Version 2.0 (YAH!)

So, hmm...a year without a post. About that. Let's call this a reboot. A new issue #1 with special foil-wrapper and holographic covers. This time, let's try an introduction post.

Name: Jesse James Ewiak
(Yes, my brothers name is Frank.)

Home: Seattle, WA via Erie, PA to Palm Bay, FL to Erie, PA
(In other words, Cold -> Hot -> Cold.)

DOB: March 10th, 1983
(Other famous people born today: Carrie Underwood.)

Job: Tech Support Guy for Verizon Wireless
(As horrible as it sounds, but on the other hand, $13 bucks an hour.)

Why a Blog?: Because all the cool kidz aren't doin' it. I'm not emo enough for a livejournal,
not cliquy enough for a true Facebook, and not socially outgoing enough to 'blog' on MySpace. Thus, the dorky alternative.

Really, Why a Blog?: Because the world really needs another college kid spouting off about politics.

No, Really?: 42.

OK, What Makes You Different Than The Other 25 zillion bloggers out there:

1. Being poor isn't something that I'm struggling through my 20's with the light of a good
corporate job in five years at the end of the tunnel - I've been poor since birth, maybe
flirting with lower-middle-class for a few years when I was about ten.

2. John Kerry was my first choice out of the 2004 candidates for President.

3. My last name is pronounced the same as the cute, fluffy little dudes from Star Wars.

4. There's a distinct possibility I'll fail miserably and it'll be another year between posts.

Thirty Second Movie Review

Recent movies I've watched via the beautiful thing that is Netflix...

Battlestar Galatica Miniseries (****) - Approximately 18,000 times better than the orginal series, with a good little subtext that connects to the 'FEEEEEEEAR' mindset of post-9/11 America.

Bob Roberts (*** 1/2) - Great skewering of conservative 'rebels,' but also scary as this guy would be likely a 'moderate' in today's GOP

To Kill A Mockingbird (**** 1/2) - Gregory Peck is your personal Jesus and much better man than you or I. Great movie, even greater message.

Why Paul Hackett Quitting Doesn't Mean The Democratic Establishment Is Evil

Yes, as anyone who has read any left-wing blog knows, it looks like Democrats are in the middle of killing each other...again.

Paul Hackett quit the Senate race in Ohio and possibly all of politics.

Now, I don't think Hackett leaving politics is a good thing, as he is a breath of fresh air. However, he was getting his ass kicked fundraising wise and all in all, it's a good idea for him to step aside. Some of Schumer's methods, such as calling Hackett donors - no good. On the other hand, primaries are only good when they're on even ground where there will be a back-and-forth, not pointless diversions that aren't too close, but still drain money for the general election.

Hackett in '08! - Knock off Voinovich!

First Post - It's About Canadian Politics?

Yeah, one would think that I, an ugly American from the snowfilled fields of Erie, PA (for the next two months anyway) wouldn't care about a Canadian election. But, I do. Why?

Because I'm a massive geek, that's why.

There was good news though. Even though the Conservatives will form a government, they're essentially screwed until the next election. The NDP and Liberals' outnumber them in Parliment and it's unlikely the Block will side with them on much other than provincial rights and forming a government. So, they have to stick to solid issues (ethics reform) and avoid those things that will get them walloped by public opinion (abortion, closer ties with W). Not a recipe for long-term success.

This election is probably the best news possible for the Liberals, considering there was no chance they were going to stay a majority, barring an act of God. This election helps them out in a few ways...

1.) The Canadian electorate got their anger out. They were pissed at the Liberals, kicked them out of office, and that's that. In a few months, especially after the first "the gays are evil" speech from an Alliance backbencher, Canadians will realize as a whole, "fuck, we voted for these looney toons." Cue the no-confidence vote, and the new set of elections where the Liberals can get a minority of their own, or perhaps a majority.

2). It allows Martin to fall on his sword. No matter the fact that Martin has been exonarated for the most part. There's a stink of scandal around him and this loss allowed him to resign as Leader without the stain of a huge electoral loss.

3.) The Left in Canada can be happily anti-Bush without the problems of having to deal with the administration. Most Canadians don't like Bush, so when W comes up for a likely visit with his new conservative brother-in-arms, shit can go down.

In short, the Conservatives won tonight, but Liberals sure as hell didn't really lose much.