This morning's blogging session put me over 100 career posts. Hooray! I will be celebrating by checking out a new French bakery for breakfast and soaking in all the joys of Oregon on my first full day back from The Trip.
In honor of my blogging mentor (mentors get credit for achievements like this), here's a Song of the Day: EMF-Unbelievable.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Political Parties and Extremism
In my post about the Libertarian Presidential Debate I mentioned how my perception of the Libertarian and Republican Parties is that they are far more extreme on policy proposals and on the campaign trail. From my perspective Democrats are more level-headed and practical.
Garron, my insightful friend, former Republican, and catalyst of two posts in one day, commented about some examples of where the Democratic Party has the stereotype of extremism. A part of his thoughts:
Examples:
-War: people, Americans and non-Americans alike, are dying.
-Global warming: people will die from drought, changes in growing seasons, extreme weather, etc.
-Health care: deficiencies in the system mean more people will die from lack of care.
-Economy: ours makes the rich richer and the poor poorer which leads the impoverished to live shorter, less healthy lives.
So yes, the Democrats have issues where they appear more extreme, but these are the issues that do not deal with life and death.* When it comes to issues of life and death--war, the economy, global warming, the environment, and health care--Democrats approach policy and campaigns on these issues with honest proposals that do not demagogue the opponent. It's refreshing and one of the reasons I'm proud to be a Democrat.
*Again, I empathize with people who believe an abortion is about life and death. No one likes abortions, but some of us believe a women has a right to choose to have an abortion. In my view this is especially true in the first trimester. So, certainly, if someone believes abortion is always about life and death then the analysis above breaks down.
UPDATE: To be clear, I do not believe Democrats are extreme on those social issues mentioned above, but the party certainly is viewed by a lot of people in the United States as being extreme on those issues. While I believe those folks are wrong, that does not change the fact that people perceive Democratic positions on homosexual issues, abortion, and feminism as extreme.
Garron, my insightful friend, former Republican, and catalyst of two posts in one day, commented about some examples of where the Democratic Party has the stereotype of extremism. A part of his thoughts:
In short, no. While there's definitely some extreme views within the (Republican) party, I don't think they dominate.The perception is that Dems are extreme on social issues (abortion, gays, feminism). With the exception of abortion--where those against legal access believe each abortion is a murder--my thought is that those issues listed affect quality of life, not quantity of life and are therefore by default secondary issues.
For a long time there was little place in the Democratic party for socially conservatives. The perception I and many others had was that Democrats represented the EXTREME abortion, homosexual, feminist, positions. If you had strong religious views you didn't feel too welcome.
Examples:
-War: people, Americans and non-Americans alike, are dying.
-Global warming: people will die from drought, changes in growing seasons, extreme weather, etc.
-Health care: deficiencies in the system mean more people will die from lack of care.
-Economy: ours makes the rich richer and the poor poorer which leads the impoverished to live shorter, less healthy lives.
So yes, the Democrats have issues where they appear more extreme, but these are the issues that do not deal with life and death.* When it comes to issues of life and death--war, the economy, global warming, the environment, and health care--Democrats approach policy and campaigns on these issues with honest proposals that do not demagogue the opponent. It's refreshing and one of the reasons I'm proud to be a Democrat.
*Again, I empathize with people who believe an abortion is about life and death. No one likes abortions, but some of us believe a women has a right to choose to have an abortion. In my view this is especially true in the first trimester. So, certainly, if someone believes abortion is always about life and death then the analysis above breaks down.
UPDATE: To be clear, I do not believe Democrats are extreme on those social issues mentioned above, but the party certainly is viewed by a lot of people in the United States as being extreme on those issues. While I believe those folks are wrong, that does not change the fact that people perceive Democratic positions on homosexual issues, abortion, and feminism as extreme.
Money and Life
Garron over at Life's More Real had an insightful post about money and life that I wanted to share. The nickel version is that you should live life for life, not just for accumulating wealth. Of course, especially in our society, there are certain benefits accorded to those that rake in the cash, but in the end when all the cards are on the table, stories, love, and relationships are more important.
An excerpt ("the host" is a radio host who talks about wealth development):
An excerpt ("the host" is a radio host who talks about wealth development):
Towards the end of a segment about markets and investment's the host said "Money isn't important," followed by a long pause. I waited for a commercial, or for him to continue, but he didn't. I wondered what was happening. Then he came back on, in a choked up voice. "Money doesn't matter," he said again.Go check out the entire post and help Garron think of additions to his Top 5 list.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Trip Finale
Today is the final day of my east coast trip. Rather than recount what I've been doing I'll just say that Boston has really impressed me and is faaaaarrrrrr better than New Yorkers give it credit for. I already look forward to coming back again.
Oh, and one more thing: Yes it went billions over budget and yes there are a variety of flaws, but Boston's Big Dig is a fantastic example of the benefit of getting cars away from city centers. Without exception every person I talked to testified that Boston's downtown is exponentially better and more connected now that the vehicles are underground. Take note city planners and get cars out of downtown!!!!
