Discrimination/Inequality

UPDATE: I misread the dates on the articles I read and thought the Palin/money thing happened a week ago and no one had said a word. They came out today, however. Go me.

Remember when John Edwards had that epic haircut that cost 400$? And everyone gave him all kinds of hell? The media crucified him for such an expenditure? Yeah, it was pretty ridic. And you know what? They were probably right to do it. A 400$ haircut is a little absurd. Is there such a striking difference between his haircut and the one my local guy could give me? Hell, all he needed was some scissors and some hairspray - that could have done the same thing. So it was probably pretty stupid to go that crazy. But guess what?

Since Governor Palin was selected as McCain's VP candidate, the RNC has spent 150,000 dollars on clothes, makeup, etc. for her and her family. And guess what?

The media hasn't said A WORD.

What the hell? Reverse discrimination: you pile up the shit on John Edwards, but when a woman does it, nothing? That's real nice, media. Way to go. Here's the official release:

"The political website www.politico.com reported Tuesday night that the Republican National Committee has spent more than $150,000 for clothes, accessories, cosmetics and hair-styling for Palin and her family since August. According to RNC financial disclosure records, the amount includes a bill of more than $75,000 from Neiman Marcus in Minneapolis in early September, as well as bills from Saks Fifth Avenue in St. Louis and New York totaling more than $49,000."

And they checked Obama's campaign as well:

"Politico reported that a review of similar records for the Barack Obama campaign and the Democratic National Committee turned up no spending similar to the amount spent on Palin and her family."

So we're certain this isn't a lie; to further add credibility that they spent such an exorbitant amount, the McCain campaign commented on it, implicitly acknowledging the expenditures:

"With all of the important issues facing the country right now, it's remarkable that we're spending time talking about pantsuits and blouses," said spokesperson Tracey Schmitt. "It was always the intent that the clothing go to a charitable purpose after the campaign."

Did the Republicans use this language and argument when commenting on John Edwards haircut? Nope. Gotta love it.

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This is Ridiculous

Alright, so I know I've been posting a lot, blah, blah, blah, but I need to tell this shit to someone, even if it's the Great Void known as the blogosphere. But really, telling the Great Void these things is just as good as telling my mother, who could probably care less (I don't blame her, of course; I repeatedly bring up subjects a normal person could care less about).

In any case, two atrocious things to report. First, Sarah Palin has reiterated her statement, for the second time, about what the role of the Vice President is:

"[T]hey’re in charge of the U.S. Senate so if they want to they can really get in there with the senators and make a lot of good policy changes that will make life better for Brandon and his family and his classroom." (She was responding to a question fielded by a third grader.)

In contrast, here's what the Constitution says:

"The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided."

And the U.S. Senate website says (bold added for emphasis):

"According to Article 1, section 3 of the U.S. Constitution, 'The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.' Other than being prepared to succeed to the presidency if needed, the vice president's only constitutional role in government is to preside over the Senate."

So the VP, as per the Constitution, "presides" over the Senate (without power, however) and casts a tie-breaking vote. There are no other duties or powers granted explicitly or implicitly in that document. So when she says she's going to "be in charge" of the Senate, she's out of her mind - and this is the second time she has said this in a televised interview. I mean, what does "preside" even mean? Usually, the term is used to describe an honorary position on a committee/etc. or the person who mediates an event of some sort, without having actual power or duties other than mediation. So Palin is going to "be in charge of" something she only has the right to "preside" over. I'm a little confused as to what she does and does not know. Maybe it's all an act?

The other thing that spooked me is this: A 45 year old man was hunting with his dogs when a black bear mother rushed him, knocking him down repeatedly. He required stitches and bandages. What did he do? He killed the bear. He fought it off and found a big stick and beat its head in. Now, reading the story, I was sad, because the bear was clearly defending its young, which were nearby, but at the same time, should the hunter just let himself be killed? It's a tough pill to swallow, but obviously, the guy had to save his own life. He has given many heartfelt apologies for killing the bear, he feels awful.

But for some reason, animal-activists hate the guy. They are impersonating him in emails sent to media outlets, attacking him verbally, and harassing him at home. One lady called and asked "Why didn't you just run away?" to which he responded "you can't run away from a full grown black bear." (I would have added, "didn't you go to schooooool?") He is frustrated by all of this, as well he should be. It's ridiculous that in a situation like this we all can't feel bad for both sides and move on. The guy did nothing wrong, and he feels awful for the situation having to come down to his life or the bear's. It sucks, he admits it, we all admit, but don't harass the guy. All these people deserve t-shirts bearing the lines "King of the Douche Bags."

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Oh Men in Hats, How You Pleasure Me

So I've rekindled my old love affair with that damn online comic Men in Hats. Our relationship was good...when it was good. But I just couldn't do it anymore, I just couldn't take the emotional strain of long, dark, sweaty nights - alone, together, in a park, maybe, or a motel room. Or maybe the guy stopped writing the comic, and there was nothing left to do but reread the old ones. Yeah, that seems more likely. In any case, here's a couple of my favorites.

Go here to read them all, or just ask me or Keith to let you borrow the book we may or may not have purchased containing all the comics, from Day 1...losers!



Like Aram, I also hate people.



I also steal from blind people. It's a good living, don't judge me.



If I ever become a politician (and God save the world if I do), this would be on t-shirts, mugs, bumper stickers, the sides of big trucks going down the street, and the stomachs of babies.



Bad people are coooool. Don't do drugs, kids.

So, apparently there's too many good ones to post them all here. Go read it. They're short, funny, and if you don't, I'll assume you like Sarah Palin. And remember, even JESUS hates Sarah Palin.

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