YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING

Meg Whitman for Governor? Please, don't insult my intelligence.

Done.

DOCTORS, LAWYERS, KINGS AND QUEENS...

Doctors, judges, attorneys, policemen, engineers, kings, queens, and Indian Chiefs...these are just a few of the many peeps that I have gotten high with over the years. Okay, scratch 'Kings' (but I have gotten high with a few queens, I swear!) and I think you get my point. I have been getting high for well over 40 years...yet somehow I managed to work for 35 years at the same job, raise a child, buy a house, write a book, and otherwise maintain my status as a law-abiding, tax-paying citizen. In other words, thus far, I've lived a happy life very similar to all of you. Having said that, lets explore why I think you should vote 'YES' on Prop. 19, the marijuana initiative.

First, by controlling the sale and distribution of marijuana in a similar manner as we control alcohol, we call the shots. The initiative allows for personal use by adults. It allows for the prosecution, with severe penalties, for those who would illegally sell weed to those under 21 or for those who choose to drive under its influence. Additionally, it maintains the rights of employers to drug-test employees.

Second, Prop. 19 shifts law enforcement resources to more violent crimes. I mean, seriously, nobody ever robbed a liquor store to get their next joint. Nobody ever beat their spouse or kids because they smoked too much marijuana. Not to mention, it would make a huge dent in the funding of violent drug cartels, outside of our borders, who currently make 60% of their money from the illegal American marijuana market.

And lastly, the future annual revenue from taxation on legal marijuana sales (not to mention the bakery goods! HA!) has been estimated to be 1.4 billion, yes, say it with me, 1.4 BILLION dollars! Also, California would save vast sums when we stop the prosecution and incarceration of people who are just trying to relax.

Did you know the enormous pharmaceutical industry, for the most part, is against the legalization of pot? No doubt. Not a huge surprise when you consider they would lose a great deal of profit when our citizens are simply able to light up rather than buying an often expensive prescription drug to take the edge off.

Pot-smokers know the truth of it. For those of you who don't partake, look around you...you might be surprised to find out which of your friends and neighbors do.

So, peeps, on November 2nd, step into that voting booth and VOTE YES ON PROP. 19! It really is a no-brainer, no pun intended.

(To view the actual wording of Prop. 19, visit http://www.lao.ca.gov/ . This is the website of California's Legislative Analysts office and it offers a non-partisan look at this and other issues on the ballot.)



Til next time.
(And, please, don't bogart that joint. *wink*)

Uhhhhh...ya know...Ummmm...

Regarding last evening's gubernatorial debate...

"Uhhhh...ya know...Ummmm". That is all Nut-Meg could say when she was forced to go off her agendized talking points. The smart panel wouldn't let her get away with it and she seemed surprised by that. At least THEY knew what THEIR job was. From the very first question, which she ignored as she dove into her own agenda, it was clear that the evening was going to be a hoot.

While Jerry was straightforward and often comedic in his responses, Nut-Meg was taken aback by the gall of anyone who questioned the significance of her often rambling replies.

She pushed the idea that she wants to de-regulate and de-tax corporations so that they will bring their business back to California. Really? Those silly Republicans still think the voters are stupid. Seems to me that idea only serves to answer the question as to why she has spent so much of her own money on this campaign. Dare I say it? I am sure, should she be elected, she will reap HUGE bonuses ($$) from various entities who are in the same club as she is so devoted to. Keep in mind, the entire Bush administration belonged to that club, too, and as they de-regulated and de-taxed on a federal level, the economy that affected us normal folks sank into a pit that we will be lucky to climb out of in 15 years. While the ultra rich get ultra richer.

Nut-Meg seems soooo tough on immigration....yet this morning's news tells us that she employed an illegal alien as a housekeeper for nine years. Her response to the question was that she fired the housekeeper the minute she learned of her illegal status. News sources tell us something different. The housekeeper got fired only when Nut-Meg decided to run for office and figured (correctly) it might cause a bump in the road to the Capitol. Bump, bump, bump.

All of the above, coupled with the fact that she didn't bother to register to vote until just recently, tells me she isn't exactly in the race because she cares about California.

