yet another view…

Dear George Bush

by Kristin Prevallet

(note: I have posted this poem before, but I do believe it deserves repeating.)

Kerry was on top in last night’s debate. Especially brilliant was his response to this notion that he is “wishy-washy”:

Kerry was personable without being pandering. He was statesmanlike without being dour. He was compassionate without being obsequious. He was intelligent without being condescending. Basically,he was everything that one could hope for in a president.

Bush, on the other hand, was, well, a bit rabid. A bit too fervent. A lot defensive. Angry. Scolding (scolding even of the question askers, it seemed at times). He came off as parental, and not in a good way parental–but in the because-I-say-so way. And, come on, his voice: the tone, the pitch of it–is annoying.

So, the polls are saying that the debate was a tie but if you watched it, you’d probably agree with me that Kerry was the winner and will be the winner because when all is said and done, Kerry promises change and Bush promises more of the same. And if you read the headlines this morning (lackluster jobs’ numbers, horrific beheadings in Iraq, terrorism resurgent in Afghanistan etc etc), more of the same is just not good enough.

More info:

Full Transcript of last night’s debate

Kerry Sharpens the Differences

Bush, Kerry bare knuckles in second debate

This tree wins today’s “tree of the day” award for its beautiful orange-red leaves.

Rusted, blue paint. Blue? Gray? If you walk fifteen feet up the path, there is this car, crashed into a stone wall. It’s an old model. It’s been there for a while. No one seems bothered by it.

The Michigan Republican Party is accusing Michael Moore of bribery for offering students potato chips, underwear and noodles if they will pledge to vote. Here’s what he had to say about the charges:

“It’s ironic that Republicans have no problem with allowing assault weapons out on our streets, yet they don’t want to put clean underwear in the hands of our slacker youth.”

Read the whole story: BBC NEWS: Moore in ‘noodles for votes’ row

I’m a bit weirded out by the whole “town hall” format of tonight’s debate. I have a feeling it’s going to turn into a bit of a goat rodeo.

I have faith in Kerry, though. Faith that he will keep to the facts and keep hammering home his message.

CNN has some great debate info for your reading pleasure: THE DEBATES

Barrio with Sketchy Detail

by Andrea Werblin

(side note: I used to work with Andrea. She was cool. I love this poem.)

From the Long Sad Party

Mark Strand

Stone wall in the forest.

Here is the spot where pavement gives way to dirt road. An owl flew across the road here as we walked this morning. I was not quick enough to catch it.

In the summer this pond is alive with the sound of bullfrogs. It is quiet now.