The Democratic National Convention -- WRAP UP!

The entire convention was excellent, but John Kerry stole the show. His speech was by far the best of the convention. Bill Clinton had me wondering if Kerry could take over the party....

Kerry DID!
"So tonight, in the city where America's freedom began, only a few blocks from where the sons and daughters of liberty gave birth to our nation – here tonight, on behalf of a new birth of freedom – on behalf of the middle class who deserve a champion, and those struggling to join it who deserve a fair shot – for the brave men and women in uniform who risk their lives every day and the families who pray for their return – for all those who believe our best days are ahead of us – for all of you – with great faith in the American people, I accept your nomination for President of the United States."

Kerry On outsourcing.......

"We're told that outsourcing jobs is good for America. We're told that new jobs that pay $9,000 less than the jobs that have been lost is the best we can do. They say this is the best economy we've ever had. And they say that anyone who thinks otherwise is a pessimist. Well, here is our answer: There is nothing more pessimistic than saying America can't do better.

We can do better and we will. We're the optimists. For us, this is a country of the future. We're the can do people. And let's not forget what we did in the 1990s. We balanced the budget. We paid down the debt. We created 23 million new jobs. We lifted millions out of poverty and we lifted the standard of living for the middle class. We just need to believe in ourselves – and we can do it again."

On GW Bush's calling him a 'flip-flopper' and 'too complex'.........

"Now I know there are those who criticize me for seeing complexities – and I do – because some issues just aren't all that simple. Saying there are weapons of mass destruction in Iraq doesn't make it so. Saying we can fight a war on the cheap doesn’t make it so. And proclaiming mission accomplished certainly doesn't make it so. "

On family values.....

"For four years, we've heard a lot of talk about values. But values spoken without actions taken are just slogans. Values are not just words. They're what we live by. They're about the causes we champion and the people we fight for. And it is time for those who talk about family values to start valuing families.

You don't value families by kicking kids out of after school programs and taking cops off our streets, so that Enron can get another tax break."

On our dependance on middle east oil.....

"We value an America that controls its own destiny because it's finally and forever independent of Mideast oil. What does it mean for our economy and our national security when we only have three percent of the world's oil reserves, yet we rely on foreign countries for fifty-three percent of what we consume?

I want an America that relies on its own ingenuity and innovation – not the Saudi royal family."

That line was FANTASTIC!

Here is my favorite part though...

"And let me say it plainly: in that cause, and in this campaign, we welcome people of faith. America is not us and them. I think of what Ron Reagan said of his father a few weeks ago, and I want to say this to you tonight: I don't wear my own faith on my sleeve. But faith has given me values and hope to live by, from Vietnam to this day, from Sunday to Sunday. I don't want to claim that God is on our side. As Abraham Lincoln told us, I want to pray humbly that we are on God's side."

GO KERRY GO!

Everyone.... Get out and tell your friends to vote for John Kerry. Tell them to go to his website. Tell them to get their friends involved. We must move into action.

VOTE JOHN KERRY!

The Democratic National Convention -- Day 3

Last night we saw a couple of great speeches. There were many to watch, most of which were re-hases of previous speeches. The 2 stand outs from yesterday were Al Sharpton.....

In the most exciting moment of the speech Sharpton attacked the Bush Campaign for its attempts to purchase the votes of minorities with slick campaign ads:

"Mr. President, the reason we are fighting so hard, the reason we took Florida so seriously, is our right to vote wasn't gained because of our age," he told the Democratic National Convention, his voice booming through the FleetCenter arena. (Read transcript)

"Our vote was soaked in the blood of martyrs, soaked in the blood of good men, soaked in the blood of four little girls in Birmingham. This vote is sacred to us.

"This vote can't be bargained away. This vote can't be given away."

And of course, my favorite line....

"In all due respect, Mr. President, read my lips: Our vote is not for sale."

His reference to the elder Bush's famous "Read My Lips: No New Taxes" propaganda is genius as it is a reference to a father and son who both have broken their trust with the American people.

The second highlight of the evening came when future Vice-President John Edwards stepped up. He spoke with a raspy voice, no doubt as a result of so many speeches given in past couple of weeks. He accepted the nomination and he layed out the platform for transforming 2 Americas into 1 America.....

