Exercise your right to vote

In four days, the polls will open and all American citizens will have an opportunity to vote in a historical election. I know that everyone always talks about each election as historical, but this one actually is historical.

Regardless, this is not a pitch to vote for Obama. Though it is clear who I support, that doesn’t matter. What matters is that you exercise your rights. Mark November 4th on your calendar.

Where is my polling place?

Joe the plumber

Here we go again.

A lot has happened since the last debate. The stock market has utterly collapsed.

McCain has had to defend Obama in Lakeville Minnesota.

The Federal Reserve is continuing to piss our grandchildren’s money away.

In that spirit, it’s time for another quality debate that will change all our minds right? I know I asked this before, but is anyone still undecided? Are there still people out there pretending like they still don’t know whether to choose between the devil and the deep blue sea? The candidates positions are very well known and published at their websites.

For your easy-clicking pleasure:

Obama

McCain

Now that we can all see their intents, do we really need them to lie at each other on stage and back-peddle when questioned?

2 minute warning…

I like the round-table deal.

As much as I’d like to focus on myself as a middle-class American, I’m tired of the candidates obsession. The tax cut will not make me rich or even make me solvent so let’s move on to issues that affect the entire country. Not the couple of bucks that get thrown my way.

McCain getting folksy but at least he’s finally learned to look at Obama. McCain claiming that the Plumber is going to get screwed on taxes in Obama’s plan. Let’s see how Obama responds. So far, he’s rambling. He really doesn’t address the issue directly.

I like the back and forth that this debate offers.

Why would we want to increase taxes? Because we need the money, and the rich can afford it. I’ve voted for every tax increase that’s been on a referendum and voted for every candidate that wanted to raise taxes. We need to cover our bills. Can I just take out more loans to cover my mortgage?

Move on guys.

Deficit question. How will you handle it? Obama answers first. As per usual, not really answering. Nondescript program cuts. “Federal budget, line by line” blah, blah, blah. President has no line item veto so therefore, no you won’t.

McCain answers about how “we” handled the Great Depression. Dating himself maybe? His actual answer, cut spending across the board. On what? Can we cut everything? Should my grandparents social security be cut? Maybe they’re spending too much on their oatmeal. They should probably get jobs. They’re only in their 90′s after all. Plenty of time before they retire.

Good response on the Bush obsession by McCain. Finally acting like an adult in a debate. However, he’s not answering Schieffer’s question. He’s just pushing back at Obama.

Standing up to the leaders of the Democratic party. Obama has a clear answer. Awesome! Very nice to see an occasional straight talk.

Schieffer addressing the negative campaigning issue. McCain going back to town hall B.S. The town hall format is a waste and has nothing to do with McCain being a prick. He would have been a prick no matter what. It’s Obama’s fault that McCain running a 100% negative campaign? He still hasn’t answered why he’s being negative.

Obama answering directly with straight answers. McCain disagrees directly. This an excellent format for a debate. This is how they are supposed to work. Back and forth until they stop going anywhere.

McCain responds directly as well. Unfortunately, McCain doesn’t look as bad has he has in this one. It’s too little, too late for me. Someone who used to really respect him.

What the hell is McCain talking about? When did anyone insinuate that McCain’s supporters were bad people? Obama was talking about Palin’s comments.

Obama returns to talking points. Not sure why. Switches to that we need to work together. McCain rebuts with negativity. Again, not sure why. Onto Ayers.

Good response from Obama on Ayers. Good response on ACORN as well.

Shut up McCain about Ayers and ACORN. This is idiotic. Very bad transition to talking points by McCain.

Schieffer moves to a new question. Onto running mates.

Obama on Biden: Blah blah blah. We all know Biden. We don’t need Obama to tell us about him. We can make our own conclusions. Ooh! Now he’s back on talking points!

McCain on Palin: Blinking like a crazy person. Everything he’s saying is lies. McCain wanted Lieberman for VP. He should have picked Tim Pawlenty. Instead, the party stuck him with no-nothing Palin and all her anti-American, secessionist, baggage.

Obama doesn’t bite on Schieffers question of Palins qualifications. Obama didn’t provide the media with any negatives on her. McCains response on Biden not too bad. Still foolish. Biden is wrong.

McCain transitions to Obama’s spending policies? What?

Schieffer straightens him out. Moves to energy policy.

McCain claims Obama is an extreme environmentalist? Since when? He’s far less of an environmentalist then most loggers and coal miners. I don’t think I can drink enough to get through this.

