Without a ruler

2010-08-19T23:42:00.000-07:00

Whenever I hear a public figure complain about how the 'politically correct police' are constantly trying to censor them I throw up a little in my mouth.

Dr. Laura is the current example of this widespread phenomenon. Michael Savage, Rush, Beck, etc.. often complain about feeling constrained in what they are 'allowed to say'. How many times have you heard this; 'alright, I'll say it' followed by some bit of honesty and stupidity.

Well listen up fellow white folks, it's time for let's make a deal!

It amazes me that for these giants of communication, the simplest notions elude them so completely. Words are abstractions created by our bodies to communicate ideas and feelings from one sentient being to another. That's why the same idea can be transmitted in many languages, or from language to language.

If you are constantly feeling that you are not able to say what it is that you really want to say, let me help you figure out what's really going on.

1. You are not allowed to be racist (in your business, talk radio, etc...)
2. Different people have different ideas as to what constitutes racism
3. If you say the wrong thing, you will economically suffer

Ok, so I see how you can reach the conclusion that some things that are true, cannot be said because 'they're out to get you'. And I can see that you are confused and scared, but I'm here to help you.

The sneaking sinking feeling you get that stops you from saying something at some time is not actually your super keen anti PC police gaydar, it is in actuality...

Your Conscience.

It is your conscience that stops you, and you hate your conscience so very much. I can understand, it makes you feel bad about yourself. It's not very nice. It tries to stop you from saying the 'truth' all the time.

The words that you use are not the thing that others have a problem with. It is the ideas that form the words.

Let's use "Dr" Laura as an example here.

Here is an example where she is taking a very complicated issue, and trying to deal with it. Let's call it the N word for now.

Here is a word which is loaded with history and emotion. It evokes passion and fire at its very mention. To speak it aloud is to risk social and economic ruin for her.

Dr. Lauras point is a perfectly valid point and is a major question regarding race relations today.

Is it ok for one race to be treated differently from another?
Is that not the very essence of racism?

This is the part of the issue that I see as being the main stumbling block that modern whites in the US can't get past. Let's look at what she was talking about. She uses the example of comedians on HBO. So, I feel compelled to do the same. Let us however avoid the entire discussion of "nigga" for now, and focus on the actual "N-word".

The whole issue regarding the N-word is contained in the following very powerful word, CONTEXT.

So in this discussion with a black caller, Dr. Laura controls the narrative. The caller is in a mixed marriage and here's the beginning.

"CALLER: OK. Last night -- good example -- we had a neighbor come over, and this neighbor -- when every time he comes over, it's always a black comment. It's, "Oh, well, how do you black people like doing this?" And, "Do black people really like doing that?" And for a long time, I would ignore it. But last night, I got to the point where it --

SCHLESSINGER: I don't think that's racist."

Well, aside from the fact that it is racist (neighbor singles out the caller as the representative from black people here to educate her white neighbor as one who can be asked about "this" because she married a white guy) Dr Laura in her need to control the narrative (it is after all her show) decides that it isn't racist. And here we have the crux of the entire problem.

It is racist. It is plainly racist. The comments the caller describes are two very plainly racist comments. Sure, they are not inciting violence against a particular race, or denigrating a particular race, or comments containing any real negative intent towards a particular race, however they are comments which separate people into races and then assume knowing that the caller is black and the neighbor white that; a. there is a "black think" as described by Dr L, and; b. that the caller knows better what the "black think" is than the neighbor because she is black.

Now, I can see where the neighbor is coming from. He has some questions and is curious about what black people think. He is trying to have a dialogue, trying to learn. He isn't trying to be mean, hateful, spiteful, or anything negative at all.

But maybe we can see that the caller can justifiably be upset, even though the neighbor may have no ill intent whatsoever. Here she is in a mixed race marriage in a world that can be less than friendly toward such marriages. Here comes a neighbor who has some questions about black people, after all he's been told his entire life that 'they' think differently about things than him. So he asks them. Of her. Because she's black. Now she's Queen Caller from Blackyllvania, duly elected representative of all black opinion and ideas. Elected by her white neighbor. Because she's black.
Once again reminded that she is not just his neighbor. She's his black neighbor.

Well, if you can't see how night after night, she could at least get frustrated by this, then you are of no use to me.

Anyway Dr Laura immediately goes on to talk about Obama, claiming that "a lot of blacks voted for Obama simply 'cause he was half-black" and then in the same thought "the guys who were gonna start playing basketball. I was going to go out and play basketball. My bodyguard and my dear friend is a black man. And I said, "White men can't jump; I want you on my team." That was racist? That was funny".

I can see a problem there.

Help me Merriam Webster

Racism
1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
2 : racial prejudice or discrimination

So, lets just ignore the first definition, for now.

Let's define prejudice and discrimination though.

