McCain Campaign Suspension, Two Ideas to Make Congress More Prodcutive

I totally agree with John McCain that the political campaigns should be suspended for the next couple of days.  I am slightly disturbed, but not at all surprised, that Obama has decided to stay on the trail.  It's all he knows.  He doesn't know about actually working in Washington.  He's spent most of his time in the senate campaigning for himself instead of actually working in Washington.  If I were a newly-elected congressman or senator, I would introduce two bills to make congress more productive.  One would require those who will be campaigning for themselves to delegate someone to serve in their absence.  Second, I would cut the August recess in half.  (And yes I am aware neither would pass.)  Hopefully, it would generate public pressure on politicians to be more productive and accountable.  

Biden...patriotism and charity.

You probably saw Joe Biden said it is "patriotic" to pay higher taxes".  He said it is time for [the wealthy] to jump in, time to be part of the deal, time to help get America out of the rut."  He also said that they want to take money for the wealthy and "put it back into the hands of middle-class people".  What a scary proposition.  First, it is scary to think that Obama and Biden could be in the White House when they can be lead to believe in something (this notion of class warfare in the form of income taxation) that is obviously false.  Second, this sound like communism.  Biden may (or may not) be patriotic, but he sure doesn't seem very charitable.  May be a record-low in giving to charities for a Democrat.  Even lower giving than Al Gore, John Kerry, John Edwards, or Barack Obama.  (The Clintons, by the way, give a decent amount away).  I guess Biden doesn't think it is patriotic to give money to private, and probably more effective, charities.  Only giving to the government.  Two good articles:

OSU-USC

I'm from Ohio.  And I'm an Ohio State fan.  For college football fans, this week's OSU-USC game should be a beauty.  I'll gave you my thoughts from an OSU fan.

-I would be very surprised if Chris Wells doesn't play.  I don't think his injury is a major conspiracy as some suggest, but if there is anyway he can play he will.  He's literally always injured.  I won't lie, I'm doubting OSU.  The mindset after struggling versus OU and losing Chris Wells is hard to get a pulse on.  Wells is the engine that runs the train, and it will be hard to win without him.  But I've also learned not to doubt Jim Tressel, and I'm sure he has a few tricks up his sleeve.  I'll be interested to see how he uses Terrelle Pryor.  

-On offense: I'm concerned about the OSU wideouts getting separation from USC's cornerbacks.  Brian Robiskie is a very good wide receiver, but he's not a speed guy.  Brian Hartline is, but he hasn't played too well as of late, especially against big competition.  I think he has it in him, we'll just have to see if it comes out.  Ray Small is the key.  tOSU's fastest player, he can be the gamebreaker.  He's dealt with consistency issues, but after returning a punt for a TD last week, it looks like he may have turned the corner.  If tOSU is to win, he must play well.  (I would try to get Lammar Thomas involved a little too.)  With the speed of USC's defense, and with the athleticism and experience of linebackers Ray Maualuga, Brian Cushing, and rover Taylor Mays, the Buckeye tight ends may not be a factor receiving.  But tOSU needs to try to get them involved.  Especially Jake Ballard.  If Beanie Wells doesn't play, OSU doesn't really have a bruiser.  So it is crucial OSU must gameplan to get the running backs in space.  Todd Boeckman must also be careful with the ball.  USC is better than any team in the country at forcing turnovers (+102 in turnover margin since Pete Carroll got there, best in the nation) and you can't afford to give the USC offense more chances.  Lastly on the offensive side, the line must get better push.  The USC linemen will eat the running backs and Todd Boeckman alive if they are not controlled.  There must be a lot of diverse offensive schemes so they don't get too comfortable.  The OSU line is huge, and they must be physical.

-On defense: The line must get penetration and get in the backfield.  If Sanchez  is given time,with the talent USC is having, he will find them all day for big games.  When they get into the backfield they must wrap up and finish the play.  Last week against OU, play after play OSU got a hand on the QB and they couldn't make the tackle.  You can't afford that against USC. When you've got a USC player, you've got to make the play when you have the chance, or it will be a big gain.  OSU should also not worry about giving up big plays.  Against USC, it will happen.  It is stopping them 30 yards out from the endzone and closer that they need to not let the big plays.  Bend, but do not break.  The OSU defense must also not allow any receiver to get a rapport with Matt Sanchez or it will be hard to stop.   Lastly on defense, the defensive tackles must, must, must not get harassed.  With USC's speed and athletic ability, OSU's linebacker must be freed to roam and make plays.  They must clog up the middle.  If USC can exploit the middle, they'll get into open space where the Buckeyes sometimes struggle. 

-On special teams: Special teams is a huge part of Tresselball, and it will be huge against USC.  They need to pin USC back as far as possible.  Don't allow big returns and make the field smaller for USC.   On offense, any help against he USC defense you can get is needed.  So, win the battle of field position.  And don't miss any field goals or PATs.

The Characters of the 2008 Election

   Who wrote the 2008 election?  Yes, who wrote it?  Somebody had to write it.  Somebody is playing with our minds.  We are living in a dreamland.  This election defies the laws of the universe.  It is simply not possible for an election to get this strange.  Just look at the cast of characters involved.  Hillary Clinton.  Bill Clinton.  John McCain.  Barack Obama.  Sarah Palin.  These people can't be real.  Someone had to put this together.  The first African-American who has a real chance to be President and the first women who has the first real chance to be Vice President.  Two of the most polarizing women in recent history.  A former president who...well, is entertaining.  The most unpopular president and most unpopular war in decades, yet his candidate very well could win the election.  Google/Youtube Debates.  Faith Forums. The longest campaign ever.  An affair.  A recent VP candidate switches teams.  The Fair Tax.  If you need any more evidence, well, we're now arguing over pigs wearing lip stick and paternity claims.  Sad too.  They distract us from finding out who is playing this evil trick on us.  I'm wondering how many chapters this book has.  Every election is getting stranger.  This is the author's best novel yet.  I bet the next will be a best seller!