Why I Like Halloween - I

Insanity is acceptable today. Fundamentally taboo subjects: murder (the knife stabbed into his gut and slid upwards), cannibalism (the innards slithered down into his own innards), etc. suddenly become perfectly expected; and children are encouraged to pretend be all sorts of bad things (robbers, murderers, nightmare creatures--in the old days, demons, devils) and even rewarded with candy and expected to act gluttonously towards it.

Which brings me to the real question: why? I don't understand why people want to hear about things that make them miserable (unless waking up at 4 in the morning dripping in sweat rubbing your stomach to make sure everything's still there is a good feeling). Fear, yes--I love roller coasters because of the simulation of danger--but still. Something that's taboo is suddenly okay with the pretense of a "holiday" in front of it? That's confusing.

Going to go play videogames now. :D

ghettosock day

Some days are just like that. Most Mondays are just like this.

Secret Sock Day

It starts out all ordinary, and before you know it you're wearing a dinosaur costume screaming dirty words from atop the Eiffel Tower.

And hell yes I am doing more of these. WTF indeed.

Against Progress

Note: the last time I made this argument it was for cultural reasons. I'm going to avoid that side today, although I have gotten into the habit of finding colonization and colonial remnants (which Westerners of course aren't nearly as sensitive to) a bit annoying. Whether that's justifiable...is for a different day.

So.

The most basic difference between Western and Eastern thought has to be that of the concept of "progress": that is, that time moves in a straight line and that chronologically later stages are "better" in the sense of an improved quality of life. But here's where things get tricky: the definition of 'improved' is heavily dependent upon the present. Because of the belief that chronological movement represents upward mobility of human development, an 'improvement' is automatically anything that brings us closer to the present. Yes, people rail about the environment and how we're completely fucking it, but here's the thing: they still look for ways to maintain our current lifestyles without reverting to earlier modes.

Anyway, that's the base situation. My real point here is about science and the concept of progress. Every new discovery is considered an 'improvement' over some previous mistakenly held doctrine or, rather, that each discovery has to be built on the previous one--however, sometimes it turns out that, for example, spending more than 50 years studying adaptive immunity and assuming that Metchnikoff's innate immune system was just the little sideshow before the big picture, is wrong. Sometimes scientists have to return to previously held conceptions. That's one of the base definitions we work with: test all hypotheses.

But how are we supposed to test a hypothesis that's basically been ignored for 50 years without feeling silly? Science has embarrassed itself everytime a previously ignored idea has turned out to completely revolutionize a field--and yet we'll keep doing it.

The other side of this is the assumption that new things are always better, that we're always building up to something. Sometimes, science happens for the sake of discovery. Not every receptor is a crucial vital important point-thingy of stuff--and every time something is published in a major paper and then appears in mainstream newspapers and nothing happens with it...science looks bad. There are questions like 'why do we fund this crap?' asked...and, considering how much money science now takes from the government, that's bad.

Last point--the original core of this discussion--evolution. Intelligent design advocates and other anti-evolution types love saying that humans have some pretty damn useless features. Here's the thing: evolution is random. Darwin originally rejected the use of that word because it connotes this sort of constant improvement, even though what's really happening is that whatever works, works. Polydactyly doesn't shorten the lifespan (unless it's the kind that comes with lissencephaly...), and therefore it continues to exist as a mutation.

In short, it's bad for science--not only internally, but also in the public eye--when we automatically assume the sort of progression that historians and anthropologists have famously and mistakenly attributed to contemporary Western civilization for years. (Maybe that's why anthropologists are pretty much apologists now.)

Health

Where are their records?

I suspect I am more and more right to question how long Sen. McCain would survive in office. Melanoma four times...also, a refusal to release cognitive test records is scary. The fact that 1,200 pages of records on him isn't the whole picture is terrifying. Lacking lymph nodes...ladies and gentlemen, guess what those do: regulate your adaptive immune response! (On the other hand, maybe doctors are very long-winded...wouldn't surprise me too much.)

As for Sen. Obama, it's hard to be as concerned about even lung cancer, considering the kind of shape he's in and the fact that his body can take way more. I don't care quite as much about Biden (sorry!), but I will say that emboli can be instantly fatal...maybe he should be on blood thinners?

Funny how this sort of accountability takes a backseat to everything else. Your platform is only useful if you're alive (not to mention supported by Congress) to enact it.

Debate 3

Okay, it's a good thing telekinesis doesn't work because someone would have been horribly injured...the snark keeps rising.

A point of massive irritation: autistic children are not mentally retarded. Sarah Palin does not understand autism.

The one thing I found most amusing to note is the way that McCain and Obama are trading arguments: Obama talking about reform, "reaching across the aisle," and sacrifice; McCain bringing a message of change.... What made me particularly interested was the direct appeal to undecided voters, especially from Obama. He is using the appeal to independents (there was a giant bit for women; he even named seniors--almost pitted against the youth, amusingly enough). McCain is not so much; but he is solidifying his already solid base of social conservative support.

Elitism: McCain did a much better job of coherency and was less vague. His attacks on Obama were specific and Obama clearly had to make a few dodges--however, McCain still fails to specific certain things, like how we're supposed to simultaneously fund education and tax cuts. (Remember the past eight years? "Tax cuts! War! Yay!") I was most intrigued by McCain's claim that healthcare costs "fifty eight hundred" and that he will give people "five thousand."

And he's accusing Obama of being eloquent? (Which, by the way, is sort of a hilarious accusation. "You can speak to people? God!")

The way he dropped some of that grandfatherly façade is really satisfying, though. He's experienced and he should show it. As for Obama--still as able to talk to all Americans as he was to a group of high schoolers (he spoke at my high school when running for Senate)--the big words have slipped in at a bunch of points, but his points have been clear (although occasionally repetitive).

