The Autumn Film

On Wednesday night, I stopped by the Oriental Theater in Denver with some friends to see a local band called Paper Bird. They were entertaining, but I'd say their eclectic mix of folk-Americana and beautiful women was more of a one-time affair, even for the price ($11). However, I was pleasantly surprised to hear another Denver-area band, The Autumn Film, playing in the run-up to Paper Bird.

The Autumn Film are Tifah Al-Attas on vocals and keyboard (from which I think she simultaneously plays the bass line), Dann Stockton on percussion and Reid Phillips on what I'd describe as mostly rhythm guitar (with some additional keyboard on selected tracks). Imagine Amy Lee from Evanescene singing to a musical mix between Sigur Ros' driving rythms and Coldplay's piano-driven riffs, but without the Euro-wuss factor. Hmmm... Maybe it's just better if you listen to them. Click here to redirect to their free download page, where you can have 8 DRM-free tracks. Their homepage also streams a few tracks not available for free.

Anyway, I liked these guys enough to see them again last night at the Marquis Theater in Denver - that's where the pictures and video (pending) are from. Forgive the poor quality on the video, by the way, because the light was low and the microphone on my camera isn't really designed to pick up the bass coming from the venue's speakers. If you like them, they'll be playing at the Fox Theater in Boulder on 11 December (it's a Thursday night).

Following Suit

Mike recently stumbled onto something interesting that he discussed on his blog, Beautiful is Safe. The Typealyzer is designed to "read" your blog and from it, determine your personality. Mike felt like his was pretty damn close. Does anyone who actually knows me think that the analysis below accurately describes me?

INTP - The Thinkers
The logical and analytical type. They are especially attuned to difficult creative and intellectual challenges and always look for something more complex to dig into. They are great at finding subtle connections between things and imagine far-reaching implications.

They enjoy working with complex things using a lot of concepts and imaginative models of reality. Since they are not very good at seeing and understanding the needs of other people, they might come across as arrogant, impatient and insensitive to people that need some time to understand what they are talking about.

An Open Letter to Mr McCain

Dear John,

When I arrived home last night from an election party, I had to check my phone to make sure it wasn't Friday. You see, although it was indeed Tuesday, the streets were filled with the sound of music. Well, excitement and happiness, anyway. It seems that people - many of them young - were and remain quite excited by the recent election results, which were as much a rebuke of our current President as they were about the campaigns you and Mr Obama have only now finished. I must say, in both regards, the right man won.

I am an unaffiliated voter. I did not make a final, fill-in-the-oval-next-to-the-name decision until late Sunday night in order that I might deliver my mail-in ballot Monday before work. I liked you a lot in 2000. If that version of you had run this year, you may have received my vote. I also liked your stances on such things as immigration, crime and (eek) taxes; no one debates your credentials as a man who loves his country and has served her for over 50 years. Your consolation speech last night was gracious, your manor admirable.

So let me tell you where you - in my eyes - went wrong. For the previous three months, I've heard nary a positive campaign commercial from your camp. While Mr Obama is certainly no saint, I distinctly remember watching at least a few of his adds that didn't mention you; that is, they spoke of what he would do if elected instead of trashing the credibility of his opponent. Your demeanor during the debates, which I tried hard not to watch, was often condescending, especially considering your close ties with Mr Biden. You avoided questions, often answering with statements clearly designed to change the subject, and continued ad naseum trying to paint Mr Obama as a radical who regularly communed with terrorists. Had you instead advanced your own platform - or at least stuck to the facts about Mr Obama's distinct lack of experience in national government (especially relative to yours) - you may have fared better.

And let's talk Veep. Mr Obama made a qualified decision to select a vice-Presidential running mate who excelled where he did not, most notably in foreign policy. You, on the other hand, burned the remainder of your credibility at the stake, selecting a running mate who's service to her country makes Obama's limited credentials look something like Cal Ripken, Jr's continuous-games-started streak. Mrs Palin's appeal ends where it begins - with her looks. Her experience as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, is comparable to that of the head of a PTA in a local school district, and let's be honest, Alaska isn't that contentious a place to govern. Let's not get into the allegations of misuse of power during her short term there, or her inability to answer direct questions when prompted, or the frightening thought that if you (God forbid) should die in office, she would be the leader of the free world.

Just what segment of the American people where you trying to woo with Mrs. Palin, anyway? You're a moderate Republican with a legitimate record of bi-partisan behavior. You're certainly right, but you're much closer to the "center" than Mr Obama. You've spoken against your party on numerous issues, including torture, the environment, and campaign finance. These issues did not go unnoticed by me. However, your record as a moderate was damaged when you picked a candidate farther right that Mr Obama is left. Were you worried about losing the ultra-conservative vote? Who else would they support? They'd have to jump over you to vote for Mr Obama, and that would never happen. They may have been cranky, but you were still their man! Instead, you passed up the man I believe may very well have won you the election, the man who is running as an Independent but is a registered Democrat, the same man who ran with AL GORE for Veep in 2000 on the Democratic ticket!!!! Are you nuts? Joe Lieberman would have only helped your image as a man capable of crossing party lines, but instead - by your own misjudgment or from capitulating to your party - you chose poorly, and I - as an unaffiliated voter - felt insulted by your selection.

Finally, and mostly because this is already too long, I must comment on a few last subjects that also influenced my vote. They were not abortion, your "faith," gun control, gay marriage or any other of the host of hot-button issues that likely aren't going to change regardless of who's President. Your admission that your knowledge of economics and the economy was misguided. When men such as Warren Buffet back your opponent, you're doing something wrong. He has much less to lose with your tax policy, and yet he backed your opponent. Many different panels of economists said your economic policy was inferior to Mr Obama's. This is unacceptable at a time like this. Although no one factor (or person) can be blamed for today's economic situation, very few people "in the know" liked your plan. And that's a big, big deal.