Obama getting rambly. Getting bored.

McCain getting back on offshore drilling. Reminder for those that don’t remember. DRILLING WON’T REDUCE THE COST OF YOUR OIL BY 1 F’N CENT! Hell, I have no problem with offshore drilling. Drill all over the goddamn place. But it won’t help us, other then by adding generally to the supply.

McCain loves Columbia and wants to marry it. Obama stood Columbia up at the prom.

Obama has a good rebuttal to McCain. McCain responds with total BS and back to no-preconditions with terrorists.

On to health care. We know their plans. Don’t care what they say. They’ll probably just lie about each-other.

Joe the plumber what? Where the hell did this meme come from?

Obama responds with a solid hard response on Joe the plumbers employer-based health insurance.

How the hell is Joe the Plumber rich? McCain claims that the average cost of a health plan is $5800/year. McCains heath plan offers $5k per family. Not 5k per person.

McCain getting a little too worked up.

Abortion: Watershed issue? McCain responds well but blames democrats for something. Not sure what, got distracted by his blinking. Shutup Scheiffer, McCain answered the question. I’m not sure what you’re getting at.

Obama responds. A little wishy-washy. I actually like McCain’s answer better. That put’s a bad taste in my mouth but it’s true. A straight answer is always better. Man up Obama.

Partial birth abortion issue has nothing to do with the popular view of what partial birth abortion is. This is a nuanced issue. Third trimester abortion has to do with non-viable fetuses or instances in which the mothers life is in jeopardy.

Stop snuffing McCain. He needs to learn that his mic picks that up.

Why does McCain never say his adoptive childrens names?

Education. Somehow, I can’t bring myself to care about this issue right now. Economy is just too important. Of course, I’d like to get some controls on state college costs, but I just don’t see any president doing anything about it.

Don’t get the school voucher obsession. When you’re state/federal funded, what purpose does competition serve?

Warshington.

Closing arguments, McCain: Good and not negative. Claims he will make change.

Closing arguments, Obama: Getting a little negative, not happy about it. However, by McCain leading in as the “change” candidate, Obama was forced into it to avoid being the “me too” candidate. His closing, is not as polished. It almost sounds like he made it up on the fly.

Good solid handshake at the end. They finally got it right.

May I say again, “Holy Crap Michelle Obama is tall!”

To recap. Great debate, great moderator, great format, Joe the plumber is the winner.

Live stream of consciousness presidential debate round 2

Good evening.

Time for a slug-fest. I suspect that this debate will be no holds barred. Town hall setting should be interesting. This is McCain’s turf.

Obviously we’re going to focus on the economy.

Bailout question to start. Obama responds. Seems more comfortable in this setting then I expected. McCain making notes which is the sensible thing to do, though I think he should open by being respectful and paying attention to what Obama is saying. Obama throws out some talking points.

McCain responds pleasantly which is nice. Moves to energy independence for no reason, then switches to taxes and then national debt. The man has no direction. Now we’re on home values. I think it’s a good response, but he could have segwayed better and it’s not the actual answer to the economic problems.

The answer is simple, manufacturing. Let me say that again. Manufacturing.

Pushing dollars is not the solution.

Ebay?

McCain’s definitely been coached to act like an adult. I’m not seeing the head shaking and eye rolling that we saw last time. They both seem more confident when the audience is visible.

Good call Brokaw on reminding the candidates about the rules.

McCain is an asshole and not answering the questions. We’ve all heard of Fannie/Freddie and it’s insulting to think we haven’t. Half of us are under Fannie/Freddie.

Rescue package is a joke. Both candidates should have voted no. If you can’t make payroll without a loan, you shouldn’t be in business. If you’ve got rolling credit to cover payroll, fine. If you’ve got to go out and get random, unsecured credit to cover your payroll, you are not being fair to your employees. You’re given them no security. Overhead must be covered by cash to be stable.

Obama confident about the American economy? Bullshit answer. We all know the economy is fucked and will stay so for some time. Neither Obama or McCain can fix it. I hate everyone…

McCain claims that he can fix the economy. Claims that he’s going to regulate. Ahem, Keating 5, Ahem. Fuck McCain.

That was an awful, poorly phrased question. How can you something something, when you something something!