<>"... the truth is, we still live in two different Americas: one for people who have lived the American Dream and don’t have to worry, and another for most Americans who work hard and still struggle to make ends meet.

It doesn’t have to be that way. We can build one America"

He talked about Health Care....

<>"We can build one America where we no longer have two healthcare systems. One for people who get the best healthcare money can buy and then one for everybody else, rationed out by insurance companies, drug companies, and HMOs—millions of Americans who don’t have any health insurance at all.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

We have a plan that will offer everyone the same health care your Senator has. We can give tax breaks to help pay for your health care. And we will sign into law a real Patients’ Bill of Rights so you can make your own health care decisions."

He talked about education.....

<>"We shouldn't have two public school systems in this country: one for the most affluent communities, and one for everybody else.

None of us believe that the quality of a child’s education should be controlled by where they live or the affluence of their community.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

We can build one public school system that works for all our children. Our plan will reform our schools and raise our standards. We can give our schools the resources they need. We can provide incentives to put quality teachers in the places and the subjects where we need them the most. And we can ensure that three million kids with a safe place to go after school. This is what we can do together."

He talked about the economy.....

<>"We shouldn't have two different economies in America: one for people who are set for life, their kids and grandkids will be just fine, and then one for most Americans who live paycheck to paycheck.

And you know what I’m saying. You don’t need me to explain it to you, you know—you can’t save any money, can you? Takes every dime you make just to pay your bills, and you know what happens if something goes wrong—a child gets sick, somebody gets laid off, or there’s a financial problem, you go right off the cliff.

And what’s the first thing to go. Your dreams.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

We can strengthen and lift up your families. Your agenda is our agenda—so let me give you some specifics.

First, we can create good paying jobs in America again. Our plan will stop giving tax breaks to companies that outsource your jobs. Instead, we will give tax breaks to American companies that keep jobs here in America. And we will invest in the jobs of the future—in the technologies and innovation to ensure that America stays ahead of the competition.

We will do this because for us a job is about more than a paycheck—it’s about dignity and self respect. Hard work should be valued in this country and we’re going to reward work, not just wealth. "

He talked about civil rights....

"I have heard some discussions and debates about where, and in front of what audiences we should talk about race, equality, and civil rights. Well, I have an answer to that question. Everywhere."

He talked about the war to end terrorism....

"And we will have one clear unmistakable message for al Qaida and the rest of these terrorists. You cannot run. You cannot hide. And we will destroy you. "

HE SUMMED IT ALL UP.....

<>"So when you return home, you might pass a mother on her way to work the late-shift—you tell her……hope is on the way.

When your brother calls and says that he’s working all the time at the office and still can’t get ahead—you tell him……hope is on the way.

When your parents call and tell you their medical bills are through the roof—you tell them…...hope is on the way.

When your neighbor calls you and says that her daughter has worked hard and wants to go to college—you tell her……hope is on the way.

When you talk to your son or daughter who is serving this country and protecting our freedoms in Iraq—you tell them……hope is on the way."

AND THE CONCLUSION!

<>"We choose hope over despair; possibilities over problems, optimism over cynicism. We choose to do what’s right even when those around us say “You can’t do that.” We choose to be inspired because we know that we can do better—because this is America where everything is still possible.

What we believe—what John Kerry and I believe—is that you should never look down on anybody, that we should lift people up. We don't believe in tearing people apart. We believe in bringing people together. What we believe—what I believe—is that the family you're born into and the color of your skin in our America should never control your destiny.

Join us in this cause. Let’s make America stronger at home and respected in the world. Let’s ensure that once again, in our one America—our one America—tomorrow will always be better than today. "

John Edwards is awesome. He is a great leader for our country. He is a great American.

Tonight in the big night. Tonight John Kerry accepts the nomination and will start the journey towards becoming the President of the United States of America.

The Democratic National Convention -- Day 2

Oh MY! Where do I begin? Day 2 of the Convention, while not as good as day 1, was a great day. The old guard took the stage as Senator Edward Kennedy stepped up to the plate for a stirring speech.

"The goals of the American people are every bit as high as they were more than 200 years ago. If America is failing to reach them today, it’s not because our ideals need replacing, it’s because our President needs replacing. "

And my personal favorite...