In January, Mr Obama will become the first black man to be President of the United States. Many people have said that we're overdue for such an event. I don't necessarily believe that to be the case. Instead, I believe the best candidate in this election won, and he happens to be black. This is indeed historic for our nation, and the significance of this event must not be underplayed. Internationally, we have sent a message that the American Dream lives on. Nationally, we've reiterated the message that racism is not only wrong, but unfounded, and that anyone from any background can ascend to the highest position in - arguably - the world. White, black and brown, all Americans should be proud of Mr Obama today.

Mr Obama energized the young demographic, and in many ways, you insulted it. His message of hope and optimism captivated our country, and like any good grassroots movement, it only built on its own momentum. You tried to play catch-up, and it showed. What seemed effortless to him seemed pained to you, and we noticed.

While I don't believe any one person can solve all of our problems - especially in this day and age and in this country (we're not in a dictatorship or monarchy) - Mr Obama will gain a favorable Congress and will likely advance many of his causes. I wish you the best in the future, and hope you will strive to fulfill the claims you made last night in your speech conceding the election to our President-elect.

Here's to the future,

Jack

And Your Winner Is...

Make you voice heard. Vote now.



And think about giving this site a read before you actually vote.

The Republican Party

Presidential Candidate: John McCain
Vice-Presidential Candidate: Sarah Palin
Party Founded: 1854
# of registered voters: 55 million

Yar, maties. It be time for the final post of me breakdown of the candidates on Colorado's 2008 Presidential ballot. In the pirate garb, fighting for the Republican Party, it be John McCain, war hero, career politician, and former cap'n of the "Straight Talk" schooner. There's no debating John McCain's credentials as an honest, trustworthy American who honestly believes he's doing the right thing for the country. His valor has been proven in the line of duty and his service to his country has extended from the time he returned home a war hero.

John McCain has broken from the Republican Party ranks on numerous occasions, but recently - for many reasons - he's seemed a bit more reluctant to stray too far from home. His work in the past, such as the McCain-Feingold Campaign Reform Act (2002; which is why each advert during the election includes the statement, "I'm ____________, and I approved this message), is considered to be an example of legitimate bi-partisan work, helping to work "across the lines" within the Senate. Other examples of his bi-partisan work include work with Joe Lieberman on the 9/11 Commission and Fritz Hollings on the Aviation and Transportation Security Act. According to a Gallop poll, McCain's "favorable" rating from 1999 - 2008 has remained largely above 50%, recently rising above 60%.

In another recent series of polls, Americans gave John McCain the nod - should he be elected President - on issues such as national security, the wars, immigration, crime and values. He is a moderate Republican, and while he voted with the President - and other Republicans - 90% of the time, his party was obviously concerned with securing the "far right," and chose Sarah Palin as his VP candidate.

McCain is generally more of a state's rights supporter, believing many issues should not be regulated by the Federal Government. This stance applies to issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion. He is for stem-cell research, believing it's going to happen either way, so it might as well be regulated. He has broken with Republican ranks on many issues related to the environment.

But John McCain has stuck with the GOP on a number of topics, such as his affirmation of the Patriot Act, his support of the wars in Afgan and Iraq, and his general financial and economic policies. He famously admitted that he "doesn't know as much about the economy" as he should. Even if this is true, I didn't need to hear it, not right now, anyway. He should try and fake it if he must, because The Economist's recent poll of economists felt strongly that Mr Obama's economic plan was stronger than Mr McCain's - and it wasn't even close.

When it comes down to it, most people will vote for the wrong reasons. They'll vote for the candidate they believe is "doing God's work (they're both 'Christians')," or the one who's not black, or the one who speaks the best. They'll vote about a candidate's stance on an issue that's never going to change, or their party affiliation, or they'll cast a vote most popular with their friends, who aren't guaranteed to make an educated vote, either.

I guess you need to figure out what's most important to you, personally. Read through Obama's and McCain's platforms, look into the qualifications of their second-in-line, and see which you think will help lead our country toward a more prosperous economy and sustainable future on a world stage. See where they come out on education, crime, the wars and anything and everything else you believe is important for our country's future. And heed the advice of well-qualified experts in said fields. Your friends - while influential in your day-to-day life - may not be qualified economists (the same can be said for your family). And if they are, they may not be the best person to talk with about values, foreign policy, or immigration. There's simply too much information for anyone who doesn't spend their entire life analyzing all of the issues.

It's easy to become passionate about the election. The adverts would have you believe the fate of your life hangs in the balance. But lets be honest. Life will go on. The election - and your support for or dislike of any given candidate - shouldn't come between you and friends and family. Often times, we don't make good decisions when we're too close to any issue, or too emotional. Respect other people's opinions, actually look at each side of an issue you find important, and make a qualified decision. Remember, just because someone you know votes for Obama doesn't make them stupid, and just because you vote for McCain doesn't mean you're incapable of thinking for yourself. Don't perpetuate stereotypes, don't vote emotional, and do your best to make a grown-up decision. Voting without researching the issues is as deplorable as not voting at all.

Please come back tomorrow and cast your vote - keeping in mind that we're pretending to be in a fantasy world where we live with a multi-party system - and vote for the candidate who'd be elected if only your vote would be counted. Don't worry, I won't judge.

JM is and will be 72 in January.

links:
War Hero Website
Republican Party Website

The Democratic Party

Presidential Candidate: Barack Obama
Vice-Presidential Candidate: Joe Biden
Party Founded: 1828 (for all intents and purposes)
Interesting Fact: About 46% of all registered voters are Democrats

Okay, it's time to get serious about this election. Barack Hussein Obama has a real shot at winning this thing. So before you turn tail and run to Canada, consider these facts.