Prejudice
1 : injury or damage resulting from some judgment or action of another in disregard of one's rights; especially : detriment to one's legal rights or claims
2 a (1) : preconceived judgment or opinion (2) : an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge b : an instance of such judgment or opinion c : an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, a race, or their supposed characteristics

Discrimination

1 a : the act of discriminating b : the process by which two stimuli differing in some aspect are responded to differently
2 : the quality or power of finely distinguishing
3 a : the act, practice, or an instance of discriminating categorically rather than individually b : prejudiced or prejudicial outlook, action, or treatment

So now we have everything properly defined, thanks again to Merriam-Webster.

Racism can be defined as racial prejudice or discrimination.

Prejudice can be defined as preconceived judgment or opinion.
An adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge.
An instance of such judgment or opinion.
An irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, a race, or their supposed characteristics.

So apparently the ill intent clause is not necessary for a thing to be considered racist, at least in the English language. It can be as simple as a preconceived notion as applied to race.

So let's get back on track.

Dr Laura immediately goes on to talk about Obama, claiming that "a lot of blacks voted for Obama simply 'cause he was half-black" and then in the same thought "the guys who were gonna start playing basketball. I was going to go out and play basketball. My bodyguard and my dear friend is a black man. And I said, "White men can't jump; I want you on my team." That was racist? That was funny".

The comment "a lot of blacks voted for Obama simply 'cause he was half-black" fits our definition of racism. So there's that.

And then there is the rather bizarre twist next, note the basketball reference...
"the guys who were gonna start playing basketball. I was going to go out and play basketball. My bodyguard and my dear friend is a black man. And I said, "White men can't jump; I want you on my team." That was racist? That was funny"

This is the equivalent of saying, "some of my best friends are black".

So Dr. Laura is going to play basketball, and feels comfortable enough with her black bodyguard to make a racist joke "White men can't jump; I want you on my team.". The white men can't jump cliche is a racist comment that denigrates whites, i.e. "racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race" in this case athletics. AKA, the first definition of racism from Merriam-Webster. But it's ok to Dr Laura as this does not denigrate blacks, the equivalence of self deprecating humor. And that may even be fine morally or whatever, however it is racist. Clearly.

What she doesn't get is that its humor (generously allowing the word here) comes from the fact that it is racist. She's white, he's black, they can be racist around each other because it's safe, they like each other and treat each other with respect, and there's no ill intent. It's forbidden, it's dirty, it's starting to sound like Dr L has other possible issues with her bodyguard. Wait a second, he's her bodyguard? He's her employee?? Her token black friend is her paid bodyguard?? Seriously?

That was funny?

So Dr Laura has given us at this point three examples of racism that are not racism, even though they really are.

Next.

The caller brings the N-word in. Oh boy!

Now Dr Lauras power is threatened. She is now upset because black people are allowed to do something that she is not, and that is to use the N-word.

Now, normally I would applaud a person who feels threatened by authority to confront that authority and rebel openly. But this just doesn't make that cut.

I was going to keep going but I will conclude with this.

If our public figures continue to be rewarded for their bad behavior, the will continue to behave badly. It is not just a matter of avoiding letting slip the stupid comment, but not believing the stupid things that make the stupid comment stupid, stupid! Ha parse that!

Seriously, it makes my soul tired to know that I am the same species as these people, and that they are what society laps up. We love it so much. This is why I don't watch TV anymore.

Hey Newt-

2009-06-06T21:08:00.001-07:00

I wonder what the response would be if a pol said negatively "We are drowning in Christianity"?

Bigotry is not hard to find, people.

Douche of the Day

2009-04-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

Today's Douche of the Day is a shared award, going to both the FCC and the Supreme Court.

They are still upholding the "seven dirty words", as if to say, "Don't worry folks, people are still stupid.".

Story

I truly feel this deserves a thoughtful and reasoned discussion, so here is a TRUE authority on the subject.

Douche of the Day

2009-04-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

Bernal Smith II is our Douche of the Day for today! And boy did he earn it!

Just a quick aside before the rest of this story, but I really wish we could as a society stop getting caught up in erratic emotional responses that are literally ruining kids lives every day. For really heartbreaking stories check out DetentionSlip.org. Girls getting suspended/expelled for taking a birth control pill, 5th graders being criminally charged for looking at porn on school computers, these parent are simply out of control. Maybe Parents themselves deserve DOTD status. It's a thought. Rant ending.

"Bernal Smith II oversees the Memphis Academy of Health Sciences(a publicly funded charter school) that publicly whips and paddles students every Friday in the "Chapel" ritual."
-http://www.detentionslip.org/2009/04/heavy-hitter-of-weak-bernal-smith-ii_03.html

Original story here
http://www.wreg.com/wreg-charterdiscipline-story,0,3557529.story

This guy is a real jackass, in the DetentionSlip.org email interaction, he claims to take evidence from both sides of the Corporal Punishment argument, but the only argument that he cites as informing his pro-CP stance is that he believes it works. Then he challenges his questioner to look up for themselves the evidence which he claims supports his position, because he can't show any. Oh, and never mind the fact that this is his justification for PUBLICLY FLOGGING CHILDREN!!! This guy should be in jail.

