Where is my Visine?

Yesterday I finished Obama's book, after reading one of Clinton's and continued to peruse whatever is available from conservative to liberal on the wonderful www. I asked my family what they thought, even though we are all in different time zones. Who needs to sleep anyway? Then I had a round table discussion with 10 neighbors and 7 local business people. I ate and meditated or prayed standing up so I could continue watching the news coverage of the caucuses... until I saw Joan had posted.

Meanwhile, in an alternate universe, I took the kids to an educational but entertaining place where they were well fed. I read children's books from the library until they drifted off into the very long naps they always take, cleaned, organized, and recycled, went to work to make enough money to live in this country, volunteering after work for an organization too heart-wrenching to mention. Then I refinanced all those credit cards, went to a class, built a new patio and deck with my perfect mate, planted a garden, went shopping for food and prepared a spectacular meal. I had time in the evening to work on my second novel, watch The Office reruns( I heart Dwight Shrute), enjoy some family QT, before joining the 10 neighbors and 7 business people at a club to dance but instead we continued debating who to vote for and what it would mean for the future of the free world.

OK, that is a mild exaggeration. What I really mean: The political process is exhausting and it's just winding up. We've got some time before Election. Does anyone else feel tired from it? Or maybe just confused? Is there a way to lighten it up, maybe defuse it a bit?

telecon and others have mentioned that there is constant trouble brewing in the Middle East and this is correct. Who can deny there are absolute nutbags out there just waiting to destroy what they deem threatening to their way of life? Here, there and everywhere! They have more hatred than they know what to do with. It seems we do too.

Recently I was in London and for the first time, all those big brother cams were kind of reassuring. At least if the street explodes they have it on camera! But seriously, which of our candidates would be considered most worldly and understanding of other cultures? Which has lived in other countries and worked their way from absolute obscurity?

I can't help but wonder if Obama has the best chance of appeasing(as in defuse) the extremist factions in The Middle East.

Do they have an ointment for obnoxious people? People who insult entire races, genders, cultures, and countries consistently. People who bait and troll and generally act like someone in a sitcom.

brightstar could not possibly even exist. (65, as in 1965... man, I assumed you were a high school kid just messing around.) NOBODY could be so out of touch, I don't believe it. Well, maybe Dwight Shrute.

Is that you Dwight?

Forget the salve, just play nice and know how to take it, especially if you are dishing it out. Jokes are good. Salon is good. Just have fun. Now, go back to work before you get spanked by that dominatrix lady.

Smart posts. Smart readers. You have a deal!

I don't mind the lack of monogamy nor the desire present for exploring some boundaries, but the lying and manipulation... that the part that is unforgivable. It seems a selfish and despicable thing to do to someone you love. It can also be a sick addiction, the ultimate and intoxicating rush of the new and different. There is no pain like betrayal.

Something isn't right LW, and you don't need to second guess yourself. That said, I have many friends who I don't share any bodily fluids with. OK, so it's just a phone and she only texts him intermittently (or regularly, what do you know?) and there is all this energy going into this wondering and pleading for answers. Maybe she is just a friend, maybe he wants her or maybe she wants him or... oh, the stories you can dream up! It just sounds exhausting!

This is where Cary's answer was brilliant. If you know, then you just know. Keep in mind (if you are able at this point) one critical fact: This has everything to do with him and nothing to do with you. Also, it isn't about the drunk girl. It's about his enabling or allowing or even extending invitations to someone. Someone who is not you.

Interesting article. I am so happy people are talking about this! That is what I'll take away from all of this. Not the snide comments and barbs aimed at everyone who speaks out, because you must know it's pointless to attack people you don't even know, but the discussion. It's meaningful and it matters for our country. You don't need to call Hillary or Obama or anyone else names. They all intend to do great things for our country!

Here's an idea to add to the thread: Why can't we vote for a brilliant strong black woman leader? How about a brilliant strong Asian woman? Where is she? I am looking, reading, and waiting. Please no one who has her name on an oil tanker, please. I want the pendulum shifted from corporate DEALS ( insert any color you choose into this idea, and it stands ) to the grassroots. I don't believe it can happen, that power shift. Green is the color of choice here.

I hope I am terribly wrong.

I just read somewhere that voters in Iowa and NH "are favoring Obama or McCain". THE SAME VOTERS. Have they not noticed that these men could not be more different? From their records on votes, to basic philosophies. WHAT is going on?