"I don't like the way she shows off that child as some sort of anti-abortion trophy, not because I don't respect a woman's choice to keep her pregnancy just as much as I respect a woman's choice to abort, but because these kids are people and not political flags for waving."

Thank you for expressing the above (and for what else you had to say, previous post). I have had more waves of nausea than I care to count over the waving of the baby. I do not say that mean-spiritedly toward this child. I do have major problems with this child used as a political prop. At a recent rally, he was so bundled-up in a snowsuit that he looked like Ralphie's younger brother in "A Christmas Story" (and no, there wasn't a blizzard afoot, most people had on light sweaters and jackets...but before I get attacked, yes, I understand special-needs babies are more vulnerable, protect from cold, so don't needle me about that). My husband said: "You can't even tell there's a baby in there. Are you sure that's not just stuffed?" He wasn't being mean, either. Tonight I saw Piper holding Trig [camera close-up] and the crowd was raving! Again, this child is precious. And that's exactly why--well, one of the reasons why--this shameless sham charade called Palin is galling.

Please tell me what song those Dylan lyrics are from! I can almost sing it in my mind, sounds familiar and deep-down known, but then again, if I just adjust to his way of working the words, I could go anywhere. This could be my insomnia theme of the night if I don't get a title ;)

You made my night. I hope to sleep peacefully now, and I ain't kidding. I knew I knew it, but it wasn't gelling. In any event, not a bad song to have swirling around. Thanks.

Meant to say, now two songs swirling...and I've added one: like a rolling stone...with no direction home...a complete unknown...how does it feeeeeel? Great stuff. Thanks again.

Yeah, I know, but when I'm there at toss and turn, I'd have to get out of the snuggly covers to go a'searching...heehee

Nitey to you, too. No bedbugs allowed (lyrics or insects).

Next...

Sorry about the game :(

Your post (p. 23) is a gem. Meant to give you a "shout out" yesterday. Humor (irony & wit as well) is a much needed commodity in these tense times. Thanks!

Palin

Skinheads

Bin Laden

(I also shiver to jgale's threesome--Palin, Bachman, Coulter)

(lions & tigers & bears would be too obvious, right? ;)

How about offering Salon readers an informative, practical article covering how to avoid (prevent/report) incidents of voter suppression, fraud, and/or disenfranchisement?

For example:

> identify the types of documents voters may need to bring to their voting places (DL or state ID, utility bill or other proof of COA/current address when applicable, SS card, birth certificate, etc.)

> borrowing completely now from a smart prior poster (thank you!)...if you have a cell phone with a camera feature, or simply a digital or other camera, snap a photo of your completed ballot; if anything goes awry with what happens in the wake of casting said ballot, raise holy hell no matter how long it takes to make sure your vote was processed as intended

> list hot-line phone numbers where people can report incidents of foul play at the voter booth; include web site URLs for voters to locate both national phone lines and state-by-state (local/regional) lines

> list resources for those who may need a ride to the voting booth--and for those who may be willing to drive them

> consider (albeit carefully) "red flags" for subtle or not-so-subtle voter intimidation tactics of various ilks (going colloquial, tall tales of IRS folks waiting to nab you, DMVers looking to collect on a pile of unpaid parking tickets, sheriffs on the alert for parole vialators)

> define and describe voter's rights--simply and clearly

My list could go on. I'm suggesting this as an alternative to the greatly flawed Greener article. Salon could produce something USEFUL in this long week ahead, vs. more fear and smear rhetoric. Heck, I'll even push a commercialism argument if it gets my point across--i.e., a USEFUL article (more bipartisan the better, though not sacrificing Salon's *espoused* leanings) could be forwarded or cut&pasted to a lot of people--potential new subscribers!

Fortunately, I've already voted by mail. Unfortunately, I live in AZ. If this state turns blue, an extra bottle of champagne will be popped with passion! Top-shelf? No. Bad economy. But something with a kick to it.

I'm spooked by my earlier threesome offering. I said: Palin, Skinheads, Bin Laden. Now that the breaking news is that a couple of young skinheads have been apprehended for a possible assassination plot on Obama, well, it is chilling to the bone. I like to think skinheads and KKK don't matter; but, can't.

As an attempt not to give into fear, I offer a new, amusing threesome that regular posters will understand:

Klytus

GoodCelery!

Uncle Fester

Really, think about these three banding together...dangerous indeed! :)

Because I'm upset, I also offer: Palin, R2, MoD.

And I'll accept any consequences of that last selection.

Serious note: get out the vote. New McCain ad on Rev. Wright. I'm not yawning. It ain't over.

I made it through your post--thank you.

I'm ashamed to say that "anything wrong with Wright" goes a long way with many of my beloved family members, and they aren't uneducated, low-info voters (biased voters? one-way-news suckers? ok, that, thx no thx to Faux, but nowhere near scratching backwards B's onto face). With many of them, Wright gave them all they needed months ago to call it a day, he's "that one" who's scary. Bringing it up again? Wingnuts galore? Inciteful Palin?

It ain't over. Get the vote out. No complacency.