Jerry, on the other hand, came off as a more than knowledgeable Californian who has always spoke his mind truthfully, even when his ideas weren't popular. He was against the death penalty but invoked the law while he was in office because...well...it was the law. He told us that thousands and thousands of jobs would be created if California would lead the nation in green energy. With that in mind, please remember, Jerry spoke of environmental issues 40 years ago when everyone deemed it a politically crazy move. Keep in mind that during his last tenure as Governor, he refused to live in the Governor's mansion, choosing instead to reside in a small and much less expensive and energy efficient apartment across the street from the Capitol. He also insisted on driving his own rather old economy car at the time rather than opting for limos or Cadillacs, the standard of the day for elected officials.

I wonder what Nut-meg drives? (Besides driving all of us little peeps crazy.)

Til next time.....

FANTASYLAND, REPUBLICAN STYLE

I am so tired of Republicans saying they want to get back to the values and ideals of our original Constitution. The only constitution they want to get back to is the one espoused by the Bush Administration.

The Republicans would like to get back to:

1. Tax cuts and loopholes for the Ultra-Rich. (Isn't their reasoning a bit obvious?)
2. No national healthcare. And no limits to healthcare costs or health insurance costs. No regulation of pharmaceutical companies. (I guess the religious right thinks that PRAYING for good health should be enough.)
3. More deregulation of investment corporations. (Does anyone remember what this did to the economy? Oh, wait...we are still reaping the rewards of that!)
4. Deregulation of oil companies. (Hello, BP, welcome aboard!)
5. Less environmental oversight. (The sky isn't falling, after all. The sky IS getting mighty hot and mighty grey, peeps!)
6. A really good war, some really good torture techniques, and we'll have 'em right where we want 'em. (Really? How's that workin so far?)

Personally, I really don't think we have to worry about the Republicans. Regardless of what the media is tossing our way (proving that Fox Schmooze is an entertainment channel...not a news channel), I doubt the Reps have the sense to change their game plan. Think about it...they've got Palin (yikes), Gingrich (double yikes), and who is that guy from Utah? They are pandering to The Tea Party at every turn, hoping to round them up and stick an elephant pin on their lapel before Election Day. Some Tea Party candidates may be winning a few primaries but the American people will never allow those loony tunes to take charge of anything. Especially since all they do is whine without a plan. And even more problematic, there is nary a black, brown or purple person in the bunch. A whole lotta grey at those rallies, tho.

Republicans will play their cards exactly as they did in the last election...their fantasy stories and rumors won't make any more sense this time then last time. Their straw-grabbing will be greatly overshadowed by the Dems who will (mostly) tell it like it is. From Healthcare to Iraq to The Economy...Obama is fulfilling promises. You may not agree with every little thing he does, but he IS making headway toward an America that we knew 10 years ago. (It took 8 long years to get us in this mess...it will take the Obama adminstration about that long to get us out of it.)

WTF?

I am a registered independent but I watched the debate on Wednesday between Senator Boxer and Ms. Fiorina.

Obviously, Ms. Boxer won. No doubt about that. Ms. Fiorina came off as just another money-motivated Republican not unlike her friend, Ms. Whitman (more on that bitch in future posts). I predict some panic-induced Hail Mary moves by Ms. Fiorina's campaign as we draw closer and closer to Election Day. Enough said about Ms. Fiorina.

I also, however, have some problems with Senator Boxer. I checked her voting record and although Ms. Boxer has represented my views on many issues and bills, I discovered some surprising results.

In the past, Senator Boxer has voted:

YES - on loosening restrictions regarding wire tapping of YOUR phone
(Seems a bit scary to me.)

YES - on Congressional pay raises (2009)
(In this economy? Not exactly a move reflecting political genius.)

YES - on allowing illegal immigrants to participate in Social Security
(WTF?)

YES - on automatic visas for skilled workers
(Really? When lots of skilled American citizens are unemployed?)


NO - on limiting Congressional gifts
(Tells me she is enrolled in the 'Gifts for Favorable Votes' program)

NO - on establishing committee to oversee Public Integrity
(See above 'NO' vote on limiting Congressional gifts.)

NO - on banning Partial Birth Abortions
(I am Pro-Choice. I am Anti-Baby Torture. Please
Google 'Partial Birth Abortions' for a reality check.)

NO - on Balanced Budget Amendment (1997)
(Huh?)

NO - on limiting welfare for illegal immigrants
(Seriously?)


Just sayin.....

ABOUT THAT MOSQUE...

This is America. The same America to which our forefathers fled to avoid religious persecution. An America where ALL are created equal. It is an America that doesn’t, or at least, shouldn’t pick religious favorites in its zest for safety and security.