"We bear no ill will toward our opponents. In fact, we’d be happy to have them over for a polite little tea party. I know just the place – right down the road at Boston Harbor. "

Howard Dean also spoke to us and was his normal fired up self...

"We’re not going to be afraid to stand up for what we believe. We’re not going to let those who disagree with us shout us down under a banner of false patriotism. And we’re not going to give up a single voter, or a single state. We’re going to be proud to call ourselves Democrats, not just here in Boston. We’re going to be proud to call ourselves Democrats in Mississippi, proud to call ourselves Democrats in Utah and Idaho. And we’re going to be proud to call ourselves Democrats in Texas."

My favorite line from his speech:

"Never again will we be ashamed to call ourselves Democrats. Never. Never. Never. We’re not just going to change presidents, we’re going to change this country and reclaim the American dream."

So, those 2 were excellent as were several others, but then the star was born.

Barack Obama!

What can I say but this man will be the first African-American President someday. He is a shoe in to be elected to the Senate that is for sure after the GOP implosion in Illinois and after his absolutely perfect speech last night....

"A belief that we are connected as one people. If there’s a child on the south side of Chicago who can’t read, that matters to me, even if it’s not my child. If there’s a senior citizen somewhere who can’t pay for her prescription and has to choose between medicine and the rent, that makes my life poorer, even if it’s not my grandmother. If there’s an Arab American family being rounded up without benefit of an attorney or due process, that threatens my civil liberties. It’s that fundamental belief—I am my brother’s keeper, I am my sisters’ keeper—that makes this country work. It’s what allows us to pursue our individual dreams, yet still come together as a single American family. “E pluribus unum.” Out of many, one."

I love this guy! Can we make 100 copies of him and elect him to every Senate seat?

Here is my favorite part of his speech......

"Yet even as we speak, there are those who are preparing to divide us, the spin masters and negative ad peddlers who embrace the politics of anything goes. Well, I say to them tonight, there’s not a liberal America and a conservative America—there’s the United States of America. There’s not a black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America; there’s the United States of America. The pundits like to slice-and-dice our country into Red States and Blue States; Red States for Republicans, Blue States for Democrats. But I’ve got news for them, too. We worship an awesome God in the Blue States, and we don’t like federal agents poking around our libraries in the Red States. We coach Little League in the Blue States and have gay friends in the Red States. There are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq and patriots who supported it. We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America."

Ron Reagan then broke loose for an amazing speech about embryonic stem cell research. He didn't endorse Kerry, he endorsed any candidate who is for lifting the ban on stem cell research.
"Now, there are those who would stand in the way of this remarkable future, who would deny the federal funding so crucial to basic research. They argue that interfering with the development of even the earliest stage embryo, even one that will never be implanted in a womb and will never develop into an actual fetus, is tantamount to murder. A few of these folks, needless to say, are just grinding a political axe and they should be ashamed of themselves. But many are well-meaning and sincere. Their belief is just that, an article of faith, and they are entitled to it.But it does not follow that the theology of a few should be allowed to forestall the health and well-being of the many."

Well said Mr. Reagan, how long before he runs for office? He is a better speaker than 90% of the politicians in both parties and is very passionate on at least one topic.

Then the Finale of Tuesday was Teresa Heinz Kerry.

Her best line:

"John is a fighter. He earned his medals the old-fashioned way, by putting his life on the line for his country. No one will defend this nation more vigorously than he will—and he will always be first in the line of fire."

Overall, A productive and exciting convention so far. I can't wait for tonight as we will see the next Vice President of the United States: JOHN EDWARDS!

The Democratic National Convention -- Day 1

Last night was excellent. It started off for me with Al Gore. Al was humorous, charming and intelligent in his (apparently) toned down speech......

“I sincerely ask those watching at home who supported President Bush four years ago, did you really get what you expected from the candidate you voted for?” Gore asked. “Has the promise of compassionate conservatism been fulfilled? Or do those words ring hollow now?”

“For that matter, are the economic policies really conservative at all? Did you expect, for example, the largest deficits in history? ... And the loss of a million jobs?”

I couldn't have said it better myself.

"And we can have new leadership, because one of our greatest strengths as a democracy is that when we are headed in the wrong direction, we can correct our course. When policies are clearly not working, we can change them. If our leaders make mistakes, we can hold them accountable-even if they never admit their mistakes. I firmly believe America needs new leadership that will make us stronger at home and respected in the world."

