Archive for January, 2009

I feel I must defend Al Franken.  The man was a comedy writer for SNL, which I don’t view as a negative, but it wasn’t until Franken got into the political world that he became a truly famous.  He isn’t a celebrity along the lines of a Jesse Ventura because he has actually taken the time to become deeply involved and knowledgable. 

Franken had the main show for Air America from 2004 to 2007 and has written 4 political satires.  This means he has actually taken the time to learn about various issues. If you are wondering what type of a politician he aspires to be, just remember the late U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone from Minnesota. He genuinely feels he can help Americans have a better life.

He is also a very intelligent man. He received his B.A. in political science from Harvard and gradutated cum-laude. He is also hilarious.

I think this is more a good sign than a bad one. I have written a bit about Norm Coleman’s legal issues before. I think Franken’s victory is just another sign that people are disillusioned with the current state of politics in America and want something different. Say what you will about Franken, but he is most certainly different. Whether or not he remains so in the U.S. Senate is yet to be seen, but I am hoping he doesn’t lose his willingness to be honest.

I definitely don’t think Franken is the ultimate sign that any celebrity can run for office. They always had the ability to run for office. Reagan, Fred Thompson, Arnold, Sonny Bono, and probably more I’m missing. But I do not think status as a celebrity should keep anyone from running for office, because they can be, as with Al, qualified.

At any rate, I am excited to see how Franken does in the Senate. Maybe he’ll be great. If he doesn’t compromise his beliefs, I think he will.

Here’s where I got my information and some more:
Franken Bio
More Franken Info

Enjoy Ball State’s domination in the G MAC.

Adam Feser

Not that either candidate was qualified or fantastic…But now that Al Franken is the likely winner of the Minnesota senate race, this means any second rate celebrity can now run for office.

Well Kids…I asked the question several times of myself during the presidential campaign where the money was going to come from to fund all of the promises that Barack Obama was promising. Remember, we can’t afford the war in Iraq/Afghanistan. Well is looks like democratic congress and the democratic president want to raise our gas prices. We already have to deal with OPEC and what they do with our oil over seas now we have to pay attention at home as well. With today’s price of regular unleaded at $1.659, 10% of that goes to the Federal Gov’t. The proposed plan is to raise it another 33% of what the current tax is. Same goes for diesel. Just when we thought we could get a gas price break, they spring this on us. All this is going on while our democratic led congress is giving themselves a pay raise…Our economy is struggling so lets give the wealthiest people more money!

Arianna Huffington recently did a list of things from 2008 she is happy are done. Her list is pretty solid and thorough, but I’d like to add a few things I am happy are over and done with.

I am glad I will not be receiving any more racist, ridiculous e-mails about Barack Obama’s ethnicity or religion. He’s not a Muslim, but why would it matter if he was? Obama proved people who blindly hate minorities are the new minority. Good riddance to open and accepted bigotry.

The Redskins’ late season collapse after they got my hopes up oh so high. Why, Zorn? WHY!!!

The troops used for political leverage.

The Red Sox’ loss in game 7 of the ALCS to the Rays. Let’s just hope it’s not the dirty Yankees this year.

Wars forgotten by the media. Hopefully coverage improves.

Brett Favre retirement drama. Wait… d’oh!.

People that hate George W. but love Sarah Palin.

Sarah Palin.

Manny being Manny. Retire already.

The Jonas Brothers and purity rings.

Combining celebrity couples’ names. Do people think it’s clever?

Giuliani using a tragedy as his entire campaign. “9-11″ should never leave his lips again.

The blame game played over the economic fiasco. Less talk about whodunit and more problem solving would have been nice.

People who say history will judge W.’s presidency. Most of his presidency is already history, and it is not looking good.

I will continue to update this list, but I need to get groceries in preparation for Nebraska’s drubbing of Clemson. I’d like you, the few avid readers, to include your own lists in the comments. Please.
To be continued.

Senator Arlen Specter focusing on tapes destroyed by the New England Patriots at a time when the CIA had destroyed interrogation tapes. Oh, the priorities of the Senate.

Rampant xenophobia about immigrants.

High gas prices (let us all knock on wood together).

Mike’s Hard Lemonade commercials. Your lite cranberry lemonade is not going to make a world gone soft hard. (I may open my act with this bit.)

The creepiness from the China olympics, including but not exclusively the exploitation of little girls.

The Dallas Cowboys. If we quit paying attention, maybe they will go away.

Britney Spears’ struggles. She seems to have found her mind. Hopefully I can avoid hearing of her ever again.

Blagojevich. Fade away already.

I’m taking another pause. Add your comments already. I’m lonely.