Now off to shower and to catch the T to Logan!
Oh, and one more thing: Yes it went billions over budget and yes there are a variety of flaws, but Boston's Big Dig is a fantastic example of the benefit of getting cars away from city centers. Without exception every person I talked to testified that Boston's downtown is exponentially better and more connected now that the vehicles are underground. Take note city planners and get cars out of downtown!!!!
Now off to shower and to catch the T to Logan!
What People Pay Attention To
When looking at the two presidential candidates--John McCain and Barack Obama--I see night and day. Coming from the inherent restraints of a two-party system these guys could hardly have more different world views and policy proposals. Considering the mess George Bush and gotten us into and how closely McCain's proposed policies match with Bush's current policies, I simply cannot understand how people can even consider voting for McCain. Do they really want another four years of Bush?!?!
I have enough faith in the electorate that I believe that is not the case. What has happened, is that instead of focusing on their significant policy differences, the mainstream media focuses on lapel pins, gaffes, and preachers. What this does is muddy the many differences between the candidates.
I've been mulling this over in my head for months and came across this blog post over at my favorite blog Political Animal. Below is an excerpt:
I have enough faith in the electorate that I believe that is not the case. What has happened, is that instead of focusing on their significant policy differences, the mainstream media focuses on lapel pins, gaffes, and preachers. What this does is muddy the many differences between the candidates.
I've been mulling this over in my head for months and came across this blog post over at my favorite blog Political Animal. Below is an excerpt:
Personally, I think being wrong about official US policy towards Iran, and about whether recent history shows that negotiating with them won't work, is more serious than being wrong about precisely which Nazi concentration camp your great-uncle helped liberate. But then, I also think that at a time when we are involved in two wars, our standing in the world is as low as it has been in recent memory, we have jettisoned our commitment to basic human rights and the rule of law, our economy is tanking, our currency seems to be in free-fall, the energy crisis has finally (and predictably) hit home with a vengeance, food and commodity prices are soaring world-wide, our health insurance system could most charitably be described as badly frayed, our infrastructure seems to be crumbling around us, and a whole lot of people are looking at losing their homes -- at a time like this, there are better things to talk about than flag pins, pastors, and the real explanation for Hillary Clinton's RFK moment.
Honestly: if this campaign is decided on those sorts of issues, we deserve what we get. It's just a pity our election will affect so many other people, who don't.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Vonnegut's Timequake
While visiting Elon I was loaned Kurt Vonnegut's Timequake (thanks Jessica and Mark!). Vonnegut's never really done it for me (between Cat's Cradle and Slaughterhouse Five) and this book was no exception. A handful of times I laughed out loud, but for the most part it wasn't anything special. That said, all the short chapters made it a great travel book to fill in those random dead times on the road.
Here are two passages that I lolled at the most. Enjoy!
Here are two passages that I lolled at the most. Enjoy!
I do not propose to discuss my love life. I will say that I still can't get over how women are shaped, and that I will go to my grave wanting to pet their butts and boobs. I will say, too, that lovemaking, if sincere, is one of the best ideas Satan put in the apple she gave to the serpent to give to Eve.And this joke:
He would have known several jokes I know, like the one Fred Bates Johnson told one time, when he and Father and I, just a kid, and some others, were hunting down in Brown County. According to Fred, a bunch of guys like us went hunting for deer and moose up in Canada. Somebody had to do the cooking, or they would all starve to death.
They drew straws to see who would cook while the others hunted from dawn to dusk. To make the joke more immediate, Fred said it was Father who got the short straw. Father could cook. Mother couldn't. She was proud she couldn't cook, and wouldn't wash dishes and so on. I liked to go over to other kids' houses, where their mothers did those things.
The hunters agreed that anybody who complained about Father's cooking became the cook. So Father prepared worse and worse meals, while the others were having one hell of a good time in he forest. No matter how awful a supper was, though, the hunters pronounced it lip-smacking delicious, clapping Father on the back and so on.
After they marched off one morning, Father found a pile of fresh moose poop outside. He friend it in motor oil. That night he served it as steaming patties.
The first guy to taste one spit it out. He couldn't help himself! He spluttered, "Jesus Christ! That tastes like moose poop friend in motor oil!"
But then he added, "Good good, but good!"
Friday, May 23, 2008
McCain Doesn't Support Troops
On Thursday the Senate passed, with solid bipartisan support, a GI Modernization Bill with 75 votes. The bill updates a variety of benefits to veterans, including education benefits that assures veterans the chance to get a college education without going into debt. Sounds like an appropriate thing to offer veterans after they have put their lives on the line. The legislation sounded appropriate to 75 senators, including Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama. Republican Presidential candidate John McCain he does not support the legislation and didn't even show up to vote, instead electing to stay in California for fundraisers.