Barack has spent almost four years in the US Senate. He's spent two of those years campaigning for the Presidency of these United States. He spent 8 years in the Illinois state senate. That's ten total years of government experience, with a background as a lawyer who graduated magna from Havard Law. Not a bad start, really. He's a Christian (eek! to some of you), and his former pastor's often controversial beliefs have let everyone know this.

Mr Obama gets the nod from American people in terms of his approach to the economy, regulation and trade, health care, the environment, and education. If you make less than $112,000 a year, Obama's tax plan stands to benefit you more than McCain's, but both will put more green in your pocket. Obama tends to follow the maxims of more government oversight, less free trade and a tax system that punishes your success, should you have a great deal of it.

In August, Barack Obama and Joe Biden came to Colorado to celebrate the Democratic National Convention and Barack's acceptance of his party's nomination. My friend Greg and I scored that night. We were standing outside of the convention center when a very attractive woman approached us, smiling. She asked us if we wanted to get inside. We looked at one another before looking back at her, simultaneously asking, "how much?" We were shocked to hear we were in for free.

The party included free alcoholic drinks, swordfish and lamb. Fancy people who donated a lot of money were our peers. I was underdressed. Then I met Joe Biden, and my world changed.

There's no doubt Barack Obama offers change from the current administration. The question isn't even one of whether or not we (the American people) we want another George Bush or not. But Obama offers a distinctly liberal change. In 2007, he had the most liberal voting record in the Senate. While he is eloquent beyond belief, he does not offer much beyond the standard Democratic platform.

In terms of advertising, neither candidate has stuck to their promises to run a "clean" campaign, but Mr Obama - from the perspective of an infrequent TV watcher in Colorado - has said more about what he wants to do and less about how much of a d-bag his opponent is. Regardless of the veracity of either's statements, I like the positivity - or lack of negativity - of Obama's campaign.

Affiliations with former domestic "terrorists" aside, Barry is perfectly capable of lifting both of his arms above shoulder level, which makes it easier to wave without looking awkward. His jowls don't quake and shiver while he walks as if an earthquake is rattling the foundation below his feet, and he won't break the century mark during his term if he is elected President. His VP candidate - my friend - Joe Biden, is not nearly as good looking as Sarah Palin.

The rest of the world wants US to elect Obama. But the rest of the world isn't voting. Come back tomorrow for a brief rundown of McCain.

links:

Democratic Party Website

Barack Obama's Homepage

The Constitution Party

Presidential Candidate: Chuck Baldwin
Vice-Presidential Candidate: Darrel L. Castle
Party Founded: 1992
Interesting Fact: The Constitution Party ranks 3rd of all political parties in the United States in terms of registered members (366,937*).

Can you call yourself a "doctor" of something if your Ph.Ds are honorary? Could you elect a man who calls himself "Dr. Baldwin" if you knew he only had a Masters degree?

The Baldwin/Castle Doctrine:
No foreign government or world government body or entity, not even an ally or neighbor of the US is allowed to own any portion of US roads, airports, homes, buildings, lands, waters, resources (oil, gas, precious metals, minerals, etc,), religious facilities (no matter what faith), stocks, bonds, US treasury notes, businesses, banks, military bases or military assets or manufacturing facilities in the US regardless of how much the foreign governments donate to the political campaigns or private fortunes of US officials, elected or bureaucratic, or even to the US treasury.

The Constitution Party is kinda like the Libertarians, but with a Christian bend (or angle). They're generally for less government, but more Jesus (though not necessarily officially; Chuck is a pastor of a big-time Christian church in Floreeda).

From the Constitution Party's platform:
"Our federal republic was created by joint action of the several states. It has been gradually perverted into a socialist machine for federal control in the domestic affairs of the states. The federal government has no authority to mandate policies relating to state education, natural resources, transportation, private business, housing, and health care, ad infinitum."

Chuck has a radio program. It is considered to be the most influential voice in the Florida Panhandle for conservative principles. That's almost as good as being a "community organizer!" Don't tell his listeners, but Baldwin has been both a registered Republican and Democrat, thought not at the same time. And to keep it spicy, Baldwin himself said, "I believe the South was right in the War Between the States, and I am not a racist. Neither do I believe that the leaders of the old Confederacy were racists. " Maybe true, definitely controversial.

Chuck'll be 56 next January.

links:
Constitution Party Homepage
Chuck's Homepage
*I already told you. I'm not citing anything.

The Libertarian Party

Presidential Candidate: Bob Barr
Vice-Presidential Candidate: Wayne A. Root
Party Founded: 1971
Motto: "Smaller government, lower taxes, more freedom"

Despite his appearance suggesting long-time late-night TV info-mercial king, Bob Barr Jr. actually knows something about government. He represented Georgia in the US House of Reps for 8 years before bugging out to do something more Libertarian-minded. Bob and I both have glasses that would help us to look at home in a nautical arena.

The Libertarians themselves support the free market. They'd like the government to butt out of just about everything, leaving the market to control goods and services, supply and demand. They are anti-big government. They don't think citizens of this fine country should be prevented from doing anything that only hurts themselves. Therefore, they are for the abolition of laws against prostitution, drug use, driving without a seatbelt, etc. These are "you" problems, not "me" problems. The Libertarian Party states that the government's responsibilities should be limited to the protection of individual rights from the initiation of force and fraud. They belive in free trade and non-interventialism. They do not oppose their own motto.

"Foreign aid has proved to be a drain on the U.S. economy while doing little good for the recipients. Aid is routinely used by corrupt foreign governments to oppress their people and enrich powerful elites. Foreign aid almost always discourages economic and political reform, while subsidizing nations which often work against U.S. interests."

Barr says, "I oppose any law requiring registration of, or restricting the ownership, manufacture, or transfer or sale of firearms or ammunition to law-abiding citizens."

Barr said of Patriot Act: "I'd drive a stake through its heart, shoot it, burn it, cut off its head, burn it again, and scatter its ashes to the four corners of the world." Dramatic. And the world is round, Bob. It has no corners.