OK. I know that was confusing. Here's an example.

I say the sky is made of marshmallows. MMMMM.
You say the sky is not made of marshmallows and there are like 300000000 specific scientific sources stating that the sky is not marshmallows, and cite a few specifics for good measure.
Then you ask me for proof that the sky is marshmallows, to which I respond that I can't cite any sources, but you are very resourceful, so you should do it.
You shake your head and I walk away convinced that I won that debate.

Given the above example, just based on that, would you let me within 5000 miles of your childs education?

If you answered yes to above, you may very well qualify for tomorrows DOTD!

Douche of the Day

2009-04-16T14:55:00.001-07:00

Texas Governor Says Secession Possible

Governor Rick Perry- (R- Texas)

What's with all the douchebag governors Texas elects?

Honestly, I'd be glad to see them go at this point.

From his Wiki Article

Texas secession

In April 2009, Perry endorsed a resolution supporting state sovereignty as reserved by the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.^{[citation needed]} On April 15 at a "tea party protest" he said, "Texas is a unique place. When we came into the union in 1845, one of the issues was that we would be able to leave if we decided to do that...My hope is that America and Washington in particular pays attention. We've got a great union. There's absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, who knows what may come of that."^[47]

Douche of the Day

2009-04-11T15:05:00.000-07:00

Douche of the Day goes to Nashville Tenn., Police Chief Ronal Serpas who said after a big drug bust
last week;

"Somebody's breaking into somebody's grandmother's house to have the money to buy the weed," said Metro Police Chief Ronal Serpas. "Somebody stealing somebody's car to sell to have money to buy the weed. Somebody beating someone up because they owed them the money, the money that they used to buy the weed."

[Source http://www.wsmv.com/news/19057346/detail.html]

Former Bush Aide says Guantanamo detainees innocent (mostly) and that B.A. knew it.

2009-03-19T15:14:00.000-07:00

Lawrence B. Wilkerson, a Republican who was chief of staff to former-Secretary of State Colin Powell, told The Associated Press "There are still innocent people there," "Some have been there six or seven years.", talking about Guantanamo.

"Some 800 men have been held at Guantanamo since the prison opened in January 2002, and 240 remain. Wilkerson said two dozen are terrorists, including confessed Sept. 11 plotter Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who was transferred to Guantanamo from CIA custody in September 2006.

"We need to put those people in a high-security prison like the one in Colorado, forget them and throw away the key," Wilkerson said. "We can't try them because we tortured them and didn't keep an evidence trail."

Wilkerson, who flew combat missions as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam and left the government in January 2005, said he did not speak out while in government because some of the information was classified. He said he feels compelled to do so now because Cheney has claimed in recent press interviews that President Barack Obama is making the U.S. less safe by reversing Bush administration policies toward terror suspects, including ordering Guantanamo closed.

The administration is now evaluating what to do with the prisoners who remain at the U.S. military base in Cuba.

"I'm very concerned about the kinds of things Cheney is saying to make it seem Obama is a danger to this republic," Wilkerson said. "To have a former vice president fearmongering like this is really, really dangerous.""

Above story is modified, but mainly copy pasted. Read the rest of the story

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090319/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cb_guantanamo_wrongly_held

By ANDREW O. SELSKY, Associated Press Writer

My take on Cheney,

He should shut up, and go fuck himself.

the workforce

2009-03-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

I keep seeing stories that actually do break my heart, but also kind of anger me.
The last one was about a '62 year old college grad' looking for help finding work.
Of course, people must do what they must, and I'm not mad about the fact that this lady wanted to find a job, but it did get me thinking about the notion of people working well into their 70's.
One thing that is true is that there are a limited number of jobs available. There is not a small number, but the number is limited. For every job someone has, there is someone else unable to work. I was talking with my sister about this concept relating to women entering the workforce en masse, but I don't think she caught where I was going with it. I was talking about the reasonably massive influx of workers when women began working more and how it affected the labor market. I was wondering if anyone was discussing the negative influence the increase in supply of labor was having on wages and benefits packages. Also, the fact that we have now an expectation based on living expenses of families with 2 incomes. The days of 1 income households seem to be over. Now I know it depends on the income, but look realistically at what mOST people make.
Anyway this ties in with the 62 year old anecdote above in that it seems that no one ever discusses the negative influence over supply of labor has on our economy. We hear about new job creation, but also that most people can't afford to live without 2 or sometimes 3 jobs, which is 'uniquely American'. I just personally wish that we as a people could stake less of our identities on our jobs/careers, so that workers won't lose themselves when they can actually afford to leave the workforce, thereby opening up opportunities for others, and bringing up the value of labor, by making it more scarce.
I don't know how much of this is making sense right now, and I know I'm not offering a solution. I don't think this has a solution. I just think that is a problem facing us, which will continue, and is worthy of discussion.

All quiet on the western front

2009-03-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

Lately I don't have too much to complain about, I see things as going reasonably well.