McCain argues that added educational benefits will draw veterans out of service at a time when our armed forces are already having a hard time reenlisting soldiers for Iraq and Afghanistan. Sounds like a catchy argument, unfortunately it's not based in fact. A Congressional Budget Office study shows that the improved educational benefits will increase recruitment at levels that will more than offset the loss of soldiers due reenlistment losses.
Apparently McCain, the self-promoted champion of soldiers, believes it's better to trap soldiers into service because they have no where to go other than to continue fighting. Barack Obama and 74 other senators, however, believe a better way to support the soldiers is to pay for their college education when they have finished their terms of service and to recruit more and better soldiers by offering improved education funding.
McCain talks one way but doesn't back it up with his vote. Here's yet another reason I support Obama.
McCain argues that added educational benefits will draw veterans out of service at a time when our armed forces are already having a hard time reenlisting soldiers for Iraq and Afghanistan. Sounds like a catchy argument, unfortunately it's not based in fact. A Congressional Budget Office study shows that the improved educational benefits will increase recruitment at levels that will more than offset the loss of soldiers due reenlistment losses.
Apparently McCain, the self-promoted champion of soldiers, believes it's better to trap soldiers into service because they have no where to go other than to continue fighting. Barack Obama and 74 other senators, however, believe a better way to support the soldiers is to pay for their college education when they have finished their terms of service and to recruit more and better soldiers by offering improved education funding.
McCain talks one way but doesn't back it up with his vote. Here's yet another reason I support Obama.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Car Free
I saw an ad in the DC metro system about a Car-Free Diet. It's a simply site the helps commuters calculate the health and financial benefits of leaving their car at home. This change in lifestyle makes so much sense that it surprises me just how many people continue to do the traditional car commute. Obviously there are folks who have no choice, but there is no doubt in my mind that that number is fairly small. As fuel prices go up the market will drive more and more people to use non-traditional commuting methods, but that transition will take even longer until people factor in the other benefits of leaving their car at home. And if you wanted a refresher, here are some of those benefits:
- Save money on gas and vehicle maintenance. Yes, you'll spend some on mass transit, however many employers give out mass transit commuting dollars.
- Save your sanity. I can't think of many other things that bring out the worst in people than a big traffic jam.
- Get exercise. By walking or biking you get much-needed exercise. You can walk or ride to the metro or bus and still get that exercise.
- Get some reading time. Commuting in the car leaves you staring at the bumper in front of you. Commuting in the metro or on a bus lets you read your favorite book, magazine, or daily.
- Help the environment. Single passenger vehicle commuting to work emit billions of tons of CO2 into the atmosphere each year. Take yours off the road and make a real difference.
- Help the United States get off of foreign oil. We send billions of dollars a year to other parts of the world for a product we burn up. Our economy is weak and our national debt is growing. Using less gas would make a big difference.
Add other benefits in comments!
Libertarian Presidential Debate
On Tuesday I was browsing through the Washington Post and happened upon a press release that went something like this: Bob Barr and Mike Gravel! Live! In Person! Libertarian Presidential Debate!
I thought, "Well, that's better than lying on a cold bench in Dupont Circle." (It surprising how quickly you can feel like a person without a home.) So off I went to the debate.
You political junkies out there probably noticed the missing name: Ron Paul. He is the star of Libertarian politics (though he's still a Republican) and, just recently, he broke the one million vote mark in the Republican Primary election. He even has $5 million in his campaign fund. That said, he was no where to be found at this debate.
Honestly the event wasn't that interesting. I met Anthony, a first year law student at George Mason who considers himself a Libertarian and works at a think tank whose aim is make our voting system more equitable. I met Jessica, a writer for an online magazine who was sent to get a story on how the Libertarian Party could be to the Republicans in '08 what Nader was to the Democrats in '00. And I met the campaign manager of a Virginia congressional candidate who, quite frankly, was weird.
The big takeaway was a new perspective on why I like the Democratic Party: it seems like we're simply not as extreme. The Republicans all vie for the following titles: Hates Terrorists the MOST; Hates Taxes the MOST; Hates Environmentalists the MOST; Wants to Drill in ANWR the MOST; Is the LEAST PUSSY OF US ALLLLLLLL; etc. You get the point. The Libertarians were the same way. It was a competition to see who could mention state's rights and the constitution the most. There was a specific question about who promised to close which federal agencies. It's all so extreme. Perhaps it's due to my perspective, but Democrats don't seem to have those extreme positions. Can you think of any?
Days 12-20
Yeeks, has it really been that long since I've posted a trip update? There's a lot and I have to catch a bus to New York in an hour so this is going to be brief:
-Dana and I drove from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC. We talked about everything from Peace Corps to Nazis. Ken, her trusty GPS navigator, took us on a route I was unfamiliar with, but we went that way because the computer said so. Whatever happened to maps? Entering DC we saw the biggest traffic jam I've ever witnessed: Southbound on I-95 there were five lanes of traffic at a bumper-to-bumper standstill for approximately 10 miles. I couldn't do that, period.
