! Enough with the race stuff.  Good grief.  Let's go to the rafters, where's Natalie?  Tim go sit in some lake effect snow in your Buffalo, NY.
• There's Natalie!!  Asking Obama about education.....here we go!  This is why I love the guy.  Education, education.  Reward teachers with better pay, instead of just telling them they are doing a good job.  "Parents have to parent"  When I met the guy, this is the issue I spoke with him briefly about, educating and parenting.  He is passionate about education and for that I'm a big fan.
• Guns.  I hate them.  Just today, I was behind a truck that had a sticker on it that said, "Vote today, buy a gun."  WTF?  Dude, just go hunt, kill Bambi whatever, but that sticker is dumb.  I'm not saying people shouldn't have a gun, I have a gun, but I don't need to hear about it.
• Coming out of the last break, long face Brian Williams, says he's in Los Angeles instead of the correct Las Vegas and the crowd and candidates make him look stupid.  He calls Clinton out on playing the fear card right before New Hampshire primary.  All of a sudden she's getting all Giuliani on us.  C'mon Clinton, anyone wanting the job for president wants to keep the country safe.
• Last question, "When did you decide to run for president?"  OK answers, but Edwards is the one that strikes me the most.  I am what he just defined, middle class that came from a low income family.

Well, it was a big group hug for the most part, except for Tim Russert just beating the dead horse racial issue.

They all look exhausted.  It was a the friendly meeting after the schoolyard fight between Clinton & Obama.  Edwards making sure it's known he doesn't have the cash in the campaign fund, compared to the other two.  Edwards said some good things, but so did Obama.  I hear Clinton talking, but I just don't like listening to her, she just seems so old school politics.

Historic times here.

New Hampshire

Sitting down at 8:30 pm to check-in on the New Hampshire Presidential Primaries.  I'll type along and give a little reaction.

• Senator John McCain has been declared the winner already.  No big surprise to me here.  Mitt Romney is spending money like crazy and so far, nothing.
• Clinton is in the lead early with 16% reporting.  I'm guessing the might stick, but I hope not.  Win or not in NH, it's about to get ugly.  She's got the wacky Cajun genius, James Carville, coming on board, supposedly.
• A couple of guys are talking about Obama/Clinton ticket, I don't see it.
• I'm sitting here watching this thinking some of that hippie ice cream from the neighboring state of Vermont would be good right now.

8:47pm Mitt Romney taking the stage....and wow, his hair, oh his lovely hair.  Mitt, enough with the Olympic medal talk, geesh.  When he stops with the silly talk, you could hear crickets.  Ouch.  Someone finally told the crowd there is an open bar and the cheering has started.  He's a good looking fella, but that "freedom requires religion" comment a while back was kind of goofy.

8:56pm Huckleberry, oh wait, Mike Huckabee is taking the stage to spread the love.  Where's Chuck Norris?  He mentions his lack of funds, perhaps he'll offer to pass the plate like he did the night of Iowa?  He's good, he knows how to play to the people that vote for him.  He's got that whole self depricating funny man schtick down to a science.  Even says happy birthday to Elvis, wow.  Nice thanks to NH, now we'll see you around.

9:08pm McCain reading a speech that I didn't catch the beginning of because of a phone call.  I don't mind McCain, he's a straight shooter.  zzz...zzz...zzz

9:21pm Obama closing the gap a bit.

9:22pm McCain still reading from the victory papers.  zzz...zzz...zzz  Finally the crowd chimes in, "Mac is back!  Mac is back!"  The Lady sitting here asks, "Big Mac attack, who's hungry?"  He's a elder statesman and that's cool, but where's the guy that was just a few scenes away from nudity in the movie "Wedding Crashers".  He's looking very old here.  C'mon John, fire me up!

9:27pm McCain finishes reading, everyone on MSNBC is ripping, I MEAN RIPPING, him for doing the reading of his speech.  OUCH!  So it wasn't just me.  That's pretty bad.

9:47pm Blah..blah..blah as the Clinton/Obama race is still too close to call.  Older women obviously came out in full force to support Hillary today.  This is very interesting.  Someone just makes the point that the Republicans would love to have Obama win the nomination.  Even though I don't like the thought, they would love it, they would bash his lack of time in Washington and that would scare the old folks, hence the people that go out to vote wouldn't vote for him.

9:58pm Ohhh, we just saw the new Rudy Giuliani ad.  Normally I wouldn't even want to share it, but it's pretty fricking ridiculous.  You thought Bush likes to scare the poop out of everyone, Rudy owns scary.  LAME.

10:06pm  Hanover, NH isn't in yet...cool.  Dartmouth could be for Obama, but how much?  I'm thinking with the warm weather in New England, the old folks came out to vote today which is why we see Hillary in the lead right now.

10:17pm  John Edwards about to speak.  I like John Edwards a lot, he was my guy four years ago.  His wife just introduced him...hello?  Where are you?  Ah, coming out to some John Mellancamp, perhaps he wants to sell us a truck?  Edwards is slick, he comes across as genuine and always has a story.  Right on cue, here's a story!  Liver transplant..wait, this is the same story as five days ago.  Come on John, change it up!  He has my attention every time he speaks, but this is the exact same thing he said in Iowa.  Talking unions, fishing for endorsements, good for him.  He's in the race until the end!  I love his passion and don't get me started on that great tan!  I like him.

Wow.  I went on until the end, but I didn't save the post as I was doing it, so I only have until this point saved.  I'm here to tell you, I didn't climb on my soapbox too much, it only got funnier, and I'm sorry I wasted this much of your time.

Shucks!

Barack Obama 2008

For those of you under a rock, this evening is the Iowa caucuses. It is the first step in many that will decide who the candidates will be for the general election to determine the next President of the United States.

I wish I lived in a state that had a caucus, I think it would be an interesting thing to take part in.

I am supporting Senator Barack Obama for President.  He was our senator while we lived in Illinois and I had the opportunity to meet him and chat briefly.  I think our country desperately needs someone with his enthusiasm, to help regain the integrity of the United States on a global level, as well as his common sense, to focus on solving domestic issues.

Obama 2008

Today's Views

I caught the speech on religious tolerance and faith in America by Mitt Romney this evening on C-SPAN.  I know, give me a break, I needed something to numb the mind for a few minutes, The Lady is out of town for work and the children were a little overtired tonight.

I wish those that got as fired up about tolerance for religion, would return the favor by having tolerance for those that aren't religious.  While they are at it, please don't question someone's patriotism or morals due to lack of religion.

I also caught Keith Olbermann's special comment on the Bush/Iran situation.

I'm a fan of Olbermann and I appreciate MSNBC for giving him a show in which folks like myself can watch a television program about news and current events, without having to talk back to the tv like a crazy person, seeing that I agree with most of his viewpoints.