We'll see how it turns out.

November 4th, people. Do not even try to justify not voting if you are able.

Debate 3: Transcript

This is my amusingly (or maybe not-so-amusingly) biased transcript. Most of the things in quotes are direct quotes, but I have a very bad audio memory and was sometimes behind, so there are occasional inaccuracies. It's exactly 4,000 words, by the way.

“New material”? We’ll find out.

Your bailout plans

McCain: Americans are hurting, angry, “new direction” for the country. Short term & long term fixes. Catalyst for housing crisis: subprime lending à collapse of housing market. Reverse continued decline in home ownership w/350 billion dollars to buy mortgages so that people can afford mortgage

Obama: shorter opening. Financial rescue plan is a “first step.” Prevent CEO enrichment… “take some time to work itself out”, whoa. Four specific things: jobs—end tax breaks for jobs being shipped overseas & credit for job creation in America. Help families right away w/middle class tax cut. Access IRA account without penalty if needed. Renegotiate mortgages—but avoid giveaway to banks (criticism of McCain plan). Long-term challenges: energy policy, healthcare, education. (How is that relevant?)

McCain: Obama was out in Ohio & met a plumber named Joe. Based on Obama’s tax plan, “Joe” would end up with increased taxes & damage small business. Realizing the American Dream (can you see the stars?). McCain will keep taxes low and provide “available and affordable healthcare.” Ok, he just got a bit confusing—50% of small businesses are…what?

Obama: “He’s been watching some ads of Senator McCain.” Sen. McCain’s tax breaks are helping oil companies, etc. Tax cut for 95% of working Americans…again, the quarter million dollar thing. TAX CUT. Independent studies: Obama provides 3 times the tax relief. With Joe the plumber: 5 years ago, you needed a tax cut…now: a tax break for all the people looking to buy business. 98% of small businesses make less than $250k and will be getting additional cuts.

McCain: Joe, again. “We need to spread the wealth around” interpreted as “Joe the plumber’s money will go to Senator Obama who will spread the wealth around…I want Joe to spread the wealth around.” Accusation of tax warfare. Directly talking to Obama. Joe the plumber, again.

Obama: Again, tax cuts for 95%. People like Warren Buffet can pay more—McCain cuts in, “We’re talking about Joe the plumber”—Obama: we should give Joe tax cuts before he was making a quarter million. Again, Exxon-Mobil. “Nobody likes taxes.” “We’ve got to pay for the core investments that make this economy strong.”

McCain: “Businesses in America pay the second-highest tax rate in the world.” Cut the business tax rate; cut people’s taxes. Strongly anti-tax.

A trillion-dollar deficit. Proposals will add $200 billion to deficit, both sides. Cutbacks?

Obama: the rescue package, if structured properly, will return money to taxpayers. “We’ve been living beyond our means and we will have to make some adjustments.” ---AAARGH DELAY--- Different ideas on what we should invest in—Obama’s priority: healthcare to save on Medicare & Medicaid in the future; energy policy to prevent dependence; education w/college driving the economy more. We have to deal with our ‘profligate’ ways

McCain: during the Depression, mortgages were bought up & value went up, money was made. Proposal made by Sen. Clinton. (Asked to answer the question.) Nuclear power, etc. including offshore drilling to cut oil. Millions of jobs created. Across-the-board spending freeze—“some people say that’s a hatchet, that’s a hatchet and then I would get out a scalpel.” “We have presided over the largest increase in government spending since the Great Society” (does he mean Depression?) No specifics about what spending opposed until asked. Anti-ethanol subsidies, “saved the taxpayers 6 billion dollars by fighting a ‘sweetheart’ deal.” “Veto every earmarked pork-barrel bill.” Obama’s spending requests including a 3 billion projector for (Adler?) planetarium

Obama: “ Some programs don’t work at all, some programs are underfunded.” That’s why we need a scalpel, not a hatchet. “Earmarks account for 0.5% of the government budget.” Problems not solved by cutting them. A little bit of history: We had a budget surplus and $5 trillion debt in 2000, now: deficit of over half a trillion & double the debt. Policies of past eight years cannot be followed. Sen McCain voted for 4/5 of Bush’s budgets.

McCain: “Senator Obama, I am not President Bush…. I’m going to give a new direction to this economy and this country.” “We can take a hatchet and a scalpel to this budget.” Example: Mayor Bloomberg. Says that he can balance the budget—but how? He talks about eliminating spending. No mention of what it was on. “Let’s look at our records”—claims that Obama approved more special interests—oil in particular. To Obama: “When did you stand up to the leaders of your party?”

Obama: First major bill supported: tort reform. Charter schools, teacher reform, clean coal. “Doesn’t make me popular with trial lawyers, teachers, environmentalists.” Used the phrase “reaching across the aisle.” “Even Fox News disputes McCain’s claim of 42 billion saved, and Fox News never…” “You have been a vigorous supporter of President Bush. You have shown independence—a commendable independence—for key issues like torture, but your economic policy is the same.”

McCain: (overriding moderator) “I’ve got the scars to prove it”—long long list of what he’s fought for. “I have a long record of reform and fighting”—“Senator Obama your argument isn’t very convincing”

Leadership. Taking the high road against mudslinging hasn’t happened. (Obama: one of ‘those looks’ of K, McCain not shown). Take responsibility

McCain: “It’s been a very tough campaign”—if Sen. Obama had responded to town hall meetings, we could have had “at least ten”, went back on the pledge “any place, any time”. “The tone of this campaign has gotten very tough.” Many unacceptable turns—Congressman John Lewis “an American hero,” accusation very negative, “so hurtful”. Why didn’t Obama repudiate this remark, McCain “has consistently repudiated”. Talks about running a truthful campaign. “Obama has spent more money on negative ads than any other campaign in history—and I can prove it.” Obama’s abandonment of public spending how is that a bad thing considering the taxpayer dollars being funneled into McCain ads? Watergate….

