Hypocrisy

This is how I see the next four years roll out​—with less obstructionism in Congress, with significant backtracks of Trump campaign promises, and with extreme Republican hypocrisy, for better or worse.

----

Obama: We just went through the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. We need to help our kickstart our recovering economy by putting Americans to work with shovel-ready infrastructure projects. Let's do this!

Republicans: We need to reign in the national debt starting right this second. No new taxes! No!

----

Trump: Infrastructure, folks... we're like a third world country!

Republicans: Yes, it's about time! Reinvesting in America and American workers is exactly what we need now to save American jobs and recover.

This is What We Look Like

Today is Day 12 of the US government shutdown.

October 11, 2013. By Drew Sheneman for the Star-Ledger.

Link - Go Comics

Final Thoughts, Randomized

Classes started today. It's a pretty straight-forward day of introductions, but being back in class still feels a little weird.

I had returned to Cornell last Tuesday, and since then, I have taken advantage of a lot of the amenities of living on West Campus. It's not too shabby. And the food is convenient. Maybe a little too convenient. I've even taken some time to play music again for an hour and a half yesterday morning.

Also, Obama becomes president tomorrow. Tune in at noon for the 10 minutes or so of swearing. Of swearing into office, I mean.

Take care.

Go Engineerography!

First Presidential Debate 2008 Results

If this political ad by the McCain campaign is real, how is it that they can distort the truth so much so quickly? While McCain and Palin may have some decent ideas, they appear as if they know very little, stressing keywords like McCain is a "maverick" and Palin is a "maverick", as if that is all they have going for the campaign now.

To me, titles mean nothing, and his repetitive use of "maverick" to answer interview questions, for example, makes me feel a little scared if that is all he can say for himself and his campaign.

And according to a CNN poll about last night's debate:

(1) Who Did the Best Job In the Debate?
Obama 51%
McCain 38%

(2) Who Would Better Handle Economy?
Obama 58%
McCain 37%

Who Would Better Handle Iraq?
Obama 52%
McCain 47%

A CBS poll of uncommitted voters shows the following:

(1) Winner of the debate:
40% for Obama.
22% for McCain.
38% for draw.

(2) Right decision on the economy:
68% for Obama.
41% think McCain would.

(3) Right decision on Iraq:
49% for Obama.
55% for McCain.

More results from MediaCurves.com.

I Choose You, Obama

After recent events, especially the latest contests in Indiana and North Carolina, it is nearly certain that Barack Obama will win the Democratic nomination. As the preliminary campaigns continue, I find that Hillary Clinton has gotten more and more weary and her demeanor has changed for the worse. The message she sends out remains mysterious and inconsistent, and the arguments she uses for why she is a better candidate has gotten ludicrous and misleading. It is unfortunate that she, having the Clinton name, was once the forerunner in the democratic race. Now, she has gradually lost the momentum that one needs to to enact any sort of "change" in politics.

Obama appears to be favored by the younger generation. And from my selfish point of view, this is a good thing. This year's election has draw a crowd of many new and young voters, which is indicative of the importance 2008's election. It definitely is. While his experience is questionable, Obama has got what it takes to win over voters and the American public. This is what matters most. I am not sure if I am being sucked into the Obama-hype that is being portrayed by all the media, but to me, he has an inspiring story to tell, and he has the vision that I think will bring the United States into the future in terms of dealing with education, universal healthcare, global climate change, the working class and the economy.

The philosophy of his entire campaign is much inline with what I personally believe. It is well-organized and well-presented. Plus, Obama's campaign has a kick-ass logo, and it is the most Apple-esque of the three.

Things will definitely change, come January 2009. But in order to enact change, we must first believe in ourselves and believe that it is not just a dream but that we can make it happen. I, for one, would join Obama supporters and say, "Yes, we can."