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?

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.

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!

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.

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.

As the markets collapse and we all fear for our life savings, jobs, and homes I’ve been putting some thought into the concepts and potential results of the bailout.

It seems to me that injecting $7.00×10^11 into the economy of the Democratic Peoples Republic of America(DPRA) is not going to amount to anything for the average hard working, tax paying, citizen. In the end, other then give a big bag of money to the assholes that screwed us over, what is the real result. The answer is nothing.

The investment banks are cash poor as, apparently, MBAs are not taught about the importance of cash flow. On top of that, it would seem that many companies finance their payroll and overhead through loans, possibly the worst thing a small business can do. We’re all being told that, unless we taxpayers bail out these sons of bitches, the economy will spiral into complete decay.

I say, let it happen.

We’ve been sucking at the teat of easy credit and fallacious economic policy for too long and, I’ll admit, I’ve taken my share. Enough is enough. We cannot continue basing our economy on pushing fictitious dollars around.

As such, I feel that we need to experience a depression in this generation. A complete collapse of the economy to remind us of what’s important.

After taking stock of my life, I realized yesterday it doesn’t matter what happens. What really matters, is that there is somewhere to go back to.

The most important thing, is to play out the scenario of what will happen when it’s all gone. Do you have a place to go home to that is owned by your family? This means family farms, homesteads, plot’s of land you can call your own. A place you can grow some vegetables, raise some livestock, or hunt for meat. A place that you can subsist regardless of money, power, or public utilities.

In my circumstances, should the worst occur, that place is the 90 acres of my childhood home in extreme Northern Minnesota. In the end I know that the land and water shall provide, and I can keep my family comfortable, warm, and fed as we wait out the systemic collapse of our economy.

I hate debates. Unless you are a complete buffoon (my apologies to the buffoons out there), we’ve already made up our minds. Ultimately, we’re all partisan hacks.

So what are we stuck with? Talking points and rambling.

I’m going to type a stream of consciousness of my thoughts below as I watch the debates. Shout out to Twitter for inspiration as I type. Unfortunately, I didn’t start watching until around 8:30pm:

Christ, John McCain blinks a lot. He has not made eye contact with Obama once.

Obama is much better in this debate then I expected.

Jim Lehrer is a good moderator and ensures that they stay on task.

I used to like John McCain. As a matter of fact, I would have voted for him if he had won the nomination in 2000. He needs to shut up about winning in Iraq. We’re not winning. It’s not our place to win. It’s the place of the Iraqi people to win. You cannot impose democracy. It must come from within.

I’m tired of the lies from the Neocons. Let me say this once and for all: I have no problem with Republican policies, it’s the Neocons that I can’t stand. How ’bout a little goddamn fiscal conservatism? Whatever happened to that. I’m so tired of the lies. I’d like to be rooting for McCain, but he’s become a lieing scumbag.

Of course the surge worked. No one said it wouldn’t work while the excess troops were there. However, have they left yet? No. When they leave, it will all go to shit again. The solution is change from within and making the Iraqis to take care of their own issues. I’d much rather throw money at them to help them resolve their own problems rather then lose even one more soldier.

Luksusowa=good vodka

I’m pleased with McCain admitting fault in allowing Afghanistan to be ignored. I’m also glad he acknowledged Obama’s rash comments about strikes in Pakistan. However, I’m not sure where he’s going with his statements as he’s not really saying anything about his strategy being better then Obama’s.

Decent response from Obama on McCain’s criticism about Pakistan policy.

Pleased with McCain’s criticism of Reagan. No problem with Gulf War I.

Now he’s playing on heartstrings about wearing the bracelet of a fallen soldier. Soldiers die. That’s their lot. And sometimes they die in wrong wars. That doesn’t make their service any less honorable. It just is.

Obama is making a point to pronounce words correctly. I like that. “Pahkistahn”!

Did I mention that Jim Lehrer is cool?

Could McCain stop blinking and, perhaps, look at Obama from time to time?

I feel that Iran is on the cusp of an internal revolution towards representative democracy. The worst thing we could do is attack them. That would only galvanize them. Patriotism can be dangerous. We all stood by Bush after 9/11, myself included. That’s what patriotism does. “Not in my house, not in my hood.”

