I have a ton to be thankful for. Really. Probably much more than I realize. But here are a few of those things: I’m thankful for my family, friends, my job, apartment, housemates, my computner, my cramea, my geetars, and of course Xanga friends. I admit that too often I fail to realize the GOOD that’s in my life, especially when the economy is hurting as it is. What are some things you’re thankful for?

Is texting ruining the English language?

Open Union Ballots

If you watched the most recent presidential debate, you likely saw an ad afterward featuring 1972 Democratic Presidential candidate George McGovern. In this ad, McGovern strongly disagrees with Obama’s support of the Employee Free Choice Act. Many in Washington, including McGovern, argue that this bill will eliminate secret ballots within Labor Unions (link). I think McCain was wise in voting against this act.

Born Alive Protection Act

In 2001 and 2002 as an Illinois State Senator, Obama voted against different “Born Alive” acts which ultimately were passed both on State and Federal levels (link). These bills were drafted to ensure that abortion survivors were given proper and immediate medical care, as some hospitals were neglecting to do so. Obama voted against these proposals, saying that he would have been “fully in support” of a similar federal bill thatPresident Bush had signed in 2002, because it contained protections forRoe v. Wade. Yet according to factcheck.org, “Obama voted in committee against the 2003 state billthat was nearly identical to the federal act he says he would havesupported” (link).

Bipartisanship

I believethat McCain has a history of bipartisanship, as evidenced by his sponsoring of manybipartisan bills such as McCain-Feingold (Campaign Finance Reform),McCain-Kennedy (Immigration Reform) and McCain-Lieberman (ClimateStewardship Act). That being said, the respected National Journal identifiedObama as the “most liberal Senator” in 2007 (link). I think that McCain has a proven track record as both a conservative as well as somebody who tries to reach across the aisle and accomplish things in Washington.

Change

One ofObama’s main themes this election is change. Yet I would argue thatthere already has been a significant change in Washington, as theDemocrats took control of both the House and the Senate two years agoand are expected to gain even more seats in November. Hasn’t therealready been a significant change in Washington?

After watching the debate last night I was left with a sense that there wasn’t a clear winner, similar to like the McCain Obama debate. Overall I felt like Biden was quick with facts and numbers and proved to be the more experienced candidate. That being said, I felt that Palin held her own and really challenged the notion that she is simply a political lightweight. As a result, she’s getting a lot of media attention from those who may have underestimated her.

This video was one of my favorite parts of the debate last night. It wasn’t one of Palin’s better moments, but her accent kinda cracks me up here..

This poem is a bit sad, but it’s kinda how I’ve been feeling lately so I thought I’d post it here…