https://scienceblogs.com/ en https://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/11/05/election-eve-2008-celebration <span>Election Eve 2008 Celebration in NYC&#039;s Times Square</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span style="font-size: 10px">tags: <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Barack+Obama" rel="tag">Barack Obama</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/election2008" rel="tag">election2008</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/politics" rel="tag">politics</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/NYC" rel="tag">NYC</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Times+Square" rel="tag">Times Square</a></span></p> <div class="centeredCaption"> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grrlscientist/3004407119/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/3004407119_30b8aa4910.jpg" width="400" height="500" /></a></p> <p>Image: orphaned [<a target="window" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/3004407119_41ec2535eb_o.jpg" width="800" height="1000"></a>larger view]. </p> </div> <p>One of the nice things about living in NYC is the fact that there are often fun things happening that are both spontaneous and free-of-charge. One of those events occurred last evening and continued through the wee hours of today, when I spent election eve in NYC's Times Square, along with half a million other people. </p> <!--more--><p>Even though I am not normally very tolerant of crowds, I do really enjoy walking around Times Square at night, and this was a pleasant evening; not too warm nor too cold, and the rain didn't show up, either. </p> <div class="centeredCaption"> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grrlscientist/3004321301/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/3004321301_1c6d96786c.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a></p> <p>Image: GrrlScientist, 4 November 2008 [<a target="window" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/3004321301_1c6d96786c_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024"></a>larger view]. </p> </div> <p>In the above image, you can just barely make out the well-lit art-deco tower of the Chrysler Building -- one of my favorite NYC buildings. </p> <p>Anyway, the reason I went to Times Square was because it was the eve of the presidential election in the United States, and I was almost certain that Senator Barack Obama would win. Because of that, I was determined to be in Times Square to photograph everything that I could possibly see.</p> <div class="centeredCaption"> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grrlscientist/3004321999/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/3004321999_57918a8eb5.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a></p> <p>Image: GrrlScientist, 4 November 2008 [<a target="window" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/3004321999_57918a8eb5_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024"></a>larger view]. </p> </div> <p>The mainstream media had the same idea: everywhere I looked, there was a media tent, numerous vans with media logos on them, and there were hundreds of filmographers and photographers from all over the world, as well as numerous international visitors. In fact, an Irish woman named Brigit and her husband spent the latter part of the evening talking with me about politics and expressing their opinion that America is the greatest of all countries. </p> <p>The excitement was palpable, infectious.</p> <div class="centeredCaption"> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grrlscientist/3005157658/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/3005157658_dcf9e73a1d.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a></p> <p>Image: GrrlScientist, 4 November 2008 [<a target="window" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/3005157658_dcf9e73a1d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768"></a>larger view]. </p> </div> <p>After leaving the subway, I walked a few hundred yards towards 7th Avenue until I found a good location to watch the election returns on TV: there are a dozen or so televisions with screens that are something like fifty feet across if one chooses her vantage point carefully. Already, you can see that the streets were filling up with people. </p> <div class="centeredCaption"> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grrlscientist/3005158204/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/3005158204_b77e9ec5ca.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a></p> <p>Image: GrrlScientist, 4 November 2008 [<a target="window" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/3005158204_b77e9ec5ca_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768"></a>larger view]. </p> </div> <p>Believe it or not, traffic was actually moving through this tangle of humanity, there were no fightfights, and everyone was in an incredibly good mood -- I've never seen such a large, well-mannered and jovial crowd in my entire life. The best part is that this crowd was sober and non-vio9lent, unlike the morons that infest Times Square every New Year's Eve. </p> <p>Based on what I'd been reading, I thought that Pennsylvania would be a close contest, but I realized that things were going much better than expected when this (below) flashed up on the dozens TV screens in Times Square;</p> <div class="centeredCaption"> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grrlscientist/3005158832/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3293/3005158832_d98ee27cc9.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a></p> <p>Image: GrrlScientist, 4 November 2008 [<a target="window" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3293/3005158832_d98ee27cc9_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024"></a>larger view]. </p> </div> <p>Below is a picture of Officer Ortiz. I snapped this image when he wasn't aware of it, but we later had a nice chat. He was actually very lenient with all of us, and was mostly trying to make sure than none of the pedestrians got pancaked by a semi, taxi, ambulance or fire engine, and when there wasn't any traffic, he allowed us to break the rules by standing in the streets to take pictures. (By the way, if Officer Ortiz's commanding officer is reading this, don't yell at him! He actually did a great job and was kind of fun, even though he is a cop!) </p> <div class="centeredCaption"> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grrlscientist/3004324393/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3151/3004324393_17ce114064.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a></p> <p>Image: GrrlScientist, 4 November 2008 [<a target="window" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3151/3004324393_17ce114064_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024"></a>larger view]. </p> </div> <p>The news casters were fairly consistent about updating us about the vote count, but all of a sudden, we didn't get any updated news for quite awhile. Then, roughly ten minutes after the polls closed on the west coast, and without any fanfare, the presidency was officially announced as belonging to Obama. I was surprised they called it so soon after the polls closed on the west coast and the polls were still open in Alaska, in fact. But it was rather abrupt, in my opinion, but this is probably because there was no sound, so we only could watch, not hear, the news from our vantage point;</p> <div class="centeredCaption"> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grrlscientist/3004324963/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/3004324963_0c2902646b.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a></p> <p>Image: GrrlScientist, 4 November 2008 [<a target="window" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/3004324963_0c2902646b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768"></a>larger view]. </p> </div> <p>Nonetheless, pandemonium broke out. I am sure the foreign news correspondents had a field day filming everyone who was crying, dancing, screaming, and jumping around. There were musicians present, too, who were playing their saxophones, although the noise was so tremendous that I couldn't identify the tunes they were playing. I know I should have been photographing everything at this moment, but I was mesmerized by the sheer outpouring of emotion (and the light was rather poor, too). </p> <p>Oh, and look at this guy by the light pole (below). It looks like he was standing on people's heads, doesn't it? </p> <div class="centeredCaption"> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grrlscientist/3005160440/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/3005160440_df64797eaa.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a></p> <p>Image: GrrlScientist, 4 November 2008 [<a target="window" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/3005160440_df64797eaa_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024"></a>larger view]. </p> </div> <p>I never did figure out what he was standing on, but I am guessing that maybe it was two garbage cans stacked on top of each other?</p> <p>I admit that the most surprising thing about being part of the election in Times Square was the dearth of Obama (and McCain) signs. I expected there'd be thousands of Obama campaign signs, but alas, these were the only two I managed to find, although there were a few more that were handmade (and thus, nearly impossible to photograph in the low light). </p> <div class="centeredCaption"> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grrlscientist/3004326069/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/3004326069_7d6af05229.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a></p> <p>Image: GrrlScientist, 4 November 2008 [<a target="window" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/3004326069_7d6af05229_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024"></a>larger view]. </p> </div> <p>After spending the past few days being disgusted by Wall Street types and financial analysts whining to me about how Obama was going to destroy this country and make us into a bunch of communists, I was surprised to notice that I never saw any McCain signs. I guess all the rich boyz were clustered in their expensive rooftop penthouses, crying in their Jamesons, unwilling to brush their precious suits up against the unwashed masses, <i>pobrecitos</i>. </p> <p>After John McCain conceded the victory to Obama, the ABC cameras panned Times Square so we could see ourselves -- it was interesting to see how many people were there filling the streets (many many thousands! You can just barely make us all out on the middle screen, below). </p> <div class="centeredCaption"> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grrlscientist/3005161634/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/3005161634_d4488939fc.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a></p> <p>Image: GrrlScientist, 4 November 2008 [<a target="window" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/3005161634_d4488939fc_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768"></a>larger view]. </p> </div> <p>However, every time a camera was pointed at the crowd, everyone broke out into mass hysteria .. I will never understand people's desire to be on television, especially since I <i>far</i> prefer to be on the other side of the camera. I ended up taking several hundred images last night. </p> <p>Barack Obama finally gave his acceptance speech, which we all had to read on the TV's poor-quality closed-captioning since there were no speakers in the area (I was probably the only one who actually heard a very scratchy rendition on a tiny runner's radio that I carried with me specifically for this purpose). Then, after Obama had finished, all hell broke loose. The police finally blocked off 42nd street to vehicle traffic because the press of the crowd was too great to contain, even with the portable steel fence panels that the police love so much. </p> <p>One of the fun events of the evening was hearing the deep, low horn blasts of a ladder truck from the local fire department blasting three times in a row, followed by a pause, and then three more blasts, over and over again. It was almost as though the fire engine was saying "Yes We Can!" (or maybe it was instead saying "O Bah Mah!") The madly cheering crowd parted to let the fire engine pass, but there were so many people that it took the truck roughly ten or fifteen minutes to travel perhaps 100 feet (below);</p> <div class="centeredCaption"> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/grrlscientist/3005162292/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/3005162292_444ee1c726.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a></p> <p>Image: GrrlScientist, 4 November 2008 [<a target="window" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/3005162292_444ee1c726_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024"></a>larger view]. </p> </div> <p>As of the time of this writing, Obama won the presidency with 52% of the popular vote (61,873,107 votes) which translates into 349 electoral votes while McCain got only 147 (46% of the popular vote, or 54,983,690 votes) -- the largest margin of victory (for a democrat? ever?) in my entire lifetime. There are still some votes yet to be counted -- provisional ballots as well as absentee and military ballots, which had to be postmarked by 4 November 2008 to be valid, but Obama's margin of victory is so large that there is no way that he can possibly lose -- unless the Rethuglicans engage in more blatant cheating, as they did in 2000. But I doubt they'll try it this time: civil war will break out if they dare. </p> <p>I finally left around three in the morning (and spent an hour photographing tile artwork in a few more corridors of the Times Square subway station). Overall, it was a historic evening, and hopefully, it will be the first of many wonderful hope-filled days to come. This country needs really some good news after enduring eight years of abject failure, economic disaster, and the mass murder of innocent Iraqis. </p> </div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/author/grrlscientist" lang="" about="/author/grrlscientist" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">grrlscientist</a></span> <span>Tue, 11/04/2008 - 23:35</span> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/my-pictures" hreflang="en">my pictures</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/nyc-life" hreflang="en">NYC life</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/nyc-through-my-eye" hreflang="en">NYC through my eye</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/017fd05c24723bbcb19759f069fee93a" hreflang="en">017fd05c24723bbcb19759f069fee93a</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/barack-obama-0" hreflang="en">Barack Obama</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/election-2008" hreflang="en">Election 2008</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/election2008" hreflang="en">election2008</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/president" hreflang="en">president</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/my-pictures" hreflang="en">my pictures</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/nyc-through-my-eye" hreflang="en">NYC through my eye</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> </div> </div> <section> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2063824" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1225867745"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Lightpole man is almost certainly standing on something attached to the lightpole. Probably there's a ring a few inches wide that goes all around the lightpole at the height of his feet.