I keep meaning to post entries, either of the long, rambly, thoughtful or of the equally long, ranty kind. Neither of them make it - something I want to change next year (no, really) - but as it is right now, all I can say is bleh.
Typing the last sentence took forever, as I'm sick, so I'll keep it short and simple. I'm still technically moving, as my apartment is still not ready. It's a long story, but it annoys me. Most of the new furniture is built but there's still the wardrobe, which I can't build on my own. I'd ask my boyfriend to help out, but he fell ill again. He's back in hospital right now, for surgery.
I don't know what it is about this year, but this entire year sucks. In fact, it's the suckiest year I've had in a long while. Sure, there have been positive aspects too. I've managed to get directly employed, I found an apartment, I met some awesome people, but overall? Terrible. So many people dying, getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, break-ups, other horrible things... The best thing about this year is the fact that it's over soon.
On more positive news, I attended my first ever Nintendo Christmas party this year and it was terrific. So many great people, everyone was looking classy, good food... Can't wait for the next one :)
Typing the last sentence took forever, as I'm sick, so I'll keep it short and simple. I'm still technically moving, as my apartment is still not ready. It's a long story, but it annoys me. Most of the new furniture is built but there's still the wardrobe, which I can't build on my own. I'd ask my boyfriend to help out, but he fell ill again. He's back in hospital right now, for surgery.
I don't know what it is about this year, but this entire year sucks. In fact, it's the suckiest year I've had in a long while. Sure, there have been positive aspects too. I've managed to get directly employed, I found an apartment, I met some awesome people, but overall? Terrible. So many people dying, getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, break-ups, other horrible things... The best thing about this year is the fact that it's over soon.
On more positive news, I attended my first ever Nintendo Christmas party this year and it was terrific. So many great people, everyone was looking classy, good food... Can't wait for the next one :)
Instead of ranting about the state of one of my home countries, I thought I'd introduce you to a bit of true literary genius.
http://brog.engrish.com/2009/11/05/pira
I don't know about you, but I think the yeah.
http://brog.engrish.com/2009/11/05/pira
I don't know about you, but I think the yeah.
For all those who don't remember why average Joe Sixpack in the U.S. is up in arms about the Democratic plans for a health care reform, actor John Ratzenberger of apparent 80s sitcom "Cheers" fame has a helpful reminder.
Actor John Ratzenberger, known partly for his role as Cliff Clavin in the 1980s sitcom "Cheers," slammed the Democratic bill as a form of socialism.
"These are Woodstock Democrats," he said at the rally. "We have to remember where their philosophy comes from. It doesn't come from America. It comes from overseas. It comes from socialism. And socialism is a philosophy of failure."
To summarize:
Not America = overseas = socialism = failure.
Where does CNN even get these people? Did they have no one better to support their self-righteous rebellion than Some Guy from Some Show? Really?
Actor John Ratzenberger, known partly for his role as Cliff Clavin in the 1980s sitcom "Cheers," slammed the Democratic bill as a form of socialism.
"These are Woodstock Democrats," he said at the rally. "We have to remember where their philosophy comes from. It doesn't come from America. It comes from overseas. It comes from socialism. And socialism is a philosophy of failure."
To summarize:
Not America = overseas = socialism = failure.
Where does CNN even get these people? Did they have no one better to support their self-righteous rebellion than Some Guy from Some Show? Really?
I got almost no energy left these days, so enjoy yet another silly video.
Anyone remember Captain Lou Albano?
From this maybe?
Lou Albano (Mario in this video) passed away today at the age of 76, due to a heart attack several years ago that he never fully recovered from. He was a pretty big name in the 80's, mostly famous for his achievements in the wrestling scene and for appearing in numerous Cyndi Lauper videos, such as Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. As you might be able to tell from the video above, I knew him best for his role as Mario in the hilariously bad Super Mario Bros. Super Show.
I'm going to watch the Super Mario Bros. Super Show all evening now :(
From this maybe?
Lou Albano (Mario in this video) passed away today at the age of 76, due to a heart attack several years ago that he never fully recovered from. He was a pretty big name in the 80's, mostly famous for his achievements in the wrestling scene and for appearing in numerous Cyndi Lauper videos, such as Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. As you might be able to tell from the video above, I knew him best for his role as Mario in the hilariously bad Super Mario Bros. Super Show.
