Tuesday, 21 September 2004 - 6:27 PM EDT

Amazing. This and New Jersey, although that isn't Kerry's fault.

Here is that bit on private contracting of the Infantry that I told you about. The whole series is worth a read. To be fair to schmos like me, though, I didn't receieve an enlistment bonus in either MOS(admin specialist or journalist), while Infantry get like $20,000 when they sign up.

BTW, what was that Web site with librarian job opportunities?

Tuesday, 21 September 2004 - 10:10 PM EDT

For what it's worth, Badnarik's pulling 1.2% +/- 3.1% While "trailing" Nader (although with these percentages and margin of error who really knows), when one considers that Badnarik is on 48 states' ballots vs. Nader's 36, it appears that Mike will get over twice as many votes as Ralph.

Wednesday, 22 September 2004 - 10:48 AM EDT

I swear to God. THAT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! Never, never, never. There will be no last minute ticket switch, unless there is an actual medical emergency. (Of course, you'd never believe them if they said it was an actual medical emergency.)

I will say this, however. If Kerry is even with Bush in Maryland, this election is going to be brutal. The Democrats really failed by nominating Kerry, in my opinion, becaue I get the sense that people arent' sold on a second term for Bush, but are reluctant to switch commander-in-chiefs in the middle of a conflict. If the Dems had given us someone to vote for, rather than a conduit for anti-Bush sentiment, those people reluctant to dump Bush might have been pushed over the hump. As it stands now, I suspect a close popular vote and a clear majority for Bush in the electoral college.

Wednesday, 22 September 2004 - 5:29 PM EDT

I think it's going to be a blowout. I'll have a full prediction soon.

That's why I think everyone should come over next Thursday to watch the first debate. Also, the offer still stands for an election night party.

Wednesday, 22 September 2004 - 8:00 PM EDT

317-221, Bush, assuming MD and NJ go Kerry.

Wednesday, 22 September 2004 - 8:21 PM EDT

Tony, you ignorant slut.

I'd like to think the Dems are going to lose with dignity, and let "Chimpy" have four more years. But this is the same party that pulled a Senate nominee off the ballot for no other reason than that he was losing. A party that used a revelation of homosexuality to cover the exit of a corrupt governor (and prevent an election to pick his successor). The same party that is trying to pass a retroactive initiative to change the distribution of electoral votes in Colorado.

You seem to think that the importance of a presidential election makes it less likely that the Democrats will try these sorts of tricks; I argue that the importance of the election makes it more likely.

Wednesday, 22 September 2004 - 8:38 PM EDT

while Infantry get like $20,000 when they sign up.

The military needs an escalating, bonus-based pay system that coincides with performance and hardship, not rank and time-in-grade.