-Catharine was an amazing host. We partied, we chatted, she fed me, I washed my clothes, etc etc. She put up with me for six whole days. Incredible! A big thanks to her.
-I got to see old Elon friends and others from the "Working in DC" era of my life. I was a guess player for a kickball team (we lost) and softball team (also lost). I'm not much of a ringer.
-Now I'm in Baltimore and heading to the bus stop to catch a ride to New York City and the home of Ian and Jeffy. The bus stop is pretty sketchy so if I'm abducted or become a drug addict, tell my family I love them
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Voting
A few days ago I sent in my ballot for Oregon primary elections. I like politics and government so this was exciting. I was voting for candidates seeking the Presidency, Congress, local positions, and a variety of other things. The "other things" include Oregon's Secretary of State (SOS) and Attorney General (AG) positions. As I was doing research on the candidates for these two positions I realized that A) I have no idea what I want in an SOS or AG; and B) As someone who pays a lot of attention to politics, even I didn't know who I was voting for and why. How is the average voter with a full time job, supporting a family, and with no free time supposed to make an informed decision when even a political junky like me is unable to do so?
A bit more fuel to this fire was added when my friends in North Carolina told me they have to vote for the State Commissioner of Labor. Huh? Do you know what you're looking for in that position? I sure don't.
These experiences have led me to believe that such positions at the state level should be chosen just as they are at the federal level: by the elected executive, in these cases this would be the governor. Just as the president of our country chooses their cabinet members, I believe governors should choose their "cabinet" level positions (Secretary of State, Attorney General, various commissioners, etc). Under this scenario voters would choose not only their governor, but also a broad slate of government positions determined by the ideology of the governor-elect.
Certainly their are flaws to this plan as well, but it certainly is better than people blindly voting for obscure candidates.
A bit more fuel to this fire was added when my friends in North Carolina told me they have to vote for the State Commissioner of Labor. Huh? Do you know what you're looking for in that position? I sure don't.
These experiences have led me to believe that such positions at the state level should be chosen just as they are at the federal level: by the elected executive, in these cases this would be the governor. Just as the president of our country chooses their cabinet members, I believe governors should choose their "cabinet" level positions (Secretary of State, Attorney General, various commissioners, etc). Under this scenario voters would choose not only their governor, but also a broad slate of government positions determined by the ideology of the governor-elect.
Certainly their are flaws to this plan as well, but it certainly is better than people blindly voting for obscure candidates.
Water Pong
Last night I was playing water pong with my friend and on the last cup I bounced it off the table, against the wall, and then back into the cup for the victory. In light of my shallow pong experience this was considered amazing. Hold the applause, just throw money.
Friday, May 16, 2008
John Edwards Edorses Obama
On Wednesday John Edwards endorsed Barack Obama. If you didn't believe me before, it's become ever more clear that the race is over. A few nuggets of election info:
-With the exception of Al Gore, John Edwards was arguably the most sought after endorsement. Not only is he a prominent member of the party, he brings Obama credibility with white, working class voters.
-This signals to the16 delegates Edwards won that they should support Obama.
-Of those 16, nine have already publicly moved to support Obama
-The delegate gap between Clinton and Obama is now about the number of superdelegates that are still on the fence.
-With the exception of Al Gore, John Edwards was arguably the most sought after endorsement. Not only is he a prominent member of the party, he brings Obama credibility with white, working class voters.
-This signals to the16 delegates Edwards won that they should support Obama.
-Of those 16, nine have already publicly moved to support Obama
-The delegate gap between Clinton and Obama is now about the number of superdelegates that are still on the fence.
Is there any any chance Clinton will get them all? Not likely.
California: Gay Marriage
Though I'm not a resident of California, nor do I have any particular affinity for the state, something important happened there yesterday.
In 2000 the citizens of California passed an initiative, 63%-37%, that banned gay marriage. Yesterday the California Supreme Court struck down that initiative, calling it unconstitutional by citing a similar ruling decades ago that said banning interracial marriages was illegal. Good for the California Supreme Court.
What this means now is that the initiative will go back to the people of California this fall. As my favorite blogger pointed out, each year just over 1% of people become more friendly in their views toward gays. Using that metric about 9% of Californians should now oppose this initiative, making the final tally roughly 54%-46%. Considering this looks to be a Democratic year and California seems like the kind of place that would change their views at more rapid pace, perhaps this initiative will fail this time around.
We can hope. For the life of me, I cannot understand why people care so much about who sleeps in the same bed with who. There are no health risks (ie incest or adults marrying youths, these should be banned) and it certainly does not mean we're on the road to people marrying goats (can anyone say "alarmist" with me?). So good luck California, vote this initiative down!
