Here's to officially losing the war in Afghanistan. Instead of building a relationship with the nation of Pakistan, the U.S. invested everything in one individual: Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf. This is a mistake if the assassination of Benazir Bhutto is any lesson. Surely enough, when our "insider" is no longer in power--because he is assassinated or mysteriously disappears--we are left with a nearly non-existent relationship with the nation as a whole. Musharraf's presidential term ended less than one month ago after he was impeached (perhaps "forced to resign," I'm not sure about the details.)

If you want to start yet another war, I'd suggest voting for McCain. France thought it could conquer Vietnam. When they failed, the U.S. was sure it would be different, except we got our ass kicked. Soviets thought they could conquer Afghanistan. When they failed, the U.S. was sure it would be different. But further violent pursuit of the Taliban means starting a war with Pakistan.
The United States is no different from any other empire in history; and every empire has fallen. We can either stop behaving like an empire or meet the doom of every other empire in history.

This week my support for Obama has become more reserved after learning more about the details of his approach to the economy. But in light of global issues, I'm still very comfortable putting my confidence in Obama / Biden over McCain / Palin.

Also, let me just say that McCain's pick for VP is a GIMMICK! Palin is a shocker, she adds some (desperately needed) energy to the campaign. But she doesn't add much to the leadership. See the difference? The campaign is better off, but what does McCain post NOV. 4 honestly gain by picking Palin? It reminds me Bush Sr.'s VP pick, good ole Dan Quayle (from Indiana), very little experience, not ready for VP, and obviously chosen for the purpose of attracting voters instead of improving the leadership in D.C. Palin was mayor of Wasilla, AK population: 6,300.

In case you didn't know, Wasilla is a big deal.

Colts win by 3 pts.
Seattle up by 11 pts.
represent.

First day (back) in Indiana

Each time I return to my parents' house I climb my sycamore tree. I planted it twelve years ago--when I was ten--and have watched it grow. Climbing this tree brings me a lot of joy. I always climb it slowly, inspecting the progress, pruning the dead limbs, and stand on each of its branches that is strong enough to support me. Sycamores typically grow quickly, mine grew so quickly that at one time many of the limbs were too heavy to support themselves and some of the worst broke off because the weight was too much for the limb to sustain. I remember when I could jump over it, when I could wrap one hand around the base of the trunk, then two hands, now I need both arms. The tree was the tallest in our whole half acre yard, even though it was still very young, until a severe lightning storm came with all its wrath, removing the top third of my tree. Fuck you massive electron discharge. The tree had a new beginning, and today I noticed how healthy it is, even though it's not as tall as it once was; all the branches can fully support themselves, they're all strong and beautiful.