Why I Am Voting for Nader--Commentary

It may seem quaint, but there is an element of my world view that still believes in the America that I learned about in the public schools. Travelling across the desolate expanse of northwest Colorado reminded me of the very real beauty of this land, even in its harshest and most unforgiving aspect. I believe that America is a great nation. I believe that the degree of self-determination and democracy that we possess as citizens of this country is unparalleled in human history. This vibrance of self-rule has fostered a spirit of innovation in the US that has created some of the greatest ideas the world has ever seen; such things as electric guitars, national parks and forests, basketball, jazz, and fast pizza delivery (apologies to Neal Stephenson) have provided our lives with true richness and excitement. I believe that democracy is of singular importance insofar as freedom is concerned. Thus said, I believe that our democracy is at risk. Voter apathy is spreading like the Melissa virus, and with good reason. People are rightly beginning to recognize that their votes are not the decisive element in legislation. In many ways, they are correct. Every day that goes by evinces the greater control of government by monied special interests. Who has the money? Corporations do. Our democracy is being taken over by corporate money, pure and simple. But it is not a done deal. I believe that we can retain control over our lives and our government. With the upcoming presidential election, I will vote for the candidate who I believe is most likely to protect our precious government from those who would destroy it. I don't believe Bush wants to protect us. I don't believe Gore wants to protect us. I very simply do not believe them when they speak. I believe them to be liars, beholden to the money that has kept them and their families in power since Al's dad was a senator in the 1950's. I will not trust our democracy to a liar, regardless of his stance on abortion or labor unions. I intuitively trust Ralph Nader. His track record is one of honesty, integrity, and tireless struggles for the average American. I will say this again, in capital letters: BUSH AND GORE ARE BOTH LIARS. It is unconscionable to vote for a known liar to represent my interests. My vote goes to Nader because I believe in him.

Returning from South tonight, I reduced the velocity of my Chevrolet motor vehicle so as to not run over what I presumed to be a gaggle of Canada Geese crossing the road. I actually brought my Chevrolet motor vehicle to a complete halt when I realized that I was being slowed by fourteen wild turkeys. I counted them. It looked like a male/female pair of mature birds was escorting their very nearly mature brood across my road. Oh-so-charming.

It is good to see that Paddy O'Gressive is up and running. I wonder if that webmonkey html thing-y comes with paragraphs. Actually, I have to go on record as fully endorsing Pat's status as a Human Who Contributes Positively to the World. I wouldn't vote him on to the school board, let alone the presidency, but he is sure lots of fun to have on a trip out west.

My only real bus story is when my family took one from London to Wales so we could catch a ferry to Ireland. I wasn't smoking, but I hadn't quit. My dad wouldn't have really looked kindly upon the activity, so I had to pretend that my skin wasn't really turning inside out, and that my hands were only shaking because the Welsh don't understand the concept of smooth road construction. I was seated next to a British soldier who was to be stationed in Belfast; he didn't hesitate to talk about how much he hoped to crack some IRA heads, and he didn't hesitate to tell me this through a cloud of beautiful, luscious cigarette smoke. He couldn't have been more than 18 or 19 (my age at the time), but his hands, in addition to the fact that they did not shake uncontrollably, we quite yellow with tar stains. I would have sucked the nicotine right of his fingers, if he would have let me. I am glad that part of my life is behind me.....

The shortage of postings can be directly traced to the number of large-scale transitions going on around here. The biggest, of course, is the new house. Very exciting and cool. David and I have joined Shane in a cabin-style pad northeast of town. We are fully surrounded by trees, and the house has several decks on the back where we can sit and watch the birdies. I have already seen a Cooper's Hawk go tearing through the ravine, and the pileated woodpeckers are ever-present with their bantering. The inside is all together cosy and rustic. Makes be want to play "Cabin Essence" by the Beach Boys all the time.

Hrothgar is adjusting well to his new home, but has been somewhat apprehensive; this was to be expected. With apologies to Ned, I will translate H-Gar's first few hours:

Hrothgar (under bed): This place is creepy. I am not coming out.

Jim (shaking Bil-Jac box): C'mon. I have some Bil-Jac with your name on it.

H: No way. I am still trying to get my legs uncramped from that damn box you shoved me in for the ride over.

J: Have it your way, you big wuss.

(30 minutes later)

H (sticking his head out): What's this about Bil-Jac?


Anyway. I think he will like it. I hope he likes it enough to kick the crap outta the mouse that lives in the laundry room.

Moving is tinged with no small amount of sadness. It has already been said that Ned and Shari will be missed, but it really hit me as I was driving away with Hrothgar on Monday. He and I have lived with Ned for almost four years. Ned's lap is uniquely suited for H-Gar's big gray ass....We will miss 1300 South Madison terribly. I am confident that we will be seeing them with all degrees of frequency of course. Shari and I have some beer to be brewed....


School starts in just over a week. I have begun the process of acclimating myself to South High School. One moment it seems like I have everthing and the world to get done, and then I feel like I am ahead of the game. I can't wait for the first month to be done.

Still haven't talked about the trip. It will happen. I promise.