Please don't forget to stop by the Barr Store before voting.

B.B. J. would be 59 if he breaks through significantly fewer glass ceilings than Cynthia McKinney to become the 117th President of the United States of Amerigo.

links:
LP Homepage
Bob Barr's Homepage

The Green Party

Presidential Candidate: Cynthia McKinney
Vice-Presidential Candidate: Rosa A. Clemente
Party Founded: 2001
Best Known For: Ralph Nader

The Green Party - as far as this "political" discussion has gone - is one of the more "realistic" parties fielding a candidate for President in the upcoming election. That doesn't mean much, really, as many of our previous candidates may be legitimately certifiable. But the Greens, as they are commonly known, do have some rather risque statements sprinkled throughout their website and party platform.

"...we support a restructuring of social, political and economic institutions away from a system which is controlled by and mostly benefits the powerful few, to a democratic, less bureaucratic system.

"We have inherited a social system based on male domination of politics and economics.

"People of color in this country have legitimate claims to reparations in the form of monetary compensation for centuries of discrimination."

McKinney also "charged that George W. Bush may have known about the September 11 attacks in advance and allowed them to happen in order to make profits for the Carlyle Group, an owner of defense contractors with which former President Bush has connections. 'It is known that President Bush's father, through the Carlyle Group, had–at the time of the attacks–joint business interests with the bin Laden construction company and many defense industry holdings, the stocks of which have soared since September 11'"

Hmmm, walking on dangerous ground with those last two...

I do like this party's focus on the environment as a necessary issue regarding the future of the United States, but I don't necessarily agree with their methods for achieving their goals. I do not like the scary image McKinney puts forth at the top of this blog. Yikes!

Cynthia will be 53 if she breaks through every known and unknown glass ceiling in existence and manages to become the first black, female, third-party candidate who thinks Tupac is still alive to win the Presidency.

links:
Green Party Homepage
McKinney's Homepage

The HeartQuake '08 Party

Presidential Candidate: Jonathan E. Allen
Vice-Presidential Candidate: Jeffery D. Stath
Party Founded: 2008
Note: The solid nod to Det. Andy Sipowicz; short-sleeve button-up shirt with a tie.

I know what you're thinking... just another religious wacko. Stop right there. I started this post thinking the same thing, but I was pleasantly surprised with the professional appearance and performance of the HeartQuake '08 website. Not only does Jonathan Allen seem to have a clue about web design (or more likely, he's smart enough to know better than to try and do it himself), but he seems to have a clue about a few other things as well.

I guess I can start with what Jonathan Allen isn't. He's not a career politician. He makes no reference to attempting to do the will of God. He isn't a socialist, communist, prohibitionist, or any other -ist, except maybe a capitalist. But as I read more from his site, he seems to be a capitalist with a conscience who believes in sound business and personal responsibility (I know this sounds a bit cliche). He's not crazy, has no criminal record, and wasn't born in a foreign country (read: I had a hard time finding anything to make fun of him for, other than the name of his political "party"). He seems to meet the bare minimum criteria to become President of the United States.

"...Jonathan believes that America needs a practical businessman, not a career politician, to lead the nation out of its urgent economic crisis, and that the federal government needs to be managed like a for-profit business with a non-profit mission and a focus upon the American taxpayers as its prime customers.

"We need to restore and nurture a culture of Personal Responsibility again in our nation. In recent years Americans have been taught to demand and scream about their "rights" without any recognition or acknowledgement of their associated responsibilities. As a result, we have created an entitlement culture where many have been taught to believe that the government "owes them" a good life. This "you owe me" mentality is a social cancer that prevents people from taking personal responsibility for their lives, from actively co-participating with government to solve problems, and from nurturing a thankful spirit for governmental assistance when it is provided.

"We need to specially focus upon helping the poor, needy, and underprivileged in meaningful, new ways in our nation. The federal government currently offers them financial assistance and a lifetime of dependence, but no real hope for rising above their current circumstances to achieve and unlock their hopes and dreams. We must find innovative ways to personally encourage and practically assist them in taking personal responsibility for improving their lives so that they can rise above all the obstacles that hinder them and hold them back."

Mr Allen seems to be a business-minded individual who believes in the ability of every man, woman and child to stand up for and make something of themselves. While it may be a bit niave, I like the idea. Jonathan lives on the western slope of Colorado where he has amassed a reputable resume of relevant experience that demonstrates an ability to lead. We share the same first name and state of residence.

"One of our greatest crises of heart is our national arrogance. This prevents us from acknowledging how dysfunctional we really are, forces us to continue living in denial of the seriousness of our problems, and blinds us to the solutions that are present all around us in the world."

Seriously, check this guy out, read through his website - it's linked below.

Jonathan Allen will be 46 next year.

links:
HeartQuake '08 Campaign Homepage

The Prohibition Party

Presidential Candidate: Gene C. Amondson
Vice-Presidential Candidate: Leroy J. Pletten
Party Founded: 1869
Mascot: Camel

"They are who we thought they were!" The Arizona football Cardinals former head coach Dennis "Denny" Green said this once at a press conference after losing to the Chicago Bears. While the game has changed, the story's the same. The Prohibition Party stands for the same things today it did over 130 years ago, and the number one thing they want to do is take your booze. That's right, these moral legislatures would like to prevent you from drinking the fruit of the vine, the bounty of the backwoods distillery and the foment of your local ferment.

While you're busy not drinking, you should also stay not busy by not using "tobacco products, illegal drugs, pornography, and commercialized vice." They're also not too hot on gambling. Hmmm....

When Gene isn't busy damning us all for partaking in the fun vices, you might find him painting landscapes or carving wood. He keeps these horribly boring hobbies because he's not allowed to have fun. He's also a minister.

