Storm Damage

It appears that our summer monsoon is going out with a bang. After today we should see a drying trend which could actually be the end of the season. Meanwhile, we've had some crazy weather here in Maricopa County. A very powerful storm swept through on Thursday night which packed winds estimated at 100 mph in some parts (Sky Harbor Airport reported winds of 75 mph - which is considered hurricane-strength. Although we didn't experience the brunt of the storm here at our house (but got to see a spectacular lightning show nonetheless) Tempe and downtown Phoenix were hit especially hard. I saw that first hand today when I went to church (which is just north of downtown Phoenix). The neighborhood, which normally looks immaculate, was scattered with debris - mostly palm tree parts along with leaves, twigs, and small branches of all varieties. I didn't go down the street with the downed power poles still hanging there at an angle - but heard about it. I noticed some roof tiles that were askew, especially on the bell tower. The courtyard of the church showed a fair amount of damage, including one of my favorite trees (which is probably a total loss). You could see water damage on the carpet where the wind had driven the rain under the door. Amazing. I don't know about the trees, but hopefully the church's insurance will cover the roof damage. At least new trees can be planted (an idea for a youth project!).

Here's an aerial photo of our church in calmer times:

Election 2008 - Now It's Getting Interesting

This is certainly shaping up to be an interesting election year after all, and strangely I've commented very little about it so far. I guess I've just been more or less underwhelmed by the choices given to me until today.

Barak Obama has his moments. He is articulate and charismatic. He is a wonderful speaker, and if elected President, he would be the finest orator since Ronald Reagan (and light years ahead of the White House's current occupant). He speaks of hopes and dreams.

Unfortunately, Obama hasn't outlined a viable plan for attaining those hopes and dreams. He promises the moon - but how do we pay for it? He sounds just like another tax-and-spend Democrat of old.

Critics harp on his lack of experience, especially in matters of foreign policy. Joe Biden, his running mate, has been quoted several times that Obama lacks the experience needed to be presidential. Even before he ran for President, Obama stated he lacked the experience and it would make sense for him to run until he got it. Now he's running for President. Just when was it that he gained the experience?

I was expecting a rather contentious Democratic convention, especially when you consider the rift between the Obama and Clinton campaigns. It was a brilliant move that when New York was to pledge its delegates, Hillary Clinton made the motion to nominate Obama by acclamation. Brilliant.

What bothers me about Obama is that he doesn't seem able to make a firm stand. For example, there was that speech where Obama basically said that black men needed to take more responsibility toward their families, especially the children they father and leave behind. Good point. And having been raised by a single mom himself, Obama speaks from personal experience. I would go farther and say that all men, regardless of race (etc.) take responsibility. It's a proven fact that children do better with a father in their life. There are a lot of men out there that agree with Obama's statement - me included. It's even one of the cornerstones of the Promisekeepers movement. The Reverend Jesse Jackson took exception to that statement, saying on (what he thought was not) an open microphone that Obama should have his nuts cut off. That caused a big uproar that further exposed how irreverent the Reverend is (having joined the ranks of sperm donors around the world who have also fathered illegitimate children).

Irreverand Jackson later apologized to Obama, and Obama accepted it - without question or hesitation. And that was it. Considering how strongly I feel about this issue, I would not have been as gracious. I would have called Jackson out on the carpet for modeling his inappropriate behavior. Ah, but I guess Obama feels he still needs Jackson's support and doesn't want to offend the powerful voting bloc of fathers with illegitimate fathers.

That, I believe, is when Obama lost me for good.

John McCain, up to now, has been okay. Yes, he's from my home state of Arizona. So was our infamous former-now-late-governor Evan Mecham. But I've always liked him anyway. He says what's on his mind. And I don't care about his reputation for his temper. Most of time the one who made him mad deserves it anyway.

I think the turning point came when Russia invaded Georgia a few weeks ago. McCain was quick to make a televised statement condemning the invasion - and looking presidential when he did it (as many of the news outlets also noted). Barak Obama - as he deserves to do - was vacationing in Hawaii and did not avail himself to comment. McCain seized the opportunity, and it seems to have worked.

But what really blew me away was today's announcement of his running mate, Alaska governor Sarah Palin.

My first reaction was like that of many others - who? But when I checked her out on Wikipedia I thought, "Wow!" This young lady of only 44 has tackled the good ol' boys of the Republican machine in Alaska and won. She has fought corruption and lowered taxes, and has truly worked for the good of the people of Alaska.

Many have criticized the candidates for being out of touch. This one-time beauty queen and hockey mom is the real deal. Keep your eye on Sarah Palin. In this election, I truly believe she will appeal not only to a lot of women (even those disheartened by Hillary Clinton's failed run) but to a lot of real people. P I think this may be the most brilliant political move John McCain has ever made. Time will tell.

Obama plays the game of politics pretty well. But I believe McCain is playing it to win.

People want change. They are tired of how things are being run in Washington. I believe McCain/Palin can actually accomplish some. Obama/Biden is hoping for change, but it looks more like business as usual. Obama, you have 67 days to prove to me otherwise. Give it your best shot.