Just to set the record straight, the idea of separation of Church and State is NOT addressed in The Constitution. Look it up. However, that idea was addressed by our forefathers elsewhere and often. It is a very basic concept within the vast (thankfully!) scope of American freedom and choice.

The folks who attacked us on September 11, 2001 were evil people. Yes, they were Muslims. Bad Muslims. But they are not representative of the whole of the Muslim community, either in America or elsewhere around the world. Just as Timothy McVeigh, a devout Christian, was a bad Christian. Responsible for the Oklahoma City bombing, he certainly did not represent the views of other Christians, in America or elsewhere around the world.

The Americans that died in both of these tragedies were of every faith. I’m sure there were also many like myself who died... hardworking Americans who were not associated with any traditional religion.

Terrorists, no matter where they are from, don’t care.

I don’t care what religion you are. You have a right to build a church, a mosque, a temple, or a deli any frickin place you want in America.

Done.

RETURN OF THE NUTSHEL REPORT!!!

I'm baaaaaaaack! Yep, I've decided since the end of my book coincided with the amazing uptake of all things political as of late, I'm going to start my blog again. If you were entertained by this blog just prior to the 2008 election and for a few days after, stay tuned. The only problem is there is almost too much going on in politics... locally, California statewide (Can you say budget, marijuana, and gay rights all in the same sentence? Oh, and that dreaded Meg Whitman.), and nationally (upcoming election, BP disaster, immigration, and lest we forget...the economy). It will take a real effort on my part to stick to one controversy at a time. Probably won't happen.

I will be posting a head's-up on Facebook whenever I publish something new. So fasten your seatbelts, peeps, its going to be a wild ride.

ON HIATUS!!!!

With politics being what they are these days and with the economy being what it is these days and with the news being what it is these days....everything seems so damn boring. Same-o, same-0, day in, day out. I spend much of my time stretching dollars and looking ever harder for a reason to laugh every day (still managing that, by the way, as sometimes all you can do is laugh!). I have decided to take a hiatus from this blog for awhile.....

Aha!!!!!

I found a great idea regarding the bailout of the auto industry. Its so simple and so sweet. I wish I could say that I thought of it but I actually saw it as an incoming viewer email on the Rick Sanchez broadcast on CNN this afternoon. Mr. Sanchez didn't mention it as it rolled by and neither did anyone else. But, yet, it is the first wonderful idea I've heard since the whole auto industry begging party has started. Why not let the phat-cat oil corporations bail out the auto industry? Think about it. It makes alot of sense and they can certainly afford it alot more than you and I can. Now anyone got the hotline number to those congressional hearings?

ON PROP. 8

I voted against Prop. 8. This is still America and I believe that all men and women ARE created equal. That gay men and lesbians are every bit the American citizen that straight men and women are and, therefore, should be afforded every right that straights are afforded. Including the right to marry whom they choose. Thus marry whom they love. Having said that.......

I have some issues with the gay community right now. I realize that it may be through a lack of understanding that I have these issues. Hence the problem that California is encountering right now regarding Prop. 8. Rather than screaming and shouting and having what amounts to a public tantrum, I think the gay community would be better served by seeking what they want through peaceful means. By trying to understand the hearts of the people that voted FOR Prop. 8. By exercising even more patience (I know, I know) while they further pursue, in a court of law, their inalienable rights while at the same time educating those that voted against them. Pissing all those people off even further serves no one. But teaching everyone that anyone can have their own personal beliefs and follow their own religious values and still allow all others to follow theirs would serve everyone. We all, regardless of our beliefs, can find a way to share the same spaces. Boycotting and/or firing people from their jobs because of their beliefs, whichever side of the fence you reside, is wrong. Spray painting graffiti as an expression of any view is also wrong. I have heard many gays and lesbians on television putting partial blame on the black and Latino communities for voting for Prop. 8 in such large numbers. For voting THEIR beliefs. As a result, some gays have been comparing their lack of civil rights to the black fight for equality. And that, in itself, is a huge and somewhat sanctimonious stretch. Enough said about that. I would be mad as hell, though, if I were gay and managed to finally gain the right to marry, only to have it yanked out from under me. I get that. But it was yanked because of a lack of understanding. Period. The gay community, for the most part, admits that they were out-organized, out-funded and that they made the big mistake of assuming that, in California, their marriage rights would be upheld by the majority. They, point blank, bottom line, didn't do their homework. Right now THEY need to understand that they need to do it all again and do it right this time. Educate straight people, especially those that hold a strong religious belief against homosexuality. Raise enough cash to do it. Part of the problem is that gays are still isolating themselves as a result of past oppression. They have their own neighborhoods, nightclubs, restaurants and most other places of business. I say the faster we all mix it up, the better off we will all be. Gays AND straights, I know its a little scary, but not as scary as it used to be. Mix it up and the sooner the better. Gays and lesbians, get out there in the straight community and show them that you are no different and that your dreams are valued dreams. Invite the straight community into your community and show them that your lifestyle is not at all different from theirs. In other words, show us who you are, who you have been all along. Take the time and money and understanding it takes to do THAT and I think you will find that you don't really have a problem at all.