I'm going to watch the Super Mario Bros. Super Show all evening now :(
- Mood:
sad
All first ladies should take a good look at Japan's new first lady.
All of the usual first lady nonsense doesn't count anything against this lady. Fashion sense? Abilities as a homemaker?
This one eats the sun for breakfast.
Yum.
All of the usual first lady nonsense doesn't count anything against this lady. Fashion sense? Abilities as a homemaker?
This one eats the sun for breakfast.
Yum.
What happened:
One of the most unexpected controversies of the Obama administration came to a head Tuesday as the president delivered a hotly debated back-to-school speech to students across the country.
The problem:
Some of the president's critics have been adamantly opposed to the idea of an address by Obama to children.
____
Many conservatives have expressed a fear that the address would be used to push a partisan political agenda.
____
The White House said the address, set for Tuesday, and accompanying suggested lesson plans are simply meant to encourage students to study hard and stay in school.
Many conservative parents aren't buying it. They're convinced the president is going to use the opportunity to press a partisan political agenda on impressionable young minds.
White House answers:
In the text of the speech, however, Obama avoids any mention of controversial political initiatives. He repeatedly urges students to work hard and stay in school.
"No matter what you want to do with your life, I guarantee that you'll need an education to do it," he says.
"This isn't just important for your own life and your own future. What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country."
Also:
The text of the 18-minute speech was posted on the White House Web site so people can read it before its scheduled Internet broadcast to schoolchildren Tuesday.
The reactions
"The president's speeches tend to be [about] what's wrong with the country and what can we do to fix it," said Bill Hogsett, a parent from Dallas, Texas.
"I believe this is the greatest country on Earth, and I try to teach that to my children. ... I don't want them hearing that there's a fundamental flaw with the country and the kids need to go forward to fix it."
_____
"Thinking about my kids in school having to listen to that just really upsets me," suburban Colorado mother Shanneen Barron told CNN Denver affiliate KMGH. "I'm an American. They are Americans, and I don't feel that's OK. I feel very scared to be in this country with our leadership right now."
______
"As far as I'm concerned this is not civics education -- it gives the appearance of creating a cult of personality," said Oklahoma state Sen. Steve Russell, a Republican.
______
Florida GOP Chairman Jim Greer released a statement this week accusing Obama of using taxpayer money to "indoctrinate" children.
"As the father of four children, I am absolutely appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama's socialist ideology," Greer said.
"The idea that school children across our nation will be forced to watch the president justify his plans ... is not only infuriating, but goes against beliefs of the majority of Americans, while bypassing American parents through an invasive abuse of power."
Sources:
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITIC
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITIC
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITIC
One of the most unexpected controversies of the Obama administration came to a head Tuesday as the president delivered a hotly debated back-to-school speech to students across the country.
The problem:
Some of the president's critics have been adamantly opposed to the idea of an address by Obama to children.
____
Many conservatives have expressed a fear that the address would be used to push a partisan political agenda.
____
The White House said the address, set for Tuesday, and accompanying suggested lesson plans are simply meant to encourage students to study hard and stay in school.
Many conservative parents aren't buying it. They're convinced the president is going to use the opportunity to press a partisan political agenda on impressionable young minds.
White House answers:
In the text of the speech, however, Obama avoids any mention of controversial political initiatives. He repeatedly urges students to work hard and stay in school.
"No matter what you want to do with your life, I guarantee that you'll need an education to do it," he says.
"This isn't just important for your own life and your own future. What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country."
Also:
The text of the 18-minute speech was posted on the White House Web site so people can read it before its scheduled Internet broadcast to schoolchildren Tuesday.
The reactions
"The president's speeches tend to be [about] what's wrong with the country and what can we do to fix it," said Bill Hogsett, a parent from Dallas, Texas.
"I believe this is the greatest country on Earth, and I try to teach that to my children. ... I don't want them hearing that there's a fundamental flaw with the country and the kids need to go forward to fix it."
_____
"Thinking about my kids in school having to listen to that just really upsets me," suburban Colorado mother Shanneen Barron told CNN Denver affiliate KMGH. "I'm an American. They are Americans, and I don't feel that's OK. I feel very scared to be in this country with our leadership right now."
______
"As far as I'm concerned this is not civics education -- it gives the appearance of creating a cult of personality," said Oklahoma state Sen. Steve Russell, a Republican.