I have noticed that the Republicans have been trying to assert themselves, though they have no cohesion. They are a cornered dog and are lashing out at those who approach them.

The politics of winning are disabling them now.

The Republican party became an ideological base on social issues, but lost their core values, and are now reaping the benefits of being the party who tries to make us afraid, when we no longer fear.

Vindication of Bush's Iraq War Policy

2009-01-05T20:29:00.001-08:00

There has been some talk (specifically just on the Daily Show) referring to history's future vindication of President Bush's Iraq War Policy.

I just can't believe it.

Here's the facts that history will have to overcome in order to vindicate our soon to be ex-President.

1. President Bush and his Administration LIED to us regarding weapons of mass destruction, imminent threats, links to Al Qaeda, and that the war was not about oil.
2. Donald Rumsfelds failed policy of a fast and light, specialized military, quick in/quick out, and his superiors' inability to admit its failings for YEARS.
3. The Commander in Chief continuously failing to plan (to this day) an actual campaign. If he were a chess player, he would be aware of opening, middle, and end game, and how a commander uses strategy to achieve an end. Strategy is a MEANS to an end. The "surge" was a STRATEGY, not a policy. I think ALL of the success in Iraq belongs to the soldiers serving in uniform, be they Privates, or Generals. I think it is a SHAME that our President takes credit for being a success due to our military's unmatched competence, courage, and skill, while still neglecting HIS job, but he is leaving all that confusing stuff for the next guy.
4. Weapons of Mass Destruction?
5. Decision being made based on personal bias "he tried to kill my Dad..."
6. Decisions from the White House regarding the legality of torture (extreme interrogation) and orders to soldiers and other operatives, policies both implicit and explicit, only to leave the individual soldiers who did wrong, but under orders to do so, out in the cold.
7. FREE SPEECH ZONES

This is not a complete list.

For anyone that claims that the war is not about oil, you are being naive. It is only partially about oil, but it is most certainly NOT about the liberation of Iraqis, or the ousting of Saddam Hussein. It is about American Strategic interests in the region. Oil is a top strategic interest. Iran, and the power and sway they have with the entire Muslim world, is a major strategic interest. In the past eight years we have managed to invade the two countries on either side of Iran. Hmm.

------------- --------------- --------------------------
| Iraq | | Iran | | Afghanistan |
------------- --------------- --------------------------

I can't believe that something as obvious as that goes over everyone's heads. We are at the very least using these wars as hard bargaining with the Iranians, threatening military force by our very presence.
In other words, the reasons can't be fit on a bumper sticker. Unless maybe its this one.

How many have to die
to advance our
Strategic Interests?

Also, I remember having a conversation with my brother, in Feb, possibly March of 2003, in which we were discussing the possibility of a war in Iraq, when I brought up the possibility of it being better to fight "them" over there instead of over here. Essentially, the thinking went as such.
Terrorist = Enemy
Terrorist Home = Nowhere
American Might = Military
Iraq = Terrorists New Home
Military = Kick rag tag Terrorists Asses in open combat
Strategic Interests= Advanced

But, then I considered that a terrorist does not engage in open combat. A terrorist uses the terror of the threat that he will blow up a building, or a bridge, or a plane, or a school.
These are those who took down our towers, not a standing army.
19 guys.
No warning.
Creating a battlefield to fight an enemy with no motivation for open combat = bad idea

About a year later I began to hear that argument being used to defend the Iraq war by pundits on TV. That was one of the first times that I really thought that our entire system is being run by morons.
I began to be truly terrified.

I was not shocked that morons were on TV, but I was shocked by how transparent the arguments on either side became. Facts were simply things to be manipulated in order to advance policy, specifically public support of policy.

The truth had become obsolete.
The facts would soon vindicate Bush's policy.

Crimes of the Bush Administration

2008-12-31T06:04:00.000-08:00

With the Bush Administration on their way out, I thought there should be a (somewhat) comprehensive list of the possible crimes committed in the past 8 years.

1. Warrantless Wiretapping Program
2. Outing of CIA Agent Valerie Plame
3. War Crimes committed by direct order in Iraq (possibly also Afghanistan)
4. Destruction of CIA tapes of interrogations
5. Rendition program
6. US Attorney firings

Still working on above, but I'm limiting the list to actual crimes, not just crimes against conscience.
Here's a good list for those

Warrantless Wiretapping Updates

2008-12-31T05:26:00.000-08:00

Back to work.

The Rachel Maddow show has aired an interview with NSA whistleblower Thomas M. Tamm, who blew the whistle on NSA's warrantless wiretapping program.
Here's the interview:

Here's a primer from the EFF on the FISA law which was considered too restrictive by Bush Administration officials.
FISA Primer

Here's the text of the Fourth Amendment.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

The NSA was searching and seizing millions and hundreds of millions of personal calls and records of American citizens, under the code name "Stellar Wind". The FISA court allows retroactive warrants, allowing for the immediacy the Bush Administration was claiming it needed and which had caused them to bypass the laws of our nation. When reading the text above, I wonder if perhaps BAOfficials believe that because they did not get warrants, they did not need probable cause as described above. My God.