He is simply brilliant!

Then we were treated to President Jimmy Carter. A person I believe would have made a much better president in the last 10 years than he did at the time he was president. He carried our nation through a very turbulent period and he was ill prepared for the things that would occur during his presidency. Most people remember the hostages taken and blindfolded and shown on T.V. They blame Carter for this. He, however, never took us into a premptive war. Now here in 2004, we have seen pictures of American Hostages being taken and killed on T.V. GW Bush took us into a premptive war which was later found to be undertaken based on fictious conclusions about Iraq's involvement in terrorism. He IS the reason these hostages are being murdered. In my mind, Jimmy Carter's stock went up a couple of points for keeping us out of a long drawn out war in Iran and saving many American lives in the process.

President Carter's speech was very tough on the current administration......

“We had confidence that our leaders, military and civilian, would not put our soldiers and sailors in harm’s way by initiating wars of choice unless America’s vital interests were endangered,” said Carter, who alleged that, under Bush, “the United States has alienated its allies, dismayed its friends and inadvertently gratified its enemies by proclaiming a confused and disturbing strategy of ‘preemptive’ war.”

“In the world at large, we cannot lead if our leaders mislead,” Carter said. “You can’t be a war president one day and claim to be a peace president the next, depending on the latest political polls.”

Carter's savvy first shot into the heart of the ridiculous Flip-Flopper tag the republicans have attempted to strangle John Kerry with was a direct hit. In one sentence, Carter took the republican rhetoric and bashed them over the head with it. Maybe he learned something about tough speeches when he was being destroyed in the 1980 presidential debates by Ronald Reagan.

After Carter, we were treated (those of us watching C-SPAN the other networks were too busy showing pundits) to several very good speeches from our great democratic congresswomen who have great passion and intelligence and are wonderful leaders in the U.S. congress, to a fine speech by Rep Bob Menendez and to a testimonial from Reverand David Alston who served with Kerry on a swift boat in Vietnam. Alston's stories about John Kerry's leadership in crisis during the war were very powerful, if only they could have been heard by those not watching C-SPAN.

Then the night was capped with Hillary Clinton's short speech and introduction of President William Jefferson Clinton. He was so perfect. He talked about America's common goals. He talked about how there are 2 paths we can follow in an attempt to form a more perfect union.

"We've got to choose for president between two strong men who both love their countries: Our nominee, John Kerry, who favors shared responsibility, shared opportunity and more global cooperation, and their president and their party in Congress, who favor concentrated wealth and power -- leaving people to fend for themselves -- and more unilateral action."

President Clinton followed the theme for the evening and used the republican rhetoric against them....

"Their opponents will tell you we should be afraid of John Kerry and John Edwards because they won't stand up to terrorists. Don't you believe it," Bill Clinton said. "Strength and wisdom are not opposing values."

I actually stood up in the living room and applauded. I couldn't help myself. The truth has never been spoken more precisely and with such elegance.

Clinton's speech was a masterwork of comparing and contrasting the republican's view and the democrats view.
"In this year’s budget, the White House wants to cut off federal funding for 88,000 uniformed police, including more than 700 on the New York City police force who put their lives on the line on 9/11. As gang violence is rising and we look for terrorists in our midst, Congress and the President are also about to allow the ten-year-old ban on assault weapons to expire. Our crime policy was to put more police on the streets and take assault weapons off the streets. It brought eight years of declining crime and violence. Their policy is the reverse, they’re taking police off the streets and putting assault weapons back on the streets. If you agree with their choices, vote to continue them. If not, join John Kerry, John Edwards and the Democrats in making America safer, smarter, and stronger."