In 2000 the citizens of California passed an initiative, 63%-37%, that banned gay marriage. Yesterday the California Supreme Court struck down that initiative, calling it unconstitutional by citing a similar ruling decades ago that said banning interracial marriages was illegal. Good for the California Supreme Court.
What this means now is that the initiative will go back to the people of California this fall. As my favorite blogger pointed out, each year just over 1% of people become more friendly in their views toward gays. Using that metric about 9% of Californians should now oppose this initiative, making the final tally roughly 54%-46%. Considering this looks to be a Democratic year and California seems like the kind of place that would change their views at more rapid pace, perhaps this initiative will fail this time around.
We can hope. For the life of me, I cannot understand why people care so much about who sleeps in the same bed with who. There are no health risks (ie incest or adults marrying youths, these should be banned) and it certainly does not mean we're on the road to people marrying goats (can anyone say "alarmist" with me?). So good luck California, vote this initiative down!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Freak Nerd
Today is my last day in The South. Tomorrow I'll be hitching a ride with Dana up to Washington, DC for good times with Catharine, Aimee, Andre, Curley, and others. That means no more Vera Bradley bags or Crokeys (Apparently that's what a neck leash is called. Spelling?), no more Bojangles or pulled pork. The southern swing has been great, thanks to all the radical friends that have put me up and been around to hang out.
About the Freak Nerd: Is it weird that when I'm in DC I'm planning to spend time on Capitol Hill going to hearings? One of the biggest redeeming qualities of living/working there the past two springs has been the endless opportunities to hear brilliant people speak, so I'm looking forward to dabbling a bit for a couple days. Is that weird? Is that Freak Nerdish?
About the Freak Nerd: Is it weird that when I'm in DC I'm planning to spend time on Capitol Hill going to hearings? One of the biggest redeeming qualities of living/working there the past two springs has been the endless opportunities to hear brilliant people speak, so I'm looking forward to dabbling a bit for a couple days. Is that weird? Is that Freak Nerdish?
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Food
I was lying in bed last night at 3AM, staring at the ceiling, thinking about my favorite types of food. Late night food thoughts: Is that a sign I'm pregnant? Regardless, here's the list I came up with (subject to future revision):
1) Thai
2) Vietnamese
3) Mediterranean (think gyros and falafel)
4) Indian
5) Chinese (good stuff, not greasy junk)
Tonight my uncle, who is Thai, is cooking. Aren't you jealous?
1) Thai
2) Vietnamese
3) Mediterranean (think gyros and falafel)
4) Indian
5) Chinese (good stuff, not greasy junk)
Tonight my uncle, who is Thai, is cooking. Aren't you jealous?
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Strip Malls and Safety Belts
I've been slack on the Downtown of the Week series, so consider this the anti-installment. Something I've been thinking about since I've been back to the east coast is the lack of nice downtowns. In Hickory we went to a cool pub downtown and Liz lives in downtown Winston-Salem, but other than that it seems like, for the most part, the shopping, food-buying, and activities focus on driving to the local strip mall. Maybe it's a flawed observation, I've only been back here for ten days. Or maybe not. Thoughts?
In the end the big takeaway is that it reminds me just how much I want to live in a town with an awesome downtown where I can go shopping, dining, walking, and wandering. Somewhere where everything is bicycle accessible. I want to live in a town where people walk around and greet their fellow citizens face-to-face, not with a wave from behind the wheel. Perhaps some view this as quaint, but sign me up nonetheless.
In the end the big takeaway is that it reminds me just how much I want to live in a town with an awesome downtown where I can go shopping, dining, walking, and wandering. Somewhere where everything is bicycle accessible. I want to live in a town where people walk around and greet their fellow citizens face-to-face, not with a wave from behind the wheel. Perhaps some view this as quaint, but sign me up nonetheless.
Bob Barr: Whipped Cream Boob Licker
Former Georgia congressman Bab Barr has announced his candidacy for president on the Libertarian ticket. I don't know much about the guy other than he was rumored to lick whipped cream off of women's boobs at a charity event.
At least he's locked up the boob-licking vote. Could be formidable.
In all honesty this guy could affect the election. Here's how I see it:
Category 1:
-There are tens of millions of Democrats salivating at the chance for a win. That's the D base.
-There are tens of millions of Republicans who are going to vote their party no matter how bad it gets. That's the R base.
Category 2:
-There are many millions of people looking for a new direction and are going to vote for Obama. That's the anti-Bush.
-There are millions of people in the middle who are saying it's time for a new party to try governing. That's the independents.
Category 3:
-Then there are millions of Republicans who just can't stand the idea of voting for a Democrat, but are appalled at what the Republicans have done in the last 15 years. With an option like Barr on the table they can still vote their conscience--not Republican--and not have to vote for a Democrat. While it's not the two-vote swing that it would be if they voted for Obama, it's a vote lost from McCain. In this scenario Barr could be responsible for a couple percentage points here and there, something that could make a huge difference in swing states.