Here's some discussion on Democracy Now!

Here's a link to the EFF's efforts regarding the NSA's WWProgram. The EFF are currently engaged in two lawsuits, one against the government specifically citing those responsible for the WWP, the other against AT&T. Support the EFF, they are doing great work.

Here's an old article from SFChronicle about the WWP being declared UnConstitutional.

President-Elect Obama!

2008-11-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to President-Elect Obama and Vice President-Elect Biden and their families!

Gallup final estimate puts Obama at 55%, McCain 44%

2008-11-03T12:14:00.000-08:00

Gallup Poll Daily tracking has Obama up by 11 for the final poll before tomorrows election. STORY

After all of this years votes have been cast, I just wanted to say how grateful I am to be able to see this contest. It has been an historic fight, from before the first primaries to today. It has been plain exciting to watch, and we have even gotten to see policy debate creep into the Presidential race. Yes, there was personal political usual-ness, but over all I would rate this election as the best I've ever seen. Of course the end result is what matters, and I am confident that my guy will win, but I don't want to put the cart before the horse, I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on how engaging this contest has been.

Of course not everyone agrees with me. Fred Barnes of the Weekly Standard writes a story that to me sounds like a downcast kid kicking a rock in the road. Maybe that's what it's like to lose an election, but I don't really remember being that involved in an election with a clear victory. The 2000 election was my first real entry into involvement in politics. When that election didn't end, there wasn't a way to feel one way or the other, besides cheated. The thing that I look forward to this year most of all is a landslide, an uncontestable outcome, a clear answer. In this post-modern world that seems to be the hardest thing to find.

One thing in particular that I am especially enjoying are the people that I talk to who normally have no interest in politics who are engaged and excited, some of whom had never voted before and are looking forward to casting their ballots on Tuesday. I think of my friend who could have voted in the last 2 elections, but didn't, who this week sent her son to school in an Obama t-shirt. This will be her first voting experience. I'm proud of her.

Now as far as voting goes. Don't wear t-shirts or buttons from any campaign, bring your wallet (depending on where you're voting you may need id), and read the instructions carefully before casting your ballot. If you make a mistake, tell the poll worker, as usually they will allow you to fix the mistake in some way. Good luck!

On election night there are some key things to consider. The first polls close at 6 p.m. EST in Indiana, and though I predict Indy to go for McCain, it is tight enough that Obama could squeak out a victory. McCain is only up by a point in polling, so anything could happen. If Obama wins Indiana, you don't even need to watch the rest.

The real anchor of this election will be Virginia. I have been saying this for weeks, but watch Virginia. The beautiful thing being that polls close in Virginia at 7 p.m. EST. If Obama takes Virginia, McCain MUST win PA, OH, IN, WV, MO, NC, and FL, to take 268 electoral votes, which still is not enough for a win. The good thing (or bad thing by pov) is of course that in many of those states Obama leads by a wide margin.

So go, vote early, vote often, and be proud of yourselves. You've all done very well.

Coal and the future of American energy policy and consumption

2008-11-03T01:04:00.000-08:00

I have to say that I was not surprised when I just checked the polling and saw a few blogs with "explosive new audio" regarding Senator Obama's remarks regarding carbon emission caps and new coal fired power plants. It finally made sense, this is why Senator John McCain had been spending all his money in Pennsylvania. He really thought that this would be enough to help him clinch it in the last days. The release of this so late in the game only shows what little legs the story has. It is audio from last January, and all of a sudden 'surprise!'. I have to laugh.

I could go on, but just feel like shaking my head, which I will go and do now.

Unfortunately for McCain, this is all the political equivalent of the following movie.

Joe Trippi is getting his ideas from me

2008-10-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

Ha! Well I find it strange, or at the very least flattering that the election projections that I posted at CNN's dashboard site on October 2nd have been duplicated by none other than Joe Trippi.

Joe, welcome to the party!

I have to say I just thought that was pretty cool.
I had him beat by 25 days though! Let's just hope we're right Joe!

2008-10-26T19:45:00.001-07:00

2008-10-17T21:55:00.000-07:00

With John McCranky's poll numbers dwindling, now it's out that Colin Powell might support Obama '08. Look for Meet the Press this Sunday.

Joe Biden was on the offensive talking about more nasty McCain camp tactics. Automated calls desperately trying to play on American's fears of terrorism.

Well, I've got something to say to the Republicans. I am an American, and I know the threat of terrorism, and I am not afraid. I live in a post 9/11 world, and I am not afraid. I watched the towers fall from a few short miles away, and I am not afraid. I smelled the burning city for weeks afterwards, and I am not afraid.I gave blood and money to help those who needed it more than I, and I am not afraid. I watched my father run to help the living, and to help with the dead, and I am not afraid. I comforted my nephew when he asked me if terrorists were going to come and get him at school, and I am not afraid. I know that we could be attacked at any moment, and still I am not afraid. I refuse to cower and beg for protection at the price of my own liberty, for I am not afraid. I am a New Yorker, an American, and I am not afraid.

