I read this article in the Times this morning. I'd be interested in some feedback. I realize that the Times has a liberal slant, and that this is just an opinion piece, so of course it has to be taken with a grain of salt. Still, though, I think the author deals with something that is a very real fear for me. This is a serious situation and our votes in this election determines the future of the Supreme Court and the law of this land.

Here is another opinion column, this time from The Daily Tar Heel, Carolina's paper - one of the best school papers in the nation. Again, there's a serious subject addressed here. Should the president of the United States be able, and willing, to admit his faults? Something my mom said to me a few weeks ago rings in my head -- when I was complaining that Kerry was always being accused of "flip-flopping" on issues, Mom said, "I'd rather my president change his mind when he knows he's wrong than refuse to admit he has done something wrong and keep us in a bad situation." That's something that I've been thinking about. I believe that no matter how deep you are in trouble, you are never in too deep to avoid getting out. Should Bush admit his mistakes? Of course, that won't look very good for him at this point in the race. Of course he dodged Linda Grabel's question. It's hard for anyone to admit mistakes, let alone a man who is in front of his nation, asking for a second term. Still, though. In the face of Kerry's constant accusations of dishonesty, it was an opportunity for Bush to be honest - to stand up and say he is human, he makes mistakes. As the columnist writes in this article, "It's about being human. It's about recognizing that even the president of the United States is fallible. It's about learning on the job. And if you can't manage to learn and be president at the same time, then I urge us all to help you concentrate exclusively on the former." So what has Bush learned while being president? He doesn't offer us any new plans for the future. How is he illustrating that he has learned from his mistakes? How is he illustrating that he is worthy of leading our country when he won't even admit he is subject to the human mistakes we all are?

Finally, here are some pictures from my trip to Bald Head Island this week. Enjoy!

Here's that article I referred to in my post below.




Also love this website, (it's not for the fainthearted...this doesn't really go with the G-rating on my blog, but it's a riot.)

election thoughts

OK, well. I know it's been a long time since I've posted...but whatever, forgive me!

I've been so wrapped up in reading just about everything I can get my hands on about this election that I've forgotton that I HAVE A BLOG and I CAN USE IT!!!

I have read SOOO many articles that go back and forth on who's going to win, blah blah blah, and I've finally been really and truly reinvigorated with faith in Kerry by an article today. It's the same old arguments, really, but something about it really gave me faith. It absolutely grabs me by the throat and terrifies me that Bush could win this election. There is so much riding on the line here. What is foremost on my mind is the Supreme Court -- so many justices are ready for retirement, and Bush being able to appoint justices could mean some major changes that I believe are bad for this country.

You know, if I already weren't voting for Kerry, here is the singular reason why I would:

Kerry (tonight) said: I believe that I can't legislate or transfer to another American citizen my article of faith. What is an article of faith for me is not something that I can legislate on somebody who doesn't share that article of faith.

That is exactly what I want to hear from a president of my country. This country needs a leader who understands the separation between church and state. Bush's attachment to his religion is meaningful for him, wonderful. But he tries to put that into action in the government, through his thoughts and actions regarding gay marriage, abortion, and stem cell research.

So many people are pro-Bush simply because they are anti-Kerry. I used to be. When I saw John Kerry's performance in the first debate, I started believing in him, rather than simply hating Bush. That faith has grown and grown, and I truly believe Kerry would be a good president for this country. It's all down to waiting now, and it's killing me.

The other thing that is just so intense is that in the end, my vote seems to carry so little weight. I understand that I am voting in a very important swing state (as I'm registered in PA) and I'm proud of that. But what can my vote really do? It feels so insignificant sometimes, especially with the Electoral College system as it is. I mean, if I were voting in NC, my vote could have no weight at all. That's another thing -- the Electoral College needs REFORM. SERIOUSLY.

Ok. Comment. I know you want to. Comment comment comment.