______
Florida GOP Chairman Jim Greer released a statement this week accusing Obama of using taxpayer money to "indoctrinate" children.
"As the father of four children, I am absolutely appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama's socialist ideology," Greer said.
"The idea that school children across our nation will be forced to watch the president justify his plans ... is not only infuriating, but goes against beliefs of the majority of Americans, while bypassing American parents through an invasive abuse of power."
Sources:
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITIC
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITIC
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITIC
A UK survey has revealed that myths about contraception may be widespread.
One in five women said they had heard of kitchen items, including bread, cling film and even chicken skin, being used as alternative barrier methods.
Others had heard food items such as kebabs, Coca-cola or crisps could be used as oral contraceptives.
"Schatz, lass das Kondom stecken, ich hatte heut Döner und Chips zum Mittagessen!"
Quelle: BBC
One in five women said they had heard of kitchen items, including bread, cling film and even chicken skin, being used as alternative barrier methods.
Others had heard food items such as kebabs, Coca-cola or crisps could be used as oral contraceptives.
"Schatz, lass das Kondom stecken, ich hatte heut Döner und Chips zum Mittagessen!"
Quelle: BBC
As a part of my daily routine before really starting work, I get some coffee and read the news. Today I happened across an article that was bound to be disappointing:
Could George W. Bush end up behind bars?
The answer, as given in the second sentence of the piece, was no surprise: “It’s extremely unlikely.” What did make me wonder, however, was the fact that the Obama administration chose to investigate the behavior of the CIA agents involved in the interrogations of terrorist suspects. As became recently known, these interrogations violated the ethical standards the CIA has to adhere to. There is evidence of abuse, with one prisoner reportedly being choked until he lost consciousness and another being threatened with a gun and a power drill.
Ever since he took office, Obama repeatedly said he wanted to “look forward, not back,” so no one expected a full-scale investigation. But – as CNN reports – Attorney General Holder said that “evidence of abuses was compelling enough to require it.” And an investigation is no promise of arresting anyone anyway.
While it’s nice to see that Holder is doing his job, that news alone was not what caused this entry.
Republicans immediately criticized the new investigation and even some Democrats said it would be unpopular.
"This is not very good politically for the administration," said Democratic strategist James Carville. "The public clearly doesn't have much of an appetite for this."
Allow me to quote again.
The public clearly doesn't have much of an appetite for this.
Where do I even start with this? Let’s start at the beginning...
Republicans immediately criticized the new investigation
No kidding.
and even some Democrats said it would be unpopular. “This is not very good politically for the administration," said Democratic strategist James Carville. "
I understand the thought process. I really do. Of course you don’t want to make unpopular choices, especially in the US, where the public goes into a media-fuelled frenzy the likes of which contemporary Germany has never experienced. Just take a look at the current health care debate.
But the facts are right there: There’s been evidence of abuse. Abuse of prisoners is not supposed to happen. That means, CIA agents overstepped their bounds. And as it happened anyway, there’s a chance that high-ranking officials have condoned this. That’s also not supposed to happen. (Not that anyone would be surpised, given as Dick Cheney can’t stop waving the “I <3 Waterboarding” sign.)
If there’s a chance that the law has been broken, it stops being all about strategy or the right time to do something. There is no strategic thinking about legal investigations, they just have to happen. That’s the point of laws. No one is above the law, no matter how important, because if certain people are exempt from investigation, they might start taking liberties with the law.
But what really gets me is this:
The public clearly doesn't have much of an appetite for this.
Oh, so if the public is too apathetic to care about something that is essentially a violation of the Constitution, then there’s no need to investigate, is there? Never mind that the law is not enacted only if the general populace gives a damn.
This is the exact same public who had Clinton impeached over a sex scandal. How can the public be up in arms about one decision by one president that affected only his personal life and nothing else, but then turn around and not care about another president whose administration might have violated basic human rights over the course of several years? How can people be so short-sighted?
And also, I get that politicians aren’t really interested in the upholding of every law or the keeping of every promise. But don’t politicians usually at least try to pretend that they are? In this case, they’re not even trying to hide that this is all about approval ratings, media headlines and votes.
I’m not much of an idealistic person, mostly because most of these idealistic words don’t hold much meaning for me. What exactly is “justice” anyway? Or “right” or “wrong”, in the moral sense of the words? They’re hollow catchphrases everyone fills with their own definitions, depending on the circumstances.