"On Homeland Security, Democrats tried to double the number of containers at ports and airports checked for Weapons of Mass Destruction. The one billion dollar cost would have been paid for by reducing the tax cut of 200,000 millionaires by five thousand dollars each. Almost all 200,000 of us would have been glad to pay 5,000 dollars to make the nearly 300 million Americans safer—but the measure failed because the White House and the Republican leadership in the House decided my tax cut was more important- If you agree with that choice, re-elect them. If not, give John Kerry and John Edwards a chance. "

"These policies have turned the projected 5.8 trillion dollar surplus we left—enough to pay for the baby boomers retirement—into a projected debt of nearly 5 trillion dollars, with a 400 plus billion dollar deficit this year and for years to come. How do they pay for it? First by taking the monthly surplus in Social Security payments and endorsing the checks of working people over to me to cover my tax cut. But it’s not enough. They are borrowing the rest from foreign governments, mostly Japan and China. Sure, they’re competing with us for good jobs but how can we enforce our trade laws against our bankers? If you think it’s good policy to pay for my tax cut with the Social Security checks of working men and women, and borrowed money from China, vote for them. If not, John Kerry’s your man. "

His speech was flawless, effortless and delivered with power, verve and strength. President Clinton is a great leader for the democratic party and he is preparing to hand over that title to John Kerry on Thursday Night.

The Democratic National Convention

The 2004 presidential campaign officially begins tonight. There is no better way to start things off than with a speech from William Jefferson Clinton. During the 2000 convention, Clinton was nothing short of awesome. He is the best campaigner in the history of the Democratic party. Tonight he will tell us everything we need to know in regards to why we should put our faith in John Kerry. He will be dazzling, exciting and articulate. He will have us warmed up and ready to go vote for the Kerry ticket.

This week we will see Al Gore, and John Edwards making wonderful and powerful speeches. Then the finale will be John Kerry on Thursday night. The expectation has been drilled into for months that Kerry is boring. They have been saying Kerry is dry....and inarticulate... and not expecially good at rallying the troops. I am glad this expectation has been set, because it is patently false. It is a smear campaign and nothing more. John Kerry will step up and show us his plan for a Stronger, Safer, and more Prosperous America.

I, Robot -- A Review

The preview for this movie made me unsure if I wanted to see it.
However, the movie itself was much better than I expected.

Will Smith is a cop in the year 2035. There are lots of robots running around helping us in the future setting of the movie and one is accused of murder.

Smith plays the lead character flawlessly and is very entertaining. He has a knack for say things in a way that makes even the most lame dialogue..funny. The performances were quite good across the board.

The plot has a few weaknesses and sometimes has troubles dealing with the laws of physics... but overall this is an above average action movie.


7 of 10

Activist Judges?

Why is it the Bush Administration only has a problem with Activist Judges when it suits them?

Let me backup and give a little background info....

The Gay Marriage issue brought up by the Republican Homophobes is a very non-interesting diversion to someone like myself who is not gay and not homophobic. I don't care if people want to marry each other and they are of the same sex or of the same or different planet. If 2 people want to form a life partnership, let them. It is to society's advantage to have people working together toward common goals. They are much less likely to be a burden for the rest of us. The Christian in me says God may have something to say about this later, but that is for him to judge. I shall withhold my judgment as to do otherwise is to be sinful, at least in my reading of the bible.

I understand a lot of very religious hypocritical zealots are judging these people as sinner and do not want to recognize their sins under the law. These people are welcome to voice their opinions. However, under our constitution Gay Marriage is legal. The Bush administration is basically admitting it by putting forth an Amendment to stop it. They want to limit the rights granted us in the constitution. I say this is very dangerous ground, and so does John McCain! It is NOT a good idea to start limiting people's rights, because tomorrow we could decide it is sinful to play guitar and outlaw that with a constitutional amendment.

This week the Senate should some signs of actually believing in a country based on individual rights and freedom. A trait it has rarely shown over the past 10 years. It killed the Gay marriage amendment. Not that I was shocked. There is no way 2/3 of congress and 38 states would agree and ratify this albatross.

But the Bush administration insists it is necessary. They insist that "Activist Judges" are to blame for this Amendment being needed. If these judges would just let the bible thumpers pass laws limiting freedom based on religious beliefs and not overturn them, we could be arresting Bill Clinton by sundown for committing adultery in violation of the 10 commandments! For this they are called, "Activists." And the Bushies say they are creating laws and that they are unelected and that is bad.

I too am SICK of Activists Judges. Like the ones in the Supreme Court who Appointed GW Bush president by creating law out of thin air to justify overriding the laws of the state of Florida in 2000. Wait... those aren't the Activist Judges GW Bush meant? Oh, he meant the others who voted against him being appointed president. He is unelected too, so maybe that isn't such a bad thing when someone is not an Activist against Religious Homophobic issues.