MONEY IN THE BANK?

Is it any surprise that one week AFTER the election, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson (is it just me or does this guy look like the perverbial used car salesman?) announced that the rules have changed regarding the ever-growing bank bailout? Suddenly, instead of buying up troubled mortgage assets, we are giving billions and billions of OUR hard earned cash to banks with no strings attached and thusfar, no oversight of any kind. They are not required to divulge to anyone exactly how they are using OUR hard-earned money. Yes, its OUR hard-earned money.......remember, its all taxpayer dollars. CBS News contacted 9 of the biggest recipient banks and asked them what was up and they all responded that they don't have to reveal how they use OUR hard earned cashola. hmmmm...... Whether or not they are required to tell is one thing....but, if it was all on the up and up, wouldn't they want to tell? The banks told CBS that it doesn't matter how they use OUR hard-earned money, just the mere fact that they received it boosts confidence in the economy. This coming from the same banking institutions that got us into this mess in the first place by means of dishonesty and greed. I know I feel more confident. And I can tell by the way the market took another stinky dump yesterday, that everyone else is as confident as I am.

REPUBLICANS NEED TO GET REAL

Are Republicans re-evaluating their conservative platform since America overwhelmingly elected Barack Obama as President? I think not. They are too busy pointing fingers at each other for the campaign failure. Some upper management peeps are pointing at Sarah Palin, saying some pretty rotten things in the process. Of course, those responsible remain mostly chicken shit and 'un-named'. Other upper eschelon Republicans are blaming the Bush administration's goofs and lies of the last 8 years. Still others are lingering at the 'voter fraud' trough. I would say they are all wrong. I would say that, per usual, they just don't get it.

On November 6th, RNC Chairman Mike Duncan said that America's core beliefs are still center-right, implying that it was the bad economy and Prez Bush's reputation as an idiot that caused them to lose the election and that no Republican could have won this election because of it. Oh, really. Lest we forget, it was the Republicans who elected Prez Bush.....twice! And, dare I say it, the Republican campaign bottomed out long before the economy did.

A Rasmussen poll released on Sunday indicated that 64% of Republican voters listed Sarah Palin as their choice for the 2012 presidential nominee. Huh? You've got to be freakin kidding me. It is yet another indication that Republicans (64% of them anyway) don't live in the same reality that we do. You would think that Republicans might consider the possibility that McCain and Palin's "our way or the highway" form of politics might be, in large part, to blame for their loss. Their god awful (pun intended) 'we are smarter and better than they are' attitude might have had something to do with it. Their old-fashioned policy of 'do or say anything to get elected' comes to mind, too. The negativity of it all was downright disgusting and should have been an embarrassment to the entire Republican party early on.

Obama's agenda and campaign, on the other hand, was an all inclusive 'lets get together as proud Americans to get things right again' approach and inspired us all. Obama's positivity and obvious belief in the honesty and hard work of everyday people in America insured his victory.

I really do hope that Sarah Palin is the nominee in 2012. She will make things soooo easy for us. And, as an added bonus, SNL will get back to being funny again.

Merry Christmas Everybody!!

Yep, today feels like Christmas. Came a little early this year, didn't it? I am soooo happy this morning. I feel a wonderful energy in the air. And I can't wait to get this party started. America is finally feeling proud of themselves again. At least the majority of us are.