Sarah Palin was out talking about the "real America" and how the best of America is in the small rural towns. Bullshit. She is saying that in a desperate plea to solidify her cracked shaking base.

The fact is that ALL Americans are our best. The small towns, the endless suburbs, the cities, this disparity and variety available to Americans is the result of our hard work and freedom of choice. Some want this and some want that. All of us are simply trying to do our best. I am getting really tired of being told that I am less American because I am from New York. Well I am from New York, and we here welcome everyone. We are also the ones who were attacked, and who are most likely to be attacked again. Sarah Palin did not seem to mind coming to New York to try to get photo ops with our Fire Fighters, she doesn't mind coming when she's trying to court the "liberal media". She uses us, our resources, our tragedies, and then goes around bashing us because we see through her charade, and because it will win her points with "real America".

I have to say that I have more faith in "real America" than she does. I think all Americans will see through the Republican tactic of division. I don't think that middle America thinks they are better than New Yorkers. I think America knows that a nation united is what we have, no matter how long our government may say that we are not. We all have skin in the game, and it does America a disservice to try to separate us for cheap personal political points in a race she's going to lose anyway.

Also, just wanted to note that even I didn't see this coming, but West Virginia may very well be a contest. I thought Missouri might be the end of the road, but recent polling puts WV very close. If McCain keeps wasting his money in Pennsylvania, where he is 15 or more points behind, this will just be a blowout.

John Cleese on Sarah Palin

Violence at Palin Rally

Gallup Daily puts Obama ahead by 11

2008-10-08T15:09:00.000-07:00

According to Gallup Daily Obama has taken an 11 point lead over McCain.

Polling data was taken just before Tuesdays debate.

The campaign is getting ugly however, with personal attack ads on the rise, and apparently McCain doesn't feel compelled to argue with his own supporters assertion that Barack Obama is a 'terrorist'. Well, I guess if he kinda looks like one...

Pardon me whilst I repaint my wall with today's lunch.

Tuesdays debate did not seem to have any effect at all. We'll see what happens on Thursday.

Apparently McCain is being chided for pirating music. The Foo Fighters weren't very happy with McCains use of the song My Hero. Just for fun. ;)

We are having issues regarding ACORN in Missouri. If this is true I'm not a happy man. Fight as hard as you want, but don't mess with the validity of peoples votes. That really pisses me off. It does no one any good. Officials are looking into it, so if there's something there, I hope they find it. If not, I hope they say that too.

Alright. Some more just for fun. Apparently some other people besides myself (an avid West Wing 0 phile) have noticed some odd connections between the elections in 2008, and on the show. Here's the story. The democrat won the WW election ;) Just for fun.

A flailing and desperate campaign

2008-10-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

John McCain has decided to go back on his word, and try to take the low road to the highest office in the land. Today, Mud Monday as some are calling it, sees the latest strategy from the McCain campaign, namely, the old standard of when you're behind in the polls, fling mud everywhere and hope it sticks. What it really shows the voters is just how far behind the McCranky camp is right now.

As an Obama supporter, I am glad to see these 'truthi-' personal attacks, because it is evidence that the McCranky camp knows just how bad things are for them. They know that they cannot win this election at this point, and are throwing out desperate attempts to even seem relevant at all.

What McCain doesn't seem to understand is that the campaign ended weeks ago, when Sarah Palin had those disastrous interviews (look below). The Republican Party was in tatters after them, with people on the right calling for Palin to quit. You cannot recover from something as bad as that unless you take immediate corrective action, and your opponent has his own disastrous collapse. Neither of these happened.

The nation is not willing to put up with any more Bush-esque 'put your head in the sand and believe in people because you chose them and your judgement is sound' ridiculous ignorance. We want a leader who will make good choices first, and who will be willing to adjust to the situation to make sure to create the best outcome in the end. McCains defense of Palin just simply isn't fooling anyone.

Meanwhile, through all of this, Obama is out there winning hearts and minds, talking about policy, progress, and growth. He's concerned with the direction the country is taking, but it helps to not be consumed by a failing campaign. McCain is still staggering around the ring from the knockout blow, not even sure where or when he was hit, losing track even of where up is.

Election 08

2008-10-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to my projections for the 08 Election.

http://news.yahoo.com/election/2008/dashboard?name=Scheuring

VP Debate

2008-10-02T19:50:00.001-07:00

Well, most of us were watching to see if Sarah Palin would collapse completely.

As we all know, she didn't. However, to have that low a bar is a terrible thing.

So, Sarah Palin had to prove that she could actually speak competently without looking like a fool, and she did that.
Senator Biden had to not kick her if she fell down, and he didn't.

Joe Biden helped his party, his ticket, and gave specific ideas, and restrained from constantly correcting Palins casual relation to facts. Sarah Palin simply did some damage control.