On the positive side, Gene is old enough - and qualified in the sense of being a natural born citizen - to be President, and so is his running mate. This immediately places him above at least two other tickets mentioned so far in this series.

The Prohibitionists don't have much of a plan for the rest of America. National security, domestic and international policy, the economy, the environment, crime, Medicare and the concept of a "balanced budget" will all be addressed after taking care of their primary concern, namely getting you to stop having fun. Goodbye Las Vegas, goodbye quaaludes, and goodbye weekend.

Gene is 65, but looks older and more boring.

links:
Prohibition Party Homepage
Gene's MySpace Page
Temperance and Prohibition Trivia

The Socialist Workers Party

Presidential Candidate: James Harris
Vice-Presidential Candidate: Alyson Kennedy
Party Founded: 1938
# of times the candidate has been convicted of a felony: 1

John McCain has received a great deal of press because he selected a female for his vice-Presidential running mate. James Harris is just as progressive, yet we don't hear quite as much noise from the media on this one. Could it be that Alyson Kennedy just doesn't have the "naughty librarian" feel of Sarah Palin? (She doesn't.) Or could it be that she knows too much: She recently "completed a fact-finding trip to Edinburgh, Scotland; London, England; and Stockholm, Sweden, meeting with workers, youth and immigrants." That would give her the edge in foreign policy experience, although I couldn't find out whether or not she'd ever visited Alaska.

Calero has a few other issues that may prevent him from being elected - or at least accepting the position of President - should he win the popular and electoral votes on November 4. First, he's been convicted of a felony for selling marijuana. Second, he's not a natural-born citizen (how do these people get on the ballot?). And finally, he's a freakin' commie!

But in all seriousness, Calero's party has been around for much longer than any of the ones we've discussed so far. The SWP was founded in the 1930s and has fielded candidates for President in each of the last 15 elections, dating from 1948.

"Under the lash of the bosses’ profit drive, our labor ends up not transforming nature to the betterment of humanity, but poisoning the air, soil, and water on which society depends. Protectionist aggression among capitalist powers—and more so against the semicolonial world—rears its bellicose head.

"As capitalists plead poverty to rationalize their disregard for the welfare, health, and safety of workers and the public, the socialist campaign demands an end to business secrets. Open the books! Let’s find out! Nationalize the energy industry, including the coal mines, and run it under workers control to enforce job safety, halt pollution of the environment, and make energy safe and affordable.

"We must establish a workers and farmers government that can abolish capitalism, reorganize society in the interests of the vast majority, and join in the world struggle for socialism."

Hmmm, so we're pitching communism. Let's take a look at a list of current communist/socialist states in the world today:

People's Republic of China,
Republic of Cuba
Democratic People's Republic of Korea (yeah, that would be North Korea)
Laos
Socialist Republic of Vietnam

And now countries that have collapsed under or fought to end communism during the last 40 years... (list not complete):

The USSR (Russia and newly created states coming out of that breakup)
East Germany
Czechoslovakia
Hungary
all of the former Yugoslav Republics
Romania
Bulgaria

Out of the two lists, which one has more examples of places you'd like to live?

And dont pitch that old song about Cuba's medical care. If it was so great, Cuban athletes, professionals and anyone else capable of stringing together a shitty raft made of empty milk jugs wouldn't be trying to come to America. Defecting at an international sporting event doesn't exactly speak volumes about your living situation, and taking your chances floating across the ocean in hopes of hitting Florida (seriously, if Florida is looking good, it must really suck in Cuba) sounds more like a death wish. But if you think taking that chance is better than continuing to live in your home country, who am I to tell you to stay.

Roger will be 39 in January.

links:
Vote Socialist Workers!

The Boston Tea Party

Presidential Candidate: Charles Jay
Vice-Presidential Candidate: Dan Sallis, Jr.
Party Founded: 2006
Slogan: "Time to Party Like it's 1773!"

The entire platform of the Boston Tea Party is short. It reads, "The Boston Tea Party supports reducing the size, scope and power of government at all levels and on all issues, and opposes increasing the size, scope and power of government at any level, for any purpose." A paucity of words from a party intent on less of, well, everything. It works.

Their program is also to the point.

1. The Boston Tea Party calls for a complete and unconditional withdrawal of US troops from, and a cessation of US military operations against or within, Iraq.

2. The Boston Tea Party supports repeal of the USA PATRIOT Act.

3. The Boston Tea Party calls for an end to the federal prohibition of marijuana and hemp.

4. The Boston Tea Party calls for the immediate repeal of the REAL ID Act and any and all National ID plans.

5. The Boston Tea Party calls for legislation adopting an annual, regularized increase in the personal exemption to the federal income tax of $1,000 or more, and the additional application of said personal exemption to all FICA/Social Security taxes paid by employees and employers.

In 2004, Charles Jay also ran for President. Despite having a porn actress for a running mate (Marilyn Chambers), he gathered only 946 votes and finished 3rd from last. He ran with the Personal Choice Party that year and was only on the ballot in Utah, which made his choice of running mate that much more interesting.

Conflicting unsubstantiated reports suggest that the VP nominee of the Boston Tea is actually Thomas Knapp and not Dan Sallis, Jr. I don't really care; I suppose both potential VPs should be investigated, but who has the time?

links:
The Boston Tea Party's homepage
Charles Jay's homepage
Thomas Knapp's blog, which is actually kinda funny
Dan Sallis, Jr.'s homepage (you're right, there's no hyperlink here. Dan Jr. doesn't have a homepage)

America's Independent Party

Presidential Candidate: Alan Keyes
Vice-Presidential Candidate: Brian Rohrbough
Party Founded: 2008
# of times the candidates have been to AK: 2

For starters, Brian Rohrbough is a Coloradoan, and I do like to "vote local." Second, Keyes ran against and was defeated by one Barack Obama for a Senate seat from the state of Illinois in 2004. Third, he was accused of being a carpetbagger during that election.