Maybe we should all take a course in constitutional creation.

We have a separation of powers for a reason. Why? So that power isn't too concentrated and can be checked and balanced by other points of view. This protects us from oppressing the minority.

We have an unelected Supreme Judiciary for a reason. Why? Well, it is hard to champion against minority oppression when you have to get re-elected by the majority. They were are appointed by elected presidents and confirmed by elected senators. So, they are legitimately servants of the will of the people. To say otherwise is to be...An Activist.

The Bush Administration is trying yet again for another large power grab. It looks to me by their attacks on the "Unelected Activist Judges" that they are going to try to change the constitution to allow Supreme Court Justices to be elected. Or maybe I am just too trusting of these guys, maybe they want to get rid of the Judiciary Branch too and to rule our country unchecked and unbalanced.

Delaying The Election Due To Terrorist Activity?

See Newsweek Story

Tom Ridge is setting us up to try to allow a movement of the Presidential Election based on a terrorist threat for that day.

THIS IS NONSENSE!

The Bush Administration will stop at nothing to secure a victory in the fall, including making it look unsafe for people to go to the polls. Now, they are going to push congress to grant emergency powers to allow the election to be delayed at the discretion of the President. This is dangerous ground we are walking on. Hitler took power in 1933 by being granted emergency powers. This is a roadmap toward dictatorship.

GW Bush is the unelected President of the United States who is largely unpopular and now is facing certain defeat. When the time comes he would be granted the power to delay the election until he deems it safe to occur, even when he is behind in the polls. He could undermine the constitution of the United States, as he has already shown he is so willing to do.

As for me, if we have terrorist attack on that day... The elections should continue. They can't possibly attack all the polls. Allow people to vote at any polling place in their state as an emergency measure, but elections should NOT be delayed by ANYTHING!

Their is NO event which should impune our democratic process or GRANT POWERS OF ULTIMATE AUTHORITY TO ONE PERSON! EVER!

The resulting tyranny will be one which our country cannot and should not endure.

The simple fact that anyone in this administration would consider such a thing or propose it and not be laughed out of the room shows me that it is time for a real change. GW Bush and his entire unelected Administration must go. They are not for government of the people, only for government which keeps them in power.

Freedom must endure, the United States of America must remain a DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC!

Anchorman! A triumph!

Will Farrell is a freaking genius! His turn as Ron Burgundy in Anchorman is one of the funniest I have ever seen. The entire cast of the movie delivers many memorable lines and moments of laughter. I saw many previews for this movie and thought it might turn out to be a case where they ruined the movie with the preview, but over half the stuff in the preview doesn't appear in the movie! AWESOME!

The cast of this movie is positively terrific, GREAT comic performances all around. Christina Applegate plays the straight role to perfection. She even delivers a few of the funniest lines!

Steven Carell of "The Daily Show" is marvelous. He was also great in last summer's Bruce Almighty, but this performance as the 'dunce' weatherman is absolutely priceless.

Make sure you stay for the credit as it is 5 minutes of riotous outtakes!


10 of 10!

Dodgeball -- Hilarious!

Well... I finally went to see Dodgeball. You probably already guessed by the headline that I liked it. Ben Stiller is perfect in this one because he plays the villian and he is so easy to dislike, it is great fun to watch him be an asshole. Vince Vaughn is the hero and he plays the slacker hero to the hilt. Stephen Root (Think Milton from Office Space) steals the show as one of the geeks who plays on his team and "works out" in Average Joe's gym.

The brand of humor here is pure stupid fun. Rip Torn plays the Coach who teaches them to play better. His methods are classic. The writing for this movie is also very creative. Lines from this one will become part of pop culture in years to come. I can't wait to watch it a second time just to pick up more!

The weaknesses of the movie are its plot. The weak moments are kept to a minimum by quick editing as soon as you think it is starting to get a little 'too' dumb.

Overall, it is a very funny comedy... A guilty pleasure to be sure!

8 of 10

Kerry - Edwards .... The First Day

With the selection of John Edwards as his running mate, John Kerry officially opened his campaign for President of the United States. What you say? Hasn't he been running for a while now? No. The campaign truly begins for those who are only sparingly paying attention today.

