Skip to main content

New Hampshire

I don't think it comes as a surprise to anyone that I'm a bit of a political junkie. And this year's election cycle has got me grinning like an idiot. The thing I love about politics in the US is it's unpredictable regularity. Sounds like a bit of an oxymoron, no? Hang with me....

For example, who would have thought that Hilary Clinton would find her campaign reeling from a couple of body blows? Sure, she "won" in Iowa, but for the money she'd spent and the time she'd used... You'd have thought that her margin would have been much greater than a fraction of a percent. So, yeah. Regular? Sure. Predictable? Not a chance.

Next up, the whole Trump phenomenon. I hesitate using that word, because I don't want any positive association with his campaign. The man is a cartoon character (although recently he's toned down that aspect, becoming less aggressive and acceptable... relatively speaking, of course...) and he's not what America needs to be "great again." (Um, America is great, Mr. Trump.) He didn't win in Iowa, which kind of makes sense, since Cruz appeals to that ever-important "evangelical" demographic... By the way, I'll never understand what makes an "evangelical", well, "evangelical." I mean, I get that it means generally fairly right-wing and religious, but I know many folks who would consider themselves right-wing and religious, without accepting the "evangelical" moniker... But I digress. Trump's win in New England, though, was quite surprising to me. My impression of folks from New England is one of fierce independence and intelligence (I know, it's a stereotype, but it persists nonetheless)... So when they choose to vote for someone that I just don't understand, well... I just don't understand.

Finally, there's the rest of the field. Mr. Rubio's apparent rising star ended up vanishing like so much shooting star... He may be charismatic, but as was adroitly pointed out by Mr. Christie (who is also most likely on his way out) he lacks experience and refinement. His responses to Mr. Christie's attacks were embarrassing, as he admitted himself, and painful to watch, frankly. To me, the lack of experience professionally is shown through the way he handled the adversity - if he can't handle a situation that went as poorly as that did in the debate, how will he handle himself when there's pressure on as president? Fortunately, he IS young, as I expect we'll hear/see more from him.

I love how Mr. Christie watches Mr. Rubio speak... Watch at about 15-19 seconds into this clip... You'll see him like a lion stalking an injured gazelle on the Serengeti...



And it's all very important. And amusing. :)

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Ephesus

Paul got around. Ephesus is right on the Aegean Sea, on the coast of present-day Turkey. Yesterday he was in Galatia, which was much more towards the middle of Turkey. And when he actually wrote these letters, he was in Rome... So the man could travel. He probably walked. Today's item of interest comes from chapter one in Ephesians. Verses 18 and 19 are particularly interesting: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power This is not the first time Paul talks about an inheritance. In Galatians he talks about the inheritance that comes of being part of the Abrahamic Covenant. He notes that we are joint-heirs through and with Christ. In Ephesians, he uses the word "adoption" - that we are adopted as the Children of Jesus Chris...

Engaged

Three Dog Night got it wrong.  One is not the loneliest number. They were more accurate when they said Two can be as bad as one.  I really wonder how people can survive Without being fully engaged. How they live through each day Without the intimacy I so very much crave... Maybe I am unusual in my desire  To have this intimacy, To want to feel that soul So close to my own Sharing light and warmth, Sharing love and passion, Sharing life. Alas! Alas! Alas! For when I do seek to share It is often only to be rebuffed Denied Or used up, Sucked dry, And left an empty husk.  I want SO MUCH to share And all I have is the cold, digital world Of typing out a blog.

Lucky!

So Tomorrow is Amie's birthday. The 12 th is Andy's. The 14 th is Alex's. And the 26 th is mom's. Happy birthday everyone. I recently found that a member of our ward has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer has a survivability rate of less than 5% and you never, ever kick it, even if you live. Once diagnosed, people are expected to live about six months. My wife and I were talking about this wonderful woman. There are very few (too few) people in this world who shine. Literally. This sister shines with a light that is perceptible and discernible . The world will literally be a darker place without her in it. Life is short, folks. Too short for hard feelings, too short for pain and misunderstanding. I love you all so much. Sorry this one is such a downer... I don't mean to be lugubrious on your birthdays... I consider myself lucky to be your brother. You have and continue to bless me and my family in many ways, for which I will be eternally gra...