I was driving home from my family's house this morning (BIG election party last night with the grandkids!) and I decided, in the spirit of keeping my enemies closer, to listen just for a moment to Rush Limbaugh...to see what he would have to say about the election results. Well, it wasn't pretty. It actually disgusted me. I only listened to the first 10 minutes or so of his radio program.....in that short period of time, he spoke of angry, hating democrats. He told his audience it wasn't a landslide and that voter turnout was not exceptional. He told his audience that it is the worst thing that could ever happen to America. He spoke of a stolen election, saying that because of so much early voting, that it was voter fraud. That the whole election was in question. Bla, Bla, Bla.

Then, shortly after arriving home, my daughter-in-law told me that my son had heard Hannity, on the radio, saying he will lead the charge in denouncing Barack Obama and the rising up against a socialist America. Bla, Bla, Bla.

I suspect that O'Reilly and many others at Fox Schmooze will join that ugly chorus. Bla, Bla, Bla.

I had hoped, maybe somewhat naively, that for one day the Republican machine could consider the possibilities of working together. The possiblity of everyone reaching across the aisle in an attempt to right the wrongs of the past 8 years. Of making the attempt to right other wrongs that have been, for so much longer still, a part of this country.

Barak Obama will definitely have his hands full. But I truly believe if anyone can do it, if anyone can pull this country together for the betterment of all, it is Obama. His audacity of hope has become my hope. His dreams are my dreams. One of his many dreams and one of mine did come true last night.

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. said to America:

"......I have a dream.....that one day my four little children will be no longer be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character".

That one wonderful day has finally dawned. I have the audacity to hope that other dreamed of days are just around the corner.

GREAT SPIRITS AND PATRIOTISM

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices, but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence and fulfills the duty to express the results of his thought in clear form.
- Albert Einstein, quoted in New York Times, March 19, 1940

Albert Einstein must have been a psychic. Barack Obama is the great spirit in this election. The mediocre minds are John McCain and Sarah Palin. Barack Obama, always the cool and calm gentleman with the courage to speak of the virtues of right. John McCain, always the desperate purveyor of historical prejudices that he, himself, cannot identify as old and wrong.

I have to tell ya. Even though the polls are telling us that things are going to change on November 4th and that a new America is on the horizon, I have a little voice inside me that's telling me something could go sooooo wrong. The little voice is reminding me of the stolen 2000 election. The little voice is reminding me how much HUGE money stands to be lost by wealthy Republican supporters if Obama wins. I hear the voices of Republican's already seemingly setting things up so that they can scream "Voter Fraud!" at the top of their lungs when Obama wins tomorrow. I watch TV and see the age-old telltale signs of Republican voter suppression. I watch Fox Schmooze and hope that most of America will see through their prejudicial rhetoric disguised as patriotism. I worry that Democrats and other liberals will stay home on Tuesday, thinking that the election will be such a landslide, that they don't need to cast their own little vote.

There is no such thing as a little vote. Obama needs each and every American who is disgusted by the corruption of the Republican administration, to go out tomorrow and vote big. No matter the weather or the long lines. Stand in that line proudly, knowing that you are going to be a part of a new America. Take a beverage and some snacks. Enjoy your place in line. Do it so you can tell your children and your grandchildren that you can remember the day when everything changed. Keep your voter stub, put it somewhere safe, so that when your children are grown, you can proudly show them how important being an American patriot really is. You will be able to prove to them that your vote counted and it was YOUR vote that changed America forever.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary:

PatriotismPa"tri*ot*ism\, n. - Love of country; devotion to the welfare of one's country; the virtues and actions of a patriot; the passion which inspires one to serve one's country.

My own definition of Patriotism:

That wonderful feeling you will have when you wake up on November 5th. Those goose bumps and that tear in your eye when you realize that Barack Obama and YOU have actually made it happen.

JUST VOTE. PLEASE.

INTRODUCING THE BRILLIANT CHRIS ROSE

Chris Rose is a columnist with the Times Picayune in New Orleans. He went through Katrina and was, in fact, hit HARD by Katrina...but that story is for another time. Mr. Rose is married, has two kids and like most of us has high hopes for a better America. The following column was published on October 26th and I thought it was worth sharing.

THE LEFT AND THE RIGHT OF IT by Chris Rose

I am a liberal.
There. I said it.
And I am a conservative.
There. I said that, too.
I apologize for any offense caused by my use of these two most profane, insulting and debasing words. But on the eve of this historic presidential election, I believe we must face with raw, unfiltered language the issues that divide us.
There's no getting around it: The C-word and the L-word are at the root of our nation's Great Divide. Together they are the elephant in the room and we need to wrestle it to the ground before we all end up looking like asses and, yes, puns intended.

