Tornadoes, Politicians and Power Outtages

Rest assured, all is well on the home front.

We were a bit battered yesterday but had nowhere near the harrowing experience that the communities of Atkins, Mountain View and Clinton, Arkansas endured.

This is the first time in a long time that I can remember so many deaths in Arkansas due to a tornado.

Yikes.

Our power went out but we were able to stay at my parents' house since they magically still had power. We have been living in our new apartment for all of 2.5 months and this is the third time we've dealt with a power outtage.

If that doesn't make you want to go off-the-grid, I don't know what will.

Despite the craziness, the polls remained open. And it looks like Clinton did well in the Super Tuesday primaries despite the fact that everyone and their brother in the media kept predicting that Obama would make a sweep.

She even got Massachusetts despite the fact that every Kerry, Kennedy and their brother endorsed Obama.

(For someone who is supposed to be "anti-establishment", Obama certainly has a lot of "establishment" endorsements.)

I received an email from one of my readers who, among other things, accused me of being racist and close-minded in my lack of support for Obama.

Here is my "defense" against stupid allegations:

1. I initially supported Obama. My support was primarily based on his speeches which are, needless to say, rousing.

However, when I went to his website and read his platforms, I realized that they are very similar to Clinton's. In the areas where they differ, I agree more with Clinton.

2. A vote for Clinton does not equal a vote for racism. Just as a vote for Obama does not equal a vote for sexism. They are simply people running for office. Their race and/or gender does not enter in it for me.

(I would suggest that those who assume so are the true "racists" or "sexists.")

3. I get pissy whenever I hear Obama say that he didn't "vote for the war in Iraq." No shit. He didn't have a vote. He wasn't in the Senate.

I am, and have always been, very anti-Iraq-war. I have been verbally attacked because of my stance on the war which makes me sensitive to anyone being similarly attacked...even if it is for a stance that is opposite my own.

That was the past. I'm so sick of talking about the past....get over it already. We went to war. It was a HUGE mistake. Period.

But, since we can't change the past, what are we going to do now? I think Clinton's Iraq-withdrawal plan is far more detailed than Obama's.

4. I don't think Obama knows the first thing about being President. As I said before, his speeches are rousing but where is the substance? What has he actually done? What will he actually do?

I think he needs to be VP for 4-8 years first. Then, I'll vote for him for President. No problem.

5. Neither Clinton nor Obama satisfy my environmental prerequisites for a candidate. But then, I'm used to that. It always seems to be "cross your fingers and hope for the best" whenever the environment and politics mix.

6. Obama keeps saying that Clinton will rouse the Republican base. He says she is a divider. She'll make people angry.

I say, too bad. Now is not the time to worry about stepping on people's toes. Sometimes, there is a right and a wrong. Sometimes, you are going to make enemies. And, sometimes, it is worth it.

And, honestly, if the Democrats can't handle a bunch of angry Republicans then they have no business being in power.

Those are my reasons. I've made up mind. I've voted. Call me a racist if you must but I hope that, at the end of the day, you VOTE!