Daily Archives: 10/05/2008

(Community Matters)

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(Community Matters)  It’s outrageous the Austin American Statesman would cite an allegation of racism in local politics without even asking the players if this could have been or was true.  The article should have just claimed that Gus Garcia would discriminate against any Hispanic marrying a white woman – that’s completely outrageous.

And, it’s simplistic – in my mind bad journalism – to not note that the reason so many Hispanics are fleeing back to the Democratic party is because of underlying racism in south of the border immigration policies as well as crippling breaks in our social safety net including healthcare, education and social services. The nationalistic rhetoric faux conservative Republicans and Rush Limbaugh inflame physically threatens not only immigrants (which is bad enough itself) but also Hispanic Americans.  

Of course there is diversity in the Hispanic vote and in Hispanic political affiliation.  There’s also lingering racism in the Hispanic community (as in all communities). Pew recently noted that 11% of Hispanic voters cited Obama’s race as hurting him.  They only cited 23% supporting McCain.  The math is telling.  

Then, too, there’s others’ bottom line regardless of safety nets, threats to immigrants or other Hispanics, “I want to keep my money.  I’ll be real candid.”  No doubt there’s also currying favor with Rick, David & Tom for a political appointment, dreams of a supreme court (a la Alberto Gonzales) or regents appointment, too.

As an aside, the article incorrectly stated that taxes would increase for voters making $200k or more each year.  Under Obama’s plan, there will be tax cuts for 95% of all Americans, only those making over $250,000 per year will see an increase in taxes and even then, only the top 5% earners in America will see no higher taxes than under Bill Clinton.  by the way, Obama has already said, these minmal increases on only the top 5% of Americans are likely to be delayed as a result of the economic recession. 

(Community Matters) Basically means we can recycle more items, all in one bin.  The new 90-gallon blue recycling carts are being delivered but the old recylcing tubs still work for now.  more here 

(Community Matters) hmm, not that I didn’t know most of this stuff, but it is helpful to hear, be reminded and remember how this impacts interactions with others.  I finished my Highlands Ability Test this morning, and Steven and I have been going over the results.  I’ll meet with a coach for more comprehensive review but points that stood out include

(Community Matters)

(Community Matters) Election maps 1964 – 2004 plus the confirmed states 2008 plus my minimally likely map:

Of the swing states, I’ve assumed only winning: Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Minnesota and Florida – giving Missouri, Indiana and Ohio to McCain.

Though, we’d win assuming we win either Florida or Ohio, and giving all the rest to McCain. Or just winning Nevada, Colorado, New Hampshire & Virginia. He could win Florida and Ohio and all the rest. Lots of other combinations.