So I'll say it again: I am a liberal.
I don't hate America. And I don't hate conservatives. Some of my best friends are conservatives. I am tolerant. I believe that people are inherently good. I believe in free markets and personal responsibility.
I believe you can do, say, buy, sell, think and believe just about anything you want as long as it doesn't endanger me or anyone else. That, after all, is the fundamental tenet of liberalism.
I believe that government's role in our lives is to ensure all individuals, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation, access to the Declaration of Independence's promise of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
I don't think your traditional family values are any more traditional or valuable than mine.
I think religion and politics are a bad mix. I believe ministers should focus on matters of salvation, charity and public service -- not taxes, endorsements and my sex life.
I believe in science. I believe that faith is just that. Your God is not better than my God. I do not believe that Jonah spent three days inside of a whale. I do not believe that I will burn in hell for not believing this.
I believe in prayer. But I don't think God talks to people. When clerics, ministers and preachers say he talks to them, I think they are lying. Or hearing things.
I don't really have a problem with the mainstream media other than it's too conservative. I don't think Fox News is fair or balanced. In fact, I think Fox News is the mainstream media.
I believe we need to wean ourselves off foreign oil and fossil fuels and fast.
I believe that I should be able to read whatever book, watch whatever movie and listen to whatever music I want. I don't believe I should have to listen to your music, though, so turn it down please.
I believe in taxes. I believe the more you make, the more you should pay.
I believe marriage is a civil union and that no one should be denied their civil rights. I believe the only homosexual agenda is that which encourages men to dress sharp, listen to more music by divas and take better care of their skin.
I think flag-burning laws are distractions from real issues and a violation of the First Amendment. If burning a flag is the only way you think you can make your point, then have at it. Just be careful, please.
I think Barack Obama is a great man and a great American. I just might vote for him. Except that .¤.¤.

I am a conservative.
I love my country.
Some of my best friends are liberals.
I believe in free markets and personal responsibility. I believe you can do, say, buy, sell, think and believe just about anything you want, as long as it doesn't endanger me or anyone else. That, after all, is the fundamental tenet of conservatism.
I am a Christian. I don't think that word is synonymous with "conservative." Many politicians and preachers have tried to link the two for their own personal gain and that pisses me off.
I believe the Bible and the Constitution are the two greatest documents ever written. I sometimes cry when I hear the national anthem. I believe the 10 Commandments just about says it all.
I think religion is as important as any other subject and should be taught in public schools. After all, I can't recall a single instance in which two countries waged war because of their differing views on algebra.
I believe all young adults should be required to spend one year in the military or in public service. I thank soldiers and police officers for what they do every chance I get. If I owned a diner, I would give them all free coffee whenever they wanted it.
I believe I should be able to own a gun if I want one.
I believe in freedom of association but I don't believe I should have to associate with anyone I don't want to be with. So don't make me.
I believe in state's rights, a balanced budget and term limits. I don't believe in welfare. If you want money, work for it. Somehow, some way, earn your keep. And I believe we should drill, baby, drill.
I don't believe our prisons are overcrowded. Actually, I don't think there are enough people in them. I reject the notion of rehabilitating recidivist criminals. I say, lock 'em up.
If my religion says that marriage exists only between one man and one woman, so be it. If you disagree, find another religion.
If I saw you burning an American flag, in all likelihood, I would try to hurt you.
I think John McCain is a great man and a great American. I just might vote for him, because I am a conservative.

Except that I am also a liberal.

And I am your neighbor, your ally and your fellow American -- like it or not. I will fight to defend your right to your beliefs. And I'd appreciate it if you'd do the same for me.
I don't care if your great grandfather owned slaves or was one. Neither speaks to your own character.
We are of the same blood, the same family, the same great nation -- a nation crippled by false prophets and phony distinctions. Our cultural divide was created not by the hands of God -- neither by your hands and mine -- but by the forces of political expedience.
Keep this in mind: God is not a registered voter. But I am. And I am not your enemy.
So, please: For the love of country: Stop calling me names.
Both of you.

This and past columns by Chris Rose can be found at http://www.nola.com/. Columnist Chris Rose can be reached at chris.rose@timespicayune.com

JOE McCAIN - ELITISM TO THE MAX

Check out this news report from ABC7 in Alexandria, Virginia which also serves Washington D.C. (This is no joke...but it IS sooooo funny!)