Obama: If you look at the record—2/3 American think that Sen McCain’s campaign is more negative. “A hundred percent of your ads have been negative—it absolutely is true.” “I think the American people are less interested in our hurt feelings than policy, etc.” “That’s the stuff that campaigns should be made of.” Lack of town-hall style does not justify negative ads (527s mentioned—MoveOn?) “I don’t mind being attacked for the next three weeks. What the American people can’t afford, though, is another four years of failed economic policies.” (AGAIN: McCain will only serve for four years!) “We need to change the subject, and I would love to see the next three weeks devoted to [main topics]” Economy, healthcare, education. “Politics as usual is not solving the big problems in America.”

McCain: first, Arizona defeated Dallas…baseball…okkkay. “You’re running ads that misportray completely my position on immigration” also stem cells. “Unprecedented” amounts spent on negative ads “on me”. “Of course I’ve talked about the economy, to people like Joe the Plumber” (seriously, is this guy like Mickey Mouse?).

Obama: Congressman Lewis’ statement was unprompted—“he was troubled by your running mate’s rallies”—things like ‘terrorist’ and ‘kill him’ being shouted without Palin saying anything. “We’ve gotta be careful how we deal with our supporters.” Lewis’ comparison was inappropriate, and a statement was immediately put out; Lewis’ statement probably agreed. “The American people have become cynical about our politics because all they see is a tit for tat. All they want is the ability to focus on some really big challenges.” We have a difference on healthcare—we’re not talking about issues when I’m accused of hanging around with terrorists.

McCain: is “proud of the people who come to our rallies.” Military veterans and wives—should not be called anything but the “most dedicated, patriotic.” “There’s a lotta things that have been yelled at your rallies” (yeah, terrorism is really on the same level as…what? McCain names no specific phrases)

Obama: “What I think is most important” to solve all the key problems—war, economy—Democrats, Independents, and Republicans “have to be able to work together”. We need to “disagree without being disagreeable…. Tough, vigorous debates…cannot characterize each other as bad people…”

McCain: “We need to know the full extent of that relationship” with Obama’s shadier friends—“all of these things need to be examined”

Obama: Response to two specific allegations: “Mr Ayers has become the centerpiece of Sen. McCain’s campaign.” Ayers—40 years ago, when Obama was eight, was involved in things that Obama “roundly condemned”—10 years ago, served together on a school board involving significant Republicans. “Mr. Ayers is not involved in my campaign…and he will not advise me in the White House.” Acorn: paying people to go out, register votes—“some of the people who were out there didn’t really register”—“the only involvement I’ve had…is representing them to help implement a motor voter law” ---AAAAARGH my FUCKING INTERNET---

McCain: “I’m not going to raise taxes like Obama’s going to raise taxes, and this is what my campaign’s really about”

Your running mates

Obama: Biden “one of the finest public service”, “best foreign policy” acknowledged by Democrats and Republicans. “Never forgot where he came from.” Scranton mentioned. “Consistent pattern” to “fight for the little guy”—economic policies for working families, passing 1994 crime bill, Violence Against Women Act. Shared core values & “sense of where the country needs to go.” “After 8 years of failed policies, what we’re going to have to do is reprioritize.” Tax cuts to small businesses & struggling individuals, not wealthy corporations. “Finally get serious about energy independence…languishing in Washington for 30 years.”

McCain: Palin is a “role model to women and reformers everywhere” (gee, thanks.) Saw corruption, resigned. Gave money back to taxpayers & cut size of government, negotiated with oil companies to relieve “what they call the lower 48” “Breath of fresh air” to “sweep out” cronyism, etc. “that I’ve fought for 40 years”. “She understands special needs families…as they raise these very special needs children” (Yeah, just the way she ‘understands’ parents of pregnant teens.

Obama: on Palin—“That’s going to be up to the American people—she’s a capabable…has excited the Republican party…commendable for special needs—I just want to point out that autism or other special needs will require additional funding if we’re going to get serious in terms of research and if we have an across-the-board spending freeze” that won’t happen

McCain: on Biden—bad policies in Middle East, especially concerning wars… “had this cockamania (??) idea to split Iraq into three countries” (which would eliminate certain problems). “Why do we always need to spend more? Why can’t we have transparency…Obama sought & proposed $80 billion of new spending.” I love how fast he finished dissing on Biden.

Energy & climate change (corrected by McCain). Every president since Nixon has been anti-foreign dependence, but it’s gone from 17% to more than 60%…specificsplz?

McCain: eliminate dependence on Venezuelan and Middle Eastern oil, Canadian is fine. Obama claimed he would ‘unilaterally’ renegotiate NATO, threat from Canada to sell to China instead. Association of Obama with “extreme environmentalists”. Every kind of alternate energy listed, but nuclear first—“I think we can easily, with 7, 8, 10 years, if we put our minds to it, we can eliminate our dependence from the places that threaten our national security”

Obama: in 10 years, reduce dependence to avoid Venezuela & Middle East oil. “Nothing’s more important than us no longer borrowing…from China and sending it to Saudi Arabia. It’s mortaging our children’s future.” Expand domestic production—oil companies have to use their 68 million unused leased areas…offshore drilling: we only have 3-4% oil, “we can’t drill our way out of the problem.” “Solar, biodiesel, geothermal”—technologies that don’t depend solely on the weather named. “We invented the auto industry, the fact that we have fallen so far behind….” “I believe in free trade. But I also believe that, for far too long…[McCain & Bush coupled]…any trade agreement [has been] a good trade agreement.” Stop allowing China to manipulate so that imports are cheaper & exports are more expensive. South Korea: we only give 4-5k cars, important tens of thousands. “That’s not free trade.” “I don’t apologize.”