There are some things that can't be denied, though. Laws should be upheld by those charged with upholding the law. No one should be above those laws. If you have a job, especially one as important as this, you have every obligation to do the best job you could possibly do. And if you take pride in certain moral values or beliefs you identify yourself or your country with, you should actually live by those beliefs. You can't stop having your beliefs just because it's inconvenient or because it doesn't concern you directly.
Note that I wrote this down during work – it’s a slow office day and if I don’t do it now, I won’t do it at all – so I might actually come back and give this some much needed editing.
Could George W. Bush end up behind bars?
The answer, as given in the second sentence of the piece, was no surprise: “It’s extremely unlikely.” What did make me wonder, however, was the fact that the Obama administration chose to investigate the behavior of the CIA agents involved in the interrogations of terrorist suspects. As became recently known, these interrogations violated the ethical standards the CIA has to adhere to. There is evidence of abuse, with one prisoner reportedly being choked until he lost consciousness and another being threatened with a gun and a power drill.
Ever since he took office, Obama repeatedly said he wanted to “look forward, not back,” so no one expected a full-scale investigation. But – as CNN reports – Attorney General Holder said that “evidence of abuses was compelling enough to require it.” And an investigation is no promise of arresting anyone anyway.
While it’s nice to see that Holder is doing his job, that news alone was not what caused this entry.
Republicans immediately criticized the new investigation and even some Democrats said it would be unpopular.
"This is not very good politically for the administration," said Democratic strategist James Carville. "The public clearly doesn't have much of an appetite for this."
Allow me to quote again.
The public clearly doesn't have much of an appetite for this.
Where do I even start with this? Let’s start at the beginning...
Republicans immediately criticized the new investigation
No kidding.
and even some Democrats said it would be unpopular. “This is not very good politically for the administration," said Democratic strategist James Carville. "
I understand the thought process. I really do. Of course you don’t want to make unpopular choices, especially in the US, where the public goes into a media-fuelled frenzy the likes of which contemporary Germany has never experienced. Just take a look at the current health care debate.
But the facts are right there: There’s been evidence of abuse. Abuse of prisoners is not supposed to happen. That means, CIA agents overstepped their bounds. And as it happened anyway, there’s a chance that high-ranking officials have condoned this. That’s also not supposed to happen. (Not that anyone would be surpised, given as Dick Cheney can’t stop waving the “I <3 Waterboarding” sign.)
If there’s a chance that the law has been broken, it stops being all about strategy or the right time to do something. There is no strategic thinking about legal investigations, they just have to happen. That’s the point of laws. No one is above the law, no matter how important, because if certain people are exempt from investigation, they might start taking liberties with the law.
But what really gets me is this:
The public clearly doesn't have much of an appetite for this.
Oh, so if the public is too apathetic to care about something that is essentially a violation of the Constitution, then there’s no need to investigate, is there? Never mind that the law is not enacted only if the general populace gives a damn.
This is the exact same public who had Clinton impeached over a sex scandal. How can the public be up in arms about one decision by one president that affected only his personal life and nothing else, but then turn around and not care about another president whose administration might have violated basic human rights over the course of several years? How can people be so short-sighted?
And also, I get that politicians aren’t really interested in the upholding of every law or the keeping of every promise. But don’t politicians usually at least try to pretend that they are? In this case, they’re not even trying to hide that this is all about approval ratings, media headlines and votes.
I’m not much of an idealistic person, mostly because most of these idealistic words don’t hold much meaning for me. What exactly is “justice” anyway? Or “right” or “wrong”, in the moral sense of the words? They’re hollow catchphrases everyone fills with their own definitions, depending on the circumstances.
There are some things that can't be denied, though. Laws should be upheld by those charged with upholding the law. No one should be above those laws. If you have a job, especially one as important as this, you have every obligation to do the best job you could possibly do. And if you take pride in certain moral values or beliefs you identify yourself or your country with, you should actually live by those beliefs. You can't stop having your beliefs just because it's inconvenient or because it doesn't concern you directly.
Note that I wrote this down during work – it’s a slow office day and if I don’t do it now, I won’t do it at all – so I might actually come back and give this some much needed editing.
God I HATE moving.
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag, Opa!
Ich werd für uns beide feiern.
Ich werd für uns beide feiern.
