What We're Seeing These Days in the Mission

Which D Scare Us the Most?

Despair is one of the most maligned emotions, and it is the one that has been on many of our minds recently. All people, regardless of political stripes, seem to feel it about the economy. A likely -- we hope definite -- majority feel it about a McCain-Palin White House. That woman who told John McCain that Obama is "an Arab" obviously felt it in her murky mental haze that gave even the Arizona Senator a certain pause. Though this supposedly brave warrior lacked the courage and decency to respond, "And wouldn't our country and world be a better place if, in fact, he were?"

Wouldn't we all long to erase despair from the earth? It seems to be part of that horrible, sequential trilogy of Ds -- dread, despair and depression (or as many are filled with dread and despair will translate into Depression not just depression). We have an entire industry that provides us with little pills that we believe will protect us from these three dreaded Ds, yet they never manage to erase their root causes.

Much of my life I have experienced at least one or all three of these Ds, sometimes coming from divergent streams. At the moment I feel only a slight part of the first one, but it's not even that pronounced. I only appreciate that I feel it, acknowledge it and don't yield to it. Am I just singing another word for nothin' left to lose or have I reached a point of contentment without even realizing it?

They Say Joe Biden Can't Even Hum

In all honesty, I was glad Palin did as well as she did at the debate. A few commentators said that even Biden was exhibiting body language that suggested that he was relieved to see a formidable opponent. That doesn't diminish what came out of her mouth, and Biden never condescended to her or treated her as an idiot. Having been engaged with my blogger buds Friday night, I missed the two head honchos live but agree this was a more lively debate. If only we could take the vote today with what the polls are showing. Fingers crossed and knocking on wood for now.

May I Call Yah Joe?

Watching it live. The above headline was the governor's opening line. How's it going? No fireworks yet, but she just said betcha. How will it end up? I'll get back to yah.