It would be unfortunate for us to say nothing here as Memorial Day arrives this year.
But while I know I can’t say nothing, I also can’t think of anything I should say.

From wikipedia.org:

Memorial Day is a United States Federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (in 2008 on May 26). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who perished while in military service to their country. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was expanded after World War I to include casualties of any war or military action.

In this day and age it is near impossible to know someone who has not had their lives touched by war in some fashion or another, grand-parents, parents, aunts and uncles, peers, and even now our children have lived in wartime.  There’s a war continuing to this day and for the foreseeable future and beyond. 

People I went to school with in high school have gone on to join the armed forces as I did, and some have not come home after tours of duty, and I think- there but by the grace go I.  My unit did not suffer any casualties while we were deployed, though our sister unit did. 

As the day goes on, and the flags wave, and people barbecue in backyards to celebrate the 3 day weekend and the changing weather, the parades march by, and inevitably “Taps” will play at a nearby cemetery- take a moment to ponder the sacrifices made, for whatever the reason that they joined, whatever the reason that they fought, take that moment and be thankful.  Thankful that there are those who will serve and die for a country that often forgets, thankful for the life that you live and each breath taken so often for granted by us all.  Be thankful, and honor the memories of those who have gone before, and sorrowful of the thought of those who will go after.

My thoughts go out to all.

Popularity: 2% [?]

The Libertarian Party announced their Presidential nominee on Sunday, and it’s not the suspected Ron Paul that much of the public had thought it would be- he held that title 20 years ago.  No, this time around it’s Bob Barr, a former congressman from Georgia, and one time Republican. 

The Libertarians have said that this could make for the strongest ticket they’ve had in the history of the party (37 years) but that’s not really saying much, as they tend to make up only 3% of the entire voting landscape.

That said- there are some grumblings that with  a race that could be close between McCain on the Republican side, and (let’s just go ahead with saying it) Obama on the Democrat side, Barr could have the position that Green Party Candidate Ralph Nader had in the 2000 elections.  The common view being that had Nader not run, the votes that went to him could’ve gone to Al Gore instead, and put him into the White House as opposed to current President George W. Bush.

Only this time, it wouldn’t be votes taken from the Dems, but from the Reps.  Will Barr make a difference in the coming Presidential Election?  Conventional wisdom would have to say it’s less than likely, but then again… who knows?

Popularity: 2% [?]

Hillary Clinton has found herself under intense fire from all sides now after a comment made Friday during an interview which some say suggests she’s waiting to see if perhaps something bad might happen to Barack Obama.
And by something bad we’re not referring to scandal, illness, or even a change of heart, nope-
She has (and not for the first time) invoked the assassination of RFK in June of 1968 after he had won the California Primary.

Now, is this comment unfortunate?  Highly.  I can recall numerous occasions of sitting around with co-workers who speculated that if Obama were to be elected, there would be more than enough loonies hanging around ready to shoot him for not being a white man.  Powerful, influential, well spoken, politically active, socially conscious black men have a rough history in this country.  As do young, change invoking, crowd rallying political figures.  Obama is both of these.

Is Hillary really suggesting that she might just be waiting for great tragedy to strike so she can step into the position?  We all know that the Clintons can be cold, calculating power-mongers.  But I would greatly hope this is just another verbal misstep by a candidate for whom the fight has been long and hard and is nearing a weary end.

Then again, to keep an image like this is the minds and on the tongues of the American public during such a high charged election season is foolish at best, reckless and dangerous at worst. 

Race, Gender, Party Affiliation, War, Failing Economy, Global Disasters- all of these heated topics are major parts of this election.  Extreme violently personal responses are not unheard of when it comes to any of these issues.

“We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California.” She said to the LA Times. 

Yes Senator, we do.  It’s the very reason that Obama has had Secret Service with him since last May, 18 months before the election, and earlier than any candidate before him.

For your viewing pleasure dear reader- I leave you with Clinton’s comments in their full context, followed by one of the more heated responses she’s recieved from the news media.  Make your judgements for yourself.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Two weeks ago Cindy McCain swore she would never release her tax return even if her husband became President.

Reneging their words must be a McCain family trait. She’s decided to release them anyway.

Cindy McCain 2006 Federal Tax Return 1040 PDF Part 1 and Part 2

Also enjoy Senator McCain’s 2006 and 2007 returns.

John McCain 2007 Federal Tax Return 1040 PDF here.

John McCain 2006 Federal Tax Return 1040 PDF here.

Popularity: 3% [?]

As if we needed further proof of the Bush administration’s unpopularity:

Twenty-five Republican senators broke with President Bush and voted Thursday for a major expansion of veterans’ benefits as part of a bill to finance another year of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The proposal, adopted by a vote of 75 to 22, also provides money for extended unemployment insurance benefits and other domestic programs to which Mr. Bush has objected.

Some can argue that those 25 Republican senators crossed party lines to vote in favor of next years war funding. The veterans’ benefits and domestic programs were piggy backed on the same vote. An old trick to get the parties to unite.

The Reps get what they want (more money siphoned into our Middle Easter quagmire) and the Dems get what they want (domestic and veteran programs to boast the home front).

Everyone wins except the Bush administration.  I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of seeing his name smeared.

Popularity: 2% [?]