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Barack Obama, Bush, Democrats, economy, Election 2008, Gitmo, GOP, Hillary Clinton, immigration, Iowa, Iran, Iraq, John McCain, lobbyists, Middle East, oil companies, Palestine, race, voting
Called “Narcissus” this was done by Paul Politis in 1989, one of his first works.
Well, normally my art offerings have nothing to do with what follows, but today is different. After another torrential downpour that went on most of yesterday with major lightening, thunder and near 6:30 pm, actual sirens going off, I went to the basement to retrieve some ground beef. Of course i didn’t get far down the steps before I realized that things were floating. The sump pump had given up the ghost as it were, and a good foot of water was in the basement. Thankfully, another sump which won’t stop, but runs perfectly fine, could be hooked up, and a good 6 inches has so far departed.
The Contrarian hopes that a day of no rain may improve the lane so he doesn’t have to really tax the Bronco. Another sump is required of course, and that may not be as easy as one might assume. Given the terrible conditions everywhere, sumps may be hard to find. The Contrarian can rig this one to the light switch at the top of the stairs which allow us to periodically turn it on and then off manually. It’s thus not as bad as others find themselves. I take some comfort in that.
Other than that, the weekend was okay. We of course planted a huge amount on Saturday. I have no idea how much will be wiped out by the latest deluge. You can only do what you can do, the rest is simply beyond our control. We are all in the same boat so to speak, and our situation is very much better than some. According to a friend, the Wapsi is expected to cause flooding in Troy near the levels of 1999, and that means that he is scrambling to remove his tractors and other valuables to high ground. The Contrarian is unable to offer any help today. If he picks up a sump early tomorrow, he will surely offer his help to Steve who lives on a flood plain area a few miles from us.
Best we turn to the news of the day, and take our minds off our own worries.
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We open with Afternet and a post about the differences between Obama and McCain. Now I assume that that is obvious to most, and surely I’ve been pointing out very regularly the failings, in my not so humble opinion, of Mr. McShame. Once McCain might have been a maverick. Once, I actually admired the man. No longer is that true as I have watched him regress and lose all claim to any honorable high ground by his clear desire to place his personal desire for the Presidency before any desire to actually serve the citizens of this country. Frank Rich from the NYTimes weighs in.
There are stories about this issue from time to time. As more and more states go to forms of electronic voting, more and more concerns come to the fore about the possibilities of a computer glitch or worse yet, out right sabotage that gives the election to the candidate not voted for by the majority.Alternet posts a story about their involvement in attempting to help insure fair elections and how you can help.
Bill Moyers Journal offers us a discussion by Kathleen Hall Jamieson and Ron Walters on race and the upcoming election. What part will it play and how will the media react? You can both read their complete comments and also read the comments left by readers. Always fascinating and informative.
Blue Girl Red State sends us a nice report out of beleaguered Mason City, which sadly is a good deal under water due to flooding. I hadn’t heard that report frankly from the local Cedar Rapids News 9. They may still be scrambling because they got pushed off the air for several hours from lightening or something yesterday early evening.
And in another post, she gives us the opening strategy of Obama as he begins the national campaign. A 50-state strategy is apparently envisioned. There is no “giving” in on any state it seems, and frankly we certainly are in favor of everyone having a part of the fun. Believe me, this has been the most thrilling of cycles, even though at the end, it got quite tiresome. Everyone should know first hand of Iowa’s misery every four years, even if not for as long.
Everyone is scrambling to be the one that picks the VEEP for our two candidates. Who will get it right, who wrong? But in the end, does it matter a lot? Mostly know, unless you are Dubya, way in over your head and with no desire to even read the paper. Then it matters a lot, since you apparently just turn it over to a mad man named Cheney and bask in the glory of your Presidencyship. Brittanica Blog has some of the lesser known VEEP’s of history and their take on the marvelous job.
Essential Estrogen gives us a nice post on Rep. Bruce Braley, who will be up for re-election in the first district and Rep. Tom Latham, up in the 4th.The issue is immigration, and it lays out their respective positions clearly I think. We hope Becky Greenwald beats Latham of course, and we hope Braley retains his seat. Lathamis clearly I think out of step with the state and country on this issue. You decide of course what you think.
If I Ran the Zoo has a nice analysis of McCain and his so-far, love affair with his press adherents. They have given him a nice pass on a number of issues. Is it likely to continue through the general election? Nope, at least that is Aimai’s conclusion. I thought the analysis was good and I thought the post was well researched.
