eric135

Yes, we can...

I've been living up to the old Chinese proverb, "May you live in interesting times."

Three big things going on: the election, the stock market, and werk. I've been letting the last of the three take up most my time and energy.

I just realized I never made a post about the final presidential debate, but now that we are hardly three weeks away from the big day, and since I've already mailed my early ballot, maybe I'm just coasting on my beliefs.

It's sad how negative McCain's campaign has been. I think most political pundits say it's his only move left, but still, it's sad. I had a day off yesterday, and I watched clips from both candidates' rallies, and the difference is staggering. I was tapping away on the computer while McCain's rally played in the background (not very inspiring, same rhetoric, same language, nothing new). Then Obama came on, and I had to watch as he spoke these words:

We can do this. Americans have done this before. Some of us had grandparents or parents who said maybe I can't go to college but my child can; maybe I can't have my own business but my child can. I may have to rent, but maybe my children will have a home they can call their own. I may not have a lot of money but maybe my child will run for Senate. I might live in a small village but maybe someday my son can be president of the United States of America.

I mean, wow. It gave me goosepimples all over.

The rest of the speech is here.

There's still a lot of He Said She Said, about the specifics of the economic plan. It can be summarized by the following:

You lie.
No, YOU lie.
No, YOU lie.
No no, YOU lie.
(repeat)

I guess it comes down to who I believe. And I've decided I believe in the guy who, I think, is destined to make history.

The Vice Presidential Debate ... A lot can change in four years ...

I thought it was a clear win for Biden, and so far the polls would agree.

I must admit, we watched the debate (24 hours later on Tivo) with the same anticipation some folks watch those "When Animals Attack" video's, wondering if I'd have to turn my head when the bloody part came. But Palin pretty much held her own. But I thought the raw construction of her answers was the same  evasiveness she showed in those tragic Couric interviews. I thought if either Biden or the moderator had the opportunity to really keep her on topic, and drill down for the gritty details, it would have become as incoherent and fragmented as her answers on the Couric interview.

She did get a good shot at Biden, when she said something like, "Oh Joe, I gotta wonder how much you guys are really thinking about the future when all you seem to do is point to the past." This after Biden continued to connect McCain to Bush. But it was a good jab that came off well on the TV.

On a side note, we got our early ballots today. My room mate took off with them, threatening to fill mine in with the Obama vote. I guess he never forgave my Bush vote 4 years ago, against his Gore vote.

Well really, I didn't know how it would turn out.

Those were such different days. My top concern four years ago was 9/11. All I could think of was that I didn't want another 9/11, and I didn't care if we had to hang the American flag -- from every capital building in the world. I joked about renaming Middle East countries as "New Texas" or "The Republic of Exxon." I really meant that back then.

Not so much now.

I still dread another 9/11, but don't automatically take the Hawkish view.

I worry more about the cost of my health care than the cost of a gallon of gas.

I have more to say about the definition of marriage and adoption rights, even though I plan neither.

I don't think it takes a Republican in office to keep my 401k afloat.

I worry about what I'll do when/if my doctor retires, moves or decides on a less demanding life.

I think about work from the perspective of 80 employees, not so much as one nurse and five patients.

I make cynical sneers at those "Be a Nurse" commercials on TV, even though I can't think of anything else I would rather be.

I fear more of us will die in horrible needless pain.

When I face angry patients, I first look at their hands (looking for weapons).

I used to look at their eyes.

So... a lot can change in four years.