On a wierder note...

I have been thinking about writing this one for a few weeks now, but hadn't out of the fear that I would be outed as the obsessive fan that I am. But hearing on MSNBC just now that John McCain went to a Starbucks this morning, I can't take it any longer.

I am now convinced that Aaron Sorkin has precognitive super powers.

Aaron Sorkin was the creator/head writer for (most of) The West Wing. I heart this show. For anyone who isn't familiar with seasons 6 & 7, they followed the Presidential race to replace President Bartlett. Season 6 focused mostly on the Democratic primary. The GOP had chosen, after a surprise comeback, an extremely experienced white Senator whose party base felt he wasn't conservative enough on social issues and who was known for reaching across the isle and working with moderates in both parties. The Democrats narrowed it down to 2 candidates who fought all the way to a contested convention and the underdog stepped up to defeat the established party elder. The season ended with the Democrat choosing another established party elder as his running mate to balance out the ticket. Still with me?

Season 7 focused on the race. The Republican chose a running mate who was hard-lined right to appeal to the base and offset his centrism. In the debates he proved to be tough and smart, if a little old, while the Democrat proved to be eloquent and refreshing, if a little inexperienced. The Republican was ahead until a national crisis that attested to the exact opposite of something he had said at the debates and the Democrat took over after that. Meanwhile, the current President began another military incursion and the two candidates had to decide how to handle that. In the end, the Democrat won and became the first Latino President, but someone he cared for deeply died just before the election. He chose a hard-nosed, temperamental, do-whatever-it-takes chief of staff, and the Republican struggled to return to post-election life while taking a morning walk to a Starbucks.

Any of this familiar? Aaron Sorkin basically wrote this election in 2006. Replace Latino with African American, Nuclear accident with economic crisis, and Leo with Grandma Toot and there's your election. Ridiculous.

Kid of the Year!

The children are getting smarter and smarter, folks...

Discrimination is Discrimination

In a new ad, No on 8 has simply taken a Yes on 8 ad and replaced all references to gay marriage with interracial marriage.  The effect is a stunningly simple example of what prop 8 is all about, discrimination.  Take a look:

Attack of the bad ideas!

So...please raise your hand if you are surprised to hear that the "I was attacked by a big scary black man because I support John McCain" story turned out to be a hoax.

Yep, turns out that those of us who questioned why the attacker would go to the lengths to carve a "B" into her face would want to carve it backwards, as if being done in a mirror, were right.  It was just confirmed that 'Ashley the Volunteer' has confessed (after a polygraph test) that the whole story was a hoax.

I'm not surprised, but I do wonder what this says about SOME McCain supporters.  I'm not dumb enough to lump them all together with crazies like this girl - I know a lot of McCain supporters whom I love and respect - but there seem to be more and more people supporting the GOP ticket who will go to unreasonable and dangerous lengths to take down Sen. Obama.  There is a clear intention here to imply that Obama supporters are dangerous thugs, and Sen. Obama must be the ringleader.  When combined with the racial element, I can't help but wonder if we are all in the middle of a Harper Lee novel.  A story that takes place in the middle of a great depression?  An innocent black man accused of attacking a young white woman?  Those accusations inciting a mob of conservatives shouting "Kill him!" as if it affirms their patriotism?  

Mr. McCain, you have the opportunity to stand up and say no.  We need an Atticus Finch to take the unpopular yet virtuous road.  THAT'S being a maverick.  

Your morning Joe...

Joe the plumber is not a plumber.

Joe "the plumber" Wurlzelbacher was referenced more than two dozen times in last night's debate as the candidates discussed their tax plans and how they would affect "average Joes".  However according to the Toledo Blade, a print and online newspaper based in Mr. Wurzelbacher's home state, Joe is not a registered plumber.  He claims he is practicing under the company's license, but the Blade reports that this is illegal.  

As for Joe's opinions on the tax plans?  It turns out that the Ohio Department of Taxation placed a lien on him for almost $1200 in unpaid taxes. 

So who IS this guy, really?  Who knows, maybe Joe "The Plumber" is his wrestling name.

More here:  http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081016/NEWS09/810160418