politics (and not even Australian politics)

[seldear]

Because I'm curious.

I know I have a considerably broader f-list (in terms of US politics) than allisnow and I'm curious about the current Presidential race. I'd vote for Obama just to have a black man in the white house! But then, as a not-an-American-citizen, I wouldn't be subject to his policies, so they're of little interest to me, while I imagine they're going to make a difference to Americans.

Besides, American politics is so much more cut-throat and entertaining than Australian ones. Who cares about Iemma vs. Debnam, or Howard vs. Rudd? Australia's sitting in this handbasket and it's getting mighty hot (although that's probably the global warming that none of the politicians wanted to believe in until the last six months). And all I know is that in the Australian political races, I'm going to vote for: a) whoever isn't in power, b) whoever isn't going to give preferentials to whoever isn't in power.

Anyway, I'm inviting my f-list to go (and skew?) allisnow's poll. I say 'skew' because a lot of the peeps I see online are of the Dem persuasion, while Alli is 100% Republican.

--

Weekend was good with suds_from_aus. We went places, did stuff, checked out the start of the Chinese New Year celebrations in town, I dragged her out to a sci-fi meeting and promised a couple of teens that a) I'd watch the rest of Heroes so he could have a conversation about it with someone who isn't i) American, ii) adolescent, and b) I'd drop her a mail during the week since I didn't get to speak with her during the meet.

Then we went to the Lindt Cafe in Sydney and had 'dinner'.

--

*listens to the rain pouring down outside, the way it has for the last day*

Yanno, if Sydney had their water catchment in the middle of the city, we wouldn't be having a water crisis. (And if Sydney Prisses had brain cells enough to realise that all water is ultimately recycled and do they think every dingo wanders around the outback with its legs crossed so it won't piss in the stream that runs into the Sydney water catchment? Where the hell do they think all the barramundi go to the toilet?) Whose brilliant idea was it to put the water reservoir for 4 million people out west where the average rainfall is significantly lower than the Sydney basin?

Oh man. Monday. *facepalms*

Can I skip this week entirely and just go for the weekend?

Comments

[beatrice_otter]

Republicans get a great deal of flack for being "sexist" and "racist." In my experience, the percentage of "-ist idiots" is about the same in each party; the difference is that the prejudiced assholes in the Democratic party tend to be rich, upper-class intellectuals who say the right things so they can look good and have lots of practice rationalizing their actions. The prejudiced assholes in the Republican party tend to be redneck SOBs who are at least honest about their prejudices. In practice, what this means is that the Democrats often put people of minority groups in visible positions purely so that they look good (and can then boast about it). Republicans, while not being immune to this phenomenon, are far more likely to look at qualifications and abilities, first, and skin color/gender second. Which is actually better for the advancement of those races than just trying to fill a quota. Note that Powell and Rice, who achieved higher political offices than any American of color before them, did so under a Republican administration. Note that the Democratic Black political candidate's only real qualification for President at this time that we know of is his skin color.

Me, I vote competence over color every time. Whether that color is white, black, or purple.

[allisnow.livejournal.com]

Note that Powell and Rice, who achieved higher political offices than any American of color before them, did so under a Republican administration.

And note that whenever the Dems talk about accomplished black people (like after the whole 'Obama is articulate' debacle), they never mention Powell and Condi. They mention Sharpton and Jackson. Eww...

Also, I think I love you. *smooch*