Obama’s answer, attack. McCain+Bush=Boo! Let’s see how McCain responds. I’m guessing, Obama=Boo! Maybe if we’re lucky, we’ll see McCain+Clinton=Boo! Let’s watch…

McCain is a reformer. Taking on the special interests. Reaching across the aisle. How many talking points can we hit. Obama=Boo!

A billion dollars in pork barrel is nothing. The senate and house just approved $150 billion in earmarks and asshole McCain is whining about Obama and $1 billion in the course of 2 years?

Heading for the kitchen to make myself a drink…

What did I miss? Brokaw admonishes the candidates for running long. Talking about energy. Talks about Russia benefiting from higher oil prices. However, our economic collapse has affected them as bad as us. Though their economy is 70% oil, they still get affected when we shit our pants.

Brokaw is the best moderator ever. However, he needs to cut the candidates off when they run long.

What sacrifices will McCain ask of everyone? Ohh! Cut defense spending! What a Maverick(tm)! p.s. blame Obama(tm)(r)/sarcasm!

9/11! WTF?!? I’m pretty sure that Brokaw’s questions have no connection to the candidates responses.

My live stream from CBS just froze. That actually makes me happy right now. I hate politics, I hate debates, I wouldn’t be watching if it wasn’t so important for our country to vote right in this election.

McCain criticizing Obama for “raising taxes”. Only on you my friend. Only on you.

McCain claiming that Obama is raising taxes on small business. Let’s see how he responds. McCain covering that he’s cutting taxes on the rich by leaving the tax cuts from Bush alone.

Obama cutoff by Brokaw. Glad that Brokaw is sticking with the rules though I would have liked to hear Obama’s response.

Obama hitting on his tax plan. Good segway. Obama = 95% of citizens get a tax cut.

McCains response on Social Security is bullshit. Raise taxes, period. That’s all it takes. Tax the upper-middle class and the rich appropriately and it’s fixed. Ooh, start a commission on Medicare! Can I has commission please?

Let’s get this straight, if we need the money, I support tax increases.

Environmental issues. I think we’ll see a tie on this. McCain does okay. Obama does okay, but throws in some nice digs. Won’t mean anything in the end though. I’m glad I’ve stocked up on ammunition for the great systemic collapse of Democratic Peoples Republic of America. I’ll be happy to be on the ground floor of the new America.

Now Brokaw’s kind of being an asshole. Just let the candidates talk.

McCain needs to shut up about pork. Pork is such a minor part of the budget that it’s inconsequential. Drilling off shore? It’s already approved so shutup.

Question: Health care is a commodity? Obama says: “Talking points.”
McCain response: Stupid. Why didn’t Brokaw cut him off?

Obama with the statements about his mother dying of cancer and arguing with the insurance provider hits home hard. Also good that he address the time constraints with Brokaw. I’m quite irritated with this format.

Fuck McCain. His “Obama didn’t understand the surge” is bullshit. No one thought the surge wouldn’t work. The issue is, how do we get out? Exit has always been the problem Of course we can kick ass and take names in total warfare. But how to do we get our troops home?

Got distracted by a conversation with my wife. My friends apparently. My friends, my friends.

Should the US respect Pakistani sovereignty? Obama responds: Good talking points, and does respond with a straight answer.

McCain rebuttal: What an asshole. Apparently he likes Pakistan more then he likes America. He’s willing to bomb the fuck out of Iran without even trying to work an deal out but willing to negotiate someone harboring terrorists.

Fuck Brokaw, let’s have discussion. Obama’s forced rebuttal is good. McCains response is weak.

Obama claims he will answer briefly but there is no way he will be do anything of the sort.

McCain back on the surge.

Russia: McCain is aggressive against Putin. Does *not* mention Medvedev, the *president* of Russia. Pushing for Georgia to be a part of Nato. Like anyone gives a shit about them. Why should a country without a North-Atlantic coast be in NATO? Why do we focus on them but not Sudan?

Russia: Obama seems confused on his rebuttal. Not sure what his intentions are. Not really answering the questions. Very unclear response.

Yes/no: Russia is an evil empire:

Obama: No answer, waffling.
McCain: “Maybe” same answer.

What does being a Naval Chief have to do with the US unilaterally supporting Israel? My I restate my previous statements. We have our own country. We need to take care of our own problems.

McCain back on pre-conditions. Fuck preconditions. Total war has no preconditions.

Obama’s response: Waffling. Does not answer the question directly.

What don’t you know, Obama: No answer, but reasonable inspirational.

What don’t you know, McCain: No answer, but folksy.