Something to watch.
At least he's locked up the boob-licking vote. Could be formidable.
In all honesty this guy could affect the election. Here's how I see it:
Category 1:
-There are tens of millions of Democrats salivating at the chance for a win. That's the D base.
-There are tens of millions of Republicans who are going to vote their party no matter how bad it gets. That's the R base.
Category 2:
-There are many millions of people looking for a new direction and are going to vote for Obama. That's the anti-Bush.
-There are millions of people in the middle who are saying it's time for a new party to try governing. That's the independents.
Category 3:
-Then there are millions of Republicans who just can't stand the idea of voting for a Democrat, but are appalled at what the Republicans have done in the last 15 years. With an option like Barr on the table they can still vote their conscience--not Republican--and not have to vote for a Democrat. While it's not the two-vote swing that it would be if they voted for Obama, it's a vote lost from McCain. In this scenario Barr could be responsible for a couple percentage points here and there, something that could make a huge difference in swing states.
Something to watch.
Obama Takes Superdelegate Lead
Yesterday Barack Obama overtook Hillary Clinton in the number of superdelegate endorsements. For a couple months Obama has been pointing to his lead in the popular vote, in the number of states won, and in the number of pledged delegates won, but he continued to trail in superdelegates. In fact, Clinton's lead here gave the race a false sense of closeness. However, after his strong showing in North Carolina and near-win in Indiana, Obama has been picking up handfuls of endorsements. Using any legitimate measure Obama has locked up the nomination, now it's just a matter of how Clinton will end her campaign.
Bravo to both candidates. With the exception of a couple slides (Wright, lapel pins, schmoozing with right-wingers, etc) this campaign has been a fantastic display of two extremely talented candidates, both of whom would have been great presidents. Now it's time to turn up the pressure on McCain and win in the fall!
Bravo to both candidates. With the exception of a couple slides (Wright, lapel pins, schmoozing with right-wingers, etc) this campaign has been a fantastic display of two extremely talented candidates, both of whom would have been great presidents. Now it's time to turn up the pressure on McCain and win in the fall!
Day 10-11
The West Virginia adventure is over, but a few stories must be shared.
1) You know all the anecdotes you hear about West Virginia? Grungy, poor, uneducated, hillbilly, The Armpit? I always brushed these stereotypes off as state neighbors trying to prop themselves up. Sure, I'd driven through parts of West Virginia that were some of the poorest places I've ever seen, this includes countries in South America and Morocco. Sure, the place does the barbaric act of lopping off mountain tops (once known as strip mining, our raft guide informed us it's now called "mountain top removal." That's supposed to be better?). Well, this trip turned the spotlight onto the perfect, stereotypical West Virginian.
His name is Charlie. He looks like Steve-O but with a long pony tail and darker eyes. He's nicknamed "The Mouth" by his fellow guides because for the entire four hour rafting trip he didn't stop talking (er, yelling). By the end his voice was going hoarse; it was a nearly-endless litany of jokes about drinking and sex. On the bus ride back to the lodge, about a 10 minute affair, he drank five beers. At the bar afterwards he wore a shawl made out of Crown Royal purple bags. This guy was legit. A stereotype maker.
2) Rafting is fun. New friends are fun. Old friends are fun. Six hours of endless beer is a bad idea for Brian, the trip coordinator, who we ended up putting into the back of his pickup to sleep with Blue, his one-brown-eye one-white-eye dog.
Now I'm in Durham and heading to Raleigh tomorrow for a couple days. Chris, David, Hobbs, Mary Ann, Andrea, and Bumbry are all on the visit list. Then off to DC for a grand reunion.
1) You know all the anecdotes you hear about West Virginia? Grungy, poor, uneducated, hillbilly, The Armpit? I always brushed these stereotypes off as state neighbors trying to prop themselves up. Sure, I'd driven through parts of West Virginia that were some of the poorest places I've ever seen, this includes countries in South America and Morocco. Sure, the place does the barbaric act of lopping off mountain tops (once known as strip mining, our raft guide informed us it's now called "mountain top removal." That's supposed to be better?). Well, this trip turned the spotlight onto the perfect, stereotypical West Virginian.
His name is Charlie. He looks like Steve-O but with a long pony tail and darker eyes. He's nicknamed "The Mouth" by his fellow guides because for the entire four hour rafting trip he didn't stop talking (er, yelling). By the end his voice was going hoarse; it was a nearly-endless litany of jokes about drinking and sex. On the bus ride back to the lodge, about a 10 minute affair, he drank five beers. At the bar afterwards he wore a shawl made out of Crown Royal purple bags. This guy was legit. A stereotype maker.
2) Rafting is fun. New friends are fun. Old friends are fun. Six hours of endless beer is a bad idea for Brian, the trip coordinator, who we ended up putting into the back of his pickup to sleep with Blue, his one-brown-eye one-white-eye dog.