More whining from McCain

2008-10-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

He's sounding more and more like Bush every day.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081002/ap_on_el_pr/mccain;_ylt=Ar1QEoJAgTaVRXFNKYBMlITCw5R4

VP Debate looms, McCain whines

2008-10-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

It seems that VP moderator and PBS Senior journalist Gwen Ifill dropped a surprise on the McCain camp that she is currently writing a book titled "The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama". This has raised obvious questions regarding her partiality.

How can she claim to be partial when Obama is in the title of her book?
Why didn't she tell us earlier, why did she keep it a secret?

Well, all sarcasm aside, the title of her book does not indicate partiality either way. It obviously describes the story of how race and politics relate in the current political climate, a time when a black man, Obama, wins the nomination of a major US political party. To say that this is a topic that could not be covered impartially by a serious and respected journalist is ridiculous, until we factor in that Gwen Ifill is also black.
A serious and respected black journalist is incapable of being impartial regarding the first black presidential candidate, or so John McCain would have you believe.

“Frankly, I wish they had picked a moderator that isn’t writing a book favorable to Barack Obama — let's face it," McCain said on "Fox & Friends." "But I have to have confidence that Gwen Ifill will handle this as the professional journalist that she is. ..."Life isn’t fair, as I mentioned earlier in the program."

It's not that she will be professional, it's that he will have confidence in her. Please.

Wouldn't this all be a lot less confusing if she had simply disclosed previously that she was writing the book? Well, she had.

"the PBS journalist said that Time magazine noted she was writing a book in August, and that it has been available for pre-sale on Amazon.com. The book also is mentioned in a Sept. 4 interview she gave the Washington Post."

-http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/10/01/america/Debate-Ifill.php

So, with both questions answered, we're just left with John McCain whining, desperate for anything to save him from the impending disaster that is the VP debate tonight.

The Map

2008-10-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

Alright, I'm looking at the map again, and things are getting interesting.

Here's my predictions as of today:

Battlegrounds: (race is within 3 pts)

Ohio 20, North Carolina 15, Virginia 13, Indiana 11, Missouri 11, Nevada 5,

75 votes up for grabs

Before results from the battlegrounds we have Electoral Vote breakdown:

Obama: 300 McCain: 163

If McCain takes all 6 he'd still only have 238. A far cry from 270.

Obama gains Florida!

2008-10-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

According to the latest polls, Obama just picked up Florida!

He's up by 3 points in Virginia, 2 points in Ohio, and is now in the lead by a point in Florida!

CNN Polling data now projects the following breakdown of Electoral Votes:

Obama: 325 McCain: 180

*270 votes needed to win.

That's what I call momentum!

Palin doesn't even understand the questions

2008-10-01T05:33:00.000-07:00

Another instance of Katie Couric asking a question that just goes over Sarah Palins head.

It's getting tough with Palin, the videos simply speak for themselves and truly don't require much commentary. The sheer stupidity exhibited, I'm speechless.

Katie Couric basically dares her to name 3 news sources she has followed to remain informed, and Palin thinks it's a question relating to Alaska being uninformed because it's far away. My God.

McCain babysits Palin with Katie Couric

2008-10-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

Apparently, McCain thought it best to be there to clarify Palin's gaffes. Is he going to hold her hand in Senate votes as well?

North Carolina

2008-09-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

According to CNN, it looks like North Carolina may trend Obama!

More later.

The witchcraft deal

2008-09-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

Alright, here's the witchcraft video. Now I'm not surprised that Sarah Palin is afraid of witchcraft, hey that's her religion. When you hear people talking about Harry Potter being dangerous for teaching children 'sorcery', they mean it.
Many American Christians are afraid of sorcery, witchcraft, magic, and demons. It is a part of their faith that these things exist. There is religious freedom in this country and they have a right to express those beliefs.

But I can call them crazy.

I have a question.

Sarah Palin, do you believe in witchcraft?
Do you believe that witches are, and or may cause harm to you, or the campaign using magic?
Does she think Wiccans are people to be feared?
Do you think witchcraft should be legal or illegal?

I hope someone else thinks to ask Sarah Palin these questions, I for one would be fascinated to find out her response.

Here's the famous video.

McCain on This Week: Sarah Palin doesn't speak for the McCain campaign

2008-09-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

With friends like these, who needs running mates?

2008-09-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

Has the McCain Campaign Broken Sarah Palin?

This is the question asked by Palin support site palintology.com. It's snagged from the New Republic's site Here.

Here's the articles from Draft Sarah Palin for Vice President site.

It's like everyone on the right is shell shocked by Palin's apparent collapse. The question of experience is what this is about. What Obama lacks in experience he makes up for with judgement, poise, and strength. He thrives under pressure and trusts his instincts, and his education. Palin apparently wasn't much of a follower of real world national politics at all, and therefore really doesn't know what is even going on now. She is very well versed on issues facing Alaskans, but that's all that is there. She is a one trick pony, and I just hope that personally she will be able to deal, emotionally, with being such a giant embarrassment.

