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Saturday, Nov 7, 2009
sqweekee
Published Letters: 16 Editor's Choice: 3
But, as an San Diego North County independent who can't remember the last time I voted down one party's line, I've had it with the National Republican Party. I am sick and tired of the overwhelming negativity and fear that they have tried to inflict on us through mailers, but especially through phone messages left on my answering machine.
So, it was surprising, a few days ago, to get a phone message from one of Busby's supporters that was actually positive, polite, and about the candidate. And that, since then, I have gotten phone calls from live people working for the Busby campaign.
So, for the first time in my life, I am going to go out tomorrow to stump for a politician, Francine Busby. I'd like to see change in D.C. and I have to accept that if it's going to happen, it's going to have to start here in District 50. Please wish us luck, because, let's be real, this district still has more registered Republicans than registered Democrats.
NOTE: The television ads from the national political parties have been "make me sick to my stomach" awful. As for Bilbray, he's been such a one note monkey these past few weeks. I guess if he tried to talk about other issues, or heaven forbid, ethics, no one would buy it. But, it's too bad his moderate stance on social issues would turn hard line Republicans against him. As an independent, I might have considered voting for him.
Okay, may be I'm bummed out over the number of registered Democrats in District 50 who didn't turn out to vote yesterday ... Brian Bilbray, damn carpetbagger from District 49, Mr. "I've got three permanent residences", is now now my damn congressman? sigh ...
Anyway, it's funny to think that I wouldn't mind seeing Bush Sr. back in office. At least he showed restraint and intelligence when he didn't go after Saddam Hussein during the first Gulf War and, when push came to shove, he raised taxes because they were needed. But then, he's nerdy and was probably beat up in school, so, what the hell does he know.
As for W., he goes from his gut, not his head. No wonder we can't convince this country's students to study science or technology. Or, for that matter, to study history. If a man like George W. Bush can become president, why bother.
But, what really gets me is all conservatives who have been screaming about supporting the military. Sending them into an unwinnable war is "supporting the military?" Sending in too few troops is "supporting the military?" Making them go into Iraq to face the insurgency for multiple tours is "supporting the military?" I won't even touch what's going on with our veterans benefits ...
So much for getting this stuff off my chest. I do not feel better.
I'm with Cary on this one. Wedding vows should not be taken lightly, and, I may offend some with this statement, but I think the LW's wife is doing just that.
A marriage means sharing your dreams and making compromises. I think being voluntarily away from one's spouse for two years, when the other objects, is selfish ... it would be different if she were in the Peace Corps while she was single and they still wanted to be together inspite of the distance.
However, she wants to go into the Peace Corps without her husband's blessing and yet keep the marriage intact. It's as if she married him under false pretenses. It is not fair to the husband. Two years apart so early in the marriage was not in the realm of possibility for him when he took his marriage vows.
The wife, if she is serious about her marriage, ought to consider short-term options for working abroad. Or, she ought to find a way to work with a non-profit/foundation in their metropolitan area that will give her the opportunity to go abroad for short trips.
On the other hand, if the Peace Corps is the only option she is willing to consider, then she will just have to accept the consequences of her actions. If that means letting her husband go, then she should do that.
I am struck by what you said:
"I don't want to cut my brother out of my life or my daughter's ..."
As another eldest sibling, I can commiserate with you, since your relationship with your younger brother sounds suspiciously like my relationship with my younger sister. If I could have molded her into a responsible and respectful person, and yet keep her fun and quirky spirit, I would have done that long ago.
But people are what they are and no matter how much we wish, we cannot change them. And yet, having grown up with that irresponsible, self-centered, crazy person, there is that strange desire to want them in your life, no matter how frustrating they can be.
So, even though you are overwhelmed by your crazy life (to me "toddler equals craziness," even when they're a sweet-as-pie, "sucker baby"), find yourself a few minutes to talk to your brother. Wish him luck on his move to Europe and tell him that you will miss him, because, undoubtedly, you will.
But, do not bring up the frustrations of the past. Look at your present and accept that while you have little time for each other now, hopefully you will have more time for each other in the future.
I'm just waiting for Bush to say that no one in his administration saw the collapse of Afghanistan coming ...
Or for that matter, the rise of the Taliban once again (since Bush didn't follow through on getting Bin Laden and helping the Afghan people).
On the other hand, I wouldn't be surprised if the Bush administration just ignores Afghanistan.
Much of the initial coverage about Fort Hood turned out to be wrong. Is there anything wrong with that?
The accountability imposed by another country for the CIA's kidnapping and torture reveals much about our own.
Fox News' morning show plays to type, talking about whether Muslims in the Army should face "special debriefings"
The Maine fight was supposed to be the dress rehearsal for repealing California's Prop. 8 -- but gay marriage lost
Once one obtains Seriousness credentials in the Washington media, they are irrevocable no matter one's conduct.
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