Just Plain Crazy

Driving to work this morning I subjected myself to my usual self-torture. I listen to wingnut radio, sometimes political and sometimes religious. Being that today was Friday, I chose religious. Well today's rant was about "the gays," and how God is apparently judging America and that is why things are rapidly going downhill. Not so unusual -- I have heard that rant before. But, today had a little twist. The two speakers somehow tied support for Israel into the message, as well patriotism, the Constitution, and Democrats. Not bad. So essentially the message was that promoting gay rights leads us to foresake Israel, support Israel's enemies, and lead us down a path to subverting the Constitution, electing Democrats, and spitting on our patriotism....Normally, I would write this off to a particularly bizarre message, except that I am aware that millions listen to this kind of message...Never about corruption, always about sex.

Electoral Skies Brightening For Democrats?

I have been getting the sense that this was occurring the past month or so, and all the polls are showing similar upticks in dem unity and enthusiasm. Hard to know why, but my guess is the increasing crazy factor of the GOP is turning on that little light in dems head, that these maniacs should not be put in charge of anything, lest it be the national asylum. PPP is a little gracious in it's polling toward the goopers, though they claim to be left of center. Other polling outfits have dems up by more than two percentage points. But it is the unity and enthusiasm factor improving that is the main good news, especially critical in mid term elections, especially for a new presidents party in his first term. Dems will still loose seats, but it may not be the blood bath cable teevee pundits and the wingnuts predict. I also think this represents at least a lessoning of economic anxiety amongst the voting public, though things are still bad, and a double dip recession is still possible.

Unified Democrats Grab Lead in Generic Ballot

For the first time since December, a new Public Policy Polling survey finds Democrats leading in the generic congressional ballot, albeit by the insignificant margin of 43% to 41%.

The biggest reason for the shift is that the party is becoming more unified. Democratic voters are now planning to support their candidates by a 76 point margin, 84% to 8%. That represents an 11 point increase from March.

Via/ Political Wire

Iran

McCain and crowd still talk about invading Iran...A friend of mine, who has worked in Iraq for years, just returned. She said that Iraq is crazier and more dangerous than ever before. Contractors no longer have US military protection. Crime has increased, the factions are at each other's throats, and it's nearly impossible to tell who is in charge...Yes, let's invade Iran because we have done such a great job of bringing democracy and stability to Iraq...And, let's not forget how well Afghanistan is turning out.

Blanche Lincoln Doesn't Blink

Lincoln Keeps Pressure on Banks/via Political Wire

"Lincoln wrote a controversial provision in the bill that could force banks to spin off their lucrative derivatives-trading operations. Bankers and many lawmakers assumed the provision would wither once Ms. Lincoln lost her primary -- or even if she won, given the diminished political imperative to look tough on Wall Street. But her victory appeared to have the opposite effect, with Democrats saying her standing is now strengthened, particularly as it appears the populist provision resonated with voters."

Said Lincoln: "We're going to work hard to keep it in."

The Firebagger left wingnuts will get their knickers in a twist over this. They hate Blanche so much, this will be viewed as just another devious plot to destroy progressive morale. How dare she stick to her guns after diabolically defeating lefty icon Bill Halter in Tuesday's democratic primary.

Hot Off the Grassely

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has an idea about how to rid the Gulf of Mexico of oil forever, and all we need is a brewery, some yeast, and “those microscopic things.”


More genius politicking from clueless wingnuts. This will not go down easy with the "Bubba" vote in Loosiana. Sacrificing good beer like this will be viewed as added tragedy akin to pouring Holy Water into your radiator.

And BTW Chuck, those "microscopic things" are dead brain cells.

Yipee

I have been asked to contribute to this blog. I consider this an honor. The General always has been a favorite of mine at BJ...With this new blogging pleasure comes the responsibility of finally becoming more tech savy than I am now -- which is less than nothing. In the immediate future, I am going to take pictures of my two darlings -- Smrda and Diesel -- and hopefully post them. I am lucky to have graduate students who work with me, who are quite tech savy and who can guide me through a learning process. They will love the fact that for once, they know more than me...Although in truth, in class, they continually amaze me with their knowledge, skills, and experiences. Most of my graduate students are former Peace Corps volunteers, like me, and it amazes me how we can share experiences across the years that separate us. I was a volunteer in the 1980s in Liberia, while they are all recent returnees.

Anyway, I will end here with a new beginning....

Charlie Heading Out For Afternoon Drive