“Preconditions” is bullshit. What the hell are preconditions? I feel that it is the duty of nations to have respect of any other nation. It doesn’t matter if they are assholes. You have to, at least, talk to them. What the hell does it solve to act like a spoiled child and not talk to people?

Spain!!! I forgot about that. Holy shit is McCain an idiot.

The focus on meeting without preconditions is idiotic. Just because you meet with someone doesn’t legitimize it. Has anyone asked Ahmadinejad not to be an asshole?

Obama knows countries!

Went get some food, what did I miss?

Russia huh? Why are they our problem and who cares if they attack Georgia. That’s their problem. Not ours. We’ve got enough wars.

McCain is an angry man. Is Belgium OK or should we invade them? Are we allowed to talk to them without “preconditions”?

Pleased with McCain not fear-mongering over another 9/11.

Missile defense is total fucking bullshit and doesn’t work. If anyone knows of a peer reviewed study that says it does, let me know.

Obama = Uniter, McCain = Divider is my take. McCain consistently criticizes Obama out of hand where Obama agrees with McCain from time to time. I haven’t seen McCain do anything but criticize. He’s negative about everything but the military.

Now McCain has dropped back to talking points and not answering the questions. Surge? Obama wasn’t even talking about it.

Obama is Kenyan. Apparently. He’s never mentioned that before. /sarcasm

Why the Christ doesn’t John McCain make eye contact with Obama?

Obama made the first move to shake John McCain’s hand after the debate.

Holy crap Michelle Obama is tall.

Here endeth the lesson.

P.S. OMG!!! Flag pin!!! LOLPONIES!!!!

OK, so here’s what’s going on right now:

McCain has suspended his campaign to “meet [in the senate] until this crisis is resolved.”. However, John McCain is not on the senate banking committee and has never been involved in setting economic policy.

So he pressures Bush to hold a Whitehouse meeting and then, out of nowhere, submits his own version of the bill that is completely different from the original in all regards. It is still unclear exactly what that bill is.

My suspicion, is that this was done to allow McCain to appear to be anti-Bush, and the savior of Democratic Peoples Republic of America.

However…

Here’s what else is going on right now:

The 3rd Infantry 1st Combat Brigade is being redeployed to the United States to act as a peacekeeping force. If you’re wondering what’s wrong with this, please Google “Posse Comitatus”. This means that now, instead of the National Guard helping state and local police in the event of a national disaster, the US Military is expected to do so. Apparently the National Guard is too busy guarding Iraq to take care of their mission here.

Here’s my super-paranoid view of what’s happening:

If John McCain is willing to suspend his campaign for a “time of crisis”, though Lincoln debated during the civil war and Roosevelt did also during WWII, is he also amenable to suspending elections? My fear is that McCain is working with Bush to develop a plan to declare martial law and suspend the election. This can be done, and though unconstitutional, is perfectly legal per Presidential Directive 51.

Could McCain’s interference be a method to keep the unrest going all the way to election day? Maybe it’s not just incompetant political posturing but the end of the free world? Perhaps were not going to become the DPRA but the Kingdom of America.

Be afraid, be very afraid.

Bernanke urges fast action from Congress

Is it just me, or are we rapidly becoming a Communist country. Seems like we’re picking up these banks and institutions faster then they can fail. Now, I’m all for a little Socialized Democracy, but when the Feds pick up a $1,000,000,000,000.00 tab, it’s starting to feel a bit more like government run/owned institutions.

It concerns me greatly that Bush, Bernanke, and Paulson are all urging that the bailout be passed through congress immediately without “[weighing} down a proposed $700-billion financial system bailout with unrelated provisions that would delay addressing key issues”. Some examples of the “Weight” suggested by house Democrats and Republicans are:

Limit executives’ compensation at the financial firms getting bailed out.
Bankruptcy protection for homeowners.
Corporate governance rules.
Foreclosure protection.

Now I’m no big city financial analyst, but it seems to me that these are all valid stipulations that should go along with the bailout. With Billions in Mortgages to be owned by the public, we should at least protect our own interests. Now that John Q. Taxpayers mortgage is owned partially by himself (as a taxpayer), why would he want to foreclose on his own home?

I see no reason that Congress shouldn’t delay this bill while sorting out it’s finer points. The last thing we need is more blank checks to be given to organizations that, quite obviously, had no idea what to do with their money.

