Wynn's World

Thursday, October 23, 2008

This really bugs me

I've noticed the same thing that masswaster talks about on dKos: the use of the term "Democrat Party" instead of Democratic Party. Bush uses it all the time, now I've noticed Palin using it. It is meant as a slur. I'm tempted to do as masswater suggests and respond by using "Republic Party" for now on. But republic means "A political order in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who are entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them." So Anti-Republic Party is more accurate. Other suggestions welcome.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Yes on N!

Here in Palo Alto, we're voting on a bond to refurbish our libraries, Measure N. My Letter to the Editor was published today in the Palo Alto Daily Post but they don't have an active web site. So I am indulging myself by re-printing the letter here for posterity. See Better Libraries for Palo Alto for more info.

As the parent of two school age children, I recognize the value our libraries provide. As a regular patron, I am acutely aware of the embarrassing state of our library facilities, especially in a city that prides itself on its public resources. That's why I'm voting Yes on Measure N.

No one visiting our libraries needs an auditor to tell them that these buildings are cramped, dilapidated and pale in comparison to our neighboring communities. After 50 years the time has come to renew our investment and bring these facilities into the 21st century. Surely this is worth the cost of a latte per week!

Measure N is about more than books and a quiet place read. It is also about creating civic spaces that enhance our community. The planned meeting and program spaces will accommodate changing educational, service and social needs over time, plus provide reliable structures in case of disaster.

Those who claim to support libraries but say they will vote no because they want a different plan are offering voters a false choice. We are not being asked to choose between this plan and one featuring a centralized library. Like it or not, that ship has sailed. Rather, this is a choice between much-needed modernization and continuing deterioration.

Maintaining a first class city requires responsible investment. After years of discussion, it?s time to stop talking and start acting so we can move forward with this well-thought-out and essential project. I urge a Yes vote on Measure N!

Bachmann Into Overdrive

While Rep. Michelle Bachmann (R-MN) apologized for her comments saying Obama has "anti-American views" (see below), ThinkProgress reports on a series of interviews Bachmann has been doing on right-wing radio. Repentant? Not so much.

Meanwhile, the National Republican Congressional Committee is pulling its planned media buys in her race.

Help defeat Michelle Bachmann! Elect El Tinklenberg for Congress!

What Wicked Webs They Weave

The Atlantic has identified Palin's Personal Shopper - the one behind the $150,000 spending spree. His name is Jeff Larson :

Does the name Jeff Larson sound familiar? It should. Larson is the Karl Rove protégé who’s a principal in the robocalling firm of FLS Connect (the “FLS” stands for Tony Feather, Jeff Larson, and Tom Syndhorst, all veteran Republican political operatives). Larson’s firm is the same one that launched the scurrilous robocalls against John McCain in 2000, and that McCain has now hired to make robocalls connecting Barack Obama to Bill Ayers. He’s also well known in Minnesota for leasing his basement apartment at a steeply discounted rate to embattled Republican Senator Norm Coleman. Evidently, Larson also has quite the eye for women’s fashion. Even hateful liberals would have to admit that Palin dresses awfully nicely. (emphasis added)

I guess we have to given them that last one.

Polls, Polls, Polls

An AP national poll was just released calling the presidential race essentially a dead heat. It will be easy to start panicking as some news like this shows up. But while the race will likely tighten, this poll is an outlier.

If you really want to know where the polls stand, visit DemFromCT on dKos. She lists their tracking poll first, but always compares it with a cross-section of other polls. She also writes an entertaining "Abbreviated Pundit Round-up." Nate Silver (fivethirtyeight.com) wrote up a recommended tracking poll primer on top of his daily projections based on a data algorithm which give a nice snapshot. And Pollster.com is billed as the "poll of polls."

UPDATE: You know when Fox News says Obama is up 9 points, that AP is way off base.