McCain: Obama’s use of words—“we will look at offshore drilling” (by the way, that sounds like a relief) “I am a free trader.” A free trade agreement opposed by Obama: the goods we send to Colombia (largest source of agriculture) we have to pay for, Colombia doesn’t have to pay. “Senator Obama, who has never traveled south of our country…” “The country that just freed three Americans. The country that will be a market [help create jobs in America]” “Free trade with Colombia is a no-brainer, but maybe you oughta travel down there”

Obama: “I understand it pretty well.” The labor situation in Colombia (seriously. Amnesty be unhappy about them.) “We have to stand for human rights and we have to make sure that violence isn’t being perpetrated against laborers just trying to organize for their rights”—supported the Peruvian free trade agreement. Last point about the automakers: “they are having a tough time because of gas prices…financial crisis…car loans.” Loan guarantees to the automakers, but “we have to hold them responsible as well” for “producing the…efficient cars of the future.” Detroit has been “dragging its feet.” Create 5 million jobs, including “in the heartland”. Wind turbines, solar panels—clean technology.

McCain: “Senator Obama doesn’t want a free trade with our best ally in the region, he wants” to “sit down without precondition” with Chavez. “I just recited to you the benefits” of the Colombian—actually he didn’t, but now he’s mentioning a billion dollars returned, allegedly for jobs. Comparison to Herbert Hoover.

Healthcare

Obama: we have to control healthcare costs & expand coverage. “This is the issue that will break your heart over and over again.” Shaking hands—two women, in their 50s, just laid off had no healthcare—“they were desperate”. “If you have health insurance, then you don’t have to do anything.” “The only thing we’re going to try to do is lower costs so that those cost savings are passed on to you.” Average family’s premium cut by $25 (??) a year. Option to buy into federal pool “which both Sen. McCain and I enjoy as federal employees”. Prevent discrimination b/c of preexisting conditions, work with drug companies to lower costs, IT, manage chronic illnesses that are preventable like diabetes, heart disease. “Over the long term, this is the only way…to save the federal budget.”

McCain: ‘Terribly painful’ situation, 47 mil Americans w/o healthcare & rising cost. “I am convinced we need to do a whole lot of things”—online info like with the VA, community, etc. Physical fitness programs and nutrition programs in schools b/c of rising obesity (has he been to a school lately…?). Get the “healthcare that you wish.” To Joe the plumber: w/the capital gains increase that Obama wants (sorta muttered), you ‘will be fined’ for not adopting Obama’s plan. “I don’t think that Joe [and his children] wants a fine when he’s seeing such difficult times in the economy.”

Obama: “I just described what my plan is.” To Joe “if you’re out there”: “Here’s your fine: ZERO.” (with hands) “I exempt small businesses” but not large businesses that can afford it—“either they provide it to their employees or someone else has to.” “The average family is paying an additional $900 in premiums a year because of the uninsured.” 50% credit for “Joe”. Sen McCain’s plan: $5000 tax credit “sounds pretty good”, but for about 20 million people, “you may no longer find yourself with health insurance”—the young & the healthy will take it; you older folks: “your employers won’t be able to afford it”. Sen McCain will be taxing healthcare benefits “for the first time in history.” By the way, the average plan “costs around $12k”. The main restrictions on insurers is currently state law; under McCain, you’d see much more “cherry-picking” and exclusion.

McCain: “Hey, Joe, you’re rich, congratulations.” Joe wanted to buy the business he’s been working for ’10, 12 hrs a day”. Repeat of first phrase—“you will fall into the category where you will have to pay a fine” to use the kind that “Sen Obama mandates”. 95% of the people in America will “receive more money under my plan”—um, what. People will be taxed, but somehow $5000 will solve it…. “The average cost of the American plan is fifty eight hundred dollars, I will give you five thousand [‼‼‼!]”…”Sen Government—oops, Obama—wants government to do the job.” Keeps talking about too much government, too much spending—people should be self-determined. “We can’t afford that in the next eight years.”

Obama: “Y’all just heard my plan.” If you have healthcare, you keep it…McCain’s plan: “having your employer no longer provide your healthcare”; U.S. Chamber of Commerce says that “this plan could lead to the unraveling” of the current employer system.

Roe v. Wade; could you nominate someone who disagrees?

McCain: No “litmus tests”…”I thought it was a bad decision” “the decision should rest in the hands of the States” “I’m a Federalist” (uh, has he read the papers…? It’s the exact opposite.) Obama chose not to join a panel of 14, half Dems half Republicans, because he was “afraid” of nominating a conservative judge. Obama voted against Prior & Roberts for ideological reasons. “A history of strict adherence to the Constitution” “I would consider anyone and their qualifications; I do not believe that someone who has supported Roe v. Wade would not be part of those qualifications” (? I think I know what he means, though)

Obama: “Fairness and justice” for the American people; no litmus test. “I am somebody who believes that Roe v Wade was rightly decided; I think that abortion is a very difficult issue, that it is a moral issue” and that both sides can disagree. Women should have the right to decide—the Constitution has a “right to privacy” in it, no subjection to state referendum. (interesting: a focus on abortion). “I will look for those judges who have an outstanding record…and who hopefully understand what real-world folks are going through.” A woman named – and pay discrimination: when she brought a suit, “the judges said, well, it’s taken you too long…even though she didn’t know about it until fairly recently.” Obama supported her; McCain opposed. Obama: direct appeal to women: “if being treated unfairly, the court has to support her if no one else will.”