THINGS ARE GETTING McNASTY

As you have heard, PBS has posted a poll asking if you think Miss Prissy Pants is qualified to be Vice President. The right wing 'somehow' got advance notice and has been flooding the poll with "YES" votes. This phony response WILL hit the mainstream media soon unless you help to change it around. Please take a minute to access the link below (if you haven't already done so) and vote a phat "NO!" on the poll. Then email all your Dem and Indy friends to do the same. (While you are at the PBS polling site, check out "About the Sarah Palin Poll"....very interesting stuff.)

http://www.pbs.org/now/polls/poll-435.html

I have also noticed that Republicans have started a whole new line of strategy. They are going to spend the next week (mark my words) saying that Obama is anti-Israel and anti-Semitic, hoping to win Florida, which boasts a huge Jewish retiree population. On CNN last night, Ari Fleischer was saying just that. Shame on you, CNN.... could you find a more washed-up Republican pundit? Or is it actually getting THAT hard for REAL news sources to find someone to speak for the right? According to Fox Schmooze, The LA Times has a tape of Obama at a party for a Middle Eastern leader (I don't know who) where some bad things were said about Israel. Now Obama didn't say a word against Israel, but they are touting that the fact that he didn't walk out or stand up and say something, proves that he is somehow anti-Semitic. Or at least not Pro-Israel. I don't know all the details and I haven't heard it from REAL news sources yet. Fox Schmooze reports that the LA Times, which has endorsed Obama, has refused to release the tape. However, you can bet there is a second copy out there and one will end up at FOX Schmooze somewhere, somehow. You can read everything you'd like to know about Obama's views on Israel at his website, http://www.barackobama.com/ . Click on 'Issues', then 'Foreign Policy', then 'On Israel'. I can assure you that Obama is very Pro-Israel. Frankly, I have mixed feelings regarding our spoon-feeding of Israel....but, I digress......Obama IS definitely Pro-Israel.

Also, I have received several emails, either directly or forwarded (maybe you have, too?), that are espousing Obama policies that are just plain fictional and untrue. Some are sooooo bogus, they are laughable. But the fact remains......the Reps have extremely expensive twisted panties and will do ANYTHING to try to change things around to their favor. There is such HUGE money at stake for tons of obscenely rich people and corporations, that I fully expect the McCain machine to roll out some pretty scary accusations as Election Day gets closer and closer. Think photo-shop. Think enhanced voice-overs, etc. Think any means of false reporting about anything to ruin the Democratic name and reputation. Its coming....expect it....and laugh when it happens.

Last but not least, go out and VOTE on Tuesday!!!

(Don't forget to hit that above link! Thanks, Russell, for the heads-up re: PBS Sarah Palin poll!)

POLITICAL DANCE-OFF!!!!!

No intro necessary....just hang on til the end for the special guest!!
(two and a half minutes of fun....)

POLITCAL PROSE

Once upon a time there was a Prez named Bush
He cooked our goose, And he kicked our toosh.
The Bush admin has told every lie,
And its finally time for a phat "Bye-Bye".

Now elections are coming around,
Time to boot that idiot clown.
It all comes down to the final two
A choice to make for me and you.

Lets see if I can make it easy,
I’ll try to keep out all the sleazy
Give me just one tiny minute,
You will see the genius in it.

On the right side is McCain and Palin,
No cell phone, internet or e-mailin.
A USA future, they just don’t get it.
The war in Iraq will get worse if you let it.

War-loving McCain wants to bomb Iran,
He'll want to hit Russia with a hard hand,
His health plan’s enough to make you quite sick,
You should worry about the Supreme Justice he’ll pick.

McCain keeps crying about Acorn and Ayers,
Nobody’s listening because nobody cares.
He just can’t seem to convince us with issues,
Cries "The media’s biased!", (lets grab our tissues).

Obama and Joe will lower our taxes,
They’ll tell us about it with emails and faxes.
While the wealthy lose loopholes and gain taxability,
No more worries about the Bush/Chaney senility.

We’ll finally be dealing with warming thats global,
Finding new energy to make ourselves mobile.
It might take them awhile to fix our economy,
So have the tums ready to settle gastronomy.

But if your tummy just can’t seem to take it,
At least, with HIS health plan, you know you will make it.
Education will again be on top,
Deregulation and greed will stop.