- Mood:indescribable
- Music:Frank Sinatra - My Way
It's kind of strange to see my last post now. When I wrote that, I felt like time was running out way too fast. Now I just want this year to end. Every day feels endless and my sleeping schedule is all messed up.
It's the first day in two weeks that I feel like even touching this keyboard, so I'll take the chance to do what I wanted to do ever since December 18th. Even though I only have four people reading this, I feel the need to give a big shout-out to![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
zeraphita.
I must confess that I cannot recall exactly what it was you said to me that day. All I know is that your words gave me comfort. You gave me the best gift I could have hoped for - precious peace of mind for five sweet days in a time where I couldn't bear being awake. In the end there's nothing even you can say to make everything better, but you gave me respite when I badly needed it and helped me gain the strength to somehow make it through the following days. I don't think you're aware of just how much you helped me, so I want to thank you.
So,zeraphita is the best person ever. Thank you.
It's the first day in two weeks that I feel like even touching this keyboard, so I'll take the chance to do what I wanted to do ever since December 18th. Even though I only have four people reading this, I feel the need to give a big shout-out to
zeraphita. I must confess that I cannot recall exactly what it was you said to me that day. All I know is that your words gave me comfort. You gave me the best gift I could have hoped for - precious peace of mind for five sweet days in a time where I couldn't bear being awake. In the end there's nothing even you can say to make everything better, but you gave me respite when I badly needed it and helped me gain the strength to somehow make it through the following days. I don't think you're aware of just how much you helped me, so I want to thank you.
So,
zeraphita is the best person ever. Thank you.- Location:Maastricht
The end of the year, that is. It's only December 7th, but I still feel like I have no time left.
December 5th was my last day in the office for this year, so right now I'm officially on holiday! But sadly, there's not going to be much opportunity for simple rest and relaxation. Starting from tomorrow, I'll be spending the rest of the year in three different countries, without spending more than a week in one place. And I still don't know where I'll be for New Year's Eve!
Off to do some packing!
December 5th was my last day in the office for this year, so right now I'm officially on holiday! But sadly, there's not going to be much opportunity for simple rest and relaxation. Starting from tomorrow, I'll be spending the rest of the year in three different countries, without spending more than a week in one place. And I still don't know where I'll be for New Year's Eve!
Off to do some packing!
Don't get me wrong, I love my job, I love my colleagues, I even love my desk and the plant next to it, but right now I'm beyond frustrated and disappointed.
What else is new? I have a new phone number, so for those who don't have it already and think it would make a neat addition to their phone book, tell me and I'll pass it along to you.
I can't believe it's already December 1st! My last day of work (December 5th) is approaching fast. Which means I have exactly one week to get a couple of things done before I'm on a long, sure to be hectic but great vacation. Not to mention that I get to see my family again for the first time in five years. A few weeks earlier I couldn't wait to go, but right now I'm more anxious. My grandfather is in pretty bad shape and I hate to leave him behind. I suppose there's no use in worrying too much right now, but I just can't help it. That's been the cause of many nightmares of mine - him passing away while I'm far away and can't get to him in time.
...Wow. That was a depressing post. Let's lighten the mood with an Avatar flash video that for some strange reason makes me laugh (even though I've never seen the show):
Avatar: Zuko the fire lord by *Go-Devil-Dante on deviantART
What else is new? I have a new phone number, so for those who don't have it already and think it would make a neat addition to their phone book, tell me and I'll pass it along to you.
I can't believe it's already December 1st! My last day of work (December 5th) is approaching fast. Which means I have exactly one week to get a couple of things done before I'm on a long, sure to be hectic but great vacation. Not to mention that I get to see my family again for the first time in five years. A few weeks earlier I couldn't wait to go, but right now I'm more anxious. My grandfather is in pretty bad shape and I hate to leave him behind. I suppose there's no use in worrying too much right now, but I just can't help it. That's been the cause of many nightmares of mine - him passing away while I'm far away and can't get to him in time.
...Wow. That was a depressing post. Let's lighten the mood with an Avatar flash video that for some strange reason makes me laugh (even though I've never seen the show):
Avatar: Zuko the fire lord by *Go-Devil-Dante on deviantART
- Location:In the Ghetto
- Mood:awake
- Music:MTV
Alllrighty! It's November 4th! I am already already happy, if only because the election is finally over!
I didn't get to post many entries lately. Since I don't want to bore you with long entries, let me summarize the last few days:
- Despite the odds, I managed to obtain a ballot and send it back just in time for the election. I voted! Booyah!
