Librarian's Rant

Thomas Friedman in yesterday's NY Times gave a sideways nod to Kerry by saying that HE is the real heir to Bush Sr. Interesting article.

There's also new evidence, in the form of notes from a former ghost writer for both Sr. and Jr.--that Bush was planning the Iraq attack long before WMD's or al Qaeda links were even mentioned. Big surprise (not!). Russ Baker has it. (via misleader.org)

I honestly can't decide. Things are so ugly...well, here's some examples of current races from the DSCC (Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee). Biased, I agree, but the tactics are real:

Minority Voter Intimidation in SC: In one of the most hotly contested Senate races in the country, state election officials and the NAACP are cautioning the public about a forged letter aimed at scaring minorities from voting. The fraudulent letter poses as a message from the NAACP and threatens voters with arrest if they show up to the polls and have outstanding parking tickets or have failed to pay child support. (AP, 10/30/04). This is the most blatant, unseemly voter intimidation tactic we've seen so far.

Tom Coburn in OK: Tom Coburn already offended Native Americans when he insisted that "most of them aren't Indians" (Altus Town Hall, 8/21/04). Earlier this month, he was challenged by civil rights groups to take down a race-baiting ad that targeted Hispanics and immigrants. He continued with his racially-charged campaign theme this week by claiming that black males "had a genetic predisposition to have less of a life expectancy." (AP, 10/28/04).

Mel Martinez in FL: Florida journalists have already called Republican Martinez's attacks on Betty Castor an "egregious abuse of the truth." (Tampa Tribune, 10/27/04). That didn't stop Republicans from taking out a full page newspaper ad this week suggesting that Osama bin Laden would vote for Betty Castor. (Star Banner, 10/28/04).

Pete Coors in CO: A stack of bumpers stickers sitting on a front desk in Republican Pete Coors' campaign headquarters reads: "All Sombrero...No Cattle...Ken Salazar." That's the kind of racial prejudice Coors supporters are using against fifth generation Coloradoan and Hispanic Attorney General Ken Salazar. (Denver Post, 10/29/04).

Jim Bunning in KY: The litany of embarrassing comments and erratic episodes from Republican Senator Jim Bunning, including his recent reference to "November 11th" in a discussion about the September 11th terrorist attacks (click here to see the video), have caused widespread concern about his fitness to serve a second term in the Senate. But the only way Republicans could deflect public attention away from Bunning's out of control behavior was to make up stories about Democrat Dr. Dan Mongiardo. They launched false rumors that he is gay by calling him "limp-wristed" and questioning whether "the word 'man' applies to him." (AP, 10/28/04). A candidate's marital status and sexual orientation are not valid campaign issues--especially when they have no basis in truth.

John Thune in SD: Following a criminal investigation into the state Republican party's mishandling of absentee ballots, John Thune's campaign was so desperate to gain traction that they issued a mail piece attacking Tom Daschle's wife. It seems like Thune can't run on his own platform or run against Daschle's admirable record--so he has to run against Tom Daschle's wife? It's clear nothing is out of bounds for this crowd of Republicans.

Like President Carter, I am deeply worried about the soul of our nation. It is at grave risk. We have less than 48 hours.

As of today, electoral-vote.com/ has Kerry at 298 electorals, Bush at 231. On the other hand, Zogby has Kerry down a point over the weekend. They do mention that Gore was technically down a point at this time in 2000, and he still won, so...it's anybody's ballgame.

Speaking of ballgames, NPR on Sunday had a piece on the latest 'predictor':

Since 1936, the outcome of the Washington Redskins' last home game has predicted the next president. When the Redskins have won their last home game, the incumbent party has retained the White House. Sunday, the Redskins lost their last home game before the elections to the Green Bay Packers, 28-14.%

I think we need to keep in mind that our current "selected President" has already beaten the numbers for four years (remember that on Sept. 10th, 2001, he was barely breaking 1/3 in the polls), so I don't trust any amount of predictors...or prophecy or superstition.

Why? Because I was driving through eastern Iowa yesterday afternoon, and kept passing Bushmobiles--RV's and SUV's from out of state come to harass and annoy our voters here in the swing states. Folks taking their 'vacations' to come to Iowa from Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, etc. to cause litigation. Makes you proud to be an American, doesn't it?

*Sigh*

Although I mentioned it earlier this year, today, November 1st, is Hello Kitty's official 30th birthday!

Thanks to Peter for the reminder.
Joy, are you celebrating yet?!