Inside Iraq gives us the lowdown on the various militias operating inside the country, and their stated purpose. It’s getting to look more and more like Afghanistan to me at least. Another post reports on the drought conditions there and increasing price of food. Problems there seem to come in buckets. It’s just so sad.
Strap on your interstellar traveling helmet. We are entering the crazy wacky world of the NRO. Doug Heye actually thinks Republicoots can garner the black vote!Yep, just actively go after it, start with inviting one home to dinner! Oh and speak about black issues but remember “speak directly TO black voters, even if they are only serving the meal! (Oh I a
dded that in.) Also visit them in their native habitat. And three, criticize Obama! Yep, that’s it folks, I can see the voter registration changing over as we speak. Oh the pity this sludge of a online mag rag doesn’t allow comments. The writer of this dopey article is none other than a campaign worker for Jesse Helms. Enough said.
The man who brought you this gem: “The internet is not like a dump truck, it’s like a series of tubes,” Ted Stevens from Alaska, seems in trouble. Polls show that he is now behind his Democratic opponent. The dude who wanted a bridge to no where and is implicated in other money scandals may be losing his seat. Oh the fun of this is making me dance the happy dance. Thanks to MyDD for the story.
Fareed Zakaria gets to talking about the economy and how we can begin to fix this mess.Echoing the McSame meister, I don’t know a lot about economics so I don’t know how valid Mr. Zakaria’s remarks are, but I find his analysis on other issues, especially the Middle East excellent, so I’m listening to what he is saying. See what you think.
More news about the debacle that was John McCain the other night in his “green” speech, the backdrop not the subject. It was simply horrid by everyone’s account, even the most serious conservatives were simply appalled at it. What is going on with the McBush campaign? You’ll never guess who’s doing the whining. Old Billy Boy Kristol himself, never ever a McCain backer, but forced to beg and plead for him now. He offers his words of “wingnut wisdom”.
Paul Krugman has a fine post on the deracialization of America as we move ever closer to an Obama presidency. It’s not Obama who is transforming the landscape, but the landscape that has changed that has enabled Obama to emerge. It’s a great and wonderful thing this America. I love her one minute for her shining example and want to kick her in the butt the next. Krugman claims Bill Clinton had something to do with changing that landscape. See what you think.
Meanwhile, Palestinians worry that Obama’s appearance at AIPAC bodes more business as usual for Palestine.The fact that this conference happened mere days after Obama secured the nomination, and that he appeared speaking on behalf of Israel troubles them quite obviously. I don’t think this changes anything at all frankly. I believe that Obama is firmly committed to changing Middle East policy to one that reflects a more fair and equitable concern for all the players, not simply a “we got your back” whatever you do stance of the past. Read this post and a large number of comments at Raising Yousuf and Noor.
Kevin Drum sees it as a no-win situation for McShame. Damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t as they say. A meeting to try to heal the wounds and get some help from social conservatives went badly, and though McMac needs the evangelicals, if he moves to them, he loses the independents. If he doesn’t, he loses too. Tough position, but one I am loving. I expect McBushwill devolve into a criticism machine with lots and lots of negativity. That won’t work either, but it will show off his bitterness to a T. Political Animal is the source.
I’m sorry, but the blogosphere has not a lot else by McCain stuff today. This one looks at this famous temper and wonders how will he keep it in check. I doubt he can do that, and urge the usual knee jerk words be used a lot. Calling him dishonorable seems to be the best one. I think he becomes near homicidal at that reference. This one is from the Politico. The problem is McCain is the one missing no opportunity to take below the belt shots at Obama, so he brings this on himself. I for one hope he continues and shows himself off to be exactly what he has become, embittered, crotchety, and simply mean. He’s nursing an eight year hate against Bush, that for his own political fortunes, he’s refused to uncork. Nobody will accept his doing so now on Obama.
Obama declares that he will impose a windfall profits tax on oil companies in an effort to ease the pain at the pump we are all experiencing. I saw today that prices are now topping $4 bucks a gallon. which is about half and then some from what folks in western Europe are paying. Japan pays in the middle at $6+ a gallon. We are and always have done a good deal better. Still, the damage it is doing to all Americans is incalculable, or should I say just the opposite as we all have to start making serious changes in our lifestyles. We started shopping monthly a year ago to lessen our 20+ mile trip to CR.
