McCain Women Break Ranks to Support Gay Marriage

Believe it or not, both mom and daughter are now coming out against California's Prop 8 that stripped the state's gay and lesbian couples of their right to marry. Meghan McCain (below) had previously stated her support for gay couples to marry, and now mom Cindy (top) has done the same! And they're both appearing in "NoH8" ads to show their support. Cindy, of course, has been botoxed and airbrushed to within an inch of her life, almost disappearing into the white background--but I digress. I, for one, appreciate the support. It seems more women "get" gay marriage than men. Naturally, ol' "Mister Magoo" himself, John McCain, is still against it. Makes me wonder how that dinner conversation went when Cindy first broke the news. Oh, to be a fly on the wall of even one of their mansions...

I love what Meghan M said recently: "Marriage equality is not just a Democrat or Republican issue, it is a human one." I hope she's had the opportunity to look dear ol' dad in the face and say, "Daaaad--you're, like, soooooo out of touch!"

McCain Women Break Ranks to Support Gay Marriage

Believe it or not, both mom and daughter are now coming out against California's Prop 8 that stripped the state's gay and lesbian couples of their right to marry. Meghan McCain (below) had previously stated her support for gay couples to marry, and now mom Cindy (top) has done the same! And they're both appearing in "NoH8" ads to show their support. Cindy, of course, has been botoxed and airbrushed to within an inch of her life, almost disappearing into the white background--but I digress. I, for one, appreciate the support. It seems more women "get" gay marriage than men. Naturally, ol' "Mister Magoo" himself, John McCain, is still against it. Makes me wonder how that dinner conversation went when Cindy first broke the news. Oh, to be a fly on the wall of even one of their mansions...

I love what Meghan M said recently: "Marriage equality is not just a Democrat or Republican issue, it is a human one." I hope she's had the opportunity to look dear ol' dad in the face and say, "Daaaad--you're, like, soooooo out of touch!"

Magoo Heads for Cover in Washington

I know everyone's probably posting on this, so I have to throw in my 2 cents worth.

Magoo's announcement that he is suspending his campaign and wishes to postpone his debate with Obama is a total gimmick! What better stage to show what he would do to help our economy than a presidential debate? Unless, of course, he has no plans and he would prefer to retreat to Washington where he can run around appearing to do something without really anyone being able to tell otherwise.

If Magoo postpones Friday's debate, will we ever get one? If we don't, then all we have all biased commercials (from both sides) and carefully controlled photo-op "town halls." In other words, the voters get screwed--again.

I completely agree with Obama's statement: Presidents have to do more than 1 thing at a time. Can't Magoo multitask?

Besides, what is McCain really going to do? Is he on some crucial economic/banking senate committee? Will he hold a deciding vote? Isn't everyone of any consequence already busy working on our economic crisis?

I want a debate, dammit!

Magoo Heads for Cover in Washington

I know everyone's probably posting on this, so I have to throw in my 2 cents worth.

Magoo's announcement that he is suspending his campaign and wishes to postpone his debate with Obama is a total gimmick! What better stage to show what he would do to help our economy than a presidential debate? Unless, of course, he has no plans and he would prefer to retreat to Washington where he can run around appearing to do something without really anyone being able to tell otherwise.

If Magoo postpones Friday's debate, will we ever get one? If we don't, then all we have all biased commercials (from both sides) and carefully controlled photo-op "town halls." In other words, the voters get screwed--again.

I completely agree with Obama's statement: Presidents have to do more than 1 thing at a time. Can't Magoo multitask?

Besides, what is McCain really going to do? Is he on some crucial economic/banking senate committee? Will he hold a deciding vote? Isn't everyone of any consequence already busy working on our economic crisis?

I want a debate, dammit!

Mr. Magoo & Scrappy Doo! (or John McCain Selects His Vice President)

Now that Magoo (John McCain) has picked his running mate, don't you think she (Sarah Palin) needs a nickname, too? I am fair and balanced, ya'll. Who better to represent the small-town, fearless pluck that is embodied by Sarah Palin than the love-him or hate-him---Scrappy Doo!

If you're a child of the 70s, you may have fond memories, like me, of Scooby Doo's boisterous nephew Scrappy. Or maybe you hated his calls of "Puppy Power!" Nothing against Scrappy necessarily, but I think this character does personify aspects of Palin's personality. Take from that what you will.

And as a editor, I do appreciate the alliteration when you combine these 2 together!