<br /> Less likely - but I've known people who can do this easily - he may be pressing his feet sideways into the side of the lightpole hard enough to keep himself up.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2063824&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="ZsAiC5aqf6cL3Efz778tX9VqGyFskaVzDj2NuwYYNCE"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">llewelly (not verified)</span> on 05 Nov 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2063824">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2063825" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1225870282"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Great photos, Grrl! Thanks for sharing!</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2063825&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="xeAV5pl94vqFUrfNyfVM043baBggIYScXlyFolIAom4"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Barn Owl (not verified)</span> on 05 Nov 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2063825">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="105" id="comment-2063826" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1225870798"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>People in Ballard were shooting off fireworks and yelling like it was New Year's. It was amazing.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2063826&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="hfvWWUIgWvuvv43-jtoNIZ7S4yHjO_-moa9AmUz6DCU"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a title="View user profile." href="/author/sporte" lang="" about="/author/sporte" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">sporte</a> on 05 Nov 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2063826">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/author/sporte"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/author/sporte" hreflang="en"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/pictures/59121-arsenic_protein-150x150-120x120.png?itok=o0ajJdDI" width="100" height="100" alt="Profile picture for user sporte" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2063827" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1225878805"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>I was out there for an hour after the race was called. It was the most pleasant crowd I've ever seen in times Square.<br /> The only disappointing thing was the live screens at Dufy Square dropping to a test pattern just before Obama's acceptance speech</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2063827&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="LOFfPLwySCQl_1ttfAQ8msEX7SpLmPSz-9RAujjSONk"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">dfinton (not verified)</span> on 05 Nov 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2063827">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2063828" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1225889729"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>We were in a bar on the Ave in Seattle watching the results. Sometime after the victory speech was over, a parade of probably a thousand or more people passed by, taking over the street for several minutes.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2063828&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="w7cmT4vv1d1vG8EV7tretIrQRhPbBkXlCuQ8sgaJr4o"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Mike (not verified)</span> on 05 Nov 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2063828">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="134" id="comment-2063829" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1225894903"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>since my neighborhood is dominican, i was certain i'd be hearing fireworks all night long, but the neighborhood was eerily quiet. and this was the one night that i completely gave up on getting any sleep at all, so i found an open wifi connection and wrote until 8am, when my computer batteries finally died. i have no idea why my neighborhood was so quiet when their usual reaction to good news is to play impossibly loud music and to blow up shit all night long.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2063829&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="h5r_bsrr2OqB5GvsLWh-TECLI8zQzLKx3Ozq_68vKHM"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a title="View user profile." href="/author/grrlscientist" lang="" about="/author/grrlscientist" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">grrlscientist</a> on 05 Nov 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2063829">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/author/grrlscientist"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/author/grrlscientist" hreflang="en"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/pictures/Hedwig%20P%C3%B6ll%C3%B6l%C3%A4inen.jpeg?itok=-pOoqzmB" width="58" height="58" alt="Profile picture for user grrlscientist" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> </section> <ul class="links inline list-inline"><li class="comment-forbidden"><a href="/user/login?destination=/grrlscientist/2008/11/05/election-eve-2008-celebration%23comment-form">Log in</a> to post comments</li></ul> Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:35:02 +0000 grrlscientist 87873 at https://scienceblogs.com https://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/10/15/big-sister <span>Sarah Palin, Big Sister</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span style="font-size: 10px">tags: <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Bib+Sister" rel="tag">Big Sister</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/election2008" rel="tag">election2008</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Sarah+Palin" rel="tag">Sarah Palin</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/humor" rel="tag">humor</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/satire" rel="tag">satire</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/politics" rel="tag">politics</a></span></p> <div class="centeredCaption"> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30540563@N08/2942808717/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2942808717_7e628a2939_o.jpg" width="315" height="500" /></a></p> <p>Image: Orphaned. Please contact me for proper attribution and linkage.</p> </div> <p>Sarah Palin wants to be our Big Sister.</p> <!--more--><p>At the bottom, the poster says;</p> <p><i>War is Peace -- Freedom is Slavery -- Ignorance is Strength</i></p> </div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/author/grrlscientist" lang="" about="/author/grrlscientist" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">grrlscientist</a></span> <span>Wed, 10/15/2008 - 01:59</span> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/big-sister" hreflang="en">big sister</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/election" hreflang="en">Election</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/election2008" hreflang="en">election2008</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/humor" hreflang="en">humor</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/poster" hreflang="en">Poster</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/sarah-palin" hreflang="en">Sarah Palin</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/satire" hreflang="en">satire</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> </div> </div> <section> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2063277" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1224056935"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Ugh. Whenever I see that face I get a barely controllable urge to sell someone a dead parrot.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2063277&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="sUvefQcqtivg04kRXAd7U2msbsxei3dcvEsOOc3FW3M"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a rel="nofollow" href="http://network.nature.com/blogs/user/boboh" lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Bob O&#039;H (not verified)</a> on 15 Oct 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2063277">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2063278" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1224064052"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>She is speaking--on CNN.com streaming video, as I write--just one town over from me. I am going to have to leave to teach in just a few minutes, but so far she seems to be well-received, if simplistic and vague in what she is saying. "Maverick" has already been mentioned... and now, dropping the phrase "voter fraud that's goin' on..." in the middle of a sentence that really was about the economic crisis...</p> <p>Scattershot. </p> <p>Applause appears at this point to be polite and restrained--not the wild rabble of the youtube videos. </p> <p>She sounds like a Prairie Home Companion skit.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2063278&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="WPjUAO0NH0SZiZ_BKQzHLKTgl-AcNEwe4RsRqNXzWaE"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Anon (not verified)</span> on 15 Oct 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2063278">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2063279" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1224067661"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><blockquote><p> <i>She is speaking--on CNN.com streaming video, as I write--just one town over from me...</i> </p></blockquote> <p>Has she reached the part where she says we need to get government out of the way of private enterprise by increasing oversight and regulation?</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2063279&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="dHVyipK4iCPm3dpfc0LDXEi7HNZSgfatpeIdfUPH0MY"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Trin Tragula (not verified)</span> on 15 Oct 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2063279">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2063280" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1224074866"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>I've <a href="http://jinwicked.livejournal.com/215433.html">seen better</a>.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2063280&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="8PQYyXyRZXzMCgCgCNCa8Lari4dySnUKkOxLjo6dgHc"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">abb3w (not verified)</span> on 15 Oct 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2063280">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> </section> <ul class="links inline list-inline"><li class="comment-forbidden"><a href="/user/login?destination=/grrlscientist/2008/10/15/big-sister%23comment-form">Log in</a> to post comments</li></ul> Wed, 15 Oct 2008 05:59:59 +0000 grrlscientist 87738 at https://scienceblogs.com https://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/10/07/homer-simpson-tries-to-vote-fo <span>Homer Simpson Tries to Vote for Obama in 2008</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span style="font-size: 10px">tags: <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/the+simpsons" rel="tag">The Simpsons</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/election2008" rel="tag">election2008</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Homer+Simpson+tries+to+vote+for+Obama" rel="tag">Homer Simpson tries to vote for Obama</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/streaming+video" rel="tag">streaming video</a></span></p> <p>I know this is meant in jest, but I find it to be somewhat frightening since this very scenario (somewhat modified) already happened eight years ago! In short, Homer Simpson tries to vote for Obama and gets a nasty surprise. </p> <!--more--><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1aBaX9GPSaQ&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1aBaX9GPSaQ&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/author/grrlscientist" lang="" about="/author/grrlscientist" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">grrlscientist</a></span> <span>Tue, 10/07/2008 - 02:59</span> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/humor" hreflang="en">humor</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/streaming-videos" hreflang="en">streaming videos</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/election2008" hreflang="en">election2008</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/homer-simpson" hreflang="en">homer simpson</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/obama" hreflang="en">Obama</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/streaming-video" hreflang="en">streaming video</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/humor" hreflang="en">humor</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/streaming-videos" hreflang="en">streaming videos</a></div> </div> </div> <section> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2063098" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1224114347"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>I sent this to everyone any many said there is no movie?</p> <p>Will you send again to <a href="mailto:robertidle@aol.com">robertidle@aol.com</a></p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2063098&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="Y7RXJxBrEVDwC2UiaFMRbBhCvTVwYedrFEJPngwvWe8"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a rel="nofollow" href="http://scienceblogs" lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Bob Idle (not verified)</a> on 15 Oct 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2063098">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> </section> <ul class="links inline list-inline"><li class="comment-forbidden"><a href="/user/login?destination=/grrlscientist/2008/10/07/homer-simpson-tries-to-vote-fo%23comment-form">Log in</a> to post comments</li></ul> Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:59:59 +0000 grrlscientist 87688 at https://scienceblogs.com https://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/09/25/palin-is-her-own-parody <span>Palin is Her Own Parody</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span style="font-size: 10px">tags: <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Palin-Couric+interview" rel="tag">Palin-Couric interview</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Sarah+Palin" rel="tag">Sarah Palin</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Katie+Couric" rel="tag">Katie Couric</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Palin+Foreign+Policy+experience" rel="tag">Palin Foreign Policy experience</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/streaming+video" rel="tag">streaming video</a></span></p> <p>Apparently, during an interview with Katie Couric, Sarah Palin made a mockery of herself as a vice presidential candidate, as a governor of the state of Alaska, and as a woman. I have a video (below the fold) of part of this interview with Katie, along with the transcripts of part of that interview where Sarah describes her foreign policy experience. </p> <p><i>Hey Sarah, what do Alaska and Russia trade? Polar Bears??</i> </p> <p>There is NO WAY this moron is qualified to do anything at all. I have potted plants that are smarter than Palin! Is it possible that there are still are sentient beings in this country who consider Palin to be a serious candidate for <i>any elected office</i>, including dog catcher? [7:54].</p> <!