Whee, election time again. Bush and his cronies are still in the White House, but they're losing the ability to pretend that their fuckups aren't fuckups. On the national stage, the best that any non-Republicans can hope for is that the Democrats regain enough power to embarass the Republicans further.

But me, I like to take a long-term view (especially when the short term sucks.) In 2006, the longer term of national politics -- the players, the issues, even the voters -- are being forged in local districts. But somehow I've managed to miss most of the local coverage, so I'm starting nearly fresh. I don't plan on actually filling out my ballot until I've had time to read comments (so please comment!) and continue thinking.

I've moved to Redwood City since the last election, so I won't be covering Oakland politics (except to say that I still love Oakland, and strongly support Barbara Lee.)

(xbox face with the tivo booty)

I like TV and I can not lie
those older shows I can't deny
and when a show gets canned by the ratings man
wasted time you can't replace

you get stung. want a DVD
'cuz you noticed that show was stopped
deep in the season you're watching
I'm hooked and I can't stop staring

old TV I wanna re-watch ya
rewind the plot and picture
my homeboys tried to warn me
but that star you got makes me so horny

. . .

(I hardly ever finish filks, 'cause after a little while I'm in shock at the horrible thing I've done. This one may have some potential, though. Potential for GLORIOUS WRONGNESS.)

I originally posted this as a comment on Dan's What would you do? entry to the Speak Out California weblog.

Now that even the redefined center is thinking that maybe blaming homosexuals for everything is silly, they need a new scapegoat -- and immigrants were America's first widespread scapegoat.

Add in the hype (which may not be supported by facts) about outsourcing and the perennial fear (which may be supported by facts this time) that the next generation is too lazy to work, and it's the perfect irrationally divisive issue...just in time for 2006.