Norm Benson

Michael Crichton – storyteller

Best-selling author Michael Crichton died unexpectedly in Los Angeles Tuesday, November 4, 2008, losing a private battle against cancer. He was 66. Crichton did not write literature. I cannot name one protagonist, any antagonist from any of his books I read. Yet I couldn’t put them down, okay I didn’t finish Timeline or Prey. PreyContinue reading “Michael Crichton – storyteller”

It came together in 2008

Some times it all comes together and we live the ideals of the path our founders set us on. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. —Continue reading “It came together in 2008”

President Elect Obama

Lincoln said: “Ballots are the rightful and peaceful successors to bullets.” and “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” I have little doubt he’s been tested already. We know his character. I’m all verklempt. Talk amongst yourselves.

I voted

“I belong to no organized party. I am a Democrat.” – Will RogersI’ve been reading of lines stretching around city blocks, voters waiting hours to cast their vote in this historic election. At my polling place, the Lower Lake United Methodist Church, there were no lines. I walked in. Signed in. Filled in the opticalContinue reading “I voted”

Democracy – Molly Style, Part III

“The thing about democracy, beloveds, is that it is not neat, orderly, or quiet. It requires a certain relish for confusion” – Molly Ivins VOTE today. Don’t let Molly’s memory down.

Democracy – Molly Style, Part II

“Politics is not a picture on a wall or a television sitcom that you can decide you don’t much care for.” – Molly Ivins Molly would have loved to see this day. VOTE Tomorrow.

Democracy – Molly Style, Part I

“We are the people who run this country. We are the deciders.” – Molly Ivins VOTE on Tuesday, November 4th

Explaining This Election

This is post for my international readers, though it may be interesting to one or two others (i.e. my entire readership). The President of the United States is not elected by popular vote, rather he is elected by the US Electoral College with its 538 electors. These electors come from the states and the DistrictContinue reading “Explaining This Election”

Pushing a narrative

Joe the Plumber is the gift that keeps on giving, isn’t he? Rather like a poison oak rash one can’t help but scratch. John McCain would bring him to Washington? For what? Secretary of the Interior? Secretary Samuel Wurzelbacher?

Fact Trumps Fiction, Again

Amazing. This from the Onion over fifteen years ago. In case you’ve not been following, Samuel Wurzelbacher (a/k/a Joe the Plumber and registered Republican) has become a celebrity. He has now hired a publicist for his burgeoning musical career, though he’s not an accomplished musician or songwriter… Or a licensed plumber. Or a person namedContinue reading “Fact Trumps Fiction, Again”