Gone gardening...

picking the ripe stuff after a few days away. Plus, I've got some reading to catch up on. But first,

Didn't I hear on the radio today, that he meant the Republicans would be backing McCain if he pursued a liberal agenda, whereas they have no qualms in coming together for Tea Parties now against President Obama. I hope that's not being spun as Glenn Beck endorsing the job President Obama is doing over the potential lost in candidate McCain. Just some political chatter during the drive.

Speaking of, fwiw, here is one honest enough citizen's ranking of where our priorities probably should be:

1) Afghanistan -- In or Out? Shit or get off the pot, as they say. Much as I understand how this will be spun as a victory in enemy circles to see our withdrawal, unless we have confidence in our drone abilities in Pakistan, the time for a victory there probably has already passed. A vote of confidence in the 1976 West Point grad now in charge calling for more troops, that he must know he's unlikely to see? Beck is right on that: either support the troops, or get them out. But don't just vote "present, for now".

2) Economy, jobs, future. Unless Chicago gets the Olympics, that's just one area likely to see continued tradesmen on extended unemployment. I'm sure things are similarly tough in your areas. When the guys started coming home from Iraq, Mal was able to pick them out at church, shopping and outdoors. Lots of baby-stroller- pushing dads. Lifestyles can change temporarily sure, but longterm, I don't think you'll see a lot of men able to permanently adapt to a jobless lifestyle. Fwiw.

3) Infrastructure over environment. Why worry about the way-off potential problems (like sunspots, say) and putting money there, when you can shore up the foundations already built and being used, and in need of continuous maintenance -- like bridges (ie/ the promised one between Stillwater MN and Wisconsin, and I'm sure lots of other similar stalled projects); tunnel and water drainage problems; etc. etc. Every week it seems, we hear of another little airport (like the one in New Richmond) applying and receiving federal stimulus funds for some rainy-day wish. Like a fence for security that only goes 3/4 around the property, and probably deters more deer than terrorists.

And tell me: how is the money for fan buses, say, rewarded under the stimulus funds creating jobs? Even the Census positions won't be all that many countrywide... Two and three tie together.

Way down on the list is creating the enforcement and tax code mechanisms to mandate healthcare for all.





----------------

On a personal note, I'm back in the town and picked out the bounty of ripeness from the community garden (not to be confused with the community church garden, earlier pictured here.) I had two this year, and the organic one just harvested seems to be the best. More shade, less sun ...