I mean really, it's a whole new level of arrogance. This is the real world, not a Disney movie.

I have to watch those puppies below again now. They are just too cute! I love em.

Obama is gaining momentum

2008-09-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

Real Clear Politics is a great place to get breakdowns on polling data.

Real Clear Politics

What I think is particularly telling is if you look at the history of polls going back to January, McCain will occasionally get a bump and take the lead for a few days, but just can't keep it up. Obama consistently polls as the winner. Not that it won't be a close election, but that so far is the over all trend.

The McCain campaign really seems on the verge of total breakdown. His judgement was questioned during the Savings & Loan scandal (Keating 5)back in the day, though he was exonerated of any wrongdoing, and we're seeing the fruits of his judgement again today.

Women against Sarah Palin

2008-09-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

Women against Sarah Palin

Pretty self explanatory. I guess Palin is not doing as well with Clinton supporters as McCain hoped.

Story was picked up by the Guardian.co.uk this past tuesday.

Guardian Article

Get out of my city!

2008-09-27T17:03:00.000-07:00

Absolutely pathetic.
At least Rudy Giuliani was here on 9/11. That's why I forgave him, a little, using 9/11 as a political tool.
You madam do not get to.

Jack Cafferty slams Sarah Palin!

2008-09-27T16:47:00.001-07:00

Doing some math

2008-09-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

Obama has got Momentum!!! Yeah baby!

I was just going over the electoral math, and here's what I got.

All based on current polling.

Early results in Virginia are going to be nice.
If Virginia goes Obama it's game over.
Obama doesn't need Ohio, Florida, or Nevada if he clinches Virginia, but a landslide victory would be nice to see for a change.
If Virginia goes McCain, Obama needs Ohio or Florida, but not Both.
Nevada doesn't really help anyone, but to lose it would hurt.

Polling in Virginia is tight, having Obama up by %1.8

I'll be watching Virginia this November. It could be the whole election.

Nothing cuter!

2008-09-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

But I wouldn't vote for them for President.

The pain

2008-09-27T08:25:00.001-07:00

Paul Newman Dies

2008-09-27T08:19:00.001-07:00

Very sorry to see a great man go. Paul Newman was an astonishingly giving man and the world is a far better place for having him here.
Thank you for all your hard work and generosity of spirit.
You'll be missed.

My God

2008-09-27T08:14:00.000-07:00

Debate

2008-09-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

Good job to both candidates, mostly the voters win.
McCain saved his ruined week, and Obama stood his ground on foreign policy.
I'm an Obama supporter, and I think he achieved his campaign goals for the debate while McCain seemed to just be trying to maintain without any gaffes, so I'm calling it for Obama.

However, a very interesting tidbit was in the post game. I switched to NBC and caught Senator Biden's post game, and right after, Brian Williams mentioned how although Governor Palin was invited, she declined to be interviewed. Maybe she had to stay in and study for next week.

Oh, now Biden's on CNN. Oooooh, don't hold your breath. Palin gets smacked down by Anderson Cooper. Ouch. She ran away from CNN too!

Man, it must suck to have chosen a VP candidate who's scared to talk to reporters. I've shown some poor judgement in the past, but then again I've never asked anyone to vote for me for President.

Sarah Palin

2008-09-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have to put out my thoughts on Sarah Palin.

Well, we all now know the resume.

"She was on the Wasilla, Alaska, city council from 1992 to 1996 and mayor from 1996 to 2002. After an unsuccessful campaign for lieutenant governor of Alaska in 2002, she chaired the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission from 2003 to 2004. She was elected governor of Alaska in November 2006""
*stolen from Wiki article for ease

As a side note, the majority of the experience was as mayor. Wasilla AK according to the 2000 census had a population of just over 5000. Building managers in skyscrapers are responsible for more people than that. Maybe she should run for building manager to fluff her resume.

Here's something not enough people have seen.

The question that we have to ask is; If Palin were running for President, would you vote for her?
What if the race was:
Obama v Palin
Biden v Palin
Clinton v Palin
Hilton v Palin
or
McCain v Palin

I understand that there is a lack of able bodied Republicans these days, but her resume and public statement (have there been more than 1 yet? *jk) show less about her, and more about McCains judgement. He let the people who he's supposedly been fighting in his own party decide his VP pick, meekly accepting their demands and selling his soul for the votes of his "base".
He would be the oldest President this country has ever seen, yet doesn't care that not only could Sarah Palin become the President in case of something happening to him, but she has already been catapulted to the Republican Party Leadership. She is now and forever a Republican national figure and de facto party elder. A player now. A candidate tomorrow.

This is not a Maverick move, it's a desperate duct tape move by a man who can't stand up to those he is supposed to lead. Well, if Medvedev gets tough in negotiations, he could always send in Palin. She was his neighbor.

freehand

2008-09-23T14:55:00.001-07:00

Here we go