The Mass Exodus

Before I write on anything news related, I must publicly congratulate Mrs. X for officially becoming an attorney. She got the bar results on October 29 but we kept it hush hush so she could tell various people in person. Then, amidst the election furor, I forgot to post it. Of course, the way this past week has been, I haven't posted much of anything so I can't really be blamed for that. Anyway, we drove up to Columbus for the swearing in ceremony on Monday. It went very well, only lasting an hour. Given that there were about 450 lawyers getting sworn in at that first session, this was quite efficient. So now she has changed her e-mail signature to say Attorney-at-Law and even gets business cards that say the same. Yay her :)

Now, on to other matters. Lots of things in the news but I would like to focus on all the moping Democrats who are talking about moving to other countries. I understand your pain, but giving up on the system and going somewhere else isn't quite the answer. Need I remind all of you that in 1964, the Democrats spanked the Republicans, capping a strong Democratic reign only interrupted by Ike's run in the 50's. The Republicans hit back in 1966 and then took back the White House in 1968. One could argue that the same trend is in effect today. The Republicans have been in power since 1968 with only the runs of Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton cutting into their power. The war is turning unpopular and we could very easily see the Republicans starting to get pompous about power. Rally and fight back rather than run away or whine like the little "girlie-men" that Arnold calls you.

In this fighting back, I would suggest a couple of things. Don't be too much of an impediment. If the public sees the Democrats as anything more than a roadblock, why wouldn't they just vote Republican again to get the 60 senators needed to stop a filibuster. Stand your ground, but point out indulgences of power that do not benefit the people.

Second, get out of the ivory New England tower and put your hands back in the soil. Mr. Kerry lost this election because he couldn't connect with the average Joe rather than notion that it was high turnout of people from "Jesusland." If you can't identify with the guy down the block and show him that you understand what he needs and will try to get it for him, why should he give you his vote? The other guy seems just as nice and he feels more like me. Simple connection and understanding. You're not going to get that if you keep thinking that it was a massive conspiracy or that you need to run away to Canada. Just my two cents.

I'll post a little more about Mr. Arafat's death when its been developed a bit. In the meantime, cross your fingers that things don't get any uglier over there.