Climate Change

Recently I saw a letter to the editor poo pooing global warming based on the writers perception of current weather. I'd like to introduce that writer to these indicators.

Change and Wisdom

I read an article which led me to the School of Wisdom . I offer this without prejudice - I find it interesting, perhaps you will too.

Our Disinformed Electorate

I thought this article was worth reading.

Energy

You know those times when you hear someone say something, or read something, and you say to youself - "that's just wrong"? Well, just a few days ago I heard something like that and it's been bugging me ever since, so I decided to put my thought here. Yes, just one thought. Sorry.
The comment that I heard was something to the effect "...the world's economy is based on oil ...". And I'm sure to many that is just taken for granted. But for some reason, this time I heard it and said "that's just wrong". It's another case of not seeing the forest for the trees.
In this case it is really simple. The trees represent oil, while the forest we should be concerned about is energy. The world's economy may seem to be based on oil, but that is only because oil is where we get our energy.
For me that speaks volumes. You can draw any conclusions you want - there's no other punchline in this message.
John Lennon wrote 'Imagine' - which suggested alternate realities. He didn't mention energy independence, but can you imagine what that would mean? It can and will change the world, if only we can make it happen. And I don't mean just for the USA, I mean for the world. It would certainly be one step in the direction of 'the best of all possible worlds'.

Whew!

First hurdle cleared. What a relief! I believe the country is in good hands. I believe a clear course correction has begun. Now we all get to 'see what happens' - not suggesting sitting on the sidelines, not at all. Stay active. Stay informed. Speak out. Do all the things we couldn't seem to do for eight long years. Voice your approval. Voice your disapproval. Speak your opinion (without fear!).
This blog is not finished - not even close. Only the first chapter is written. Future chapters are a work in progress, including: Economy, War, Terrorism, Immigration, Foreign Policy, Education, Health Care - just to name a few. And there will be, of course, the totally unexpected crisis(es).
So welcome back to the USA! Let's get together and fix this mess (we made).

How can this election be close?

Upfront: I'm biased - no question.
But really, aren't there just a few basic reasons to wonder how in the world the vote can be as close as it is? Why do I have to hold my breath until (at least) November 5?
Without delving into detail, here are some thoughts.

Positive reasons to vote for Obama:
A complete overhaul of the White House
Level headed, intelligent, in-tune-with-the-times leadership
Strong renewable energy plan
Universal health care plan
Jobs - based on current needs like energy, environment, infrastructure
Will reestablish our credibility in the world, just by being elected
Will justify our position in the world community through dialog and action

Negative reasons to vote for Obama:
The thought of Sarah Palin as president
No change in the crew that have been screwing everything for eight years
McCain foreign policy (what is it, what is it?)
McCain economic policy - does Exxon really need tax incentives? Has trickle down worked?

Both lists could go on and on, as they do, but this is enough for me.

Eight years is enough for me - more than enough. If you're happy with the last eight years, you're sick (or you're in the upper 1% of wealth). Electing a Republican president (any Republican) will continue a losing tradition. We must change direction. We must.

5 Videos exposing John McCain

I just received these - they are all good - nothing really new, but some interesting contrasts and contradictory messages from Senator McCain.