Mr McCain’s Not a Maverick After All

Colin Powell’s endorsement of Mr Obama for President wasn’t totally a surprise. Mr. Powell has always liked steady-as-they-go straight shooters who also light a spark. And, perhaps, Mr. Powell is seeking, some kind of redemption.  I will never forget his speech in front of the United Nations to justify Mr. Bush’s desire to go to war. There was a discomfort in his demeanor. It seemed that underneath, he was not one hundred percent comfortable with the evidence, all those slick aerial photos that he had brought along for the world to see. At the time, he doggedly played his role. After all, as Secretary of State he served at the pleasure of the President. And, at the time, Mr. Powell wasn’t ready to walk away from his dream job. That would take more time.

 

Joe, The Plumber: It’s Time to Grow Up

Joe, it’s  time to grow up. If indeed you had 1040 earnings of $250,000.00 you would be well-off. The U.S. Census reports that only about 2% of households in the entire country make an annual income of $250,000 or more. So, from a national perspective you would be right up there with the most successful people in America. And, from a local perspective, according to the 2007 American Community Survey for the Toledo Metropolitan area less than half of a percent of households (542 of 117,939) have annual incomes of more then $200,000.  That would make you one of the wealthiest citizens in Toledo, Ohio. Congratulations would certainly be in order.

 

The Unintended Competition

It started out like any other walk although a little later than usual. The early morning golden light had brightened now that the sun was higher in the sky. Beate and I met at the guard house, gave each other perfunctory air kisses, swish, swish: First the left side, then the right. Then we set off up the first hill. Half way up, I started to hit my stride. 

Choosing To Walk

My walking companions are Diana, Betsy, and Beate. We walk the Stanford Dish, Rancho San Antonio, Picchetti’s, the Baylands, and Wilder Ranch among others. Three to four miles is the norm, but occasionally, mostly by accident, we do six or more.