--more--><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/G94w01opQoo&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/G94w01opQoo&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><p> Transcript [3:08]:</p> <p>COURIC: You've cited Alaska's proximity to Russia as part of your foreign policy experience. What did you mean by that? </p> <p>PALIN: That Alaska has a very narrow maritime border between a foreign country, Russia, and, on our other side, the land, uh, boundary that we have, uh, with Canada. It, it .. it's funny that a comment like that was .. kind of made to .. cari .. mm .. I don't know, you know? Reporters .. </p> <p>COURIC: Mocked?</p> <p>PALIN: Yeah, 'mocked', I guess that's the word. Yeah.</p> <p>COURIC: Well, explain to me why that enhances your foreign policy credentials.</p> <p>PALIN: Well, it certainly does because our .. our next door neighbors are foreign countries. They're in the state that I am the executive of. And there in Russia .. </p> <p>COURIC: Have you ever been involved with any negotiations, for example, with the Russians?</p> <p>PALIN: We have trade missions back and forth. We .. we do. It's very important when, when you consider even national security issues with Russia as Putin rears his head and .. and, uh .. comes into th, the air space of the United States of America, where .. where do they go? It's Alaska. It's just right over the border. It is .. from Alaska that we send those out to make sure that an eye is being kept on thisss .. very powerful nation, Russia, because they are right there. They are right next to, um, to our state. [4:30]</p> </div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/author/grrlscientist" lang="" about="/author/grrlscientist" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">grrlscientist</a></span> <span>Thu, 09/25/2008 - 16:20</span> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/streaming-videos" hreflang="en">streaming videos</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/election" hreflang="en">Election</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/election-2008" hreflang="en">Election 2008</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/election2008" hreflang="en">election2008</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/interview" hreflang="en">interview</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/katie-couric" hreflang="en">katie couric</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/palin-couric-interview" hreflang="en">palin-couric interview</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/sarah-palin" hreflang="en">Sarah Palin</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/streaming-video" hreflang="en">streaming video</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/streaming-videos" hreflang="en">streaming videos</a></div> </div> </div> <section> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062926" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222381350"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>I must say, having also seen other parts of this video, I totally agree. I don't think I've seen anyone so incoherent since high school (well, W. is pretty up there, but I don't remember even him being this pathetic.). She's not even qualified to hold the government positions she's already held. I can now only simply observe that the comedy duo of Palin and McCain have successfully turned a national campaign into a national joke.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062926&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="yEEtG47fx46543gQ-loHamsndF5ejagpMM-HGS04MGw"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">TimJ (not verified)</span> on 25 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062926">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062927" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222382419"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Somebody smart is behind these words:</p> <blockquote><p><i><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/25/eveningnews/main4479062.shtml">I'm not one of those who maybe came from a background of, you know, kids who perhaps graduate college and their parents give them a passport and give them a backpack and say go off and travel the world. No, I've worked all my life. In fact, I usually had two jobs all my life until I had kids. I was not a part of, I guess, that culture.</a></i></p></blockquote> <p>Americans like this sort of talk regardless of all of the ums.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062927&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="4mDgRKsGhL812jLBrE5gA5sv5ql7wUBKh_HQ4w1_Cts"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a rel="nofollow" href="http://finchwench.wordpress.com" lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">sara (not verified)</a> on 25 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062927">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062928" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222385821"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Who is this woman and just why is she running for the VP position? Unbelievable!!!</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062928&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="fE2Y8hpCZFd8mjWP227m4TERye74ftVU7IOJPxtm_K0"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Pam (not verified)</span> on 25 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062928">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062929" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222386190"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Hey #2, I agree with your assessment. Someone smart did craft her answer about not having a passport until last year. That was definitely not an unexpected question.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062929&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="6iEa01tNhCO2mw7JlFTH7iDHCKc8MM9cm6dC-aNEbek"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Pam (not verified)</span> on 25 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062929">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062930" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222400505"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Watching this was not a good way to start my day. My brain is reeling from slowing down in effort to understand the nonsense coming from this woman.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062930&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="wdrpyea_xzT_MT9N0TvRHRG13bl7edK1gtHz7PItCTI"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Johann Thorsson (not verified)</span> on 25 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062930">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062931" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222406775"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>"There is NO WAY this moron is qualified to do anything at all."</p> <p>Don't sugar coat it like that, GS! Tell us how you really feel!</p> <p>That was classic! Thanks for perking up my day.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062931&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="uS1mr5oyPWPZL71kpcFGmZC6lE1HifzZx3X9TLlnc-o"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Ian (not verified)</span> on 26 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062931">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062932" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222408808"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Clearly this is early dementia. Nobody is born that stupid.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062932&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="n6tQX69QaSwdsgvVqezW_WKwmpGWlMFWo5E3xF04gCY"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" content="Nattering Nabob of Negativism">Nattering Nabo… (not verified)</span> on 26 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062932">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="31" id="comment-2062933" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222408872"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Un.be.lievable. </p> <p>But wait: <a href="http://scienceblogs.com/gregladen/2008/09/i_can_see_alaska_from_my_kitch.php"><em>I can see Alaska from my Kitchen!!!!!</em></a></p> <p>I'm pretty sure Governors are not allowed to execute foreign policy at the level of national security with cold war enemies or even Canadians. And she has never, ever, been on a trade mission. The governor of Minnesota goes on a trade mission every year.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062933&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="7ERxg8bNboc08TNtsWYrzw4eFOtRLegT2qLp1P9Nlt0"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a title="View user profile." href="/author/gregladen" lang="" about="/author/gregladen" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">gregladen</a> on 26 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062933">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/author/gregladen"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/author/gregladen" hreflang="en"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/pictures/HumanEvolutionIcon350-120x120.jpg?itok=Tg7drSR8" width="100" height="100" alt="Profile picture for user gregladen" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062934" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222409315"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>A moment of silence please while Palin supporters try to clean up the mess. They have a tough job ahead.</p> <p>With any luck she'll keep this up and force a few more voters to wake up and realize the danger she (and McCain) pose.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062934&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="MfWP3rMHftNKXj9IpTtPrhLdgtHcM1yKwIK0Q6s27bg"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Mike (not verified)</span> on 26 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062934">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062935" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222414887"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Don't bother trying to couch her, just implant a microphone in her ear and tell her what to say.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062935&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="c929iA6E8zZmabPfJsiHuYo3SxcuF-7w3v0gFe8HwcQ"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">MattL (not verified)</span> on 26 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062935">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062936" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222417374"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>As expected, she's stupid enough to believe in good guys, stupid enough to believe that every conflict has exactly two sides, <b>and</b> stupid enough to believe that in every conflict one side is composed of good guys.</p> <p>Evidently, McShame doesn't care whether the women he's... interested in have a functioning brain.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062936&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="6mYAJ78feswxMH47IF3wq5M8eF1JBWCHALGkce3sk-c"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">David Marjanović (not verified)</span> on 26 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062936">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062937" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222419545"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><blockquote><p> sara: Somebody smart is behind these words:...</p></blockquote> <p>I though the next bit was even more interesting:</p> <blockquote><p> <i>"The way that I have understood the world is through education, through books, through mediums (sic) that have provided me a lot of perspective on the world..."</i> </p></blockquote> <p>She reads books? C'mon. As mayor of Wasilla, Palin made repeated inquiries into the possibility of banning books from the local library. Does she want to deprive others of opportunities to learn about the wider world in the way she allegedly did? And I'd like to see a list of books she has read in the last year, or ten years. I suspect the list wouldn't be very long. If she has read books, she doesn't seem to have learned much from them.</p> <p>BTW, I've read <i>Doctor Zhivago</i>, so I'm an expert on Russia.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062937&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="MvVwfPAgiB-nuIJCylkA2nyBFsjNBE-PXrP939uHh4w"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Virgil Samms (not verified)</span> on 26 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062937">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062938" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222421075"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>"The way that I have understood the world is through education, through books, through mediums (sic) that have provided me a lot of perspective on the world..."</p> <p>She needs to learn the difference between fiction and non-fiction if she thinks she understands the world through the books she has read.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062938&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="s3K-jHujmUFOGeRkAZD_1dUPt6OYMMmH7HU2I47bwz8"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">RM (not verified)</span> on 26 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062938">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062939" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222421883"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>* Well, it certainly does [enhance my foreign policy credentials] because our .. our next door neighbors are foreign countries. They're in the state that I am the executive of. We have trade missions back and forth. We .. we do.</p> <p>* It is .. from Alaska that we send those out to make sure that an eye is being kept on thisss .. very powerful nation, Russia, because they are right there. ... We have trade missions back and forth. We .. we do.</p> <p>* The way that I have understood the world is through education; through books, through mediums that have provided me with a lot of perspective on the world. [I've read Doctor Zhivago, so I'm an expert on Russia.] </p> <p>PRICELESS!</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062939&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="8R-BnuFdMhc13Dzy27HLXPquiAx9-Q2jog8Voa05-VU"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.RuralChatter.blogspot.com" lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Beverly (not verified)</a> on 26 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062939">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062940" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222424376"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Yes, the crafting of her lines is a feature of her emerging national public persona, as a "populist." She is not speaking to the relatively few intelligent people in the country, whether they had a foreign jaunt or not, and whether daddy paid for it nor not. She is speaking to the many out there, who are not well educated and who've never left their state or even their county, and who might think that anyone who travels outside the United States, whether born here or not, whether well educated or not, whether wealthy or not, is a "foreigners," someone not "from around here," someone "not to be trusted."</p> <p>Fear won't strike out as long as Sarah's around. She's "one of us."