Not another one? It seems McCain’s campaign may have another lobbyist problem! I mean what is going on here? McCain, who believes that we need a new get tough with Russia policy (remember he might favor kicking them out of the Big 8 thinking that isolation is helpful :O), has on his election staff one Randy Scheunamenn who operates as his National security advisor. But, Mr. S. is apparently in the employ of certain Eastern Europeans who pay him to take just that kind of position. Apparently he is no longer in the employ of various Eastern nations, two of which he has already gotten into NATO, and others he was working for. This happened earlier this year. But suspicious since McCain is also for adding more Eastern Europeans to NATO. It smells as most things now do in the McBush campaign. Much thanks to the Salon for the heads up. And at least one group has now filed suit against McCain with the FEC for questions about his mixing of lobbyists and campaign personnel.
The Bushites continue to push forward the despicable show that are the Guantanamo trials. The fact that we don’t arise as a people to reject this type of worst of the dictators mode of doing business is simply appalling in and of itself. Ray Hanania reports for the Huffington Post. Our complicity is obvious since we don’t speak up and reject this vile behavior done in our names. There is simply no moral high ground from which to preach what you no longer practice.
I don’t know anyone who has given anything but praise for Hillary Clinton’s withdrawl speech. It was utterly brilliant according to some, and a real boost to the Obama campaign. I don’t expect that there will be many who will vote the opposition as some sort of protest. It would be so illogical and so counter productive. Tom Hayden (that Tom Hayden?) for The Nation gives a nice run down of what she said and why it matters.
Isn’t science just grand? A team ofCalTec scientists has discovered the boredon, a minute particle. I’d put on my glasses and walk don’t run to learn more if I were you.
I believe I posted last week a link to an article suggesting thatBushites were busily working out details for a possible air strike against Iran.Rumors were abounding. More evidence of that comes from Israel papers who report that Omert is privately claiming that such a strike is immanent, and what he urged upon Dubya when they met recently. This is scary stuff indeed. Think Progress has the story.
Our about to be departed Prez is taking one of those bye bye tours soon. It seems the Germans at least are going to take the opportunity to tell Dubya what they really think of him and his cowboy diplomacy. It ain’t pretty folks but it is largely true, at least to this citizen. Read what German papers say will be said.
Michael Hart at Urantian Sojourn has another of his most witty entries today. Entitled, “Bad Friday?” it is sure to put a smile on your face. You might want to scroll down one more and see the Southwestern response to McCain’s candidacy as well. Bad Friday is about 3 posts down, give or take, but on the main page.
If you wonder how Europe views our election and want to see how they would vote, Vox Nova has the answer. I’m not sure McCain would like this much, he loses by a landslide everywhere.
Oh by the way, John McCain has a new blog, located at http://johnmccain.comcase you are interested. I signed up in order to leave a pithy comment, but of course like all else in John McCain’s world, it doesn’t work. They actually said, when I attempted to complete their 6 different web page sign up process, we don’t have time to deal with you right now. Come back. That was just an attempt to leave a silly comment. LOL.
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“I’ve done the calculation and your chances of winning the lottery are identical whether you play or not.” Fran Lebowitz
“Just because your voice reaches halfway around the world doesn’t mean you are wiser than when it reached only to the end of the bar.” Edward R. Murrow
“Illegitimacy is something we should talk about in terms of not having it.” Dan Quayle
“If I could drop dead right now, I’d be the happiest man alive.” Samual Goldwyn
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Many readers of Philadelphia newspapers were fooled by a fake ad for a new airline called Derrie-Air, which purportedly charges passengers by the pound. No one was more disappointed than a group of supermodels who thought they’d be flying to Paris for under 10 bucks.
The leader of Germany’s Social Democrats party broke with Germany’s custom of staying out of foreign politics and endorsed Barack Obama for U.S. president. This came as a big disappointment to John McCain, who thought marrying a blonde in the beer business would get him the German endorsement. – Paul Seaburn, Spring, Texas
Ed McMahon faces foreclosure on his Hollywood home. His lender wouldn’t accept his latest payment offer in the mail. “You may have won $10,000,000 from Publishers Clearinghouse.” – Alan Ray, Stockton, Calif.
Music legend Bob Dylan, who’s maybe the most respected person in all of music, told the Times of London today that he supports Barack Obama. Or at least they think that’s what he said. He may have been trying to book a flight to Omaha. So we may never know for sure. Jimmy Kimmel
A high school in Ohio passed out over 300 diplomas last week. And on the diploma, the word education was spelled wrong. Yeah. Officials say the misprint should not harm the reputation of George W. Bush High School. Conan O’Brien
While in Denmark on a concert tour of Scandinavia, Bob Dylan announced he’s endorsing Barack Obama for president. Well, we think that’s what he said. He also could have been endorsing a local restaurant serving baked okra and pheasant. Paul Seaburn
Existential Ennui 