Keyes served under R. Reagan during his run through the early and mid-80s as the 16th Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs. His term lasted two years, and relative to our candidates discussed so far, this is by far the greatest body of "real" political experience enjoyed by anyone.

Al, as he is known by his friends, was a Republican for 30 years before showing signs of instability earlier this year. For one month he was affiliated with the Constitution Party. He then shunned those ties for the aforenoted (is that a word? does it really matter?) America's Independent Party.

If I were voting based on websites, Alan Keyes wouldn't get my vote. The America's Independent Party website sucks. I've seen more interesting websites googling home enema kits. The last update was August 21 of this year and there are no pictures. The stale black on white is boring, and my interest was lost before I even had the chance to read what they had to say. And while Mr. Keyes personal website initially appears a bit flashier, the facade is thin, and the invesigative reader will be roundly disappointed.

"America’s Independent Party is being built by Reagan pro-life, pro-family, “Peace through Strength” conservatives who believe that the Republican Party, with the pending nomination of John McCain, has abandoned the principles of Ronald Reagan – particularly the Reagan pro-life platform plank that recognizes the personhood of the unborn and their protection by the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution.

"The party also opposes John McCain on many other important points, including his opposition to a federal amendment protecting traditional marriage and the natural family; his sponsorship of the McCain/Feingold legislation, which they view as a direct attack on their First Amendment rights to political free speech and grassroots citizen activism; his long-time support for so-called “comprehensive immigration reform,” which they consider to be amnesty; and his support for the global warming agenda, which they believe will destroy our economy and strip us of our national sovereignty if pursued as public policy."

Needless to say, they don't like Barack Obama much, either.

Alan Keyes is and will be 58 when he becomes President next January.

links:
Don't Tread on Me
Alan Keyes

The Socialism and Liberation Party

Presidential Candidate: Gloria La Riva
Vice-Presidential Candidate: Eugene Puryear, or Eddie Murphy from the Nutty Professor
Party Founded: 2004
# of times the candidates have been to AK: a baker's dozen

A few words from the party's website...

"Capitalism—the system in which all wealth and power is held by a tiny group of billionaires and their state—is the source of the main problems confronting humanity today: imperialist war, poverty, exploitation, layoffs, unemployment, racism, sexism, lesbian/gay/bi/trans oppression, environmental destruction, mass imprisonment, unionbusting, and more.

We are fighting for socialism, a system where the wealth of society belongs to those who produce it, the working class, and is used in a planned and sustainable way for the benefit of all. In place of greed, domination and exploitation, we stand for solidarity, friendship and cooperation between all peoples."

"...the true cause of economic crisis—capitalism itself."

"Now, the United States is attempting to undermine the pro-socialist government of President Hugo Chávez in Venezuela. Venezuela and Cuba have formed an alliance that is attracting other progressive governments and popular movements in Latin America. This new alliance has the potential to end a century of U.S. domination and exploitation. "

Who wants the US to lose its dominance? Not this guy.

Candidate's age is and will be 54 when she assumes roll of benevolent dictator of the United States + Cuba. However, her VP candidate is only 22. This will be a problem if they want to play by the rules (VP must be 35...).

links:
See Che here.

The US Pacifist Party

Presidential Candidate: Bradford Lyttle
Vice-Presidential Candidate: Abraham Bassford
Party Founded: 1983
# of times candidates have been to AK: unknown

"Bradford Lyttle has orgnized [sic] and participated in numerous public rallys [sic] and demonstrations against war, equipment for war, and taxes for war. He has participated in projects to oppose the Vietnam War, the Gulf War against Iraq, and the war in Bosnia. He has traveled to these countries to support peace initiatives of these projects and peace movements in those countries. He has several times been arrested for his non-violent actions."

If the above isn't a comprehensive list of what it takes to become supreme commander of America, I don't know what is.

Brad also looks a bit like Fire Marshall Bill from In Living Color. Other actor/presidents - slashies as they'll now be known - include Ronald Reagan and Harry Truman, who starred in The Truman Show.



Brad's running mate is named Abraham. Many well-known Abrahams have led people. These include Father Abraham, who had many sons, Abraham Lincoln, who started the Civil War, and John Abraham, defensive end for the present-day Atlanta Falcons. He is a "sack master" and anchors my fantasy football team's defense.

The US Pacifist Party seems dedicated to getting America's ass kicked. From their 2008 platform...

"Preparation for nonviolent resistance against possible invasion and occupation attempts; This would include establishment of a national Department of Peace, and an unarmed service corps trained in strategic nonviolent defense and equipped for mobilization anywhere in the world;

"Reduction of the military budget toward zero

"Ending of private logging, grazing, and oil drilling on public lands

"Unrestricted immigration. Health and educations needs of immigrants would be paid for from the hundreds of millions of dollars saved by shutting down the military “defense” system.

"A guaranteed minimum income for U.S. citizens through the establishment of a negative income tax (A negative income tax gives checks to people whose income lies below the poverty level)."

Yes terrorists, we are now open to your occupation. Don't mind the unarmed "peace force."

age: unknown

links:
go make fun of the pacifists here. What will they do about it?

Unaffiliated

Presidential Candidate: Frank Edward McEnulty
Vice-Presidential Candidate: David Mangan
Party Founded: n/a
# of times candidates have been to AK: 13

Frank is actually running under the banner of the New American Independent Party, but on my ballot, he's listed as "unaffiliated." Also, I found that he's running with various vice-presidential candidates; they seem to change based on state (see map here).

"My name is Frank McEnulty and I am pretty much a regular guy. I am married, have two daughters, go to a lot of sporting events that my daughters participate in and am completely and utterly disgusted with both political parties in this country. " So far, so good.