</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062940&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="GE5H6u1Vcd-Up7YL3imz2lAs4HmRQnKSRbDFwK3NHuk"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Dirigo (not verified)</span> on 26 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062940">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062941" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222424574"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Not nearly as slick or crafty as BHO, that's for sure, but she's still more qualified than BHO.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062941&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="hEMH14y8ulsVmihoW78TFfN3Tjb-yzQHy-cqcvNBvd8"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Eric (not verified)</span> on 26 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062941">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062942" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222425711"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Eric, you sad sack of door knobs, come right out and say it... you mean she's white, don't you?</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062942&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="iJ47HDi6iKWhfqux_xiP_EySnt_oiPrX76gjFRg7tfI"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">John Swindle (not verified)</span> on 26 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062942">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062943" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222427027"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Palin is more qualified to lead tours at the creation museum because she knows exactly where they keep the dinosaur fossil with the footprint in it. Combine that with the anti-witchcraft spell she has, and you have yourself a nice pig with shiny new lipstick.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062943&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="1Vx2nfDF-l6fNDuDx1UviGO68eQA9P0jM9jpqXyUPQ0"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">RM (not verified)</span> on 26 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062943">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062944" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222430252"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><blockquote><p>"The way that I have understood the world is through education, through books, through mediums (sic) that have provided me a lot of perspective on the world..."</p></blockquote> <p>Maybe she meant spiritual mediums...</p> <p>/honestly, would anybody here be surprised?</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062944&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="9zSJhXdTQ8V67t14XQVhzuKa8y_AGMDIiyy8YYQ-mWs"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.google.com/reader/shared/03285257443185929989" lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Scotty B (not verified)</a> on 26 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062944">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062945" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222436603"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Oh, Christ. For eight years I haven't been able to listen to the president talk because it's so painful, worse than when my 8th grade teacher would make one of the slow kids read something out loud. are we going to have four more years of this with Palin? Because that's how I felt watching this video. I didn't even finish it. I couldn't sit through 7 1/2 minutes of her. </p> <p>I'm tired of the old "elitism" saw. Shouldn't our president be elite? Smarter, more educated, more erudite than the rest of us? And how come this logic only applies to the presidential race? You don't hear anyone bitching about how "elitist" the MLB is (for example) and how A-Rod shouldn't get to start because most Americans wouldn't want to have a beer with him. We want to be astounded by our athletes, actors and musicians. Shouldn't we want to be astounded by our leaders too? Shouldn't we choose them because they'll take good care of us and have the patience and intellect to understand the nuances of the Israeli-Palestine conflict and the economy and the rest of the shit the majority of Americans scroll by on their way to read about Clay Aiken? I think so. We let an average Joe try it for eight years and look how that worked out. Let's let someone smart give it a shot.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062945&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="DHec7zmHB1ZegaEi9RjrbFeKGFPqRH80gOZoIiyiNUg"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.yourlibrarycard.blogspot.com" lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Library Diva (not verified)</a> on 26 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062945">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062946" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222437860"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Coturnix nearly killed me last night with <a href="http://scienceblogs.com/clock/2008/09/somebody_had_to_do_this.php">this</a>.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062946&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="zh8q0ScetLh_584zbDHZ_j8QqqZC_d49X196W6Ydntg"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" content="themadlolscientist, FCD">themadlolscien… (not verified)</span> on 26 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062946">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062947" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222439902"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>"I'm tired of the old 'elitism' saw. Shouldn't our president be elite? Smarter, more educated, more erudite than the rest of us?"</p> <p>I don't pray, but have to say "A-goddamn-MEN" anyway. I've been howling about this for longer than eight years ... </p> <p>Thanks for articulating it better than I can. I'm too angry.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062947&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="qT-ME97nnKRmdQIhGvVHM9FxqTi5ARBPCTy-7qEpeNc"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">bernard quatermass (not verified)</span> on 26 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062947">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062948" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222442826"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>So what's so "elite" about a kid from the wrong side of the tracks deciding he/she doesn't want to live on the wrong side of the tracks all his/her life, paying attention in school, getting into college on his/her own merits, taking advantage of all the financial aid available to students whose parents don't have bottomless pockets, and coming out with the education to realize his/her ambition? That's not elitism. It's a gin-you-wine All-Amurrikin success story.</p> <p>The good ole Hew-Hess-of-Hay used to look up to self-made success. Wotthehell happened?</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062948&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="qC3snT8kCceXNhzAhS7ztAJSPW0-cgO2IFuEPKNBgAQ"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" content="themadlolscientist, FCD">themadlolscien… (not verified)</span> on 26 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062948">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062949" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222443613"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Bet you any money that when she started waving around big words like "mediums", she was really just panicking because she'd realised just in time she'd been about to say TV.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062949&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="AXBurRXCBwRTHxhF90WYkqWqSMN4oBwzEvFmFwgKw_c"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Bessest (not verified)</span> on 26 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062949">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062950" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222533618"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-09-27-kansas-election_N.htm">Palin gives McCain extra boost in Kansas</a><br /> I feel sad for the people of Kansas.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062950&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="wNbj-rBtqASAItxEiPG4y4P6seOjKKl3hqILaQ_Jlm0"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" content="Tegumai Bopsulai, FCD">Tegumai Bopsul… (not verified)</span> on 27 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062950">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062951" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222596448"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>"I feel sad for the people of Kansas."</p> <p>Don't. They get what they want and deserve.<br /> I do feel sorry for the ones who are smart enough to know they are being led by stupid people and who cannot leave.<br /> The rest of them? Forget 'em.<br /> Same with any group of people who votes against their economic and social well being based on personality and talking points.<br /> Bag of hammers stupid is what I call them.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062951&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="PnZ8_Tk_9Qmr-hPY9WVe1e7JpASJtFD0fWTSE3_CfT0"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">gindy (not verified)</span> on 28 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062951">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062952" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222626880"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>I give you credit for taking a strong stance on a political opinion.-I notice that lot of bloggers are wary of discussing politics unless they have a political blog.<br /> I found Palin's speech at the convention to be interesting.-Her humorous sarcasm and perky self-confidence was fun to watch.-Since then, the novelty has worn off. It is apparent that she is in over head.-There are things that I like and dislike about both political parties and the same holds true about the presidential candidates. I'm not overly impressed with Obama but I am going to vote for him because of certain issues that are important to me personally and the country as well.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062952&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="6W03j8zhJgs9kaZBkQoI6HLfR5pqDFlq2QKRME3jAhw"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a rel="nofollow" href="http://brownstonebirder.blogspot.com/" lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Larry (not verified)</a> on 28 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062952">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062953" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222672674"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/29/earlyshow/main4484569.shtml">Palin's Parents Pan Media</a>Tell Early Show's Harry Smith Their Daughter Is Ready To Be President<br /> <i>la pathetique</i></p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062953&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="oOLpv3QnexveRtz0BNv2w8jiwQneDZM3GvZJuQbOF_g"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Trin Tragula (not verified)</span> on 29 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062953">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062954" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222672875"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/29/earlyshow/main4484569.shtml">Chuck Palins says</a></p> <blockquote><p> <i>Hard-working, perseverance, honesty. Yeah, honesty. She won't fabricate things or exaggerate things. She'll tell it the way it is.</i> </p></blockquote> <p>That Chuck, what a sense of humour.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062954&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="GXec_z4ytigJ3cOm_jM8Zp9wAGXyUBycHbqR5sUGtP4"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Trin Tragula (not verified)</span> on 29 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062954">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062955" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222773420"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>I think Gov. Palin did exceptionally well for being in a very hostile environment. The double interview with Senator McCain later helped show that difference when they corrected Ms. Couric on several misconceptions. </p> <p>She's also far more articulate than Senator Obama. And I have yet to hear a reasonable explination of certain policies of his such as the 'Civilian Defense Force' that he says he wants to create that is as "powerful" and expensive as the US military. The Defense Department budget alone is 4% of our GDP, so there's a huge new tax Barry is wanting to stab us poor middle class working families with right there. I've not seen any harsh interviews with him to explain that nor several other 'misconceptions' and giant gaffees he and his running mate seem to constantly have.</p> <p>If it's the McCain/Palin campaign's strategy to put Gov. Palin in front of her most hostile detractors first, ABC and then CBS being the obvious; it may prove well to make her look better the later we go together towards election day. Because as the Democratic party side of these issues have proven, particularly with this economic "crisis mode" making the headlines today; the less astute who watch such non-sensical shows such as Katie Couric's tend to forget things very quickly and often.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062955&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="R_Xhg0XrGz4vuyxp5ghI_wCtOMAVD8sRhCmM-iRKzKM"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Joel (not verified)</span> on 30 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062955">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> </section> <ul class="links inline list-inline"><li class="comment-forbidden"><a href="/user/login?destination=/grrlscientist/2008/09/25/palin-is-her-own-parody%23comment-form">Log in</a> to post comments</li></ul> Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:20:56 +0000 grrlscientist 87639 at https://scienceblogs.com https://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/09/25/election2008-poster-suggestion-1 <span>Election2008 Poster Suggestions #2</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span style="font-size: 10px">tags: <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/election2008+poster+suggestions" rel="tag">election2008 poster suggestions</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/humor" rel="tag">humor</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/satire" rel="tag">satire</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/presidential+election" rel="tag">presidential election</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/politics" rel="tag">politics</a></span></p> <div class="centeredCaption"> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30800331@N06/2887941764/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3205/2887941764_af061d21da_o.jpg" width="400" height="551" /></a></p> <p>Image: <a target="window" href="http://www.cracked.com/article_16661_what-campaign-ads-would-look-like-if-voting-age-was.html">Cracked.com</a>. </p> </div> <p>I like this poster's Harry Potter theme.