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama
Daytona Beach, Florida
Saturday, September 20, 2008

Here in Florida, less than two months before election day, I know you’ve all been hearing a lot about politics. And we all know how important women will be in determining the outcome of this election. But as I stand here with all of you, I know this isn’t just about politics for me. This is personal. Because I come here today not just as a candidate for President – but as a son, a grandson, a husband and a father who’s seen firsthand, throughout my life, the challenges so many women face every day in this country.

Growing up, I saw my mother struggle to put herself through school and raise me and my sister on her own. She once had to turn to food stamps, but thanks to student loans, scholarships and a lot of hard work, her kids could attend some of the best schools in the country. I think women like her who work hard and pour everything they’ve got into their kids should be able to pay the bills and get ahead for a change – that’s why I’m running for President.

I saw my grandmother, who helped raise me, work her way up from the secretarial pool to middle management at a bank. But I also saw her hit a glass ceiling, as men no more qualified than she was moved up the corporate ladder ahead of her. I think women like her should be paid fairly and have the same chance to succeed as everyone else – that’s why I’m running for President.

I’ve seen my wife, Michelle, the rock of the Obama family, juggling work and parenting with more skill and grace than anyone I know. But I’ve seen how it’s torn at her. How sometimes, when she’s with the girls, she’s worrying about work – and when she’s at work, she’s worrying about the girls. It’s a feeling I share every day – especially these days, when I’m away so much, out on the campaign trail. And I think it should be a little easier for parents in this country to raise their kids and do their jobs – that’s why I’m running for President.

I know how hard the women of this country are working. I know the anxiety so many of you are feeling right now, as we stand in the midst of the most serious financial crisis of our time. We’ve seen three of America’s five largest investment banks fail or be sold off in distress. Our housing market is in shambles, and Monday brought the worst losses on Wall Street since the day after September 11th.

Everywhere you look, the economic news is troubling. But for so many of you, it isn’t really news at all. You’ve seen your home values falling, gas prices rising, and bills piling up month after month. So you’re working longer hours, or working more than one job just to get by. And then there are the jobs you do once the workday ends. Jobs like paying the bills, buying the groceries, making the dinner, doing the laundry, enforcing the bedtimes – the jobs you don’t get paid for, but that hold our families together. Jobs that still, even in the year 2008, too often fall to women.

So I know these are difficult days. But here’s what I also know. I know we can steer ourselves out of this economic crisis. That’s who we are. That’s what we’ve always done as Americans. Our nation has faced difficult times before. And at each of those moments, we’ve risen to meet the challenge because we’ve never forgotten that fundamental truth – that here in America, our destiny is not written for us, but by us.

But another thing I know is that we can’t steer ourselves out of this crisis by heading in the same, disastrous direction. We can’t change direction with a new driver who wants to follow the same old map. And that’s what this election is all about.

Yesterday, my opponent, Senator McCain, gave a speech in which his big solution to this worldwide economic crisis was to blame me for it. This is a guy who’s spent a quarter century in Washington. And after spending the entire campaign saying I haven’t been in Washington long enough, he apparently now is willing to assign me responsibility for all of Washington’s failures. I think it’s pretty clear that Senator McCain is a little panicked, and that at this point, he is willing to say anything, do anything, change any position, violate any principle to try and win this election. And that is sad to see. That’s not the politics we need.

So let’s be clear.

There’s only one candidate who – just this week – said a line he’s repeated 16 times on this campaign – quote – “the fundamentals of our economy are strong.”

There’s only one candidate who’s called himself “fundamentally a deregulator” when deregulation is part of the problem. My opponent actually wrote in the current issue of a health care magazine – the current issue – quote – “Opening up the health insurance market to more vigorous nationwide competition, as we have done over the last decade in banking, would provide more choices of innovative products less burdened by the worst excesses of state-based regulation.”

So let me get this straight – he wants to run health care like they’ve been running Wall Street. Well, Senator, I know some folks on Main Street who aren’t going to think that’s a good idea.

There’s only one candidate whose choice for Treasury Secretary is a man who thinks we’re in a “mental recession” and has called the United States of America a – quote – “nation of whiners.”

