Alaska is Shelter for The End Times?

And God punishes Jews who don't convert?

Now we know.

A Sprinkling of Republicans

While canvassing and phone banking during the primary season, the voters on the lists we worked off of were Democrats and Independents. I found them to be (for the most part) open minded and willing to discuss politics and world events. 

During this general election, the lists we are given have a "sprinkling of Republicans" in them. This might sound harmless- like chocolate jimmies thrown onto a hot fudge sundae, but it has made for some interesting exchanges on the campaign trail.

I have been told that Obama's campaign is financed by Middle East terrorist groups, I have been gestured and yelled at (which of course made me laugh) and yesterday I was told the Obama is a "Sleeper Muslim."

Sleeper Muslim?

That man also told me that he didn't agree with Obama's view on homosexuality, abortion, the war, and as he saw it, the only drawback to Palin is that she is a woman.

I'm proud to say that I hung with the conversation for about twenty minutes, and left his house just feeling plain sorry for the guy.

I'm considering following Michael Moore's lead and handing out panties and ramen noodles next Saturday as I canvass. Michael's new movie, Slacker Uprising, is his GOTV effort, and appears to be a good one. The 97 minute movie tours colleges in the swing states during the 2004 election, and can be downloaded on September 23rd. His website also states that the DVD will be available online, and in local stores on October 3rd. 

However you feel about Michael Moore and his politics, you have to respect his effort in getting young and new voters to the polls this year.

Did I mention Eddie Vedder is in this movie?

 

"Change We Need" Event with Barack Obama

There is a huge difference between things we want and things we need. I don't view change in the current path of our country as something that would be nice, but rather a shift that is vital to our health, safety, and well-being.

Our current healthcare system is broken, "No Child Left Behind" does not work, the home foreclosure rate is the highest it's been since the Great Depression, our young adults are dying in another country's civil war, the Arctic Circle has now officially become an island, and I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to heat my home this winter.

Barack Obama came back to our state on Friday. It was the first time that I had seen him since he became our Democratic Nominee for President. Even though nineteen months have passed since he declared that he was running for the White House, his presence and words continue to give me hope that our country can move in another direction. 

During his speech, he pointed out that while his opponent may have lobbyists and special interest groups behind him, he (Barack) has Us. He sure does. Even though he was late for his event (he got caught up at a political ad taping in Hopkinton) all 1,400 people at that rally danced, clapped, cheered, and waved signs until the Senator arrived. 

I was able to speak and connect with Barack again after his speech. He took my hands in his, and we exchanged words and smiles. 

He is a dad from Illinois- I'm a mom from New Hampshire. Both of us want things to be better for our children, our families, and everyone around us.

That's what this is all about~   

Stranger Than Fiction

Every family has its dysfunctions, and mine is no exception. Over the years our family has used humor to roll with the special times, and it has served all of us well.

One of the many interesting facets of our family is that my father is convinced that Satan has taken control of me and I'm going to spend eternity at some exclusive resort called "Lake of Fire".

Not sure where that is, but it sounds like a tropical place.

I've had a grand total of one conversation with him (at a family birthday party) over the past twelve months, and during that exchange we talked about the weather, my daughter's impressive vegetable garden, the yummy birthday cake, my beautiful grandbabies, and why my son was late for the party. We kept the conversation shallow and safe. 

It was good to see him and know that he is well.

While covering at the front desk last week at work, a Resident (I'll call him Joe) invited me to dinner. I wanted to laugh (again- finding humor in the special times) but I could see that this man, 15 years my senior, was serious. I thanked him for his offer, told him I was extremely flattered, and shared that it would be a conflict of interest if I went out with him. He argued the point, and told me that he was going to inquire with administration if that was indeed a written company policy. 

"Besides" he then said, "You are newly-single, Michelle, and need to go out and have some fun."

I wondered how he knew I've been living alone for the past two months. Only three people at work have that information, and they're people I've known for years and trust. I had to ask the question. 

"Joe, how do you know that I am newly-single?"

"Your Dad told me. I play basketball with him two nights a week, and he told me that you're available now."

As my children and close friends can tell you, I am very rarely rendered speechless. This, however was one of those occasions.

You just can't make this stuff up~