"We do not need to be the world’s policeman. For one thing, most other countries resent it. Second, we aren’t very good at it. We are in places we shouldn’t be and not in places we should be, so let’s not be anywhere unless we are asked and there is a compelling reason for us to be there. If a dictator in Africa is allowing people to hack the arms off of each other, then maybe we have a moral obligation (not the right) to do something to stop it. Beyond that, we shouldn’t be spending all of our money stationing our soldiers all over the world. “Walk softly and carry a big stick” was excellent advice. I propose that we stick to that advice by greatly reducing our presence overseas and focusing our attention on the defense of our country."

On flag burning:
"I don't think flag burning is an issue that requires a Constitutional amendment for the simple reason that if no one got overly excited about it, then it wouldn't be any big deal to do it. Flag burners are like little children trying to do something bad to get their parents' attention. If a parent ignores the behavior, the child stops. Same with flag burning. Aren't there more important things to worry about than whether or not someone burns a flag now and then?"

Frank is here ----->


I don't know if this guy is for real, but if he is, he might be the early favorite.

Frank is 52.

links:
Frank for President indeed

The Socialist, USA Party

Presidential Candidate: Brian Moore
Vice-Presidential Candidate: Stewart A. Alexander
Party founded: 1973
# of times the candidates have been to Alaska: 0

"THE SOCIALIST PARTY strives to establish a radical democracy that places people's lives under their own control -- a non-racist, classless, feminist, socialist society in which people cooperate at work, at home, and in the community. The Socialist Party is committed to full freedom of speech, assembly, press, and religion, and to a multi-party system. We are dedicated to the abolition of male supremacy and class society, and to the elimination of all forms of oppression, including those based on race, national origin, age, sexual preferences, and disabling conditions."

If you like capitalism, you may want to check out a different party. "The primary goal of economic activity is to provide the necessities of life, including food, shelter, health care, education, child care, cultural opportunities, and social services." Read: not to get rich.

They say you can tell a lot about someone by the company they keep, well... famous socialists include:

Karl Marx (lived off Engel's money)
Vlad Lenin and John Lennon (brothers in arms)
Fidel Castro (loves vintage American cars)
Muammer al-Gaddafi (finally seeing it "our way")
Albert Einstein (invented electricity - right? electricity is all-American)
Helen Keller (I heard she was quite a pinball player)

Sounds like a rough bunch to me.

Brian Moore is and will be 65 when he ascends to the head of the United States in January.

links:
Socialist Party USA

Unaffiliated

Presidential Candidate: Ralph Nader
Vice-Presidential Candidate: Matt Gonzalez
Party Founded: n/a
# of times candidates have visited Alaska: Did the Corvair ever make it to AK?

Former Green Party candidate Ralph Nader and running mate Matt "the hammer" Gonzalez bring a unique and multi-cultural ticket to this year's Presidential Election. Nader hails from Lebanon, which is also where world-renowned actor Keanu Reeves was born. Point Break is my friend Greg's favorite movie.

Nader and Gonzalez believe...
"After more than 300 years of de facto affirmative action to benefit white males, we definitely need affirmative action for people of color and women to offset enduring historic wrongs as well as present day inequalities."

and

"The plight of the Tibetan people is one of the great human rights tragedies of the Twentieth Century. The Chinese government has brutally oppressed the people of Tibet and engaged in a conscious campaign to wipe out traditional Tibetan culture. "

and

"Nader/Gonzalez propose a rapid withdrawal of troops from Iraq. A target of withdrawing troops in six months will be set. The war is costing taxpayers nearly $4,600 every second — and that doesn’t include the long-term reconstruction costs."

and

"The state of health care in the United States is a disgrace. For millions of Americans it is a struggle between life, health and money. The Nader Campaign supports a single-payer health care plan that replaces for-profit, investor-owned health care and removes the private health insurance industry (full Medicare for all)."

Nader is and would be 74 years old when he is sworn in as the next President.

links:
Ralph Nader's website

The Objectivist Party

Presidential Candidate: Thomas Robert Stevens
Vice-Presidential Candidate: Alden Link
Founded: 2 Feb 2008
# of times candidates visited Alaska: unknown

These guys are from the New York area and like Ayn Rand. Their party "platform" page consists mostly of quotes from her books (which does make sense...although Rand allegedly opposed formation of political parties based on the ideals of her works), sprinkled with others from authoritative sources such as the musical Les Miserables. I enjoy their selected quotes, but I'm unsure whether or not I want to vote for a party too lazy to "put it into their own words." C'mon, you could really do better than quote someone else when explaining your platform to the masses. But I digress.

So what do they like?

America's founding ideal was the principle of individual rights. Political freedom and capitalism follow. Police protect from inside aggression, the army from outside aggression, and the courts protect from fraud and breach of contract. Live and let live, but don't be a bitch. Fight back only when someone starts shit with you first.

links:
Objectivist Party Homepage
Objectivist Party Facebook page

Time to Vote!

I hope everyone's registered to vote. If you're not, you've still got time, but there are only 10 days until we vote for the next President of the United States. Some people think this election is important, and I respect their view. But can we honestly vote for any given candidate when we don't fully understand our options?

Over the next 10 days, I'll be giving you the opportunity to learn about each of the 16 candidates on my ballot. Because there are more candidates than days until the election, I'll have to go with 2-a-days until next weekend, when I'll spent one day each on the two "major" party candidates. I will try to use the most up-to-date and authoritative sources possible, such as Wikipedia, wild, rumor-based internet sites, and opponent's claims (when available). Also, I won't cite sources.

On the first Monday before the first Tuesday of November, I hope to post a poll, which I encourage you to pick the candidate you'd most like to see in office for the next four years. I will use that poll to determine the candidate for whom I vote on November 4 (this is not true).