</p> <p>The silliness of this year's presidential elections has some people mocking them. Cracked.com especially, has taken this mocking to a new level, as you can see above from one of their poster suggestions. I have chosen my two favorite posters to show to you, but <a target="window" href="http://www.cracked.com/article_16661_what-campaign-ads-would-look-like-if-voting-age-was.html">there are plenty more where those came from</a>! </p> </div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/author/grrlscientist" lang="" about="/author/grrlscientist" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">grrlscientist</a></span> <span>Thu, 09/25/2008 - 06:59</span> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/humor" hreflang="en">humor</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/election-posters" hreflang="en">election posters</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/election2008" hreflang="en">election2008</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/humor" hreflang="en">humor</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> </div> </div> <section> </section> <ul class="links inline list-inline"><li class="comment-forbidden"><a href="/user/login?destination=/grrlscientist/2008/09/25/election2008-poster-suggestion-1%23comment-form">Log in</a> to post comments</li></ul> Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:59:59 +0000 grrlscientist 87636 at https://scienceblogs.com https://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/09/25/election2008-poster-suggestion <span>Election2008 Poster Suggestions #1</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span style="font-size: 10px">tags: <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/election2008+poster+suggestions" rel="tag">election2008 poster suggestions</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/humor" rel="tag">humor</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/satire" rel="tag">satire</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/presidential+election" rel="tag">presidential election</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/politics" rel="tag">politics</a></span></p> <div class="centeredCaption"> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30800331@N06/2887941720/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3205/2887941720_2cdbc462aa_o.jpg" width="400" height="583" /></a></p> <p>Image: <a target="window" href="http://www.cracked.com/article_16661_what-campaign-ads-would-look-like-if-voting-age-was.html">Cracked.com</a>. </p> </div> <p>I like this suggested poster's science theme. </p> <p>The silliness of this year's presidential elections has some people mocking them. Cracked.com especially, has taken this mocking to a new level, as you can see above from one of their poster suggestions. I have chosen my two favorite posters to show to you, but <a target="window" href="http://www.cracked.com/article_16661_what-campaign-ads-would-look-like-if-voting-age-was.html">there are plenty more where those came from</a>! </p> </div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/author/grrlscientist" lang="" about="/author/grrlscientist" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">grrlscientist</a></span> <span>Thu, 09/25/2008 - 05:59</span> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/humor" hreflang="en">humor</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/election-posters" hreflang="en">election posters</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/election2008" hreflang="en">election2008</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/humor" hreflang="en">humor</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> </div> </div> <section> </section> <ul class="links inline list-inline"><li class="comment-forbidden"><a href="/user/login?destination=/grrlscientist/2008/09/25/election2008-poster-suggestion%23comment-form">Log in</a> to post comments</li></ul> Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:59:59 +0000 grrlscientist 87621 at https://scienceblogs.com https://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/09/24/im-not-running-until-you-fix-t <span>I&#039;m Not Running For Preznit Until You Fix Things! Boo Hoo!</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>I just learned that John "Eight McMansions" McCain has decided to suspend his presidential bid until someone fixes the economic mess that he helped the current adminstration get this nation into. Worse, he is going back to Washington DC to erm, "fix" this crisis. And he is telling Barack Obama to do the same. </p> <p>Quite frankly, since McCain was in Washington DC while <b>all</b> the government deregulations were occurring, and he often supported a free economy (gone wild), I'd <b>much</b> prefer he remains distracted by the campaign and OUT of Washington so he can't do yet MORE damage! </p> <!--more--><p>Well, here's what I think;</p> <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7sNJhX0x7yI&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7sNJhX0x7yI&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><p> Story about <a target="window" href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/24/campaign.wrap/index.html">McCain's crapola</a>. </p> </div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/author/grrlscientist" lang="" about="/author/grrlscientist" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">grrlscientist</a></span> <span>Wed, 09/24/2008 - 10:49</span> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/streaming-videos" hreflang="en">streaming videos</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/election2008" hreflang="en">election2008</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/mccain" hreflang="en">mccain</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/presidential-bid" hreflang="en">presidential bid</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/streaming-videos" hreflang="en">streaming videos</a></div> </div> </div> <section> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062850" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222268975"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>I am tired of the Obama supporters using the fact that John McCain has money as a political talking point. Would you rather have someone who does not know how to handle money as your President. (Please, before anyone jumps on that statement, I am not suggesting that Obama does not know how to handle money.) My point is, having money does not make you the enemy. Also, you must consider the fact that McCain married into money. Does that also make him unfit for the presidency. McCain has not always had money, he knows what it's like to struggle and yes, to go hungry. If you want to slam McCain, find an issue to do that with, otherwise you just come off as being unintelligent.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062850&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="21-OVFi343hpNanKlW0pJ5QU9ZIU3hmplLKqLjFHRow"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">JustMeToo (not verified)</span> on 24 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062850">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="134" id="comment-2062851" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222269528"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>i am tired of the McCain supporters using the fact that Barack Obama has a good education as a political talking point. Would you rather have someone who does not know how to think as your President. (Please, before anyone jumps on that statement, I am not suggesting that McCain does not know how to think.) My point is, having a good education does not make you an elitist. Also, you must remember the fact that Obama grew up as the child of a single mother on food stamps. Does that also make him unfit for the presidency. Obama has not always had money and education, he knows what it's like to struggle and yes, to go hungry. If you want to slam Obama, find an issue to do that with, otherwise you just come off as being mindless 'droids.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062851&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="oqB7bzDoxCHDQeSTXjLRPs1R8ck84P1qn-jmn7gIhQ4"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a title="View user profile." href="/author/grrlscientist" lang="" about="/author/grrlscientist" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">grrlscientist</a> on 24 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062851">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/author/grrlscientist"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/author/grrlscientist" hreflang="en"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/pictures/Hedwig%20P%C3%B6ll%C3%B6l%C3%A4inen.jpeg?itok=-pOoqzmB" width="58" height="58" alt="Profile picture for user grrlscientist" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062852" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222269685"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>No JustMeToo, none of that discounts McCain for president. However, McCain with his wealth (married to or otherwise) is the one calling his opponent elitist and out of touch. Obama has cash now and lives well I do not doubt, but he also grew up in a family that went temporarily on food stamps. Even if the latter fact were not true, the idea of McCain selling himself as the common man and Obama as the hollywood celebrity is dishonest to say the least. That should effect the likelihood of a McCain presidency.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062852&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="qPylITVkwXNkYYZ2PWL-wbueIn5zubnKgt9YkiooIaY"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a rel="nofollow" href="http://angrybychoice.blogspot.com" lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Lorax (not verified)</a> on 24 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062852">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062853" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222270485"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><blockquote><p> <i>I am tired of the Obama supporters using the fact that John McCain has money as a political talking point.</i> </p></blockquote> <p>The Republicans made that an issue when they started portraying Obama as an "elitist." I.e. it's the hypocrisy. It's like Larry Craig - the story is not that he got caught toe-tapping in an airport restroom, it's that he did so after spending his political career fighting rights for homosexuals.</p> <blockquote><p> <i>Also, you must consider the fact that McCain married into money.</i> </p></blockquote> <p>Do you really want to go there? Yes, McCain's second wife, one of the women he was running around with while married to his first wife (which some people might consider an impeachable offense, and his first wife was in the hospital recovering from an auto accident when McCain asked for the divorce) is filthy rich. McCain would be the first president with a pre-nup agreement.</p> <blockquote><p> <i>If you want to slam McCain, find an issue to do that with, otherwise you just come off as being unintelligent.</i> </p></blockquote> <p>Once again, it is McCain and the Republicans who made elitism an issue. Failing to notice that makes you come across as unintelligent, or dishonest. Take your pick.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062853&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="shzPr0y1l7H5wSlWUM4_URixyK3bmZlIdr1xk0P-0CY"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" content="Tegumai Bopsulai, FCD">Tegumai Bopsul… (not verified)</span> on 24 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062853">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062854" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222271321"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>BOSS PWNAGE!</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062854&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="PMUmiwTqhhAFVkCyUxaZuaiIiQmeCk4zA0gf62WSm08"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">eddie (not verified)</span> on 24 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062854">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062855" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222271572"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>You're right, "elitist" is probably not the best description for Obama, "opportunist" is more like it.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062855&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="0hvUCsk-rNU29fuolTwt9wSoJQXwpNvPPcEx41j8CTM"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">JustMeToo (not verified)</span> on 24 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062855">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="134" id="comment-2062856" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222272705"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>heh, opportunist? since when did obama divorce his first wife while she was in the hospital recovering from serious injuries so he could marry a much MUCH richer woman whom he had been having an affair with while married to the first wife? oh, wait. he didn't! that was mccain, wasn't it?</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062856&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="mWgKVbhsIDrRYAGCHRn4wBc5kSzOnEMGQQUNNZ4e_zc"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a title="View user profile." href="/author/grrlscientist" lang="" about="/author/grrlscientist" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">grrlscientist</a> on 24 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062856">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/author/grrlscientist"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/author/grrlscientist" hreflang="en"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/pictures/Hedwig%20P%C3%B6ll%C3%B6l%C3%A4inen.jpeg?itok=-pOoqzmB" width="58" height="58" alt="Profile picture for user grrlscientist" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062857" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222272821"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>JustMeToo,<br /> Are you sure you want to move on to 'opportunist' as your new ad hominem attack point? Would you not classify the dumping of one's disfigured wife for a more attractive and supremely more wealthy heiress the epitome of 'opportunist' behavior? It seems you need reminding that Obama had to create all of his opportunities to get ahead in life. He was not handed his education at a top university by a legacy admission. Obama was not handed a position in politics by his circumstance (of being a bad pilot) of being an Admiral's son who was also a POW. Obama did not 'marry into' his wealth, he earned it.<br /> Now, as an independent secular voter, i am not at all happy with Obama for a whole number of things (his endorsement of Bush's faith programs, his rejection of public campaign financing, etc) but McCain has really showed his utter lack of integrity, morals, or a conscience of any kind in this election.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062857&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="mWHeicfaJL2NL3Acnd0RLerHL6lr45TxqEvaq6ZsD1Y"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Amar (not verified)</span> on 24 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062857">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062858" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222273548"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Amar, get your facts straight, Carol McCain has admitted that they both changed dramatically over their ordeals and drifted apart years before the divorce. She has also stated that she holds no ill feelings for him and supports his political career.