Now is the time on sprockets when we slow dance.
***Update***
by Tim F| 38 Comments
This post is in: Open Threads
Now is the time on sprockets when we slow dance.
***Update***
by John Cole| 27 Comments
This post is in: Election 2008, Excellent Links, Politics
Jon Henke has a interesting piece up about the freak-out over McCain, and points out exactly what has confused me the last couple of weeks:
So, why is the Right so angry about McCain? I understand the vehemence of the disagreements, but the anger – including my own, in the past – is disproportionate.
For instance, McCain is perceived as an almost wholly unacceptable Republican (primarily) for his positions on immigration and campaign finance reform, with additional anger directed at him over a few other issues. Yet, President Bush presided over/supported, e.g., No Child Left Behind, the immigration reform bill, McCain-Feingold, the Medicare Drug Bill, a massive expansion of federal spending, egregious agriculture and energy bills, a badly conceived and conducted war in Iraq, and myriad other anti-limited government positions. And he did most of that with a Republican Congress.
Bush is worse in almost every respect – having actively introduced and supported outrageous violations of the putative ideals of the Right – but he is not regarded with the same anger. Why?
Years from now, when people look back at this administration, Bush will have turned out to be less conservative than Bill Clinton in almost every regard, yet he gets a pass. Not only that, his most ardent supporters, people who absolutely refuse to say a bad word about Bush are the same folks who reject McCain.
Go read the whole thing.
by John Cole| 34 Comments
This post is in: Excellent Links
Look, I am not proud that the Republican party in WV decided to support Huckabee, but I am sure tickled pink that we may be the first state to start the end of the Romney campaign:
Republican Mike Huckabee scored the first Super Tuesday victory, winning all 18 delegates at stake in West Virginia.
The former Arkansas governor won with the support of 52 percent of the state’s GOP convention delegates on the second round of balloting. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney came in second with 47 percent of the vote, and Sen. John McCain was backed by 1 percent of the delegates.
Romney was ahead in the first round of voting in Charleston but failed to get the majority needed to win.
A couple quick things:
1.) I have said it before, I will say it again, Mitt Romney is the Manchurian Candidate for the Oligarchy. The same folks who have backed the Bush disaster to this very day are pushing this guy down your throats. Check the poll numbers. I, for one, have had enough of the Bush years.
2.) It is not surprising that Huckabee has a broad base of support here- we are, sadly enough, a lot like Arkansas in many ways. Additionally, West Virginians love charismatic leaders. You might want to check out this post on a legend in West Virginia, A. James Manchin.
3.) I am in a list making mood today.
This post is in: Open Threads
I just spent a week in California for work. I stayed away from TV. newspapers, and the Intertrons. Best week I’ve had in a long time. I suggest you all take a break. It does a mind good. Irvine, CA is a great place to run. All flat.
by John Cole| 61 Comments
This post is in: Open Threads
I am watching Bush right now talk about the subprime mess, and he looks terrible. His face is flushed and mottled, and there is a Nixonian sweat over his upper lip, and he just looks terrible. He also sounds like he is slightly congested and has an upper respiratory infection.
Although he probably just has the flu, it really is amazing how much the Presidency ages a man.
by Tim F| 88 Comments
This post is in: Open Threads
Write down whatever just happened before everyone forgets.
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Your random youtube clip of the day:
This post is in: Open Threads
I decided to challenge myself today and sign up for the ING Georgia Half Marathon, which runs simultaneously with the full marathon. The farthest I’ve ever ran non-stop is 7 miles. About 3 years ago, I started having issues with my sciatic nerve, so I had to stop doing so much exercise. Turns out that not exercising was making it worse. It didn’t help that I gained a lot of weight – about 20 pounds. So today, I signed up and decided to start training.
I have a little more than 2 months. I was surprised to find that I could do four miles when I ran this morning. Of course, it was “run a mile, walk for 5 minutes” etc. But still, a pretty good start. Tonight, I did the same thing. It was easier because I actually went out and spent a bit of money on proper shoes. You’re looking at a fairly frugal person here. I have never paid more than about $40 for a pair or running shoes before. I bought a pair of Asics GEL-Kayano 14’s on the recommendation of a friend who regularly runs marathons. Two reasons: First, to save my knees. Second, spending money on good shoes is motivation. (I’d be pissed at myself if I spent good money and didn’t reach my goal.) Like I said, I’m frugal. But wow! I can’t believe how well they fit, how comfortable they are, and how LIGHT they are! I will never go back, and that is only after one day.
Anyway, the point of the post: anyone in Atlanta want to sign up and join me? It’s $75 for a good cause – preventing childhood obesity. My only goal is to not come in last, so it’s not like you’d be running with a pro. In fact, if you know CPR, you’re especially welcome to run with me.