They haven’t called Michigan yet but it’s looking good. 12% in and Obama at 50%. What a trip you’ll have! I’m excited for you. It’s been very interesting doing this election cycle with your input, Diana. You always present yourself so elegantly and deliver such good information. Lift a glass for me! LOL

I’m afraid you’re right, Diana. This is going to be a squeaker and a LONG night. In WA, the west of the state is pro Obama. That’s Microsoft, Boeing, Seattle area. I’m in the east, next to Idaho and that is very much as you describe your area, minus the coal mining.

Diana T, you are speaking of The World is Flat or Hot, Flat and Crowded? I’ve not read the latter but I agree with what he had to say in the former. I would agree with you that Americans have no idea of how far behind we are. Instead of Drill, Baby, Drill, we need to focus on Educate, Baby, Educate then do what we once did best: Invent, Baby, Invent which is what Mr. Friedman said on Charlie Rose recently. Education is the only way we will come up with the new mouse trap. I agree with Mr. Friedman that it needs to be in Energy because that would be the next Microsoft and whoever comes up with the new alternative energies will rule. That won’t be us if we don’t get a handle of this lackluster attitude toward education. I’m in WA state where we have a heated gubernatorial race going on. I think I’m as anxious about that outcome as I am the presidential race.

My Alias, I have to agree with you that sexism is alive and well here but your statement “… We may look like we are free and equal, but my dears, women in this country are all wearing invisible burkas.” is a little over the top. I spent my childhood in Afghanistan and the women in this country have it far better than that and I think you know that. You go to a doctor and he/she can examine you without your husband in the room telling the doctor what your symptoms are. You can drive a car and go out to the mall alone. You can go to a university, marry whom you please or not marry. You can choose not to have a child or work or not work. Granted, we have much more work to do, but we are hardly walking around wearing invisible burkas. I have kept one all my life and try it on from time to time whenever I feel we in America are so downtrodden. When you use an overstatement or a sweeping generality, you discredit your declaration. Agreed, there is still much work to do, but it isn’t even as bad as it was when I was in high school in the late 60s.

Diana T, that is such an excellent article. I always like what he has to say anyway, but this is a topic near and dear to my heart. I especially liked this: “The U.S. is also a country in which blissful ignorance is celebrated, and intellectual excellence (the key to 21st century advancement) is not just given short shrift, but is ridiculed. ” Was I out of the room when that memo got sent? I am amazed by this turn of events. I agree with Bill Gates, the lack of hunger for a good education terrifies me for our future as a nation. My parents instilled in me a fierce need to learn and to comprehend the world around me and I see that desire to learn dwindling at an alarming rate. If we hadn’t become as dumbed down as this, perhaps the population wouldn’t have stood idly by and let this financial crisis sweep away our confidence and security. What is really disturbing is this lack of education seems to go hand in hand with a hubris, a sense of entitlement and an xenophobia which has worsened dramatically in the past eight years.

She didn’t want the position in the first place and has said so many times as well as saying it was a good thing Obama picked Biden. Hillary and Obama together would not have had the experience Joe Biden offers. Also, have you thought that perhaps Obama has something more important in mind for Hillary? There are a number of cabinet positions she would excel at and she would undeniably make one of the finest Justices we’ve ever had. This is just the beginning for Hillary.

… What is truly dumb about this is Americans not thinking for themselves rather are allowing others to think for them. Seems I am one of the lucky; my mind is mine just as is Sarah’s. Okpulot Taha Choctaw Nation By Okpulot Taha on 11/04/2008 2:15 am :: You and I have something in common: I, too, do not need anyone to tell me what to think. I can process information all on my own. My mind is mine, as well. And while I support your right to think and feel as you do and your right to express your opinion, I have a mind to disagree with you. I am not saying Ms. Palin is a bad person but she lacks the depth I require to admire someone, be it a male or a female. It is my opinion the woman lacks compassion and a curiosity about life. Nobody told me that. I ascertained it for myself. That is what I think and I am not dumb or stupid or anything of the kind. I think for myself and that is what I think.

Merrell, I have admired your avatar and think I asked once before who the handsome lad was. I could tell he was a boy, btw. That is a great picture and he was indeed quite a goodlooking fellow. I had a rabbit, Beets, for many years and he was quite the cheeky monkey.

Spot on, Mommy!

Good job, Suzanne, in posting this. “Until the great failures of the US education system are reversed or religious fundamentalism withers there will be political opportunities for people, like Bush and Palin, who flaunt their ignorance.” That sums it up, doesn’t it?

As always, Maurine, well said.

Palin supports policies that are anti-woman, on many levels. I have to disagree with you, Tom Brokaw. By James Gemmell on 11/03/2008 6:10 pm Exactly, James, exactly. I don’t know what is up with Mr. Brokaw, but I have to disagree with him on this. Governor Palin behaves in a way that most of the women in my age group worked to move past. The little winks, the lack of knowing what we’re talking about but knowing all the guys are attracted to us so who cares thing. No, Mr. Brokaw, we women are smarter than that and just because you know some male senators who aren’t, well, I’m surprised you think that counts for anything because lack of knowledge is never a good thing. Sarah Palin has a strong personality but she would have to educate herself a great deal more and learn the definition of compassion before I would consider her someone I would connect with. If people flip out over Tina Fey, it is more a tribute to that woman’s talent than anything to do with Ms. Palin.

My thoughts are with the family at this time. I am sorry she did not live to see her grandsom elected and I simply cannot imagine how hard this must be for him.

I’ve been reading all these prediction posts, wondering the same thing, Maurine H. What if Senator Obama is elected and does his best and this country moves forward? What then? Instead of ripping him to shreds, why not hope for all the best and cheer him on if he is elected? But what if none of those dire predictions comes true? They’ll probably not be happy even then.

The Dixie Chicks paid for that with lost ticket sales and CD sales. They have since apologized numerous times. And I also recall Samantha Power being fired from the Obama campaign for speaking ill of Senator Clinton to the Irish newspapers. I’m sure even you, My Alias, could approve of Senator Obama’s actions on that particular incident. LOL