Mr. Magoo & Scrappy Doo! (or John McCain Selects His Vice President)

Now that Magoo (John McCain) has picked his running mate, don't you think she (Sarah Palin) needs a nickname, too? I am fair and balanced, ya'll. Who better to represent the small-town, fearless pluck that is embodied by Sarah Palin than the love-him or hate-him---Scrappy Doo!

If you're a child of the 70s, you may have fond memories, like me, of Scooby Doo's boisterous nephew Scrappy. Or maybe you hated his calls of "Puppy Power!" Nothing against Scrappy necessarily, but I think this character does personify aspects of Palin's personality. Take from that what you will.

And as a editor, I do appreciate the alliteration when you combine these 2 together!

John McCain Is So Wealthy, He Doesn't Know How Many Homes He Owns

"Cindy, sweetums," says Magoo to his rockin' hot, young and money-makin' wife, "Where are we? Is this our home, too? It seems no matter where we are, we're 'home.' If you think about it, I guess I could vote in any state I wanted! Makes Arizona seems so small, doesn't it. With this many homes, I might as well already be President! Hell, I have more homes than the President does! But it'll be fun to add the White House to our collection, won't it?"

If this sounds ridiculous, well, you're wrong. Magoo (John McCain) admitted that he doesn't know how many homes he and his wife own. Ok, pundits, enough with the "Obama is elitist" crap! You know you're elitist when you have so many freakin' houses, you lose count!

John McCain Is So Wealthy, He Doesn't Know How Many Homes He Owns

"Cindy, sweetums," says Magoo to his rockin' hot, young and money-makin' wife, "Where are we? Is this our home, too? It seems no matter where we are, we're 'home.' If you think about it, I guess I could vote in any state I wanted! Makes Arizona seems so small, doesn't it. With this many homes, I might as well already be President! Hell, I have more homes than the President does! But it'll be fun to add the White House to our collection, won't it?"

If this sounds ridiculous, well, you're wrong. Magoo (John McCain) admitted that he doesn't know how many homes he and his wife own. Ok, pundits, enough with the "Obama is elitist" crap! You know you're elitist when you have so many freakin' houses, you lose count!

Mr. Magoo Goes to Georgia, or John McCain's Blind Support for Any Country That Isn't Russia

So John McCain has been beating his chest over the conflict between Russia and Georgia, and it's got me to thinking: What is he threatening to do exactly? His speech from 8/11 said Russia should anticipate "severe, long-term negative consequences." What does that mean, really?

Ok kids, time for class. Let's look at what McCain said and then we'll take a less heated look at the drama surrounding Georgia.

First, McCain will hereafter be referred to as Mr. Magoo, that lovable yet nearsighted retiree cartoon character (above). Don't you think they resemble one another??

So, here's how "severe" Magoo would get with the Russian bear.

1. A UN resolution. Whooooooo--yeah, we honor those ourselves!
2. "The court of world opinion." Oh yeah, that worked so well when the ENTIRE WORLD was against the invasion of Iraq.
3. Send in a NATO peacekeeping force. That could actually help--or it might backfire. Russia is suspicious of NATO anyway, so this might just confirm its fears and make matters worse.
4. Negotiate with Georgia. Ok, careful here. What is there to negotiate? I thought Russia just needs to get out, you know, because they're always evil and have nothing to offer or negotiate about. Isn't Georgia the pure and holy receptacle of democracy at the moment?
   

Is that it, Magoo? Whew, good, 'cause I was expecting something like "Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran."

Now let's take a look at the drama surrounding Georgia, because I think--true to form--Magoo is a bit nearsighted. I fear he's blowing this situation out of proportion and playing on historical fears of Russia in order to win political points (oh, such the Cynical Cyndy--and not as in Cindy McCain).

Georgia No Innocent Bystander
I think Georgia was asking for it. What better way to gain more support from the West? What Magoo and other conservatives conveniently leave out is that there have been a long history of clashes between the Georgian government and separatists in the South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions. Russia just didn't wake up the other week and decide to invade. Agree or disagree with Russia's actions, but there is a history here we need to be aware of before the U.S. finds itself in another foreign quagmire.

I'll try to keep this brief. Back on 8/8, Georgia launched a major military offensive to gain control over the separatist region of South Ossetia. This was swiftly followed by a counter-offensive by Russia. Now this might all sound really scary if you don't know anything about the long, LONG history of separatism and conflicts between all parties (hmmm, sound like Sunnis, Shias and Iraq anyone?).