McCain: “that was a trial lawyer’s dream.” “We have to change the face of America, those of us who are pro-life probably understand that. :OOOOOOO ! Obama voted against medical attention for a child born as a result of a failed abortion (not cool. I think partial-birth should be banned…disgusting) Obama voted for partial birth—“disgusting, terrible,” etc. “and he’ll say something about Roe v. Wade, the Illinois senate…”

Obama: “if it sounds incredible that I would vote to withhold lifesaving treatment from an infant: that’s because it’s not true.” The bill in the Illinois senate: there’s already a law requiring it. “Pro-choice Republicans and Democrats are against it…the doctors in Illinois voted against it…Hippocratic oath.” Late term abortions should be banned w/exception for mother’s life. (okay, I can deal with that.) “This is an issue that—look—it divides us…. But surely there is some common ground.” Come together & say, we should prevent unintended pregnancies—sex education. Prevent “cavalier” sex. “Options for adoption and helping single mothers.”

McCain: accusing Obama of eloquence. Somehow “health” of the mother is an “extreme pro-abortion” stance. “We [Cindy and I] will not cease to protect the rights of the unborn.” Passion, courage—“we’ll help take care of it.”

Education (last question). U.S. spends more per capita and yet way fucking behind.

Obama: This “probably has more to do with our economic future than anything.” Also “primacy as a military power”. Debate between more money and reform—“I think we need both. In some cases, we are going to have to invest. Early childhood education” closes the gap early; close reading gap, reduce delinquency. “An army of new teachers, especially in math and science.” Better pay, etc. in exchange for higher standards and accountability. Paying for college. “It’s very difficult for them to go into some fields, basic science and research for instance, thinking they’re going to have a mortgage before they have a house.” (nice reference…) More credit for helping the community, military, Peace Corps. Parents’ accountability: “They have to turn off the TV”

McCain: civil rights; mention of socioeconomic disparities. Talking about the ability to choose school—“charter schools”—is he pretty much supporting No Child Left Behind? The “choice” “choice” “choice” “Charter schools…are providing the competition that have upgraded both types of schools.” “Throwing money at the problem is not the answer.” Some worst schools get most money…how about examples? Increase programs like Teach for America [which I have heard is awful] and Troops for Teachers (?). Better repayment schedule, in-state tuition, adjust student loan eligibility to inflation.

More federal money?

Obama: tradition of local control—“has served us well”, the Fed needs to “step up”. “They left the money behind for No Child Left Behind”—unfunded mandates; “we did the right thing by saying that we should provide more money to special needs” but didn’t go through with it. “higher salaries in exchange for more support.” Agreement with McCain: Doubled the number of charter schools in Illinois “despite some reservations from teachers”. Holding bad schools accountable. “Where we disagree”: somehow giving out vouchers isn’t enough. Sen McCain’s record of college, his key advisor said: “We can’t give money to every interest group that comes along.” :O “We have to prioritize” “explain in concrete terms”—“if we’re going to lower loan rates like you [McCain] said, somebody’s gonna have to pay for it”

McCain: talking about charter schools, choosing schools…made possible through vouchers. “I’m frankly surprised that you didn’t pay more attention” NCLB: “it had its flaws” but a good plan…. The “HeadStart program is a great program” but it’s not doing what it should do, “let’s reform it and fund it…that was of course out of bounds by the Democrats” Accountability & transparency “and the adequate funding” “Children, precious children who have autism…Sarah Palin knows about that [um, no she doesn’t]”—is he aware that there are other conditions? He named autism twice…. No “throwing money at a problem…vouchers” can be good where they are requested, etc.

Obama: the D.C. system is in terrible shape, a great new superintendent [McCain interjection: she supports vouchers] The voucher program has data showing it doesn’t work. “If we are going to be serious, we have to have a president” who actually deals with the problem.

McCain: something—a criticism of Obama’s anti-voucher stance; “they work”. Laughing…he actually snorted, unless that was the moderator

[Closing]

We need change. “I have a record of reform, taking on my party, the other party, special interests.” Cleaning up; renaming of “long” record—why is nothing new mentioned? Affordable, quality education. “Whether you can trust us or not”—“not only examine my record but my proposals for the future of this country.” “As a long line of McCains [American aristocracy]” who has served, “I’d be honored and humbled” to serve again.

Obama: Thanks. “America’s going through tough times right now.” Past eight years + decades of failure to “tackle”. “The biggest risk we can take right now is to adopt the same failed policies and the same failed politics.” We need “fundamental change”…and now I’m distracted by how damn charismatic he is… “our brighter days are still ahead” “We have to invest” in college, businesses—economy, policies that will “lift wages and grow our middle class”—policies he’s fought for his “entire career” “It’s not gonna be easy, it’s not gonna be quick” Dems, Republicans, and Independents have to come together and renew “the spirit of sacrifice” and something else…work on behalf.

Ideal Sock Day

Every day should be like my socks.

Just a thought.

Ponderances

A fundamental difference in the Republican and Democrat styles.

This article vs.Obama's refusal to endorse Ludacris' "Obama's Here" because of some of the more offensive bits. Where's the dignity we were promised? I'm surprised, though, because McCain really was better than this until he started to really, really push that presidential bid. Desperation becomes a question.

Self-esteem is the opiate of the masses

Seriously. American kids are being encouraged to 'feel good' about themselves--well, while you're doing all this feeling, the rest of the world is actually doing. High self-esteem actually has a negative correlation with performance on tests among high schoolers. And I'm sure we're still the greatest country (definitely the most militarily dominant) or whatever, but maybe more people should read Herodotus.