McCain much more pleasant this time, but they obviously they can’t be pleasant with each other. No memorable handshake. They may have done so, but I missed it. They immediately separate. I thought the VP debate was much more pleasant.

This debate was nothing but talking points. Plain and simple.

In the end, what does it matter, we’ll all screwed. Invest in cigarettes, alcohol, and ammunition!

Hunkering down for the big one (Resources for retreat)

It’s Tuesday, October 7th, 2008 and the stock market is in shambles. The super-rich have raided our pocketbooks for what they could get and don’t seem to think there’s anything wrong with that. Not only that, but they’ve demanded nearly $1 trillion to bail them out from their own mistakes. Of course, they aren’t interested in chipping in a couple bucks of their own money.

The American public just doesn’t buy it anymore. We’ve been bailing the rich out for a century, all the while being told that it’s for the greater good. Well it isn’t. We’re only going to see catastrophic failure. Total systemic collapse as the market continues to hemorrhage and we all lose our jobs.

As such, I thought it would be helpful to provide some links and thoughts with information on how to survive the coming collapse. Sorry if this seems a little over-the-top, tinfoil hat, survivalist crazy.

Investment Opportunities: Cigarettes, top shelf booze, common ammunition. These are the initial things to stock up on prior to the collapse of western civilization. Water, food, and shelter you can get from mother nature, but cigarettes, booze and ammo are the lifeblood of commerce in a post-collapse world.

I’d suggest 4 cartons of Marlboro Reds, 4 cartons Camel wides, 4 cartons Marlboro Lights (my old brand), and 4 cartons of American Spirits (for the hippies). 1 case Quervo 1800, 1 case Belvedere Vodka, and 1 case of Jim Beam (prefer it to Jack). 5000 rounds of 22 Long Rifle, 1000 rounds .30-06, and 1000 9mm.

Land: Got some? Good. Don’t have any? Squat on State or Federal land. Since the government will be in shambles, they won’t have time to care.

Food: Goats, Chickens, Root vegetables, Rape Seed, local grain (whatever grows best, rice, wheat, etc. high input though, so don’t depend on it.)

Water: Beaver free spring-fed lakes, existing wells converted to manual pumps, dubious stream water purified by boiling. More info

Shelter: Cross-cut saw, rip saw hammer, axe, hand planes, shit-load of nails, construction guides from Home Depot, improvise with material from derelict buildings.

Of course, there are many other sundry items that should be considered. Medical Supplies (and the skills to use them), firearms for hunting (and defense if it comes down to that), as many books on animal husbandry, agriculture, and survival as possible, tin foil hats (to keep the voices out), enough food to last you until you can become self sustaining, etc, etc…

At any rate, stay tuned for my 3rd stream of consciousness debate analysis tonight. Should prove to be depressing. Same Bat-time, same Bat-channel.

Vice Presidential Debate Live Stream of Consciousness

Good evening all.

Tonight, I will be repeating my performance of a week ago by typing my “stream of consciousness” as I watch the Vice Presidential debates on C-Span. As before, I’ll be Tweeting at the same time.

Let me begin with my take on the media’s representation of this event. My feeling is that they have set up Palin for success tonight by bad-mouthing her all week. I’m sure everyone has noticed that the criticism of Palin has increased ten fold over the last few days. I suspect they did this to set everyone’s expectations low. This means that, when she doesn’t completely embarrass herself tonight, it will be viewed as a victory over Biden. We’ll find out momentarily…

Watching the CBS live stream.

I really don’t care what Katie Couric has to say.

Much more respect from Palin then McCain, see my thoughts on McCain’s performance. Better coaching?

Biden and Palin opening up with pure talking points. I think I’m going to hate this debate.

Palin has been *very* well coached. However, after seeing her off the cuff responses in past days/weeks, it’s very clear that all it is, is coaching. If I was completely uninformed, I’d view it differently.

Both Palin and Biden are much better actors then McCain and Obama. Neither of them are making faces at each-other.

This is a much more cordial debate.

Palins response on tax increases do not address that Obama’s tax plan gives tax cuts to the bottom, not the top.

It’s easy to cut taxes when you’re governor of a state that doesn’t have taxes!!!!!!!!!!!

As someone in the middle class, I like people focusing on me. However, what about the lower class? Does anybody care about them?