With Neighbors Like These....
First, Georgia has reason to be scared of Russia. It has a intermittent history of independence along with periods of being ruled by the Ottomans and Russians. But South Ossetia also has a history of independence, which goes, like, way far back than you can imagine. Historically, the Ossetians and the Georgians have not been friends. In fact, Ossetia seems to like Russia better, so that pisses off Georgia. Even when Georgia most recently won independence in 1991, the Ossetians were fighting them. Of course, Georgia wants independence for itself but NOT for South Ossetia ("North Ossetia" is in Russia proper). South Ossetia has even held its own elections in 2001 and 2006 (hello, democracy calling!) but Georgia refused to recognize them. Here's a great link for more detail.

So basically, despite an ancient history of clashes, Georgia is insisting on governing South Ossetia no matter what. And we're jumping on the bandwagon. Russia is probably helping the separatists, which Georgia doesn't like, and so here we are. Why not just surrender South Ossetia if that's what they want? Come on people--if this conflict has been raging for millennia, do you think it will end any time soon?

Abkhazia. No, I'm Not Making That Up.
Still with me? Good, now on to Abkhazia (doesn't it remind you of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban?). If you're feeling lost, here's a map.


Essentially, we see the same drama here. Abkhazia has experienced some independence only to be swallowed up by expansionist Russia in the 19th century. It was granted autonomy by the Soviet Union but then forced to be part of Georgia in 1931. So I'm sure they're still pissed about that. I would be. Since the early 1990s, Abkhazian separatists have been tussling with Georgia--hey, news flash Georgia, they're just not that into you. There have been cease-fires and agreements to play nice, and Abkhazia held elections (one thing the "democratic" Georgia doesn't like) in 2004 and 2007, and so here we are. Sound familiar?

How Should We Define Democracy?
If you're like me, this is probably more than you ever wanted to know about Georgia. But we need to educate ourselves, especially if our government is throwing its support behind this country and against Russia. Lord only knows where that could lead.

Which brings me to my final point. Is Georgia the kind of democracy we should support? Did you know that in Georgia, Christianity is the official state religion? Hmmm, wonder how the Muslims, pagans and atheists feel about that? And did you know that Magoo himself praised this declaration? Hmmm, what does that say about Magoo's feeling about our own prized separation of church and state? I'm sure Magoo thinks that isn't anything so awful, but in other parts of the world, people take religious divisions and differences very seriously (unfortunately). Here's a Huffington Post piece that exposes some of our own nearsightedness when it comes to religion elsewhere.

Every Rose Has Its Thorn
But all hasn't been rosy since Georgia's peaceful Rose Revolution in 2003 that brought Saakashvili to the presidency. He and his government have been accused of corruption, authoritarianism and failed economic reforms, which are the very crises that helped sweep him into power. There have been mass protests over various issues, and Saakashvili has sent in the riot police with rubber bullets and tear gas to thin the crowds. He's also shut down an opposition TV station because he suspected it of encouraging protests and even issue a state of emergency in 2007. Since then, elections have been moved around and candidates have suspiciously dropped out of the race for president.

Yep, sounds just like a democracy I want to whole-heartedly support--unless, of course, I was Dick Cheney. Of course, Georgia has a major oil pipeline. 'Nuff said.

Mr. Magoo Goes to Georgia, or John McCain's Blind Support for Any Country That Isn't Russia

So John McCain has been beating his chest over the conflict between Russia and Georgia, and it's got me to thinking: What is he threatening to do exactly? His speech from 8/11 said Russia should anticipate "severe, long-term negative consequences." What does that mean, really?

Ok kids, time for class. Let's look at what McCain said and then we'll take a less heated look at the drama surrounding Georgia.

First, McCain will hereafter be referred to as Mr. Magoo, that lovable yet nearsighted retiree cartoon character (above). Don't you think they resemble one another??

So, here's how "severe" Magoo would get with the Russian bear.

1. A UN resolution. Whooooooo--yeah, we honor those ourselves!
2. "The court of world opinion." Oh yeah, that worked so well when the ENTIRE WORLD was against the invasion of Iraq.
3. Send in a NATO peacekeeping force. That could actually help--or it might backfire. Russia is suspicious of NATO anyway, so this might just confirm its fears and make matters worse.
4. Negotiate with Georgia. Ok, careful here. What is there to negotiate? I thought Russia just needs to get out, you know, because they're always evil and have nothing to offer or negotiate about. Isn't Georgia the pure and holy receptacle of democracy at the moment?
   

Is that it, Magoo? Whew, good, 'cause I was expecting something like "Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran."

Now let's take a look at the drama surrounding Georgia, because I think--true to form--Magoo is a bit nearsighted. I fear he's blowing this situation out of proportion and playing on historical fears of Russia in order to win political points (oh, such the Cynical Cyndy--and not as in Cindy McCain).