The narrative in Herodotus follows this theme of depicting a rise to power followed by a swift fall caused by pride--!!spoiler alert!! the last two lines of Herodotus (in the Rawlinson translation, available online) read

"Then Cyrus, who did not greatly esteem the counsel, told them,—“' might do so, if they liked—but he warned them not to expect in that case to continue rulers, but to prepare for being ruled by others—soft countries gave birth to soft men—there was no region which produced very delightful fruits, and at the same time men of a warlike spirit.”' So the Persians departed with altered minds, confessing that Cyrus was wiser than they; and chose rather to dwell in a churlish land, and exercise lordship, than to cultivate plains, and be the slaves of others."

Herodotus associated comfort with decadence quite directly--I see it becoming more and more true here. Even in the Olympic games, people just went on and on about our swimming and beach volleyball victories and the unfairness of gymnastics--what happened to all the other fields? I remember the Olympics being a little more comprehensive than that.

Anyway, Americans need to stop assuming that living in a great country (albeit seemingly in a phase of decline--or is that a side effect from the current misbalance of power?) automatically makes them great. People, you need to work towards it.

Maybe You're Not That Bad...Maybe.

After seeing the kinds of questions voters are asking, I'm a little less disappointed in the kinds of values people are putting forth. Many of the questions were about major, global issues--so way to defy the view of Americans as self-centered! Hooray!

Anyway, they're getting snarky and it is a little amusing but also quite relieving to see that Obama is pissed off. Yes, being cool is an amazing quality--but in the face of lies, it doesn't always work. And it's amusing to me to note how many times Obama has corrected McCain and Palin (who's pretty much parrotting McCain, so McCain Jr., I suppose); whereas, despite the frequency of accusations made against McCain, he has not corrected anything. Assuming that he would step up--the Republicans are traditionally more aggressive than the Dems--this suggests rather strongly that the Dems aren't lying as much (or they're just better at it, which I maintain is true as their lies tend to be in accordance with science).

The frustration of the intellectual also seemed to come out more strongly tonight--I'm beginning to think that Obama's pauses are often him looking for a lighter phrase, something more understandable to the public. Which brings me to a point mentioned in the NY Times: why is it so bad to be elite these days, considering that it's a good thing in the military and the President is also the Commander-in-Chief? No wonder Obama seems rather frustrated at times. I speak from my own experience...America is disappointing. We talk about raising standards and competing on a global scale, yet people would rather vote for the man who can talk folksy to them than the one with an articulate plan.

A little transcript of interesting things:
Mccain: replaced "house" with "home" [significant because it implies McCain is far more educated and less down-to-earth than the image he has created]. Major personal attacks accusing Obama & "cronies" of causing the crisis
Obama: "I've gotta correct a little bit of Senator McCain's history, not surprisingly"
[use of the word] "archaic"
Mccain: not able to remember 3 items...short-term memory...? hmmmm. From what I know of neurobiology (a complete Biological Sciences major with a specialization in Neuroscience), after around 60 years of age the condition of the brain becomes much more questionable even in apparently healthy people.
Obama: comparison to families, again. PRIORITIZE.
WHOA...offshore drilling???
Mccain: "Who voted for it? Y'might never know...that one! [Points]"
Holocaust, twice...?
Obama: "...best schools on earth"
American Dream



P.S. More "Heroes" vindication...so much foreign DNA is surely problematic for more than just Sylar.

"Can I Call You Joe?"

Quick, biased transcript. Excuse the errors. I'm going to comment on this...when I have the time.

Biden: pushing Obama's plans out. Knowledgeable, maybe too much?
Palin: What. the hell. Anecdotes work for McCain because they are about important people, Palin has set the tone as, once again, the soccer mom. But she is getting to the point quite directly. Citing McCain's work and the failure of the current Congress. Bipartisan. Putting the country first.

Now it’s Biden’s turn to talk about experience—Bosnia, etc. Quoting gaffes by McCain—sudden reversals on the economic crisis.

Palin correcting McCain quote. The working man focus. Palin talking about governor, mayor. Maverick. Partisan. Get the job done. Claim that 96% of Obama’s votes have been following the party line. Fire—energy, reform. Maverick again.

Palin blaming the rich, greed, corruption on Wall Street. Americans have been duped. Every day American people… “hockey moms” and “Joe six-pack” …she’s ‘one of them’. Learn lessons, never again—entire focus is on the tricking of the people.

Biden: Obama was ahead of his time in noting the subprime crisis. McCain’s stands and deregulation lambasted. The fundamental conflict between big and small economic government. Biden comparing McCain’s opinion on healthcare to the economic crisis—interesting. Mention of the middle class, anecdote about gas—this is more direct, simpler than Obama. Less discussion of the specific plans.

Palin: she’s used ‘heck’ and ‘darn’, going on about the vote for tax increases…but here’s the question: whose taxes are being increased? Talking about job creation & private sector. Efficiency of government, anti-government growth. “We do need tax relief.” Obama’s alleged support of tax increase for 42k earning families.

Biden: completely denies Palin’s version of Obama’s support, also claims that McCain has voted 477 times (against 94 for Obama) to raise taxes and voted with Obama on the bill Palin quoted.

Palin: talking about what she’s done as a mayor and a governor, her “track record”. Talking straight to the American people…of course failing to mention that Alaska is the only state with a budget surplus.