There’s only one candidate whose campaign is being run by seven of Washington’s most powerful lobbyists.

And folks, it isn’t me.

I don’t take a dime from Washington lobbyists and special interests. They do not run my campaign. They will not run my White House. And they will not drown out the voices of the American people when I’m President of the United States.

So when John McCain says that lobbyists “won’t even get past the front gate” at his White House, my question is – who’s going to stop them?

Those seven lobbyists?

His campaign manager?

The economic advisor, who got a $40 million golden parachute when she was fired as a CEO?

Or maybe the 26 advisors and fundraisers who lobbied for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?

I mean, give me a break.

The same day my opponent attacked me for being associated with a Fannie Mae guy I’ve talked to for maybe 5 minutes in my entire life – the same day he did that – the head of the lobbying shop at Fannie Mae turned around and said wait a minute – “when I see photographs of Senator McCain’s staff, it looks to me like the team of lobbyists who used to report to me.”

Folks, you can’t make this stuff up.

So when you hear John McCain talk about taking on the ol’ boy network in Washington – know this, on the McCain campaign, that’s called a staff meeting.

At this defining moment, when the stakes could not be higher, we need real change – change that’s more than just a slogan, change that actually makes a difference in people’s lives. And that’s the kind of change I’ll bring to Washington when I’m President of the United States of America.

The other day, I laid out a few principals for a plan that would establish a real and permanent solution to our economic crisis. First, we have to make sure that whatever plan our government comes up with works not just for Wall Street, but for Main Street. We have to make sure it helps folks cope with rising prices, and sparks job creation, and helps homeowners stay in their homes. That’s the kind of help folks need right now.

We also have to make sure that any plan we come up with is temporary and restores tough oversight and accountability on Wall Street. Third, I want to make sure that we’re not rewarding some of the very CEOs who helped cause this mess. We’re not going to stand for that.

But if we’re serious about putting our economy on a firmer footing and lifting up our hardworking families, there are some additional changes we’re going to have to make, as well.

Because it’s an outrage that women are still making 77 cents for every dollar that men make in this country. Now, my opponent actually opposed legislation to help women get equal pay. Because, in his view, the reason women aren’t being paid fairly isn’t discrimination on the job – it’s because they need more education and training.

That isn’t change.

Change is finally closing that pay gap. It’s unacceptable that women in this country are losing thousands of dollars each year – money you could use for gas or groceries or college tuition. This isn’t just an economic issue for millions of American families – it’s about our most fundamental values as a nation: that we treat people fairly, that we reward hard work, and there are no second class citizens in our workplaces. That’s why I helped pass a law in Illinois to give 330,000 more women protection from paycheck discrimination. That’s why I co-sponsored legislation in the U.S. Senate to make it easier for women to challenge pay discrimination. And that’s why I won’t give up until women in this country are paid what they’ve earned, and not a penny less. That’s what change is.

Change isn’t a President who thinks Roe vs. Wade is a flawed decision and whose party platform outlaws abortion, even in cases of rape and incest. Change is a President who will stand up for choice – who understands that five men on the Supreme Court don’t know better than women and their doctors what’s best for a woman’s health. That’s why I fought so hard in Illinois and in Washington to stop laws that would’ve restricted choice. That’s why I’m committed to appointing judges who understand how law operates in our daily lives, judges who will uphold the values at the core of our Constitution. And that’s why I will never back down in defending a woman’s right to choose.

Change means refusing to accept an America where staying home with a new baby is treated as an unpaid vacation, and taking time off to take a sick parent to the hospital is a fireable offense. Change means making sure people have paid sick days and tax credits to help with childcare, and expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act to help millions of people care for their kids and their parents and participate in school activities like parent-teacher conferences and assemblies. Because no matter what you do for a living, we can all agree that raising our kids and taking care of our families is the most important job we have.

Change means keeping the promise of affordable, accessible health care for every single American. Under my plan, if you have health insurance, nothing changes for you, except that my plan will lower your health care costs. If you don’t, you’ll be able to get the same kind of coverage that members of Congress give themselves.

And I’ll stop insurance companies from discriminating against those who are sick and need care the most. This is personal to me. My mother died of ovarian cancer at the age of 53. And I will never forget her lying in a hospital bed, in her final months, fighting with the insurance company over whether they’d cover her treatments because they claimed cancer was a pre-existing condition. That’s wrong, it’s not who we are, and we’re going to put an end to it.