Georgia No Innocent Bystander
I think Georgia was asking for it. What better way to gain more support from the West? What Magoo and other conservatives conveniently leave out is that there have been a long history of clashes between the Georgian government and separatists in the South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions. Russia just didn't wake up the other week and decide to invade. Agree or disagree with Russia's actions, but there is a history here we need to be aware of before the U.S. finds itself in another foreign quagmire.

I'll try to keep this brief. Back on 8/8, Georgia launched a major military offensive to gain control over the separatist region of South Ossetia. This was swiftly followed by a counter-offensive by Russia. Now this might all sound really scary if you don't know anything about the long, LONG history of separatism and conflicts between all parties (hmmm, sound like Sunnis, Shias and Iraq anyone?).

With Neighbors Like These....
First, Georgia has reason to be scared of Russia. It has a intermittent history of independence along with periods of being ruled by the Ottomans and Russians. But South Ossetia also has a history of independence, which goes, like, way far back than you can imagine. Historically, the Ossetians and the Georgians have not been friends. In fact, Ossetia seems to like Russia better, so that pisses off Georgia. Even when Georgia most recently won independence in 1991, the Ossetians were fighting them. Of course, Georgia wants independence for itself but NOT for South Ossetia ("North Ossetia" is in Russia proper). South Ossetia has even held its own elections in 2001 and 2006 (hello, democracy calling!) but Georgia refused to recognize them. Here's a great link for more detail.

So basically, despite an ancient history of clashes, Georgia is insisting on governing South Ossetia no matter what. And we're jumping on the bandwagon. Russia is probably helping the separatists, which Georgia doesn't like, and so here we are. Why not just surrender South Ossetia if that's what they want? Come on people--if this conflict has been raging for millennia, do you think it will end any time soon?

Abkhazia. No, I'm Not Making That Up.
Still with me? Good, now on to Abkhazia (doesn't it remind you of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban?). If you're feeling lost, here's a map.


Essentially, we see the same drama here. Abkhazia has experienced some independence only to be swallowed up by expansionist Russia in the 19th century. It was granted autonomy by the Soviet Union but then forced to be part of Georgia in 1931. So I'm sure they're still pissed about that. I would be. Since the early 1990s, Abkhazian separatists have been tussling with Georgia--hey, news flash Georgia, they're just not that into you. There have been cease-fires and agreements to play nice, and Abkhazia held elections (one thing the "democratic" Georgia doesn't like) in 2004 and 2007, and so here we are. Sound familiar?

How Should We Define Democracy?
If you're like me, this is probably more than you ever wanted to know about Georgia. But we need to educate ourselves, especially if our government is throwing its support behind this country and against Russia. Lord only knows where that could lead.

Which brings me to my final point. Is Georgia the kind of democracy we should support? Did you know that in Georgia, Christianity is the official state religion? Hmmm, wonder how the Muslims, pagans and atheists feel about that? And did you know that Magoo himself praised this declaration? Hmmm, what does that say about Magoo's feeling about our own prized separation of church and state? I'm sure Magoo thinks that isn't anything so awful, but in other parts of the world, people take religious divisions and differences very seriously (unfortunately). Here's a Huffington Post piece that exposes some of our own nearsightedness when it comes to religion elsewhere.

Every Rose Has Its Thorn
But all hasn't been rosy since Georgia's peaceful Rose Revolution in 2003 that brought Saakashvili to the presidency. He and his government have been accused of corruption, authoritarianism and failed economic reforms, which are the very crises that helped sweep him into power. There have been mass protests over various issues, and Saakashvili has sent in the riot police with rubber bullets and tear gas to thin the crowds. He's also shut down an opposition TV station because he suspected it of encouraging protests and even issue a state of emergency in 2007. Since then, elections have been moved around and candidates have suspiciously dropped out of the race for president.

Yep, sounds just like a democracy I want to whole-heartedly support--unless, of course, I was Dick Cheney. Of course, Georgia has a major oil pipeline. 'Nuff said.

Paris Hilton Strikes Back at McCain by Launching Her Own Bid for the White House!

See more Paris Hilton videos at Funny or Die

Paris, she's such a good sport. After John McCain tried to slam Barack Obama's appeal by comparing him to Paris Hilton, the uber socialite has responded with her own video at FunnyorDie.com.

She says McCain is, like, the oldest celebrity in the world and compares him to the Golden Girls, Yoda and the Crypt Keeper. She chooses her own VP (Rihanna) and debates about painting the White House pink. Very funny.