Now I'm in Durham and heading to Raleigh tomorrow for a couple days. Chris, David, Hobbs, Mary Ann, Andrea, and Bumbry are all on the visit list. Then off to DC for a grand reunion.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Birthday Girl
Wow, two days and two posts about Serena's exploits. Well, yesterday was about her exploits, today is about her parents' exploits. Today, May 9th, is Serena's birthday. Happy birthday Bbe! May all of you in My Vast Readership wish her well.
Day 6-9... Yes
It's been a great stay at Elon with Margot and Jessica. I met the newest addition to my Pi Kappa Phi family, kicked it with old friends, and bumped into a few professors and staff that I see far too rarely. Last night I lied in bed having glumly realized this was probably the last student-based visit to Elon because all the students I know are graduating this spring. Bummer.
This afternoon we're off to West Virginia to start a weekend of fun and white water rafting with a bunch of old Elon friends. Hooray!
This afternoon we're off to West Virginia to start a weekend of fun and white water rafting with a bunch of old Elon friends. Hooray!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Big Peace Corps News
Today Serena received her invitation to join the Peace Corps in Swaziland. She decided to accept and will be leaving on June 23rd. Woah.
We both knew this was coming any day, but the news still comes with a ton of force. It's hard to wrap my head around the fact that she will be taking off for over two years. That said, it is a fantastic opportunity for personal and professional growth, not to mention the opportunity to impact lives. Congratulations to Serena!
PS For those of you who don't know (I didn't) and don't want to Google it, Swaziland is located on the eastern border of South Africa, next to Mozambique.
We both knew this was coming any day, but the news still comes with a ton of force. It's hard to wrap my head around the fact that she will be taking off for over two years. That said, it is a fantastic opportunity for personal and professional growth, not to mention the opportunity to impact lives. Congratulations to Serena!
PS For those of you who don't know (I didn't) and don't want to Google it, Swaziland is located on the eastern border of South Africa, next to Mozambique.
John McCain Event
A couple days ago when I was at Wake Forest University I attended a McCain rally where he talked about his view of the modern judicial system and what he would do as president to change things. It was pretty standard, boilerplate Republican talking points: judicial activism is rampant, judges are out of control and legislate from the bench, there is no accountability for judges, Democrats are obstructionists especially when it comes to judicial appointments. Yawn, I've heard all that BS before.
This was the first time I've seen him in person and you know what my takeaway was? He doesn't bend his arms. Shaking hands, giving awkward hugs, motioning during speeches, he does it all with straight arms. He looks like a living cartoon.
Jessica, who I'm staying with at Elon, just chimed in, "I'm more afraid of those people who can't extend their arms."
Touche.
UPDATE: Apparently he doesn't have full range of motion in his arms as a result of the torture he received during the Vietnam War. That means the observation is valid (it really was distracting) but the "cartoon" comment was inappropriate. My apologies.
That said, I'm bracing myself for Republicans to say "Vote for John McCain because he's the 'real' patriot because he was tortured in Vietnam." Mark my words. This is a laughable. His torture has nothing to do with policy. If anything, it should make him even more adamantly against torture, but as his actions have shown, he compromised his anti-torture values and voted against legislation banning torture.
This was the first time I've seen him in person and you know what my takeaway was? He doesn't bend his arms. Shaking hands, giving awkward hugs, motioning during speeches, he does it all with straight arms. He looks like a living cartoon.
Jessica, who I'm staying with at Elon, just chimed in, "I'm more afraid of those people who can't extend their arms."
Touche.
UPDATE: Apparently he doesn't have full range of motion in his arms as a result of the torture he received during the Vietnam War. That means the observation is valid (it really was distracting) but the "cartoon" comment was inappropriate. My apologies.
That said, I'm bracing myself for Republicans to say "Vote for John McCain because he's the 'real' patriot because he was tortured in Vietnam." Mark my words. This is a laughable. His torture has nothing to do with policy. If anything, it should make him even more adamantly against torture, but as his actions have shown, he compromised his anti-torture values and voted against legislation banning torture.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Obama Wins
Yesterday Obama was the big winner: Indiana was a virtual tie--he lost by 14,000--and North Carolina was a blowout--he won by well over 200,000. Obama came out with more pledged delegates, more popular votes, and more superdelegate endorsements. Furthermore, he did all this after weathering multiple storms: the Clinton gas-tax pandering, the rehashing of Reverend Wright's comments, and a big Clinton victory in Pennsylvania. Clinton will no longer catch him in the popular vote even if Michigan and Florida are counted. Clinton cannot catch him in state's won. After so much having been thrown at Obama, he still did well at the polls. This may have finally shown that the argument that he is unelectable no longer carries water.
