If You Can Bail Out Wall Street and the Big Three, Why Not the Porn Industry?

Yes, the American porn industry has fallen on hard times just like all the others. And, yes, they want a government bailout. Sounds ridiculous doesn't it? But, on second thought, I think I'd rather my tax money go to bailout someone screwing on screen instead of someone screwing me with resort trips and bonuses.

Now We Just Have to Keep Him Alive

After it became clear on election night that Obama had won, my next thought quickly became, "Now we just have to keep him alive." I don't think anyone has talked a lot about that, but on this 45th anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy, I thought I would bring it up.

Yep, 45 years have passed since that happened. For many of the people who voted for Obama, what happened that long ago seems like ancient history. And, yes, it should, because the speed with which things happen has increased since then. Those 45 years equal about twice that much or more now.

I turned 13 years old just a few days after November 22, 1963, so I remember it all pretty well. I lived in Dallas at the time. I had passed thru Dealy Plaza hundreds of times with my parents, so I felt pretty familiar with where it all took place. The Texas Schoolbook Depository had a time and temperature sign on top that you could see from Stemmons Freeway, and I always looked over there to check it anytime we went by on our way somewhere. The entire drama seemed close to home and far away at the same time. It happened downtown, while I sat in a classroom in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas, so it seemed far away. But, it happened in my home town and that seemed really, really close.

Back then I felt like Dallas got a bad rap. Folks from elsewhere called it an evil, violent, hate-filled place. A few years later, when I hitchhiked around Europe, I hesitated to say that I came from Dallas. Whenever someone asked where I came from, I'd just say "Texas." "Oh, cowboys, horses,..." they would smile and say. If I told them I grew up in Dallas, their whole tone would change, and they'd say, "Oh, bad place." I always felt obligated to defend my city. I'd say, "No, no, really it's not so bad. It's just like anywhere else." I usually didn't succeed in rehabilitating Dallas in anyone's eyes.

I still live in Texas, but I left Dallas about 30 years ago. Not because of it's evil or violence, but because my wife at the time wanted to attend grad school at the University of Texas in Austin. Once I left Dallas, I never wanted to go back. Again, not because of its evil, but because of its hyper-conservative attitude. I never knew how conservative and up-tight until I moved away.

Today marks 45 years since an event happened that put Dallas on the world's map. I don't want to move back there, but I still believe that Dallas has had to unfairly live down a reputation that Memphis, Los Angeles, and Silver Spring never did.

Let's remember our highest ideals, and try to bring them to life. And, let's pray that Mr. Obama stays alive to encourage us to do that.

Finally! No Need to Apologize to the World!

Well, I said in 2004 that Bush would lose and it wouldn't even be close. I overestimated the American public. Let that be a warning to me. You can never understimate the American voter. I think this time made up for it though. Even Karl Rove calls it for Obama in a landslide (338 to 200). Thanks for the good news, Karl, but it's good to see you leaving. It has turned out to be a good night.

I Voted Already

Yep, yesterday early voting began here in Texas and I voted yesterday. Likewise, so did everyone in my house. Today, I read that Dallas had a record-breaking number of voters, as did Chicago. In fact, Chicago had almost the same number of voters yesterday as they had in 2004 for the entire early voting period. Political wisdom says that a large voter turnout favors Democrats. God, I hope so! I have overestimated the "American People" so many times in the past thinking they could see thru the bullshit put out by the Republicans. I hope they (we) got it right this time.

Oh Those Crazy Floridians

Remember Mark Foley? The Republican Congressman who had to resign because he had some inappropriate conversations, IMs, and who know what else with male pages in the House of Representatives? Yeah, that guy. Well, guess who took his place. A Democrat named Tim Mahoney won the seat while promising to return morals to Washington.

Sidebar comment: I think I'll only vote for those people promising to bring more immorality to Washington since no politician ever keeps their campaign promises and often winds up doing exactly the opposite. Now, back to the story.

He began an affair with a 50 year-old aide while having a wife and kid at home according to ABC News who got the information from present and former staff members. Mr. Mahoney himself called for an ethics investigation into the allegations. His staff says the investigation will vindicate him. Hmm...I always thought the word vindicated meant confirmation that you had done something correctly. Maybe he really meant exonerated. No, maybe he meant vindicated since he thinks having an affair with a staffer shows good judgment ;-)

One more Democrat with his dick in the wrong place, but, hey, at least it was in the opposite sex! Republican men tend to want sex with men or, even better, little boys. And these guys think they have what it takes to legislate our morals?! Give me a break!

Everybody Hold Your Breath 'Cause, We're Gonna Be Sinkin' Soon

That's a line from the Norah Jones song Sinkin'

Soon from her CD called Not Too Late. Did she perhaps have a premonition of the financial debacle we're going thru? Just read the lyrics, and see if they don't fit. I think they do. In fact, that line about the captain who's too proud to say he dropped the oar seems right on target.

Besides that, I recommend the CD. I have it.

Why That's Longer than Lindsay Lohan's Been Alive!

Yep, I have worked for the people (ahem) of Texas for 25 years now. God help me! Couldn't I find anything better to do? And, besides, doesn't that mean I can retire now? Yes, it does, but I haven't finished with the people (ahem) yet.

Vote for Charlotte Dennett

Ms. Dennett has entered the race for Attorney General of the State of Vermont, and she has promised to prosecute George W. Bush for murder, if elected. After she gets him she should go after Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, Cheney, et al. I wish I could vote for her, but I don't live in Vermont.