- I voted in Tingle's Voting Booth (this one is more for_wyrd_sister_ - it was the only place in the office I could go to for some "privacy"!)
- To my surprise, the ballot listed seven presidential candidates as well as candidates for Senate and House of Representatives. Why didn't anyone tell me I had to cast three votes, not just one? Damn the Democrat-Republican mainstream media! *shakes fist*
- I didn't vote consistently for one party.
- If Obama doesn't win, I'll have to face the wrath of my colleagues. Also, he'd owe me roughly 100 € shipping costs as well as at least 50 € in compensation for running around for at least 4 hours per day. You hear that, Obama?! You better win!
- Biden is made of AWESOME.
- So is Obama.
- I want a sticker saying "I voted" too!
- International threats are lurking right in front of the Alaska border!
That said, I might stay up all night to watch the election results. Hey, I might be watching history in the making! And now that I've been all serious and voted, I can go for the mindless fangirling portion, yes?
( ETAs, ETAs, ETAs )
Congratulation Barack Obama, President-elect of the United States of America, and congratulation, Joe Biden, Vice President-elect!!
That said, this election is not over for me yet.
( Proposition 8 )
I didn't get to post many entries lately. Since I don't want to bore you with long entries, let me summarize the last few days:
- Despite the odds, I managed to obtain a ballot and send it back just in time for the election. I voted! Booyah!
- I voted in Tingle's Voting Booth (this one is more for
_wyrd_sister_ - it was the only place in the office I could go to for some "privacy"!)- To my surprise, the ballot listed seven presidential candidates as well as candidates for Senate and House of Representatives. Why didn't anyone tell me I had to cast three votes, not just one? Damn the Democrat-Republican mainstream media! *shakes fist*
- I didn't vote consistently for one party.
- If Obama doesn't win, I'll have to face the wrath of my colleagues. Also, he'd owe me roughly 100 € shipping costs as well as at least 50 € in compensation for running around for at least 4 hours per day. You hear that, Obama?! You better win!
- Biden is made of AWESOME.
- So is Obama.
- I want a sticker saying "I voted" too!
- International threats are lurking right in front of the Alaska border!
That said, I might stay up all night to watch the election results. Hey, I might be watching history in the making! And now that I've been all serious and voted, I can go for the mindless fangirling portion, yes?
( ETAs, ETAs, ETAs )
Congratulation Barack Obama, President-elect of the United States of America, and congratulation, Joe Biden, Vice President-elect!!
That said, this election is not over for me yet.
( Proposition 8 )
- Mood:
bouncy - Music:CNN
Election Day is little more than a week away, but whoever thought that the last nine days of the election were going to be uneventful needs to think again. Today's articles have already been very interesting:
Anchorage Daily News sez: Obama for President!
Yes, the Anchorage Daily News, the biggest newspaper in Alaska, has just given out their endorsement - and it's not for the McCain-Palin ticket. To quote:
Gov. Palin's nomination clearly alters the landscape for Alaskans as we survey this race for the presidency -- but it does not overwhelm all other judgment. The election, after all is said and done, is not about Sarah Palin, and our sober view is that her running mate, Sen. John McCain, is the wrong choice for president at this critical time for our nation.
Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee, brings far more promise to the office. In a time of grave economic crisis, he displays thoughtful analysis, enlists wise counsel and operates with a cool, steady hand. The same cannot be said of Sen. McCain.
And despite the main focus of their criticism being on McCain, Palin herself is not exactly praised either.
Gov. Palin has shown the country why she has been so successful in her young political career. Passionate, charismatic and indefatigable, she draws huge crowds and sows excitement in her wake. (...)
Yet despite her formidable gifts, few who have worked closely with the governor would argue she is truly ready to assume command of the most important, powerful nation on earth. To step in and juggle the demands of an economic meltdown, two deadly wars and a deteriorating climate crisis would stretch the governor beyond her range. Like picking Sen. McCain for president, putting her one 72-year-old heartbeat from the leadership of the free world is just too risky at this time.
Ouch.
Many wonder what Gov. Palin's face will be like when she finds out, but I think she has other things to worry about:
Several McCain advisers have suggested to CNN that they have become increasingly frustrated with what one aide described as Palin "going rogue."
(...)
