Our Country Needs More of This

Issues

Like a lot of people, I've been following the Presidential Race pretty closely for what seems like ages. It's almost hard not to, being part of a family where the almost constant political debate is fueled by the clear party lines that can be drawn between its members. So, yeah, I've got caught up in all of this. But I consider myself something of the political black sheep of the family in that I pride myself on the research I do. I'd like to think that I'm not as easily swayed by party rhetoric as the rest of them, that I can detect an ad hominem attack and dismiss it as petty campaigning. But to say that those things don't sway me would be a lie. Politics is a big machine, and sometimes it's much easier to treat it as a black box than to figure out how the cogs mesh. This is the urge I'm constantly trying to resist, which can get tiring. Thankfully, The Daily Show helps keep things real. For example, their take on one of the biggest questions that's been on my mind lately: why are Clinton backers so angry?



Seriously, who's passing out all the Hate-o-rade? I've been underimpressed with Clinton ever since she began asking for the votes in Michigan and Florida to be counted. I suppose there's little value for good sportsmanship when it comes to political battles (though I think there should be), so the way in which she handled her defeat is not surprising, if not personally distasteful. A recent comment on this blog expressed the view that Obama was dividing the Democratic Party. I respectfully disagree. But my question remains: what is at the heart of this division? My best guess is that this division has only a cursory relation to the issues of the election. Too bad issues rarely win elections.

Comments and criticizms are, as always, welcomed. Flamebait will be deleted.

Addendum: M has got me thinking a bit. I get so focused on what I'm looking for that I often don't know what others are looking for. I'd like to invite anyone who is willing to share their feelings on what their ideal candidate would be in the comments. I'm not asking for an explanation of why you like one candidate or the other, but rather I'm asking what your ideal candidate's stance on a particular issue would be (and why's are always appreciated). Might I serve as something of a political sommelier and suggest the issues of the economy, the war and one other issue of your choice?

And the Roosefest begins

Teddy Roosevelt month begins. First up was a trip out to his childhood home just down the street from Gramercy Tavern. Most of the house was really poorly lit, so I didn't get many photos, but I did get one of this bust -
And this mountain sheep. Strangely, he looks happy to be there.
Here's Jeff, looking boldly toward the future, and a whole month of TR.
And here he is explaining something that's surely exceptionally cool.
There were quite a few political cartoons on display. This one was my favorite, by far.
Brigham and Di enjoying the wonderful gift shop. Jeff too.
At this point, guest photographer Jaymoo took the reigns, capturing a Teddy Head and a Teddy Bear. Iconic images, Jaymoo.
Abby, also by Jaymoo. Or perhaps it's Abbie. Or Habby (silent H). I don't really know.
I don't really know Abby, but she sure does have some fun facial expressions! Take a look at this one- very cute.
And this one. I'm surprised I don't get that one more often when I bust out my camera.
As a side note, now that I'm shooting higher quality images, and taking the time to fix my mistakes in Photoshop, I'm really noticing the quality hit they take when shrinking them for use on the web. It's kind of a shame. So, I guess what I'm saying is, if you ever see a photo you like, just let me know and I'll pass you along an original. Or perhaps if I think you need the original, I'll just send it...

Late Breaking Addendum: Afterwards, JayMoo, Stephoin y yo went to eat some Alfajores, which are Argentinian delicacies that contain Dulce de Leche, which when done right contains ash. No photos, but I can tell you they were dee-lish, ash and all. Great heads up JayMoo.

Making use of old news

I've been listening to ABBA for the last few days. I hate to admit it, but there's something about those Swedes. I guess it's my one guilty pleasure...

But it got me thinking about a comment made by John McCain several months ago, back when everyone thought he was out of the race, perhaps thrown about to show how out of it he was. He was asked about what was on his iPod (he has an iPod?). His answer, from the Austin American-Statesman:

Dare I say ABBA. Everybody says, ‘Ehhh, ABBA.’ Why is that? ABBA was the largest selling (recording act ever). Nobody likes them but they sold more records than anybody in the history of the world, including the Beatles. But everybody hates them. (But) you’re a no-class guy if you like ABBA. Why does everybody go see ‘Mamma Mia?’ Hypocrisy! Rank hypocrisy! I’m not embarassed to say I like ABBA, ‘Dancing Queen.’”

More from McCain. If elected, “the background music would be ABBA in the elevators all over the White House.”

And even more.

“‘Take a Chance on Me.’ Maybe that’s what we should have as our (campaign) theme song. That would be good.”

Is this why so many Republicans are mad at him?