Biden: talking ‘straight’. Fairness. Quoting numbers, repeated use of the words ‘middle class’. Tax breaks for the middle class. Obama’s plan mentioned, specifically about how it will not touch the middle class. Whoa—some number oddness; 95% of people making under $150k…but the tax only applied to $250k and over? McCain and adding corporate tax breaks. Different values. “Middle class is the economic engine.”

Palin: ‘redistribution of wealth’. Millions of small businesses will be screwed by Obama’s tax increases. Excitement, occasional stumbling of words. “Patriotic is saying government, you’re not always a solution, you’re often a problem.” Wants the private sector to take over instead. $1 trillion in new spending is completely backwards. McCain’s healthcare plan details: $5k tax credit to purchase own healthcare…budget neutral?? Against Obama’s universal healthcare. Runon sentence reiterating. “Erase the artificial lines between states” interesting concept, reaching back to unity?

Biden: questioning the word ‘redistribution’, especially considering the corporate. Repeats ‘fairness’, points out that 95% of small businesses are safe…hmm. Healthcare: small stumble, first Obama, but he is talking about McCain’s plan to raise $3.6 trillion to give people $5,000 and then replace $12k plans given through employers because 20 million people will be dropped. Repeat statement and rephrase. Sound bite. “We may have to slow down” foreign assistance and not going forward with McCain’s tax cuts for the richer, more numbers. Impressive sounding. Eliminate wasteful spending, $100 billion tax dodge for the offshoreness. Unpatriotic. “That’s what I’m talking about”

Palin: Sideways accusation of Obama, he’s telling some people one thing and others another thing (not mentioned, but mentioned McCain as different.) 2005 energy bill. Palin talking about her own experience w/oil companies in Alaska, naming companies…”bless their hearts” “They’re not my biggest fans” “Monopoly breaking” “value given to the people of Alaska” what?? Okay, her words have gotten a bit convoluted. Now she’s saying that Obama’s vote for energy bill that she has been reversing in her own state. She’s only promised to ‘do what is right for the American people’, no promises from McCain either that would have to be rescinded because of the crisis.

Biden: Obama was against the elimination of tax breaks for oil companies, however McCain is even adding more tax breaks for Exxon-Mobil, etc. Both sides naming tax companies. Approval of Palin’s windfall profits tax. Points out that Palin gave $1k to each Alaskan, forceful words—polite enough, pointing out McCain’s mistake.

Palin: I would support McCain’s original tax cut, but not with the current situation. Corruption. Greed. McCain’s call for reform. “rear that head of abuse” Bipartisan, put the politics & campaign aside to ‘do what’s right’. ‘Toxic mess’ on main street that’s affecting Wall Street’. “Main Streeters like me”

Biden: Only 10% of affected by Chapter 7 to Chapter 13 switch…disagreement between Obama & Biden = pessimist vs. optimist. Points out again that Obama noticed 2 years ago, McCain was surprised in December. Wants to adjust principal that people owe—believes McCain & Palin do not support. Ways to help people have not been supported by Bush, McCain, or Palin.

Palin: Is going back to her record on energy—the one place where she claims to have actual experience. “Allow this nation to become energy dependent”, talking about this ‘great land’ and the tapping of resources in states like ‘Alaska’…any others? Billions going to foreign countries who don’t ‘like’ America. “Very very hungry markets” “Energy independence is the key to this nation’s future” Heck again. Again energy independence. As the nation’s only arctic state, Alaska sees more climate change—cyclical temperature changes on the planet, “not just man”. Does not want to discuss causes, wants to “positively affect impacts.” Stumbling over words. First governor to form climate change subcabinet—once again, energy independence. Avoid emissions. Claims that human activity is more of a sub-cause. Now talking about conserving hydrocarbons, etc.

Biden: clearly believes global warming is caused by humans. Saying that McCain and Palin cannot come up with a solution because they do not believe this is manmade. We have 3% oil reserves and 25% consumption, McCain has voted against wind, solar, biofuel funds 20 times. We—and Barack Obama—believes in investing in alternative energy. Mention of export. Invest in technology. Forceful, short sentences. McCain voted against 20 times. “Drill, drill, drill.” But we’ll have to wait 10 years, will be in trouble.

Palin: “Drill, baby, drill” “hunger for sources, tap into” 100s of trillions of feet of “clean green” natural gas…uh, what. “Environmentally friendly onshore dealing. Tiny footprints on land.” WTF…. Claims that Obama’s and Biden’s opposition to oil drilling is an opposition to domestic energy source.

Biden: Clean coal record, 25 year support. Saying that the export of technology was the actual quote—never said there was no such thing as clean coal. “Maybe John’s for everything if the free market takes care of it.” Totally supportive of same-sex benefits. There will be no distinction in a constitutional and governmental standpoint—good, keep religion away from this. Sharing of tax benefits, life insurance, etc. Used the word ‘same sex marriage’.

Palin: against redefining the traditional definition of marriage, would not be ‘anything but tolerant’ of the choices adults in America make. Has a diverse family and friends, nothing to prohibit same visitations or contracts. Talking about the definition of marriage—but not about allowing civil unions. Repeated traditional mention of marriage instead of mentioning what about the constitution.

Biden: Civil definition of marriage will be untouched. Faiths’ problem.

Palin: evading the answer, she doesn’t support gay marriage. That’s all she says. We have a good plan for a surge, etc…but what about the exit strategy, which is the question. Petraeus mentioned. Totally butchering the pronunciation of ‘Iraq’, talking about Obama submitting to political pressure. No early withdrawal out of Iraq, Afghanistan mentioned—working with NATO allies. “We need to grow our military” “getting closer and closer to victory, it would be a travesty if we quit now”

Biden: Obama has an actual plan, named. Bush and the current PM of Iraq are discussing this exact plan—and McCain voted with Obama to avoid funding troops because of the bill’s lack of timeline. $10 billion a month while the Iraqis have an $80 billion surplus. Iraq needs to start being responsible for itself. “for John McCain, there is no end in sight to this war.”