Ironically, Paris comes off as quite a bright and clever girl (I never doubted it--she's playing us all for fools!) when she offers an energy plan so simple it's brilliant! Wait--"Paris Hilton" and "brilliant" in the same sentence?? OMG--it's Armageddon!!
That said--Paris still has my vote.

Paris Hilton Strikes Back at McCain by Launching Her Own Bid for the White House!

See more Paris Hilton videos at Funny or Die

Paris, she's such a good sport. After John McCain tried to slam Barack Obama's appeal by comparing him to Paris Hilton, the uber socialite has responded with her own video at FunnyorDie.com.

She says McCain is, like, the oldest celebrity in the world and compares him to the Golden Girls, Yoda and the Crypt Keeper. She chooses her own VP (Rihanna) and debates about painting the White House pink. Very funny.

Ironically, Paris comes off as quite a bright and clever girl (I never doubted it--she's playing us all for fools!) when she offers an energy plan so simple it's brilliant! Wait--"Paris Hilton" and "brilliant" in the same sentence?? OMG--it's Armageddon!!
That said--Paris still has my vote.

Is Obama Ready to Lead? The Real Question Should Be: Is John McCain Ready?

You've probably seen the ad by John McCain likening Barack Obama to airheaded celebrities Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. The ad acknowledges Obama's appeal but questions whether he has the substance to be president. As political ads go, very clever.

Here's why I think Obama IS ready to lead:

He had the foresight to realize invading Iraq was a mistake. 5 points!

Through his recent overseas trip, he has demonstrated an appeal to foreign leaders and citizens, which will ultimately help him promote America's interests and win diplomatic victories when he is president. 5 points!

Obama projects a calm, rational demeanor and gives others the sense that he wants to work together. 5 points!

Obama focuses on the things that make America great (freedom, opportunity, diversity) rather than the things that America fears. 5 points!

Obama has a plan for national health care and sustainable energy. 5 points!

He is not a warmonger! 5,000 points!

John McCain's ad, however, implies that he is, by comparison, ready to lead. Here are several reasons to question that assumption:

McCain may have served in the military and been a prisoner of war, but so what? My ex-brother-in-law was in the military and is a worthless deadbeat who doesn't care for his children. Plenty of other military folks go batshit crazy. -5 points.

McCain supported the invasion of Iraq. -5 points.

McCain has served a long while in Congress and was once known as a maverick senator. However, he has sacrificed that quality in order to gain the Republican party nomination. -5 points.

McCain has already had his chance to lead given his years in the Senate. I'm still not impressed. -5 points.

McCain has absolutely no vision for Iraq, appears to want to invade Iran, and wants to remain dependent of fossil fuels. -5 points

McCain is known for being testy as well as a maverick--which reminds me of George W. Bush's go-it-alone philosophy. How will his personality play overseas where our country's image is so damaged? -5 points.

He hates "gay sweaters!" -5,000 points!

OBAMA WINS!

Is Obama Ready to Lead? The Real Question Should Be: Is John McCain Ready?

You've probably seen the ad by John McCain likening Barack Obama to airheaded celebrities Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. The ad acknowledges Obama's appeal but questions whether he has the substance to be president. As political ads go, very clever.

Here's why I think Obama IS ready to lead:

He had the foresight to realize invading Iraq was a mistake. 5 points!

Through his recent overseas trip, he has demonstrated an appeal to foreign leaders and citizens, which will ultimately help him promote America's interests and win diplomatic victories when he is president. 5 points!

Obama projects a calm, rational demeanor and gives others the sense that he wants to work together. 5 points!

Obama focuses on the things that make America great (freedom, opportunity, diversity) rather than the things that America fears. 5 points!

Obama has a plan for national health care and sustainable energy. 5 points!

He is not a warmonger! 5,000 points!

John McCain's ad, however, implies that he is, by comparison, ready to lead. Here are several reasons to question that assumption:

McCain may have served in the military and been a prisoner of war, but so what? My ex-brother-in-law was in the military and is a worthless deadbeat who doesn't care for his children. Plenty of other military folks go batshit crazy. -5 points.

McCain supported the invasion of Iraq. -5 points.

McCain has served a long while in Congress and was once known as a maverick senator. However, he has sacrificed that quality in order to gain the Republican party nomination. -5 points.

McCain has already had his chance to lead given his years in the Senate. I'm still not impressed. -5 points.

McCain has absolutely no vision for Iraq, appears to want to invade Iran, and wants to remain dependent of fossil fuels. -5 points

McCain is known for being testy as well as a maverick--which reminds me of George W. Bush's go-it-alone philosophy. How will his personality play overseas where our country's image is so damaged? -5 points.

He hates "gay sweaters!" -5,000 points!

OBAMA WINS!