Days 3-5
Life on the road continues as I arrived at Elon, my college, for a few days visiting the old school stomping grounds. Kicked it with Margot from margottobed for the first 24 hours, now over at Jessica's for the next couple days (holllller diligent reader!), and catching up with some friends... emphasis on some... I'm getting old.
This year marks two biiiiiiiiiig things: 1) I can legally rent a car (Actually, I have no idea if this is true, I've always just believed everyone who says that right is unlocked at age 25.); 2) The freshmen that were at Elon my senior year graduate this spring. Next time I'm back there there won't be more than a handful of folks I know. Weird.
I think it's a sign I'm old. Ugh.
This year marks two biiiiiiiiiig things: 1) I can legally rent a car (Actually, I have no idea if this is true, I've always just believed everyone who says that right is unlocked at age 25.); 2) The freshmen that were at Elon my senior year graduate this spring. Next time I'm back there there won't be more than a handful of folks I know. Weird.
I think it's a sign I'm old. Ugh.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
McCain Drops a Bomb (No, not on Iran... yet)
For the five years since the invasion and occupation of Iraq there have been millions of people arguing the war was for oil. Each and every time these people were dismissed by Republicans as being Quacks, Communists, Socialists, Stupid, Disingenuous, Pussies, Etc. Republicans said it was about terrorism and 'Merican freedom.
Then, a couple days ago, John McCain said this.
Let's break it down:
A: McCain's soon-to-be-released energy policy will eliminate our dependence on oil from the Middle East.
Leads to B: This will prevent us from having to send our troops into war in the Middle East.
So we did go to war for oil afterall. Wow.
The people making this argument must feel soooooo vindicated.
Then, a couple days ago, John McCain said this.
Let's break it down:
A: McCain's soon-to-be-released energy policy will eliminate our dependence on oil from the Middle East.
Leads to B: This will prevent us from having to send our troops into war in the Middle East.
So we did go to war for oil afterall. Wow.
The people making this argument must feel soooooo vindicated.
Day Two
Today marked the first move northward in my trek from Charlotte to Boston. Butner and I got a late start thanks to my late slumber (It was one in the afternoon when I woke up. Yikes. In my defense, my body still thought it was only 10am.). First on the docket was a church-league softball game. I can't hit, but had flashbacks to my days as a shortstop and played well in the field. Butner was a stud at the plate, getting hits and driving in runs. In the end we lost, but we played the game well... I think that's what counts.
For the evening activities it was off to Hickory, North Carolina, home to the third member of the Trifecta of Power: Nate-Dawg. After dinner and a drink at a nice little pub, Butner wrapped me in swaddling clothes and sent me down the river known as Nathan's Volvo. I'd include the cute picture of all of us together, but I don't have my computer to upload. Cue sad face. :(
Tomorrow it's off to Winston-Salem, home of Elizabeth.
For the evening activities it was off to Hickory, North Carolina, home to the third member of the Trifecta of Power: Nate-Dawg. After dinner and a drink at a nice little pub, Butner wrapped me in swaddling clothes and sent me down the river known as Nathan's Volvo. I'd include the cute picture of all of us together, but I don't have my computer to upload. Cue sad face. :(
Tomorrow it's off to Winston-Salem, home of Elizabeth.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Day One
Day one in Charlotte isn't over. In fact, it's hardly begun, but with a bit of time on my hands this afternoon I wanted to share the cutest/saddest (is there a word for cutely-sad?) story:
Butner, Kristen, and I were driving back from the movie Ironman (very entertaining, Robert Downey Jr. is fantastic) when traffic across this massive road comes screeching to a halt. There, in front of us, is a duck herding her two ducklings across this seven lane road. On the other side are three more ducklings waiting for mom and their brothers/sisters to arrive safely. Kristen announced, "I'm just going to wait here." So we did. We witnessed the final leg of a safe crossing.
It reminds me how animals have adapted to so much human intervention. We were in a neighborhood that ten years ago didn't exist. Today, thanks to suburban sprawl, the place is under tons of concrete and steel. While most of the plants, animals, and other little critters that once inhabited that land are gone, these ducks are pressing on, even reproducing new little ones.
The East Coast
Arriving in the south hit me like a ton of bricks. Seriously, the evidence is rich:
1. Vera Bradley Bags
2. Humidity
3. 5' 6" cute blonde "Elon" girls
4. Guys wearing pastel polos with sunglasses head up by neck leashes
It will be truly official once the following occur:
1. I hear two "y'all"s in one sentence
2. I don't understand someone because their accent is so thick
3. I eat pulled pork
4. I have a 64 oz sweet tea that is the medium size
I'm back!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Let the Schlepping Begin
The next stage in my life adventure begins tomorrow with a flight to Charlotte where I'll be jumping into Butner's open arms. So, give me a holler if you (any of the five of you who read this blog) are anywhere between Charlotte and Boston in the next month and wanna hang. Also, this means the blogging will likely be inconsistent for the next month. Maybe I should find a guest blogger...
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