Palin: hesitation—claims that the plan is a “white flag of surrender” Obama can’t admit the surge works—actually, he said it went beyond his wildest expectations in the last debate. Keeps saying we’re getting ‘closer and closer’, I’m starting to think Xeno’s paradox. Repeated respect for Biden and his honor of military—sudden vitriol against Obama. “That’s another story,” kind of rushing the ending.

Biden: McCain was against the armor protecting Palin’s, Biden’s sons & other sons and daughters because of the timeline to end the war. McCain has failed to read the history of the past 700 years, Obama has been right. “There are the facts.” Biden, along with Barack, focusing on Pakistan. As bad at pronouncing as Palin…although he’s getting the ‘I’ in Iran and Iraq right. Saying they are both dangerous. “Fundamental problem with McCain’s policy”, that the central war on terror is in Iraq. “Come from Al-Qaeda planning in the hills of Afghanistan and Pakistan.” Stable government needs to be established—messing with the government and economy there. Building of madrassas, compete by building schools there.

Palin: agrees that both are very dangerous, once again Petraeus, “central war on terror is in Iraq” OH GOD SHE SAID NUKULER. Iran cannot be allowed to acquire nukes, Israel is being dragged down. Same quote of Ahmadenijad (sp) used by Palin and McCain—the ‘stinking corpse’, used to justify further defense, maybe invasion of Iran. Demanding of preconditions. Sounds exactly like McCain. “I had a good conversation with Kissinger”, would engage in diplomacy “With some of these dictators who hate America and what we stand for with all our freedoms and our rights”…diplomacy is first and foremost but it is hard work by serious people, clear objectives necessary. Also sanctions.

Biden: “Simply not true about Obama” Ahmadenijad does not control the security apparatus in Iran, the religious side does. Five secretaries of state have said the same thing as Obama—basically, going again with the Obama is ahead of his times thing—especially mentioning Bush’s recent sit-down with diplomats where McCain wants to find terms without sitting down with governments. McCain wouldn’t sit down with Spain—same as Obama.

Palin: “never allow a Second Holocaust” full support of Israel, embassy in Jerusalem, “peace seeking nation” “succeeded with Jordan, Egypt” Talking about commitments…to what? “Work with our friends in Israel.”

Biden: “No one has ever been a better friend to Israel than Joe Biden.” Seriously, she is challenging him in his area of expertise—but he does sound a bit tired, Palin has more force (even when being ridiculous). Pointing out that him and Obama have displayed foresight, etc.—sort of a continued “I told you so” thing. “The policy of this administration has been an abject failure.” Thoughtful, real live diplomacy. Stand with Israel, not insist on policies.

Palin: Does not think the government is an ‘abject failure’, respect for Israel support. Lots of friendmaking. Admits to huge blunders throughout administration—but all administrations. Points out that Biden-Obama have been ‘finger pointing’ backwards. Government “back on the side of the people” “Putting excessive partisanship aside” “Maverick, feather ruffling” McCain.

Biden: “Past is prologue, Gwen” How different is McCain from Bush? Points out vagueness of McCain’s stances. Lots of short sentences, repeated structure. Better appeal to average person than Obama’s more reasoned-ness.

Palin: Deterrent is a “safe stable way to use nukuler weapons”…as long as it’s America. Mention of Kim Jong-Il. Some stumbling of words. Wants to talk about Afghanistan. Need to implement surge in Afghanistan, that “perhaps” would be a difference with the Bush administration. Claims that Obama’s comment on the fuckups in Afghanistan are undermining the cause, mentions the schools. Keeps saying ‘we’.

Biden: “Facts matter” Commanding general in Afghanistan—repeat—“the surge principle in Iraq will not work in Afghanistan”. Still hasn’t named this general. More money, more infrastructure, but not the surge. So much more money spent in Iraq than Afghanistan—3 weeks in Iraq, 6.5 years in Afghanistan comparable spending. “Nuclear weapons require a nuclear arms control regime” McCain is against inspections, regulation, tighter control. Switches to Obama when running out of time—Obama ‘reached across the aisle’ to write a “serious and real” piece of legislation. Arms control.

Palin: names the general. Used the word different like…5 times. Rapid talking. Saying that McClellan didn’t necessary oppose a surge, promoting increased military presence as well as the fact that the Bush administration agrees.

Okay, it’s 9.00. This is a VP debate, the viewpoints are quite clear.

(10.46 p.m.: I'm watching the rest. Evidently I missed the truly sensational bits.) I have to add, though, Palin's "executive experience": what. the. FUCK. Also, "Walk the walk and talk the talk"...is Palin secretly McCain's Mr. Hyde?

It's disturbing how completely sterotyped these dudes are.

Comments & Thoughts

What is the purpose of having a weblog?

It's a question I find myself asking every time I'm low on time but somehow here spilling my thoughts out.

I mean, the Internet is a public forum. The word forum implies discussion--so presumably one makes posts on the Internet to encourage discussion that's particularly uninhibited by things such as social mores. However, one has to have a prior readership, preferably composed in part of people one knows in "reality" to really encourage dialogue...at the least, I should be advertising.

The other answer, I guess, is the one that says I use this as a way to consolidate my thoughts--seeing things in writing really shows the flaws in the argument or overall stupidity. But why don't I just use a private journal, then?

Hmm...I suppose these things are unimportant enough for me to post openly and to not care about responses on.

Also, user comments can be pretty damn stupid at times. Just check out any reasonably popular yet controversial Youtube video.