McCain sources say Palin has gone off-message several times, and they privately wonder whether the incidents were deliberate.(...)
A second McCain source says she appears to be looking out for herself more than the McCain campaign.
"She is a diva. She takes no advice from anyone," said this McCain adviser. "She does not have any relationships of trust with any of us, her family or anyone else.
"Also, she is playing for her own future and sees herself as the next leader of the party. Remember: Divas trust only unto themselves, as they see themselves as the beginning and end of all wisdom."
While I can certainly see her desire to break free from the restraints the campaign has put on her, she should also realize the restraints were there for a reason. Whenever she was allowed to say something, she made a complete idiot out of herself. And also, it's just nine days before the election! Way to sabotage your own campaign! It's not like it's already struggling...
All this is fortunate for the Obama-Biden campaign, of course. Biden - also known to the media as "the gaffe machine" - has made several statements that could have been a bit troubling. Just a few days ago, Biden has made a remark about Obama's first six months of presidency, in which he suggested that the enemies might "test" Obama. He even said Hillary Clinton would have been the better VP pick, compared to him!
Then again, at this rate, Biden would have to set Obama on fire to compete with the disaster that is the Republican ticket.
Anchorage Daily News sez: Obama for President!
Yes, the Anchorage Daily News, the biggest newspaper in Alaska, has just given out their endorsement - and it's not for the McCain-Palin ticket. To quote:
Gov. Palin's nomination clearly alters the landscape for Alaskans as we survey this race for the presidency -- but it does not overwhelm all other judgment. The election, after all is said and done, is not about Sarah Palin, and our sober view is that her running mate, Sen. John McCain, is the wrong choice for president at this critical time for our nation.
Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee, brings far more promise to the office. In a time of grave economic crisis, he displays thoughtful analysis, enlists wise counsel and operates with a cool, steady hand. The same cannot be said of Sen. McCain.
And despite the main focus of their criticism being on McCain, Palin herself is not exactly praised either.
Gov. Palin has shown the country why she has been so successful in her young political career. Passionate, charismatic and indefatigable, she draws huge crowds and sows excitement in her wake. (...)
Yet despite her formidable gifts, few who have worked closely with the governor would argue she is truly ready to assume command of the most important, powerful nation on earth. To step in and juggle the demands of an economic meltdown, two deadly wars and a deteriorating climate crisis would stretch the governor beyond her range. Like picking Sen. McCain for president, putting her one 72-year-old heartbeat from the leadership of the free world is just too risky at this time.
Ouch.
Many wonder what Gov. Palin's face will be like when she finds out, but I think she has other things to worry about:
Several McCain advisers have suggested to CNN that they have become increasingly frustrated with what one aide described as Palin "going rogue."
(...)
McCain sources say Palin has gone off-message several times, and they privately wonder whether the incidents were deliberate.(...)
A second McCain source says she appears to be looking out for herself more than the McCain campaign.
"She is a diva. She takes no advice from anyone," said this McCain adviser. "She does not have any relationships of trust with any of us, her family or anyone else.
"Also, she is playing for her own future and sees herself as the next leader of the party. Remember: Divas trust only unto themselves, as they see themselves as the beginning and end of all wisdom."
While I can certainly see her desire to break free from the restraints the campaign has put on her, she should also realize the restraints were there for a reason. Whenever she was allowed to say something, she made a complete idiot out of herself. And also, it's just nine days before the election! Way to sabotage your own campaign! It's not like it's already struggling...
All this is fortunate for the Obama-Biden campaign, of course. Biden - also known to the media as "the gaffe machine" - has made several statements that could have been a bit troubling. Just a few days ago, Biden has made a remark about Obama's first six months of presidency, in which he suggested that the enemies might "test" Obama. He even said Hillary Clinton would have been the better VP pick, compared to him!
Then again, at this rate, Biden would have to set Obama on fire to compete with the disaster that is the Republican ticket.
Ich bin heute über ein sehr interessantes Blog gestolpert, das ich euch nicht vorenthalten will:
http://bestatterweblog.de/
Wie der Name schon sagt, handelt es sich hier um das Weblog eines Bestatters. Für interessante, gut geschriebene Einblicke in die Welt eines Bestatters, die einen durchaus auch zum Nachdenken anregen, bitte dem Link folgen.
