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Here's to Inspiration: A Vot for MaCain is a Vote for War

Here's To Inspiration: Barak Obama, "Yes, We Can!"

George Bush on Global Warming

Thoughts on Public Aid

If you've read anything I've posted in this blog, you know that I have a very difficult time identifying with the current Republican administration. I think that America made a monumental mistake in 2004 by reelecting President Bush. I forgive the 2000 mistake because the majority of Americans actually voted against Bush.

But my politics are more nuanced than Republican vs. Democrat. I believe in fiscal responsibility. I believe in diplomacy before warfare. I believe in gun control and small government. I was against going to war with Iraq and now I believe we broke it so we have to fix it.

As for public aid, here is what I believe.

• "Struggle isn't bad."
• "Struggle makes you strong."
• "It is better to be poor and self-sufficient than rich and dependant."
• "We shouldn't make policy around the pocketbooks of rich and successful (i.e. worry about taxes)."
• "Policy should aggressively target the struggling poor."
• "The goal of social welfare programs should be providing attainable advancement opportunities."
• "Along with suitable short term safety nets, the government should provide significant advancement opportunities."
• "Aid should be primarily focused on education, reeducation, and retraining programs and on health care."
• "The poor should be taught that if they want to succeed, they can count on sufficient health and sufficient education to do so."
• "Every person who desires to advance through education and retraining programs should not be limited by lack of financial resources."
  

Backpacking in Yosemite

We just got back from a wonderful trip to California. Apart from seeing old friends, the highlight of our trip was the five days and four nights we spent backpacking in Yosemite. We trekked about 34 miles total and encountered everything from thirst to snow.



Map of the adventure.


Sunrise Lakes, Night 1 (pic taken morning of Day 2).


From the top of Clouds Rest, Day 2.


Stirring up some powered eggs for breakfast, Day 3.


Looking down on Merced Lake with Half Dome in the background, Day 3.


Pumping water, Day 3.


Campsite near Babcock Lake, Night 3.


On the way to Booth Lake, Day 4.


Our campsite at Booth Lake after a night of snow, Day 5.


Our campsite at Booth Lake, Night 4 (pic taken morning Day 5)


Tree hugger, Day 5.


No more boots! End, Day 5.

Can We Eat Lettuce in America?

I just read in Newsweek that Barak Obama got in trouble in Iowa for talking about buying arugula lettuce. Apparently good ol' Americans aren't supposed to eat the bitter tasting herb. Nor are good ol' Americans supposed to shop at Whole Foods Market. Somehow, the fact that Barak Obama does both of these things makes him less American and less electable.

I may be naive, but as far as I can remember, it doesn't matter what kind of lettuce you eat in American. Nor does the color of you skin... or your sex. Thomas Jefferson said it best in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness ," and, may I add, the freedom to eat the lettuce of one's own choosing.

So Barak, eat whatever lettuce you want. But watch out for fickle Americans. Apparently some of them don't think you should be eating arugula or shopping at Whole Foods. Bummer, I know...