Change means having a Vice President who’s spent his career working to improve women’s lives. Joe Biden wrote the Violence Against Women Act so we’d finally treat domestic violence like the heinous crime that it is. And in case you were wondering, John McCain voted against that legislation. As someone who raised small kids on his own, and took the train home every night from Washington to Delaware to tuck those kids into bed, Joe Biden also knows firsthand what it means to juggle work and family. And you won’t find a stronger champion for a woman’s right to choose than Joe Biden. So I’m proud to have him by my side in this campaign.

Finally, change means building an economy that rewards work, creates jobs you can raise a family on, and gives each of us the chance to get ahead. And let me tell you, when it comes to the economic policies we’ll pursue, Senator McCain and I couldn’t be more different.

John McCain voted nineteen times against raising the minimum wage – I’ll raise it.

He voted against Head Start, against hiring new teachers, against Pell Grants. I’ll invest in early childhood education, and recruit an army of new teachers to our schools, and provide a $4,000 tuition tax credit to help make college affordable for any middle class student who’s willing to serve their community or their country. You invest in America, America invests in you, and together, we’ll move this country forward.

He wants to give tax breaks to oil companies and companies that ship jobs overseas – I want to give a tax break to 95% of all working families and create jobs here at home by investing in renewable energy. And don’t be fooled by the tired old attacks my opponent is launching. He doesn’t want you to know this, but under my plan, tax rates will actually be lower than they were under Ronald Reagan. If you make less than $250,000 a year, you will not see your taxes increase one single dime. Not one dime. In fact, I offer three times the tax relief for middle-class families as Senator McCain does – because in an economy like this, the last thing we should do is raise taxes on the middle-class.

And I’ll protect Social Security, while John McCain wants to privatize it. Without Social Security half of elderly women would be living in poverty – half. But if my opponent had his way, the millions of Floridians who rely on it would’ve had their Social Security tied up in the stock market this week. Millions would’ve watched as the market tumbled and their nest egg disappeared before their eyes. Millions of families would’ve been scrambling to figure out how to give their mothers and fathers, their grandmothers and grandfathers, the secure retirement that every American deserves. So I know Senator McCain is talking about a “casino culture” on Wall Street – but the fact is, he’s the one who wants to gamble with your life savings.

So let’s be clear, when I’m President, we’re not going to gamble with Social Security. We’re not going to gamble with your ability to retire with dignity after a lifetime of hard work. We’re going to strengthen and protect Social Security so it’s a safety net our families can count on — today, tomorrow and always.

Florida, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The choice couldn’t be clearer. But still, we know that bringing the change we need won’t be easy. We know we’re up against a powerful, entrenched status quo in Washington that will say anything and do anything and fight with everything they’ve got to keep things just the way they are.

But I think we’re up for the challenge. We always have been. That’s why I’m standing here today. Because of what my mother and grandmother did for me – because of their hard work and sacrifice and unflagging love. That’s why all of us are here today – because of the women who came before us. Women who reached for the ballot and raised families and traveled those lonely roads to be the first ones in those boardrooms and courtrooms and battlefields and factory floors. Women like my friend Hillary Clinton who put those 18 million cracks in that glass ceiling so that my daughters – and all our sons and daughters – could dream a little bigger and reach a little higher.

Now it’s our turn. It’s our turn to make those sacrifices so the next generation doesn’t have to. Our turn to open the doors of opportunity that our daughters and granddaughters will one day walk through. Our turn to fulfill the promise of this great nation that each of us – no matter what our background or where we come from – each of us has the chance to make it if we try.

That’s what I think about whenever I get the chance to tuck my girls in at night. How I want them – and all our daughters – to have no limits on their dreams, no obstacles to their achievement, no goals beyond their reach. How I want them to have opportunities their mothers and grandmothers never could’ve imagined.

And I hope you’ll join me. I hope you’ll walk with me so that we can turn the page on the failed policies of the past. And if you’ll make that commitment – if you’ll knock on doors and make those calls and talk to your neighbors and give me your vote on November 4th, then together, we won’t just win an election, we will transform this nation.

Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.