( Persönliche Empfehlung für einen Eintrag und mein Familienprojekt )
http://bestatterweblog.de/
Wie der Name schon sagt, handelt es sich hier um das Weblog eines Bestatters. Für interessante, gut geschriebene Einblicke in die Welt eines Bestatters, die einen durchaus auch zum Nachdenken anregen, bitte dem Link folgen.
( Persönliche Empfehlung für einen Eintrag und mein Familienprojekt )
Colin Powell endorses Obama.
This might not be too unexpected, but this is huge. Colin Powell is a Republican, after all, despite his break from the Bush administration. And for someone with so many military and foreign policy credentials to endorse Obama against his long-time friend McCain is amazing.
He made some very good points, too, such as the following:
Powell said he was concerned about what he characterized as a recent negative turn of Republican candidate Sen. John McCain's campaign, such as the campaign's attempts to tie Obama to former 1960s radical Bill Ayers.
"I think that's inappropriate. I understand what politics is about -- I know how you can go after one another, and that's good. But I think this goes too far, and I think it has made the McCain campaign look a little narrow. It's not what the American people are looking for," he said.
And he is right. The McCain campaign became progressively nastier, which might be what the Republican base prefers, but according to recent polls, independent and undecided voters are put off by this. And it's not only the voters who speak out against this. John Lewis, of Georgia, harshly critizised the campaign for "sowing the seeds of hatred and division". And I agree, it goes too far.
It's not only nasty, but also astounding. After all, this is the man who experienced the Rove-style dirty mudslinging first hand during the Republican primary in South Carolina, when he ran against George W. Bush. He was accused of being a homosexual, of having fathered a black child out of wedlock (yes, this worked against him in 2000...), his wife was portrayed as a drug addict and his track record was twisted until it was unrecognizable. Of course, there was no direct proof that the Bush campaign was behind this, but McCain was convinced, as this article suggests:
During a commercial break in a debate [in South Carolina], Bush put his hand on McCain's arm and swore he had nothing to do with the slander being thrown at his opponent. "Don't give me that shit," McCain growled. "And take your hands off me."
According to the same article, McCain considered becoming an independent or even a Democrat. Instead, he officially embraced the Bush administration. It's obvious: The straight talker and true maverick realized he would not get anywhere with his honesty, so he changed his path to the road to success, even if it meant selling out his integrity and principles to the likes of Bush and Rove, until "maverick" and "straight talk" became nothing more than catchphrases full of bitter irony. And seeing this just saddens me.
This might not be too unexpected, but this is huge. Colin Powell is a Republican, after all, despite his break from the Bush administration. And for someone with so many military and foreign policy credentials to endorse Obama against his long-time friend McCain is amazing.
He made some very good points, too, such as the following:
Powell said he was concerned about what he characterized as a recent negative turn of Republican candidate Sen. John McCain's campaign, such as the campaign's attempts to tie Obama to former 1960s radical Bill Ayers.
"I think that's inappropriate. I understand what politics is about -- I know how you can go after one another, and that's good. But I think this goes too far, and I think it has made the McCain campaign look a little narrow. It's not what the American people are looking for," he said.
And he is right. The McCain campaign became progressively nastier, which might be what the Republican base prefers, but according to recent polls, independent and undecided voters are put off by this. And it's not only the voters who speak out against this. John Lewis, of Georgia, harshly critizised the campaign for "sowing the seeds of hatred and division". And I agree, it goes too far.
It's not only nasty, but also astounding. After all, this is the man who experienced the Rove-style dirty mudslinging first hand during the Republican primary in South Carolina, when he ran against George W. Bush. He was accused of being a homosexual, of having fathered a black child out of wedlock (yes, this worked against him in 2000...), his wife was portrayed as a drug addict and his track record was twisted until it was unrecognizable. Of course, there was no direct proof that the Bush campaign was behind this, but McCain was convinced, as this article suggests:
During a commercial break in a debate [in South Carolina], Bush put his hand on McCain's arm and swore he had nothing to do with the slander being thrown at his opponent. "Don't give me that shit," McCain growled. "And take your hands off me."
According to the same article, McCain considered becoming an independent or even a Democrat. Instead, he officially embraced the Bush administration. It's obvious: The straight talker and true maverick realized he would not get anywhere with his honesty, so he changed his path to the road to success, even if it meant selling out his integrity and principles to the likes of Bush and Rove, until "maverick" and "straight talk" became nothing more than catchphrases full of bitter irony. And seeing this just saddens me.
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