He’ll let the world know that we’re no longer stupid,
They’ll love us again like they’ve been shot by cupid.
Diplomacy first but then fight if we must,
He’ll finally get Bin Laden, I trust.

It might get scary, but don’t get mad,
It took 8 yrs for it to get this bad,
Could take awhile to get back on the road,
There’s ropes to untangle, shit to unload.

But please, on the 4th, give Obama your votes,
So we can be rid of all those old goats.
There’ll be a new hope in the storms that we’ll weather,
A brand new America and we will be in it together.
.

SARAH PALIN WHO?

Sarah Palin. Miss Prissy Pants. The Caribou Barbie. Hockey Mom. Pitbull with lipstick. Pig with Lipstick. Oink. Vice President of the United States?

Lets review. We know she is the Governor of Alaska and she can see Russia from her house. The State of Alaska has 700,000 citizens, more or less (about the same amount of people reside in San Francisco). Before she was governor, she was Mayor of Wasilla, AK, a city of 9,780 people and the meth capital of the state. Additionally, Wasilla has the highest rape count per capita in the United States and that she enacted a law, as Governor, that charged victims of rape with their own rape kit costs (hello?), saving the state thousands of dollars. We know that she said, as Governor, she sold the state jet on Ebay, saving the state thousands of dollars again. Oh, no, wait, that's wrong. That is what she SAID she did but as it turned out, it was sold by a private firm at a loss to the state. Although she has lead everyone into believing she was flying commercial from then on, she actually was utilizing a law enforement turbojet to get her around the state. A 'search and rescue' aircraft that has been shown to be in her command 20% of its logged flight time. She stopped the Bridge to Nowhere from being built, saving the feds millions and millions. No, wait, that's wrong. She stopped the bridge project but kept the money, and then proceeded to allow the construction of the road leading right up to the bridge that isn't there. So now there is, literally, a road to nowhere instead of a bridge to nowhere. Oh, one more thing. The road to nowhere was built with $25 million of Federal funds. She said she never abused her power as Governor. No, wait, that's wrong. After firing the head honcho of the Alaska State Police for NOT firing her sister's mean ex-husband, the TrooperGate report says she DID abuse her power. (You can find the actual report within a previous post on this blog.) But, apparently, Miss Prissy Pants was too busy reading all the magazines and newspapers ever printed (just ask Katie Couric) to actually read the TrooperGate report. Which brings us to Katie Couric. I think its pretty safe to say that the Pitbull with Lipstick will not be sending Ms. Couric a Christmas card for obvious reasons. Ms. Couric, afterall, was picking on Governor Palin during the infamous interviews, right? Miss Prissy Pants also claims to be a reformer. That must explain why she claimed thousands of dollars ($21,000 to be exact) on her Alaska expense report for the travel and hotel expenses of her children, who often travelled free to events they weren't even invited to. Furthermore, she went back later and 'cooked the books' to hide the fact. The actions of a true reformer. We have been assured by all involved that Mrs. Palin, just an average American woman, likes to shop. $150,000.00 in two months. $75,000 alone at Neiman-Marcus. On the GOP's plastic. Now, here is what I'm wondering. We can assume that all those designer outfits, shoes, jewelry, etc., were not bought to impress Joe The Plumber. And I doubt that you are impressed. And I'm not impressed. So, who, exactly, were the recipients of the glow of all that glam and glitter? I'd be willing to bet that there are a few very wealthy supporters of the McCain/Palin ticket who just LOVE her new look. But, oh well, she's giving it all to charity when the race is over. Last, but not least, according to an interview conducted with the Caribou Barbie just this week, she has an uncanny grasp and understanding of her upcoming duties as Vice President of the United States. And, oh, by the way, I have a nice igloo in Alaska I'd like to sell ya.

So the bottom line is that if, by some miracle of miracles, John McCain manages to pull his head out of his ass, not to mention our ass, and win this thing, Miss Prissy Pants could end up being one breath and one heartbeat away from the Presidency. The leader of the free world. I'm just guessing here, but I bet the leaders of the not-so-free parts of the world are already lying prone, saying their daily prayers to their 72 virgins, praying that if McCain becomes President, he soon takes a bigtime header all the way down the west steps of the Capitol. Barring cancer or a stroke, that is. But he is a young 72 and he's only had cancer Jesus only knows how many times. Not to worry. She's ready.