Palin is misunderstanding the Reagan quote about government being the problem. Reagan said that *Carter’s* government was the problem, and that his would be a new focus on independence. In the next paragraph of his inaugural address, he stated

“Well, this administration’s objective will be a healthy, vigorous, growing economy that provides equal opportunities for all Americans, with no barriers born of bigotry or discrimination”

Healthcare coverage *should* be mandated.

Palin is *very* well coached. Did I mention that?

Palin is somehow inferring that Biden wants us to spend more money on energy in other countries and not allow energy production in America. I’m not even sure how voting against drilling in ANWAR can possibly be construed to be against oil production in the United States.

Palin is being asked about climate change. She’s dancing around the question completely. This is a standard Palin cyclical answer where she rambles from subject to subject. Where the hell is she going with this?!?

Biden is so much more calm then I expected him to be.

I’m glad that Biden isn’t waffling on same-sex marriage. I don’t recall the Constitution mentioning any definition of marriage.

I’m tired of the word “tolerant”. Why do you need to be “tolerant” of someone who’s not bothering or affecting you in any way. What the hell do you care who people exchange fluids with.

Palin did not understand the nuances of Biden’s non-support of gay marriage.

Palin’s comments on troop funding support is a good hit on Obama re: Biden’s comments. Let’s see how he responds….

Biden dances, but hit’s hard and redirects the focus. “What’s McCain’s plan?” He does not, however, explain his comments which he obviously believed in at the time. After all, he was running for the nomination.

Palin hits back with the “Why do you hate our troops?” response. What an asshole. I’m getting really F’n tired of that.

Cutting off funding for the troops is a ridiculous argument. Every senator has voted for and against funding depending on the budget requirements. Even Cheney voted “against our troops” at one point.

Palin: “Nukular”

Palin: Actually pronounces “Ahmadinejad” properly.

Shut up about pre-conditions regarding meetings. If you recognize a country as a sovereign nation, you should be willing to meet with them. Man-up. They’re allowed to hate us. If they hate us enough, we’ll bomb them. Bombing the shit out of someone is without conditions as well.

Good response Biden. Ahmadinejad does not control his own country!

Good call on the Spain issue Biden!!!!! I still feel this is very telling of McCain’s confusion and lack of vision.

They both love Israel. Hooray! Why is it so important that everyone love another country so much? Everyone needs to stop trying to out-love Israel. They are their own country, with their own problems. We’ve got our own problems too. Let’s fix those first.

Palin: “Nukular, First Blood part 2″

Don’t recall Obama saying that we’re killing civilians in Afghanistan. However, he did apparently say it, and factcheck.org says it is a true statement.

Surge, surge, surge, surge, surge, ad infinium….

Bosniaks? Editors Note: Apparently this is the proper terminology. You learn something every day. Wikipedia:Bosniaks

Not even sure if anyone is answering Ifill’s questions at all. They only say “Thank you for your question. Here’s what I’m talking about instead.”

Biden need to respond to the “voted for the war before he was against it” shit. Kerry ignored it, Biden needs to man up and say he was wrong, or counter appropriately.

Twitter is down.

Twitter is up.

Biden’s going to get his ass bitten on his claims that he agrees on all of Obama’s positions.

Shut up about being Mavericks(tm). You’re not Mavericks(tm). You’re More of the Same(tm).

Palin’s back on her Minnesota accent, down home, folksy bullshit. Let’s get this straight. Palin is not from the midwest, Bush is not from the south. Let’s hear some people with a neutral accent for once. I hate affected accents.

What does the Vice President do? Palin read a high-school civics textbook. Kickass!

Palin asked to define the VP position. Palin says, I’m Cheney part II. Fear my wrath! I shall smite thee!

Now she’s rambling.

Biden’s answer on the position of the Vice President is spot on.

Palin: “About times and Todd…” What the hell does that mean?

Biden has passion.

I hate Palin. I’m sorry, I can’t even try to be non-partisan. I just can’t stand her. I hate her voice, I hate her politics, I hate her glasses, I hate hate hate hate hate her. Hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, etc.

What have you compromised on, Biden: Judges, Bort, something etc, not inspiring.

What have you compromised on, Palin: Cut taxes in a state that has no taxes. Lie, lie, lie, I hate her, did I mention that?

Palin’s closing statement are much better than McCain’s

Biden’s closing statement is rambling but meaningful.

Palin is far more respectful then McCain.

That is all. Time for bed. Love that Palin and Biden are talking after the debate instead of running away from each other like Obama and McCain.