Your instructions regarding your "right to vote" are as follows:

1. Please read each post about each candidate (if you have time, they will be short. I'm trying to limit my posts to 300 words. this is the "literacy test" portion).
2. Please vote as if we did not have a two-party system, but instead enjoyed a multi-party system. Vote for the candidates and party to which you most strongly relate.
3. In that light, consider all inputs, including personal appearance, national origin and number of times the candidate has been to Alaska, which counts as foreign policy experience.

Happy voting.

Walkability

A friend showed me this website a few weeks ago and I thought it was great. You enter your address and it calculates your "walk score," which is basically a ranking on a 100-point scale letting you know how pedestrian-friendly your house or apartment is based on your proximity to grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, parks, schools, etc. It's also a great tool if you're looking to move soon.

Check it out. My score is 83. What's yours?

It's Getting Late

Crestone Needle dominated the landscape from every direction; it's steep and imposing and reminds me a bit of the Trango Towers in Pakistan.

On Thursday night, Greg, Dusty and I left Denver for the South Colony Lakes, nestled high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, to set up base camp and do some hiking over the weekend. Dusty's Jeep carried us up a challenging 5.5 miles of rocky road, saving us a ton of time and allowing us to pack "heavy" for the weekend. We arrived at the upper parking lot around 2am on Friday, and hiked into the South Colony Lakes area, setting up base camp in the dark around 3:15. We left camp at 4:20 to begin our hike up Humboldt Peak, which seemed like a straightforward first ascent for the weekend. Fresh snow kept the 2.4 mile hike interesting, and the wind kept it cold. But it was all worth the effort when we summited just before the sun rose over the Wet Mountains to the east.

Greg on Humboldt signing the register just after sunrise.

Looking north through the Sangre de Cristo range from Humboldt Peak.

After fielding the most ridiculous question I've heard since living in Alaska, we returned to a sunny camp at 8:30 to cook breakfast and drink PBR in celebration of a successful hike. I passed out moments later, waking at 1pm to eat again before falling asleep again. I woke at 3:30 to a blast of winter in the valley (see video).



Enjoying "blue ribbon" beer in base camp at 9am after our first summit.

We slept most of the remainder of the afternoon recovering, and after dinner, we slept all night preparing for the next day's hike. We decided to attempt Crestone Peak and Needle via the northwest couloir, but changed plans after reaching Bear's Playground, a high saddle with descending views to the San Luis Valley to the west and the Wet mountains to the east. It's a unique position as it's a simple saddle dividing the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and it's windy as hell. Instead of hiking the Crestones, we hiked northwest, gaining Challenger Point and Kit Carson Peak. It ended up being a long day, but we were rewarded with great weather during our hike back to camp (followed by more PBR).

Greg pauses on the way back to camp.

Crestone Needle (left) and Crestone Peak during our descent from Humboldt.

That night, the weather turned again bad and it rained and snowed heavily for nearly 3 hours. We were holed up in our tents for most of the afternoon and early evening as water accumulated around us. In the dark and cold confusion of our base-camp setup, we didn't do a very good job of determining low points in our camp site. The water pointed out our mistakes. After dinner, though, we sat outside in the wind as the skies cleared and watched shooting stars before heading to bed. It seemed like the previous two nights - clear and cold.

Crestone Needle (left) and Peak from Bear's Playground.

When I woke at 1am, the wind was howling loudly, but I could still see the light from the moon. By 3:30, the moon's light had gone for good, and when we woke at 5 to begin our final day, it was cold, windy and beginning to precipitate. We decided to go back to bed for an hour and re-evaluate before calling the whole thing off, but when we crawled back out of our tents at 6:15, the clouds were actually lower against the mountain, and we could no longer see the tops of Crestone Needle or Peak. It simply wasn't safe to try to hike either peak without good visibility, so we packed up our wet camp and hiked back to the truck. But the day wasn't a total loss. There was a break between the clouds to the east and the horizon, so when the sun finally rose around 6:55, we witnessed an amazing alpen glow against the Crestones. We drank the last of the PBR watching the sun's rays magically ignite the cold granite before all the color was again lost. It was stunning.



Morning alpine glow; beautiful, but the clouds shut us down.

The view back into the Sangres on our way home confirmed we'd made the right decision to not climb on our final day.

Moral of the Story: Start Early

Great photo ops; there are three people in this picture.
If any of you have ever climbed Greys and Torreys (mountains just west of Denver off I-70), you know what I learned on Saturday, which is, they are very popular mountains. Despite having a very poor excuse for a road, many, many people exit I-70 at Bakersville and make the 3-mile crawl to the Greys Peak trailhead every Saturday and Sunday.

My friends wanted to get an early start, so early in fact that our goal was to see the sun rise from the summit of Greys. In July, this might be an okay idea. In September - and one day after a cold front moves through the state, dropping snow at higher elevations - this is not such a great idea. When we arrived at the top at 5:50 (43 minutes before sunrise), it was probably about 25 degrees and the wind was blowing consistently at about 30 miles per hour. It was cold and dark, and we were getting cold, no thanks to our sweaty backs after the 4-mile hike from the parking lot. In fact, three of us got so cold that they decided not to summit Torreys, the nearest mountain, which happened to be only about 35 minutes further. Kind of disappointing, really. So I climbed Torrey's solo, enjoyed the view, ate some peanut M&Ms and tried not to be blown off the mountain. This was easier said than done. I met the other three about half way down the trail as we passed another group of hikers every 30 seconds or so.

So if you're interested in hiking one or both of these mountains, go on a week day or start from the trailhead at 3:15, like us. Oh, and try to avoid returning to a flat tire. That's no way to end a hike.

Rachel watches the sunrise from Greys summit trying to stay warm in the cold wind.

Trying to stay out of the wind while watching the sunrise.

Sunrise over Mt Evans and Mt Bierstadt

I-70 valley undercast.

Eagle's Nest Wilderness

First rays of sun strike Torreys east face.

Mostly just a minute long clip of the wind blowing so hard you can't hear me.