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062858&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="ewewXAJmLmrMGdLGDetNhH7vY6-urcSwu3v0-sOMlqg"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">JustMeToo (not verified)</span> on 24 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062858">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062859" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222275206"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Well, the title of the post is just misleading. From his announcement, I do not have the impression that Sen. McCain is just waiting for someone else to fix the problem.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062859&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="MCCZ0PDm-b5YxWn8QuotItw7SVVmEdLAxdc-fUyvzLQ"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a rel="nofollow" href="http://finchwench.wordpress.com" lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">sara (not verified)</a> on 24 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062859">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062860" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222275557"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>After playing the video, I went through some related before pausing it when I wanted to play someone else.</p> <p>Came back and noticed the screen was <a href="http://img525.imageshack.us/my.php?image=crapolald1.png">just perfect and must be posted.</a></p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062860&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="MvrdUYou9GGhusa6jc6tD-UlMmDi-FMvtGrBLr7ZLxI"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Paul Schofield (not verified)</span> on 24 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062860">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="134" id="comment-2062861" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222277874"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>HAHA! that's hilarious, paul!</p> <p>and this is for JustMeToo -- i forgot to mention that having money doesn't mean that a person knows how to manage it properly. that should be <b>screamingly obvious</b> after the wall street fiasco. this is especially true for a person who married into money instead of getting it the old fashioned way (um, working for it). </p> <p>sara -- considering how mccain was an aggressive player throughout the decades in creating this mess in the first place, i would LOVE it if he fixed it, but he has neither the brainpower nor the political will to do so. fixing this mess is in direct conflict to his decades of previous behavior;</p> <blockquote><p>How is it now possible for a reasonable voter to cast a ballot for John McCain?</p> <p>The total cost of rescuing the financial services sector, including past and proposed actions, exceeds $1-trillion, more than twice the record $438-billion deficit projected for this fiscal year.</p> <p>American taxpayers are being asked to spend thousands of dollars per person to prevent the collapse of Wall Street. A whole lot of people who made an awful lot of money by taking enormous risks they couldn't afford will benefit, at the expense of everyone else.</p> <p>[ ... ]</p> <p>If there has been one constant in Mr. McCain's legislative record through decades in the House and Senate, it has been his unequivocal support for deregulation. He championed it during his years as chairman of the Senate commerce committee. He campaigned actively and successfully for the very act that scrapped the regulations whose absence created this cascade of bank and insurance-company failures.</p> <p>"I have a long voting record in support of deregulation," he said back in 2003. It was no idle boast.</p> <p>[ ... ]</p> <p>John McCain could honourably have said that, in retrospect, he might have been too enthusiastic in his support for unlimited deregulation, that he is learning lessons along with everyone else, and that, as president, he will restore a responsible level of federal oversight on Wall Street.</p> <p>Instead, he blames the greed of bank executives and <b>accuses Barack Obama of failing to propose a realistic plan to fix the mess he helped create</b>. [emphasis mine]</p> <p>[<a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080924.COIBBI24/TPStory/National">Globe and Mail</a> story] </p></blockquote> <p>on the other hand, you just go right ahead and vote for mccain -- and prove my assessment of the average american correct, mmkay? either way, I WIN. on the other hand, you too, could win -- by casting a carefully considered vote that is based in reality.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062861&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="QA4JFq6J0w6sUOZKsDLKVr3hi7Bs02VBJ81Hd0XN7pA"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a title="View user profile." href="/author/grrlscientist" lang="" about="/author/grrlscientist" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">grrlscientist</a> on 24 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062861">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/author/grrlscientist"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/author/grrlscientist" hreflang="en"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/pictures/Hedwig%20P%C3%B6ll%C3%B6l%C3%A4inen.jpeg?itok=-pOoqzmB" width="58" height="58" alt="Profile picture for user grrlscientist" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062862" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222279476"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><blockquote><p><em>Well, the title of the post is just misleading. From his announcement, I do not have the impression that Sen. McCain is just waiting for someone else to fix the problem.</em></p></blockquote> <p>Unless Cindy's going to give King Henry (we're all Socialists now) Paulson the $700 Billion, then McCain jolly well <em>is</em> posing while someone else fixes the problem.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062862&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="gtBNe1Oy0F9Glfj-x2qsTctcjNNqnIM0fmaCXXGBQcU"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Matt Hussein Platte (not verified)</span> on 24 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062862">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062863" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222283052"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>EASY SOLUTION!!!!</p> <p>Switch the VP and presidential debates -all is well. Unless Sarah Palin's wisdom is needed in this crisis.</p> <p>Spread the meme...</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062863&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="-9tD4MWZrvkme8MUKn1PiAxRnqWp2KYOl0nXzYfr7Yk"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Michael (not verified)</span> on 24 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062863">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062864" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222296305"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>On the World Service this morning I heard Bush say </p> <blockquote><p>Democratic capitalism is the best system ever devised</p></blockquote> <p>Ha! Not Republican capitalism!</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062864&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="CHwzNWO6RLspW_DU5J71ME-xL-tD7DqOKVfpIb0O-EA"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a rel="nofollow" href="http://network.nature.com/blogs/user/boboh" lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Bob O&#039;H (not verified)</a> on 24 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062864">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062865" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222311417"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><blockquote><p>You're right, "elitist" is probably not the best description for Obama, "opportunist" is more like it.</p></blockquote> <p>Obama obtains an elite education, so he's "elitist". He takes advantage of the opportunities he's faced with, so he's "opportunist". Do you even bother to think about what you say before you say it?</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062865&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="m80ZZw2KpuwStlHKgeOjElaNY1GQF5-CFmWs3F4GVp0"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a rel="nofollow" href="http://fac-staff.seattleu.edu/dohertyd" lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Davis (not verified)</a> on 24 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062865">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062866" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222325226"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Could someone provide an example of a politician who couldn't be called an "opportunist"?</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062866&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="N57UgLx_4iniNX-bYk7zvx4AVmyI0EZBLFQZVMJz478"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" content="Tegumai Bopsulai, FCD">Tegumai Bopsul… (not verified)</span> on 25 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062866">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062867" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222325397"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>John McCain sez: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqsH7dkFGTo">I'm not an expert on Wall Street</a></p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062867&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="PHOp--ckeDAt-IasjkwXy7uTfz_mbSbL_w73ZMboPak"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" content="Tegumai Bopsulai, FCD">Tegumai Bopsul… (not verified)</span> on 25 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062867">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062868" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222336983"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Obama had his eye on the White House before he decided to run for the Senate. In his words, "I realized people were drawn to me." Now isn't that a great reason to run for President. He decided, (because people were drawn to him), that he could be the first black President. So, he ran for the Senate (only winning because of a scandal involving his opponent), then spent his "less than 3 years" in the Senate doing as little as possible. By voting "present" he did not have to make a decision that could compromise his upcoming run for President. If Obama would concentrate more on legislature and less on personal aspirations he may one day make a fine President. However, this is not the time.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062868&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="alDorhWvSx1Pyza64fCZdxx1jAKkOrtUO4MjZjHP6Wg"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">JustMeToo (not verified)</span> on 25 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062868">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062869" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222346940"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><blockquote><p> <i>then spent his "less than 3 years" in the Senate</i> </p></blockquote> <p>Why is that phrase in quotes? Is it because it is untrue? Obama was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004, and was sworn in as a senator in January 2005. This being September 2008, that seems to me to be more than three years. This information is so easy to verify that I'm going to expand the options I offered you earlier to include unintelligent <i>and</i> dishonest.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062869&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="QKr13_MLdM-ivl_6w_pS6ippxioUN2Xr1VUwfGXvrvk"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" content="Tegumai Bopsulai, FCD">Tegumai Bopsul… (not verified)</span> on 25 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062869">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062870" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222348199"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>The phrase is in quotes because on February 10, 2007 Barack Obama announced his candidacy for president and has since then spent most of his time campaigning. So, yes, I would say that his experience doing the job of a Senator has been less than three years. Tegumai, you seem angry and accusatory.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062870&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="v5gNYP12y1_BhVTw-yox7UX5ND1yd0BI00KEo18yhBk"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">JustMeToo (not verified)</span> on 25 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062870">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062871" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222374607"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>*sharp, attention-getting whistle*</p> <p>Please excuse me, GrrlScientis...</p> <p>Ahem. Everyone (but JMT)? Would you please stop feeding the troll. I can kill-file all its ass-hattery, but I still see your responses (and quotations of its words).</p> <p>FTR: I am voting for Obama because I like his politics best, and in far second place--I am voting for Obama because I want McCain to lose lest the country is utterly ruined. Truth? I still miss Al Gore, but I understand why he's not in the running this time around. IOW: Give me a well-educated person with a strong level of scientific literacy and a religion kept out of office and I'm good. Oh, and s/he needs to support gay marriage and abortion rights. Uh-and... I'd prefer if s/he was happy to have atheists for friends.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062871&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="MNFta5_c7KaNt1_uj72dNXZAdjC7Rkh1JnqomoOv9VQ"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a rel="nofollow" href="http://verywide.net/" lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Moody834 (not verified)</a> on 25 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062871">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> </section> <ul class="links inline list-inline"><li class="comment-forbidden"><a href="/user/login?destination=/grrlscientist/2008/09/24/im-not-running-until-you-fix-t%23comment-form">Log in</a> to post comments</li></ul> Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:49:09 +0000 grrlscientist 87619 at https://scienceblogs.com https://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/09/22/socialized-medicine-versus-soc <span>Socialized Medicine versus Socialized Business Losses</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span style="font-size: 10px">tags: <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/socialized+medicine" rel="tag">socialized medicine</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/uninsured+americans" rel="tag">uninsured Americans</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/health+care+policy" rel="tag">health care policy</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/election2008" rel="tag">election2008</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/politics" rel="tag">politics</a></span></p> <div class="centeredCaption"> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/84727393@N00/2876499261/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/2876499261_e9a999c7e7.jpg" width="500" height="390" /></a></p> </div> <p>I have a confession to make: I am an American who has no health insurance, and I have been so ever since my postdoctoral funding ended <i>four years ago</i>. But I am not alone: according to the most recently available statistics, somewhere between 45-47 million Americans are living without any sort health care coverage, and every year, more and more working adults and families join the ranks of the uninsured. Shockingly, according to the Urban Institute's estimate, 22,000 Americans actually <i>died</i> in 2006 because they dared to be uninsured! This should be an embarassment for such a wealthy nation, especially because it reveals Americans' true lack of ethics by underlining the astonishing level of greed that prevails here. </p> <p>This point is further driven home by the recent decision of the Bush administration to socialize the losses of insurance giant American International Group Inc., and mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac at an estimated cost to the taxpayers of more than $85 billion over the next two years while ignoring the plight of 47 million uninsured Americans -- because "socialized medicine is bad." (too expensive, etc.)