2006 ELECTION

This post is a bit delayed -- for some reason I could not get in to my account.

I have been trying to keep up with the 2006 elections, but I have to admit it that I have let some races slide as responsibilities have interfered. Also for us in East Texas, not much is happening. Louie Gohmert (R) should cruise to a win for the district's congressional seat--his Democrat opponent has had media problems over some sort of arrest in Florida. Surely the Democrats are capable of finding someone better. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R) should cruise to reelection. The Governor's race has been a bit more lively with Kinky Friedman making his one-line quips--his only problem is that some have racial overtones. I think Rick Perry (R) should be reelected, although no one is excited about him.

A month or two ago it looked like Democrats would easily take over the Senate and House, but it has been getting increasingly more competitive. Michael Barone projects a slight Democrat majority in the new House. Larry Sabato sees a nip and tuck race for Senate control. You also have to consider governor races if you are looking ahead to redistricting. Dick Morris seems to change his projections weekly as he follow polls like a large-mouth bass following a minnow.

Putting all this together on this particular day, it looks like the Democrats should take control of the House, but the Senate--that will be close. However, I have noticed a number of conservative Democrats leading their Republican rivals in some House races. Some of them sound like Republicans even on social issues--last night CNN had a clip on a race in North Carolina where liberals were bemoaning how conservative the Democrat candidate was (Heath Schuler, 11th congressional district). Schuler sounded like he was on the Religious Right. Also more recently Harold Ford, Democrat running for the Senate in Tennessee, is using religous language in his campaing.

There may be a resurgence of moderate Democrats if a number of these candidates win. It is hard to say if they will all carry their convictions into office, but if they do I would presume that it would create problems for Nancy Pelosi and the left-liberal wing of the party.

HOW MUCH IS A COLLEGE DEGREE WORTH?

An extra $23,000 a year according to a CNN report. Also Chester Finn, president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute in Washington, said too many high school graduates are unprepared to succeed in college.

MORE FRENCH RIOTS

Politics Central has an interesting entry on "France Prepares 50,000 Riot Police for Muslim Attacks." Actually I enjoyed reading some of the comments to the entry even more! The anti-French pundits are alive and well. Also watch the video interview with the reporter from the Brussels Journal.

PAGLIA INTERVIEW

Slate has an interview with Camille Paglia. Some would consider her a noxious liberal, but I enjoy reading her reflections on the contemporary political situation because she doesn't give the typical spin of many on the left. Also I may agree with her assessment more than I disagree (am I becoming "noxious?")--I especially liked her critique of the Foley affair.

CONNECTED TO GOD

Iran President Ahmadinejad: 'I Have a Connection With God, Since God Said That the Infidels Will Have No Way to Harm the Believers'; 'We Have [Only] One Step Remaining Before We Attain the Summit of Nuclear Technology'; The West 'Will Not Dare To Attack Us'

SAVE THE EARTH - IT'S THE ONLY PLANET WITH CHOCOLATE !!!!

DOUBLE STANDARD???

Article at Investor's Daily on whether Republicans are judged more harshly and held to higher standard of conduct than Democrats.

CLINTON, BUSH, AND THE WEALTHY

The rich got a better break under Clinton than they have under Bush. Also the same point was made in today's Dallas Morning News business section in a column by Scott Burns. I wonder why Republicans aren't using these graphs in their 2006 campaigns?

ARMEY ATTACKS DOBSON

Richard Armey, retired Republican Hous Majority Leader, has written a letter accusing James Dobson of being power-hungry, manipulative, and just plain wrong on policy. I am sure there will be a Dobson response.

ANOTHER US INTELLIGENCE FAILURE

This is getting worrisome--another possible US intelligence failure with regard to North Korea. This failure, combined with Middle East failures, raise a number of questions about whether any president can make decisions if the intelligence is flawed.

NORTH KOREA

Strategy Page has a very interesting article on "China's Moment of Choice." While the article focuses on how Kim Il-Sung's policies are making things difficult for China, I found his comments about the impact on South Korea and the US most interesting. If Kim did attack South Korea, it would have a major economic impact on the US. The reason is that there is extensive South Korean investment in the US--if something happens in South Korea there will be plant closings and other financial ramifcations for Americans. Globalization is a reality.

RELIGIOUS BELIEFS OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS

Neil Gross and Solon Simmons have an interesting working paper on "How Religious Are America's College and University Professors?"

FAIRY TALES

OCTOBER 5th, ANTI-BUSH DAY (NO SCHOOL)

LITERARY PERSONALITY

My literary personality. . .???? I am not so sure. (compliments of Jonathan). Take the test yourself.

You scored as A classic novel. Almost everyone showers praise upon you for your depth and enduring relevance. According to your acolytes, everything you say is timeless, erudite and meaingful. Of course, none of them actually listen to you. Nobody listens to you at all, but it's fashionable to claim you as a friend. Fond of obscure words, antiquated notions and libraries, you never have a problem finding someone to hang out with. The fact that they end up using you to balance their kitchen tables is an unfortunate side effect, but you're used to being used for others' benefit. Oh the burden of being Great. A classic novel 68% A coloring book 50% An electronics user's manual 50% The back of a froot loops box 46% A college textbook 46% Poetry 43% A paperback romance novel 36%