Autumn Souvenir

I've recently been asked by a few friends and colleagues, "What led to your unwavering support for the causes of the left?" At the outset, I honestly didn't have a succinct answer. I said something about my communal outlook on life and my interest in helping those less fortunate. I know, pretty facile. Over the past few weeks I started to think about this question more. With the 08 election a mere two months away, I can't say that I've ever felt this passionately about a political race. When I hear that McCain has crept up on Obama or even surpassed him, my stomach literally spins in cycles. There have been countless times over the past few weeks where I burn out on election coverage. Not because I don't care, but because I care too much. At my deepest core, I can not fathom a McCain victory. As my girlfriend said to me this morning, "If McCain wins, I really fear that you'll be inconsolable." She may be right. But what brought me here? For s...

With the selection of Palin, McCain is clearly trying to exploit Hillary's voters. Every quote out of his mouth today has made this abundantly clear. The real question here is how does Hillary handle this. Although most disagree with me, I am a firm believer that Senator Clinton, deep down, wants Obama to lose. I have little doubt that she already has her eyes set on 2012, knowing full well that 2016 will put her at the age of 68. Hillary absolutely must make it clear that she stands behind Barack and must repeat to her core that they should vote for Barack. That said, initial signs, as I expected, are not promising. Once again, it's all about Hillary: From NY Times Update | 4:20 p.m.: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has just issued this statement: “We should all be proud of Governor Sarah Palin’s historic nomination, and I congratulate her and Senator McCain. While their policies would take America in the wrong direction, Governor Palin will add an important new voice to the de...

It may have been a good strategic move, but if you watched her acceptance speech, you'd likely agree that this solidifies this ticket as the weakest in World history. This has nothing to do with her sex, but imagine her in a room with Vladamir Putin. If they win, not only will I depart the US, but I'm moving to the Moon.

Just a few hours prior to Obama's speech tonight, my mother phoned. She didn't call to talk politics or inquire about my excitement preceding Obama's biggest moment, but she called to talk about simple things. My mother has always had very little to say politically, focusing rather on her three children, my stepfather and the people close to her. Her only close voice on the political front comes from my stepfather, a retired New Jersey police officer and ardent republican. Since he's within distance every day, she's always sided with him. And he is not one even open to discussion. He loved Reagan, Bush I, and remains a staunch supporter of Bush II. As we were about to hang up, I asked my mother one more time to tune in tonight. She said that she was tired and was off to bed. Before letting her go, I inquired, "Hasn't anything he's said influenced you?" and to my absolute astonishment, she uttered, "I do think he's for the middle class. I t...

The Independent holds a mere 500 folks and after announcing yesterday and selling out within seconds, I was able to land a ticket via a gracious friend. I am a lucky man.

After finishing up Beck's Modern Guilt , I turned once again to Jason Isbell's fantastic debut Sirens of the Ditch and midway through the first track, I clicked on Blurt and see a feature with Isbell. And not a profile on the artist, but rather a walk with him down the aisles of Amoeba. These are often my favorite features. But c'mon Jason, Bryter Layter is inarguably better than Pink Moon . Looting the Bins With Jason Isbell Chicago Promenade - Jason Isbell