</p> <!--more--><p>But wait, maybe there really aren't that many uninsured Americans? I mean, how many people does 45-47 million Americans translate into? Let's compare this number of Americans with no access to health care to something that most people can relate to;</p> <ol> <li> <i>12 million more people</i> are uninsured in America than live in our Northern neighbor, Canada (population: 32.2 million) </li> <li> <i>20 million more people</i> are uninsured in America than live in the country we are currently bombing, Iraq (population: 24.7 million) </li> <p>But let's bring this home, for some local context. There are ..</p> <li> Nearly 150 uninsured Americans for each physician in America </li> <li> Nearly 7,500 uninsured Americans for each hospital in America </li> <li> Over 84,000 uninsured Americans for each Member of Congress </li> </ol> <p>Wow, that last stat kinda makes you want to ask your congresscritters how they can face their constituencies <i>knowing</i> that, on average, 84,000 of them <i>have not and cannot</i> visit a doctor without incurring significant debt and potential financial ruin as a result. This is a truly an American version of the "your money or your life!" scenario. </p> <p>But maybe uninsured Americans are just a bunch of whiny losers who deserve to be uninsured? Unfortunately, the lack of health insurance is a problem because it affects more than unemployed video-game addicted boyz who live in their mothers' basements: the vast majority of these uninsured Americans actually work (most work fulltime) and earn at least poverty level wages. But in reality, they are being <i>punished</i> for trying to remain employed because their meagre incomes effectively disqualify them from receiving government-sponsored health insurance without providing them enough income to pay for private health insurance on their own. However, if these same workers with families were unemployed, they <i>would</i> qualify for government-sponsored health insurance. </p> <p>Since most of these uninsured Americans are employed, why don't their employers provide them with health insurance? Employers are not required to offer health coverage in this country, so employer-provided health coverage declined from 69% in 2000 to only 60% in 2007. At least part of the reason for this decline in employer-provided health insurance is due to dramatically increasing costs of health insurance, although unrestricted greed also plays a significant role. Unfortunately, this decline in employer-provided health insurance disproportionately affects society's most vulnerable: poor and almost-poor working Americans are stuck working at crappy jobs or in "temp" positions that are less likely to provide employer-provided health insurance. Worse, even when they are offered coverage, they much more likely to lose it. </p> <p>As a result, the uninsured and their families typically postpone visiting a doctor or dentist when they develop minor (or chronic) health problems, thereby allowing these problems to escalate into serious and possibly life-threatening illnesses that require emergency care. When this happens, the uninsured end up facing debts that they cannot possibly pay, so their lack of health insurance not only threatens the continued health and well-being of millions of people and their families, but it also damages and destroys their financial security and their ability to rise out of poverty. </p> <p>More than 60 million low-income or disabled Americans rely on public programs such as Medicaid and Medicare to provide them with health coverage. But these programs do not cover all low-income people nor does everyone who is eligible actually know they can obtain such coverage. On one hand, there has been a strong public education campaign to inform people that medical coverage is available for <i>all</i> low-income children, but eligibility for adults is much more restricted -- especially for those who are single and childless. For example, during these past four years, it has been my experience that <b>most single childless adults are not eligible for <i>any</i> public programs, including Medicaid and food stamps, even when they have can document that their incomes are well below the federal poverty level</b> -- unless they are homeless.</p> <p>This is a travesty.</p> <p>So what can we, as Americans in a presidential election year, do? We can ask very specific questions of our presidential candidates about their health insurance policies -- and we should not let them off the hook until they've actually answered our questions! These questions should include;</p> <ol> <li> How many uninsured would be covered by your proposal? </li> <li> How would your proposal affect those who already have health insurance? </li> <li> Does your proposal provide financial assistance to help people who could not otherwise afford to purchase health insurance? If so, is this subsidy sufficient to make coverage affordable? (Health insurance for the average healthy family of four costs roughly $12,500 per year -- more if they have chronic health problems). Does your proposal punish those who do not obtain health insurance? If so, how? (Remember that people can and do fall through the cracks -- people such as single childless adults who currently cannot get coverage, for example). </li> <li> What will your proposal do regarding the challenges that people with pre-existing or chronic health problems face in obtaining affordable health insurance? Will your plan provide adequate mental health care and cover the cost of psychiatric medications? </li> <li> Under your proposal, would the current health care system be completely reorganized or would the changes be smaller and more incremental? What role would government-supported health insurance programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare, play in providing health coverage? How would changes to the existing health care system affect these programs? </li> <li> How much would your proposal cost, and how would it be financed?</li> </ol> <p>I think that all Americans should become more proactive (read: "aggressive") regarding the provision of health insurance to <i>every American</i>, regardless of their income, social status, and health situation. Further, I think that Americans should seriously rethink their aversion to "socialized medicine" -- this might in fact be the best and most cost-effective way to provide coverage for everyone in this nation. I mean, if this country can freely indulge in socialized business practices that cost the taxpayer far more than socialized health care, then what is the problem here? </p> <p>NOTE: <a target="window" href="http://scienceblogs.com/voteforscience/2008/09/socialized_business_losses_ver.php">Original essay</a>, which has plenty of interesting comments.</p> <p><b>Sources</b></p> <p>The Urban Institute's report: <a target="window" href="http://www.urban.org/center/lwf/census_statistics.cfm">New Income and Poverty Statistics and the Social Safety Net</a> (stats, information).</p> <p><a target="window" href="http://covertheuninsured.org/">Cover the Uninsured</a> (stats).</p> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/80891.php">47 Million Uninsured Americans 'Is A Travesty' Says APHA</a> (stats).</p> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2004/08/b173900.html">Uninsured America</a> (stats).</p> </div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/author/grrlscientist" lang="" about="/author/grrlscientist" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">grrlscientist</a></span> <span>Mon, 09/22/2008 - 04:59</span> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/medicine" hreflang="en">medicine</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/election2008" hreflang="en">election2008</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/health-care-policy" hreflang="en">health care policy</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/health-insurance" hreflang="en">health insurance</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/uninsured-americans" hreflang="en">uninsured Americans</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/medicine" hreflang="en">medicine</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-categories field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Categories</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/channel/policy" hreflang="en">Policy</a></div> </div> </div> <section> </section> <ul class="links inline list-inline"><li class="comment-forbidden"><a href="/user/login?destination=/grrlscientist/2008/09/22/socialized-medicine-versus-soc%23comment-form">Log in</a> to post comments</li></ul> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:59:59 +0000 grrlscientist 87598 at https://scienceblogs.com https://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/09/21/moron-palins-crazy-beliefs <span>Moron Sarah Palin&#039;s Crazy Beliefs</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span style="font-size: 10px">tags: <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Sarah+Palin" rel="tag">Sarah Palin</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/religion" rel="tag">religion</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/the+rapture" rel="tag">The Rapture</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Keith+Olberman" rel="tag">Keith Olberman</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/streaming+video" rel="tag">streaming video</a></span></p> <p>Keith Olberman reports on the peculiar situation where Sarah Palin's pastor, whom Palin gives partial credit for making her the governer of Alaska (does this qualify as cheating?), was involved in chasing an innocent woman out of her home after accusing her of being a witch. We all know that Alaskans love to hunt mostly anything that moves, but .. witches?? What's next; will we be throwing misbehavin' women into ponds to see if they float? Or maybe all muslims will be perceived as witches .. what then? Because Palin has repeatedly demonstrated such a fuzzy line between her religion and her politics, I am very concerned that she will convince McCain to destroy everything this nation holds dear, particularly our right to privacy and our right to intellectual freedom [7:25]</p> <!--more--><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/biP3Wdd7PRI&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/biP3Wdd7PRI&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><p> Oh, don't forget:</p> <blockquote><p>Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6: 11-12. </p></blockquote> <p>Okay, Palin is the exception to the rule for how this society deals with crazy people: She proves what <i>some</i> people who believe in witches and believe that people can speak intelligibly in <strike>gibberish</strike> tongues can get a job as the highest official in at least one state of the union. But I can assure you, based on my own observations, everyone whom I've met who falls into this category is safely locked up in the local nuthouse (and not just for a few days, either). </p> </div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/author/grrlscientist" lang="" about="/author/grrlscientist" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">grrlscientist</a></span> <span>Sun, 09/21/2008 - 08:33</span> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/mental-health" hreflang="en">mental health</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/religion-0" hreflang="en">religion</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/streaming-videos" hreflang="en">streaming videos</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/election2008" hreflang="en">election2008</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/mental-illness" hreflang="en">mental illness</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/presidential-election" hreflang="en">presidential election</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/sarah-palin" hreflang="en">Sarah Palin</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/streaming-video" hreflang="en">streaming video</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/witch-hunts" hreflang="en">witch hunts</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/mental-health" hreflang="en">mental health</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/religion-0" hreflang="en">religion</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/streaming-videos" hreflang="en">streaming videos</a></div> </div> </div> <section> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062757" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222001610"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>According to The Guardian, the report on Palin and the trooper <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/20/uselections2008.sarahpalin">will be out in October</a>. It struck me that McCain might be unhappy at this - if it came out afterwards, then he could have used Palin to rally her base, and if/once she was found guilty, ditch her for someone more moderate.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062757&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="R2fFOXTa8E1ZsdYWm_XLyUoVUBHrTMv9NmEy70hqv10"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a rel="nofollow" href="http://network.nature.com/blogs/user/boboh" lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Bob O&#039;H (not verified)</a> on 21 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062757">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062758" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222006414"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>God botherers are bad enough, but devil dodgers? Witch hunters?</p> <p>My worry is that if she gets elected Veep, she'll have McCain killed so that she can get to The Button and bring on the Apocalypse.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062758&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="2fLF3nskwfUFD3cbglmhVjeM4g1QpNjXr-DmGpLgCXA"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" content="Globle Warren Terrism">Globle Warren … (not verified)</span> on 21 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062758">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062759" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222010333"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Well, she turned me into a newt!</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062759&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="Bg9j1a_rZt75vEbPHxex_08YP-VkdagJqxknx2qfFnI"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">James F (not verified)</span> on 21 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062759">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062760" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222012390"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>James, did you get better?