It's ELECTION TIME!

Ok, we may have other things to do now rather than argue about politics, but surely, with just days to go, every one of you has an opinion.  

Take a few minutes and share it, and let the rest of us know you're still out there.

Texas just held a US Senate Republican run-off, you might have heard, and elected a new guy by the name of Ted Cruz.   There's been a bit about it in the media, mostly written by people who have rarely actually been in Texas, but I found this one by a guy in Dallas that I thought was pretty close to my personal interpretation of the reasons why Cruz won.  This is not a Tea-Party triumph, although the Tea Party does gain momentum and credibility from it.

Found anything interesting in your travels around the internets?   It's election year and there's bound to be stuff that is  "Hey, read this!" worthy.   So share!  This is an open thread.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday.

With so much going on, I wish we were still chattering.   The oil spill, McChrystal's interview and Afghanistan,  the upholding of gun rights in Chicago, the G20 deciding on austerity over further stimulus to Krugman's dismay, Russian deep-cover spies!----there is still a lot to talk about.

This is an open thread

April 15th.  The date we all love as it represents our financial contributions to our society  ;-)

I've contacted Ender about the latest spam.  I've suggested he go ahead and implement the "verification" feature that would mean an extra step for regular posters, but would foil bot spam.   

I'll be out of town for the next several days, and most likely entirely unplugged, so please ignore the spam.

Just 'cause

First some housekeeping:  I've contacted Ender about the spam comments.  There's thousands from our friends in China, so my apologies, but I'll wait and let him clear that user out.   Also, are there really people who believe you get paid for posting comments with links?   I thought that latest "hey, get paid real money for doing next to nothing!" scam got debunked.   

Second, how 'bout those Saints?   New Orleans needed that, and the team earned it.  

Whither the Democrats now?

This is an open thread

Cheers!

Houston Mayor Bill White enters the Texas governor's race.    He's my mayor.

Who's cooking?  I'm not this year; we're going out, to a local hotel's affaire.  That way I don't feel too guilty about making someone work on Thanksgiving.

This is an open thread.

A new open thread, all wrapped up in shiny paper, just for you.

A general question:  What is your opinion on the need for more active moderation here?   By that, I mean someone jumping into threads and providing admonishment for posters who stray into the personal attack territory, somewhat along the lines of what happens at the Forum.   

Happy Halloween, everyone.

I'm wondering about Afghanistan: why are we there ?  Have the Democrats bought into the brown bogeyman scare tactics, or does the idea of spreading democracy and stability through violence now appeal, all of a sudden?   Is Obama too much of a politician to say "you know, I've changed my mind on Afghanistan . . . . "

Ender asked for suggestions that might facilitate participation here.  In that spirit, some of my links are  from blogs; maybe perusing them will spark some ideas that can be applied to SC.    This is an open thread.

Pournelle has some philosophical musings about the affect of increasing bureaucracy upon a democratic society, quoting this well known writer

Is it just me, or are people taking things way too seriously when the President cannot make a speech to schoolchildren without it causing an uproar?  

This is an open thread.  What's on your mind?

You know it's bad when Bob (aka cheneyslovechild) tosses in the towel . I guess it's hard to be passionate about something when reality slaps you in the face.

Matt Taibbi has a great article about Goldman Sachs. 

The Iranian mullahs are calling for executions .   Such a lovely country.   Methinks the Iranians have a choice to make.  

Not satisfied with the economic situation or the healthcare debate, the President makes some remarks about immigration .   Can we print money fast enough for all his plans?  I guess we're going to try.

The Iranian situation continues to dominate the news.    

". . . Be men, be free men, that your children may bless their father's name."

General Sam Houston, before the battle of San Jacinto

Happy Father's Day to all, and don't forget to call your dad today.