Debate

Obama pretty well held his own and then some throughout the debate. Neither made a knock down punch, but given that McCain is supposed to be a foreign policy expert, I'd say McCain should have done better. As far as the undecided voter goes, I would *guess* the debate keeps things at status quo. As for how anyone could still be undecided at this point of the game, well, they just aren't paying enough attention to the world. This is not to say that I expect everyone to line up behind Obama because the last eight years under Bush have been such a disaster. Sure, people hold different beliefs. I can accept that. But if you haven't yet decided on which side you fall, well, you may want to consider a full frontal lobotomy for the next election cycle. Because you've just been wasting all your cognitive powers if you haven't thought yet this hard about the direction this country and the world are going.

FIRE!

Our house is on FIRE (financially speaking)! George Bush and John McCain, having gutted the fire codes (meant to prevent such fires) and privatized the fire department, have left Ben Bernanke holding a flaccid, inadequate fire hose. Bravo.

Of course, had Bernanke not ignored the early smoke signals, he might have contained the fire long ago.

Ye of neoliberal faith: Repent! Repent! Repent!

Social Security

So, I'm thinking now is a good time to privatize Social Security to Wall Street. Who's with me?

Contrasts of China's development

Browsing Shanghaiist this morning over my usual congee and green tea breakfast. Here's what I found.



China's nouveau uber-riche will soon be able to jet off to tropical Hainan island, where they can basque in uber-luxury at China's first 7-star hotel (which is about 4 stars more than I've ever known).

While they are lounging around having money fights, other not-so-lucky or politically connected Chinese people get the pleasure of toiling in the world's most polluted town: Linfen, Sha'anxi province. This six-part webumentary really lets you feel the grit of Chinese development.

Deep thought

Politicians running for national office can wrap themselves in small town, apple pie "values" while at the same time deriding small towns as "nowhere" (as in, "a bridge to...").