The Vice Presidential selection wakes up the electorate and lets them know that the election is actually getting close. How did they do on their first day? Terrible. The Republican Spin Machine kicked their collective asses today. They set the tone, not us. Why? How? Well, because they prepared for those who were the finalists. They were out bashing them last night before Kerry even made a selection.

On several different newscasts and newschannels the Republican spin meisters were in high gear. The Wall Street Journal had reporters on every station I turned to spouting rhetoric while pretended to be unbiased. Those of us with a clue recognize that the Wall Street Journal AND Fox News Channel are the basic cogs of the Right Wing Radical Media. Why do the mainstream news stations put these spinners on as legitimate news pundits? Because they are owned by large corporations. The same corporations which allowed thinly veiled Kerry-Edwards bashing to take place ALL DAY!

Give me example you say? Ok. The pros for Edwards being on the ticket are that he brings "pizzazz" to an otherwise boring candidate. That this passes for anything other than a vicious right wing attack is amazing to me! The cons for Edwards is that he is a trial lawyer. Why is that bad? Because he sues large corporations for their terrible treatment of people and WINS! To me this is actually a PRO! But it is bad to be a trial lawyer because Dick Cheney says so. You see, Cheney doesn't like trial lawyers. They seem to be interested in the technicalities of law and how it is a violation of federal to grant no bid contracts to large companies that the Vice President has a large financial stake in...like say....Halliburton.

I heard Rush Limbaugh today say that Edwards is an intellectual lightweight! What? GW Bush is as lightweight as they come. I heard Sean Hannity bash Edwards for not being in the military. He wasn't selected in the draft. Cheney had several deferments, Edwards did not. GW Bush went in the National Guard and then Deserted! However, to his so-called mind, Edwards does not have the military experience necessary to lead our country.

Well... It was a bad day. There is time to turn it around. First off, Democrats need to wake up and stop being such wimpy wimps. Bush and Cheney are quite obviously lying cheating dogs. Treat them like the scum they are. Never back down.

This is what must be done. Whenever you hear anyone repeating Republican spin, you must reply calmly with "Did you know that George W Bush was a deserter in 1972? Did you know that Dick Cheney still owns a large stake in Halliburton and they were illegally given a no-bid contract in Iraq? Did you know that George W Bush has created the largest budget deficit in the history of the world? Did you know the George W Bush has stopped all stem cell research due to his radical religious beliefs which have no basis in science? Did you know that George W Bush has cut spending on VA hospitals which take care of our soldiers returning from the war he created based on lies?"

Or just repeat what should be our mantra...
"IT IS TIME FOR THEM TO GO!"

Van Halen -- A Concert Review

I watched Van Halen on July 1 in Indianapolis. I decided to go when I heard Sammy Hagar was returning to Van Halen. He makes this band click. The performance was very good. They started the show with Jump and from there on the crowd was with them. I would say there were around 25,000 or so in attendance. It is hard to tell with the size of the lawn at Verizon Music Center. They were standing for the entire show.

I have seen them perform 5 times before and this time was quite different. They performed no Sammy Hagar solo songs as a group. They have always performed his big hits in the past, but this time not a one. Sammy performed 2 of his songs, Eagles Fly and Deeper Kind of Love, in an acoustic solo in the middle of the show. It was a very strong part of the show. They also did quite a few songs from the David Lee Roth era, which I hadn't heard them do with Sammy. Somebody Get me a Doctor was a shining example and Michael Anthony handled the song in almost a duet with Sammy. They also performed a new song, the aptly titled..."It's About Time". Good song, I am not sure how much radio play it will get, but it was a good concert track.

Eddie's solo was nothing short of awesome. He seems totally refreshed after taking so much time off. He is quite simply the best guitar player on the planet and on this night, he was on top of his game.

The best song of the night though was when they performed Right Now. The large video screen behind them projected parts of the original video mixed with current political messages. The Anti-Bush message was received with a strong positive reaction from the crowd, which seems kind of strange in a Heavily Republican State like Indiana. I sure hope all those folks show up to Vote. The song however was performed flawlessly and the vocals by Hagar were great. They followed it up with Panama which brought the house down after such a great performance of Right Now.

Overall they had high energy, and performed very well. It is good to see them back together and refreshed as they are one of the best rock bands ever assembled.

If you get a chance, go to one of the shows.


10 of 10