Joe the Plumber

This morning I had the wonderful opportunity to listen to Joe the Plumber and Cherilyn Eager on their state-wide book/campaign tour. The blessed privilege allowed me to not only listen to Cherilyn's wisdom as she advocated herself to be the next senator from Utah. Do not get me wrong, I have plenty of reasons to oppose Bennett; however, she did not highlight a single one of them.

Her biggest complaint is that he was an incumbent. She really didn't say much about why he needed to be replaced. She did harp on him over and over again for voting for the bailout. Lest she forget that it was President Bush who called for such an extreme measure. She also explained that the bailout is the reason for the massive budget deficit. Sure it added to the pain, but America's misadventure in Iraq did too.

However the highlight of the event was when she spoke about her hero and role-model-- Phyllis Schlafly. This is where I lost all interest. Any candidate endorsed by the fringe Eagle Forum loses all credibility. This group is anti-public education, anti-women, anti-equality, and, anti-choice. Cherilyn also lauded Sarah Palin and said she hopes she will become President. If you think Obama lacked experience, try out this beauty-queen.

However, I did find Joe the Plumber slightly refreshing. He wasn't running for office, just using his so called 'noteriety' to bring a little cash home. No shame in that. However, he did have the quote of the day. And this is a direct quote: "The ones I really hate are the liberals, I really just want to shoot them." This said only two minutes after his big speech on why the values of Christianity matter so much to him!!!

Election Night

It's late, well not that late, but after three consecutive hours of pushing the reload button, I need to call it a night. I don't know how to weigh this election day. Last year was mostly cheers as Barack Obama was elected president. However, this year the Republicans get the victory in the two gubernatorial elections. This isn't unexpected, Corzine sucked as a governor and Creigh Deeds never learned how to campaign. However, the Republicans are the clear losers in the NY-23. The Dick Armeys and Sarah Palins of the world should have stayed home and let Dede Scozzafava run as the only Republican. Maybe this will signal to the myopic leaders of the tea-party movement that Republicans need to be inclusive and cannot set a litmus test on every moderate within the party. This district was a Republican stronghold, but now it is represented by a Democrat. And for this I am happy.

Maine decided that marijuana isn't going to kill us all and extended medicinal use of the drug. However, voters removed the right for homosexuals to be granted same-sex marriage. Another state opposed to equality I guessed. But on a brighter note for the gay rights movement, Washington extended benefits under domestic partnerships and Kalamazoo voters rejected a proposal that would have ended the non-discrimination policy for homosexuals within housing and employment.

In the end it was a win-lose night. Republicans take the governorships, Democrats take the two House seats. One state advanced progressive ideals, another rejects them. However, given time, I am hopeful that a liberal agenda will gain a majority status among American voters.