</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062760&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="m_NOkfxPa-aeMQlnBGvsJD8Og001TySvy8KOZ5YXbWw"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">complex_field (not verified)</span> on 21 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062760">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062761" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222022337"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>A slight clarification is needed. Pastor Muthe was a pastor in Kenya, chased out the "witch" in Kenya, and was visiting Wasilla when the blessing of Palin took place. Not that that changes Palin's crankery much.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062761&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="WoCi83v-S-qkbXUt24edJ8s95gS0CDpj2GhkCJ_ePP0"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">natural cynic (not verified)</span> on 21 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062761">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062762" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222022958"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Intellectual elitism at its finest. Calling someone a "moron" is a fine example of the scientific "objective" viewpoint.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062762&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="G5EuvHDs1FvxJlUCStDiaKFAVHIH8_OAzixPqiJJ2Gc"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Dan (not verified)</span> on 21 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062762">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062763" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222024865"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>So is this what passes for science nowadays? Perhaps you should try to change the URL to politicalscienceblogs.com?</p> <p>And given the anonymity afforded you herein, it makes me wonder if the faithful in Osama Bama's camp have infiltrated herein.</p> <p>Anyway, who cares. Do us a favor and keep the site on topic.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062763&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="-WgQx-Hli0gO2m5nj_l_felIgL_jSeoQhcPbxlCA8l8"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Mike (not verified)</span> on 21 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062763">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="134" id="comment-2062764" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222026420"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>"elitism" .. excellence should not be mistaken for elitism, not even by you. </p> <p>further, if i was a republican, i'd be furious at mccain for choosing this crazy woman to be the vice presidential candidate .. she's got no morals, no scruples, she freely abuses her power to her own ends, and lies about it when she's caught, and she believes things that don't even reflect mainstream CHRISTIAN beliefs -- aren't you offended by this outrageous choice for a running mate? is palin the ONLY REPUBLICAN WOMAN IN THIS COUNTRY that is qualified?</p> <p>i HOPE NOT!</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062764&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="W4Q_Y9vPlbHQ2Dtqq1_Neq08ArRY8wt_7-E1X5RQefo"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a title="View user profile." href="/author/grrlscientist" lang="" about="/author/grrlscientist" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">grrlscientist</a> on 21 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062764">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/author/grrlscientist"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/author/grrlscientist" hreflang="en"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/pictures/Hedwig%20P%C3%B6ll%C3%B6l%C3%A4inen.jpeg?itok=-pOoqzmB" width="58" height="58" alt="Profile picture for user grrlscientist" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062765" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222026488"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Dan &amp; Mike - Fair enough. Now please tell us what exactly Palin has done as mayor or governor to promote science in Alaska.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062765&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="7OrEOX1FZR_-4YURLQTRQ8qCgFoOFEsCHWC9o7ORYLs"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">cfrost (not verified)</span> on 21 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062765">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062766" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222039819"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Cfrost - A cursory search reveals a few items. Naturally, her science pretty much is confined by the needs of Alaska... which is not much.<br /> <a href="http://www.betanews.com/article/Where_does_Sarah_Palin_stand_on_technology_issues/1220649619">http://www.betanews.com/article/Where_does_Sarah_Palin_stand_on_technol…</a></p> <p>And who knows, maybe the sports center she got built for the town in which she was a mayor is built using the latest and greatest technology.</p> <p>Quite honestly, I don't care. Again, your trying to make a site like this which should pride itself on discussions and news regarding science. So unless this site has changed that to political science then articles like the one above are just for SEO whoring.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062766&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="krqcv5PKs8XgRuz8bdGcwPjmiBKbeO-s0LN9wzykAfY"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">sentiant (not verified)</span> on 21 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062766">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062767" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222046849"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Voodoo by any other name. </p> <p>The GOP has totally lost it. People claiming to be rational conservatives should start a new party. The GOP has de-evolved into simply a mindless mob ruled by mob mentality.</p> <p>Actually, correct that: ruled by mobsters.</p> <p>The Dems ain't perfect and don't hold any moral high ground to be sure. But to put American Taliban people like Palin into the White House is sheer lunacy. Yes, American Taliban - , apocalyptic, authoritarian, torturing fundamentalists who want to rule this country like it was a midieval theocracy - that would be Taliban in my book.</p> <p>No American Talibanis in the White House!</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062767&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="zDNccSapHPAzp3LXk-Y38BkwLvJZANNT4D-C4BEkHSM"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">yogi-one (not verified)</span> on 21 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062767">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062768" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222061692"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>"So is this what passes for science nowadays? Perhaps you should try to change the URL to politicalscienceblogs.com?"</p> <p>Even scientists are allowed a political opinion aren't they? Especially about something as important as this which affects pretty much the whole world. </p> <p>wtf is Osama Bama?</p> <p>Word of advice - don't try to put two 'herein's into one sentance. It gives the impression that you write fantasy literature as a hobby (not that there's anything wrong with that...)</p> <p>:p</p> <p>"Intellectual elitism at its finest. "<br /> Calling someone a bit of an idiot for beleving in witchcraft is not intellectual elitism. It is Fairly Normal. At least, as far as I was aware.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062768&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="T51WzuggnFCTtookwX2X1CcVSmMODYU6XQUHP9JIgBg"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a rel="nofollow" href="http://madlabrat.blogspot.com/" lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Lab Rat (not verified)</a> on 22 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062768">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062769" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222082975"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>An audio clip of Bishop Muthee advocating violence:</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsnrIVj9IbM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsnrIVj9IbM</a></p> <p>Transcript:</p> <p>"The violent take it by force. People that have spiritual backbones are the ones that are going to advance. They are the ones that will move forward. I thank God for what I see happening in this place. I thank God for the vision, the passion that I can see here. And my word is this: the more violent you become, the more committed you become, the quicker you will see things happen in this region." - Bishop Muthee</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062769&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="znFaru_oLlQvvZmJ4v5cIR9mcTaf8qaDhNX6L78O0ow"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">The Eel (not verified)</span> on 22 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062769">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> </section> <ul class="links inline list-inline"><li class="comment-forbidden"><a href="/user/login?destination=/grrlscientist/2008/09/21/moron-palins-crazy-beliefs%23comment-form">Log in</a> to post comments</li></ul> Sun, 21 Sep 2008 12:33:30 +0000 grrlscientist 87597 at https://scienceblogs.com https://scienceblogs.com/grrlscientist/2008/09/21/science-funding-freeze-under-m <span>Science Funding Freeze Under McCain</span> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p><span style="font-size: 10px">tags: <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/politics" rel="tag">politics</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/federal+budget" rel="tag">federal budget</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/funding+freeze" rel="tag">funding freeze</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/science+funding" rel="tag">science funding</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/technology+funding" rel="tag">technology funding</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/McCain" rel="tag">McCain</a>, <a target="window" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Ike+Brannon" rel="tag">Ike Brannon</a></span></p> <div class="centeredCaption"> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/84727393@N00/2874167136/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3270/2874167136_c3340128e3.jpg" width="500" height="307" /></a></p> <p>United States <strike>Federal Budget</strike> Discretionary Spending.</p> </div> <p>I just learned that, according to Ike Brannon, an economist and senior policy adviser to presidential candidate, John McCain, all funding -- including funding for scientific research -- will be frozen for one year if McCain is voted into the White House. </p> <p>"The purpose of the freeze is to evaluate each and every program, looking at which ones are worthwhile and which are a waste of taxpayer dollars," Brannon told the Task Force on the Future of American Innovation at a private meeting in Washington, D.C. </p> <!--more--><p>Unfortunately, this is in direct conflict with McCain's earlier statements regarding his position on funding for scientific research. When questioned about this change in McCain's policy, Brannon remained inflexible. </p> <p>"[T]he freeze applies to the entire budget, most of which doesn't relate to science. He hopes to be able to find savings from earmarks, from unnecessary subsidies, and from other programs that could then be applied to research." </p> <p>This is in stark contrast to the stated position for the Obama campaign, presented by Melody Barnes, Obama's senior domestic policy adviser.</p> <p>"Senator Obama believes that we have to double scientific research funding, so that we can take advantage of the enormous talent in the United States, and we can regain our global competitive edge."</p> <p>Considering that McCain is having difficulty in distinguishing his proposed policies from those of the current administration, his position only serves to reinforce Americans' perception that McCain's regressive policies towards funding scientific research and innovation will create yet more barriers to solving this country's numerous problems. </p> <p>Ho-hum. So it goes.</p> <p>NOTE: <a target="window" href="http://scienceblogs.com/voteforscience/2008/09/science_funding_freeze_under_m.php">Original story location</a> with interesting reader comments.</p> <p><b>Source</b></p> <p><a target="window" href="http://www.newsguide.us/education/science/McCain-Freeze-Would-Chill-Science/">NewsGuide</a> (quotes).</p> </div> <span><a title="View user profile." href="/author/grrlscientist" lang="" about="/author/grrlscientist" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">grrlscientist</a></span> <span>Sun, 09/21/2008 - 03:59</span> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Tags</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/election2008" hreflang="en">election2008</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/mccain" hreflang="en">mccain</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/science-funding" hreflang="en">science funding</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/tag/politics" hreflang="en">Politics</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-categories field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field--label">Categories</div> <div class="field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/channel/policy" hreflang="en">Policy</a></div> </div> </div> <section> <article data-comment-user-id="0" id="comment-2062770" class="js-comment comment-wrapper clearfix"> <mark class="hidden" data-comment-timestamp="1222151969"></mark> <div class="well"> <strong></strong> <div class="field field--name-comment-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>This is all well and good and I will vote for Obama, but I have no doubt in my mind that we are in for tough budget times and all public programs will have to be cut and basics such as food and utilities will inflate tremendously. Taxes will rear their ugle head in some way somehow. Whomever gets to be president will inherit a real mess.</p> </div> <drupal-render-placeholder callback="comment.lazy_builders:renderLinks" arguments="0=2062770&amp;1=default&amp;2=en&amp;3=" token="X_FnkhGRi19yO2Q4ILcjzeowLF-cCvfaB4HP_GL6VGY"></drupal-render-placeholder> </div> <footer> <em>By <a rel="nofollow" href="http://tabordays.blogspot.com" lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Tabor (not verified)</a> on 23 Sep 2008 <a href="https://scienceblogs.com/taxonomy/term/22921/feed#comment-2062770">#permalink</a></em> <article typeof="schema:Person" about="/user/0"> <div class="field field--name-user-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <a href="/user/0" hreflang="und"><img src="/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_images/icon-user.png?itok=yQw_eG_q" width="100" height="100" alt="User Image" typeof="foaf:Image" class="img-responsive" /> </a> </div> </article> </footer> </article> </section> <ul class="links inline list-inline"><li class="comment-forbidden"><a href="/user/login?destination=/grrlscientist/2008/09/21/science-funding-freeze-under-m%23comment-form">Log in</a> to post comments</li></ul> Sun, 21 Sep 2008 07:59:59 +0000 grrlscientist 87601 at https://scienceblogs.com