A Few Thoughts on Politics

It's been a frustrating political season - watching how the candidates play the game is enough to make one doubt democracy sometimes. Were they lying when they swung to the extremes to appeal to their base during the primary season? Or are they lying now as they swing to the center to try to pick up the undecideds?

The Democrats, supposedly the party of the undefended, have presided over a sorry record including expansion of questionable surveillance programs. The Republicans, supposedly the party of state rights and fiscal responsibility, have expanded the deficit and pushed for unnecessary amendments to the constitution.

Some encouraging things have happened. . .I recently wrote to Senator Coleman and Senator Klobuchar about my disappointment with the passage of the FISA bill. Klobuchar voted against it (three cheers for her!) and Coleman for it. Coleman did send a polite response acknowledging the letter - a response that actually indicated someone read it and knew it wasn't a letter supporting his vote. So one cheer for him.

Coleman argues that since the government assured the telecommunications companies it was legal, we shouldn't penalize the companies for cooperating. This argument has no traction with me. No one gets to suspend disbelief simply because the government asked them to do something.

And what's with the Obama phenomenon? He's a nice enough guy, but when it comes down to it he's just a politician. That's why he voted for FISA. That's why he chose to not use public election funds and the restrictions that came with them. I am rather amazed that Obama has managed to inspire someone enough to sell Obama t-shirts out of his trunk on University Ave.


But it's exactly this sort of passionate following that worries me - makes me think that people won't look at him objectively when it comes to election time.



It would be nice to think that only Coleman would tap your phone - but it wouldn't have happened unless enough other people were going along with it.

So here we are, stuck with less than ideal choices and unable to tell when the candidates are telling the truth and lying. It's enough to make one want to move to cabin in the woods - except I'd imagine in the upcoming political season an attack ad would even find you there.

Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights Act of 2008

Emailed to Senator Coleman and Senator Klobuchar

Dear Senator -

Recently the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights Act of 2008 was introduced in the Senate.

It is unnecessary to strengthen the rights of property holders - they already have sufficient powers to defend their property rights. They are currently abusing even the powers they have. Allowing for the seizure of equipment doesn't make sense in the case of a family's computer.

Furthermore, the bill would direct governmental support towards something which is not the government's responsibility. The penalties outlined under current law are more than enough and in some cases, excessive.

It is important to protect intellectual property. It is also important to recognize that overly strict intellectual property laws interfere with economic progress and consumer rights.

I ask you to oppose this bill.

This letter has been published at http://openletters.megancarney.com.

Italy!

Album here.

We returned Tuesday night, one day late, from Italy due to some airline snafus.

Lovely, lovely country. Wonderful food. Beautiful stone houses - which are surprisingly practical. The houses stay cool during the day if you keep the shades closed - which is a feat in summer there.

I learned a lot about cooking - and I know now how to say hello in five languages: chinese, spanish, french, italian and. . .english. I can count english, can't I? ;) I limped by with French and Spanish but my only regret is that I didn't study more Italian.

Warning! Complaints ahead. If you'd like, stop now and just look at the pictures.

As always, air travel was a pain. First. . .security. . .again. Can they really not figure out a way for me to bring water through the checkpoint? I guess I should be grateful that I even get to bring an empty water bottle through - but I guess that's the real problem. Going through airport security (and flying in general) leaves me feeling a little like a mistreated house guest. You know, when you have hosts that are so awful to you that you feel thankful you don't have to eat your food off the floor.

On the way back, the second leg of our flight was canceled. The airline didn't pay for our hotel and had rebooked us on a flight through Atlanta with a 1 hour layover. We had to ask to be rebooked on the same flight the next night - the direct flight. So not only did they not pay for our hotel, they booked us on some byzantine flight schedule to get us home an hour earlier - but only if we had made the connection. And the only person from Delta who smiled at us was the woman who helped us rebook our flight.

Sadly, I'm such an addict that it's still worth it. At least until they make everyone wear shock bracelets. When are they going to build that train to Europe anyway?

The FISA blues

Not that it makes a difference, but I registered my objections.

Emailed to Senator Coleman:

Dear Senator Coleman,

I'd like to express my dissatisfaction with the passage of the FISA bill by the Senate.

Judicial oversight is a necessary part of any surveillance program and it is only way to ensure that surveillance privileges aren't abused. The private companies who participated in domestic surveillance without warrants should not be excused.

Sincerely,
Megan Carney


Emailed to Senator Klobuchar:

Dear Senator Klobuchar,

I'd like to express my dissatisfaction with the passage of the FISA bill by the Senate - I understand you voted against it and hope there is a chance to revisit this issue.

Judicial oversight is a necessary part of any surveillance program and it is only way to ensure that surveillance privileges aren't abused. The private companies who participated in domestic surveillance without warrants should not be excused.

Sincerely,
Megan Carney

Minnesota Nice

Apparently even ducks are having a housing crisis these days - I found this example of Minnesota nice at the Quarry.