Are You Kidding?

I think the political scene this past year gave even the most enthusiastic citizens a bit of a headache. The long drawn-out process of the primaries left many Republican voters dazed and confused while Democrats suffered month after month of unending attacks from within the party.

There is no doubt that the primary process is broken and needs a major overhaul. By the time Iowa, New Hampshire and the rest of the early voting states completed their primary selection process, there wasn't much choice in the way of candidates left for the rest of us here out West. The reason I started down this path today was an article I saw in the daily fish wrapper that demonstrates that no matter what the rhetoric, business in our nation's capitol goes on without concern for the real world. So here it is... With the all the issues that we as a nation currently face, you would think that someone in Congress might realize that giving themselves a 2.8% pay increase may not sit well with the American people. Is this a merit increase? I'm not sure what single thing our representatives can point to that justifies a raise. Any one of us can draw up a very long list of issues that have needed to be addressed that just seem to be sidelined. You know, how about Hurricane Katrina victims? Sure FEMA and our fine governmental representatives dropped the ball in initial response. How about the following month? The following 6 months? How about NOW?! The war in Iraq? The economy? Education? Health care? Certainly even a quick appraisal of current issues leaves even the most uninformed sorely disappointed in our government's lack of ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of average folks. A pay raise? Are you kidding? Rep. Jane Harman, a Democrat from California, has a net worth estimated at $409.4 million! Perhaps most significantly, our representatives are vested in their pension funds after 5 years of service... Is it possible that those that govern have lost total contact with those they govern over? They should all be ashamed... Don't we deserve better?

One area that sets us humans apart from all other species on our planet is the capacity for hope. I believe the single issue that brought President-elect Obama victory in November was our nation's hope for something better. No matter what your political affiliation, wouldn't it be refreshing to actually see hope realized in the White House? Obviously the concern is that by the time someone ascends to the highest office in the land, the promises made to achieve the position may severely compromise whatever the aspirations, goals, and dreams of the leader of the most powerful nation in the world. We can only hope that this time it will be different.

On to more presonal matters... This is a picture of Emily Trout, a very close friend of my daughter Hannah. Emily is a lovely young lady. She's bright, articulate, very personable... but last night I believe I witnessed one of the signs of the End Times. On her plate was a yummy brownie and a piece of broccoli! On the same plate! The end is near...

I forgot to mention that last week, my lovely bride and I got a little time alone at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

where we bathed in the musical tones of trumpeter Chris Botti. If you have the time, click on his link and check out the intro on his website. Also, have a look at his touring schedule. I used to travel 300+ days a year when I was racing, but I have no complaints when looking at Chris' schedule. Chris was born and raised in Oregon, and is widely regarded as one of the top trumpet players of our time. Sure, his music is a bit in the Kenny G genre, but he can play.

For today, I leave you with one of my all-time favorite movie clips. In fact, most of my top-ten movie moments come from this film. Turn it up, listen, and enjoy an excellent French taunting!