Political Science

So I'm trying to talk to a scientist, and he tells me he can't do an interview unless he gets clearance from his boss... because its political. I understand when you're dealing with a government agency there are political considerations; I don't understand why people who are qualified to speak on a subject aren't allowed to and encouraged to freely, especially when they work for a government agency-- i.e. "the people". I guess everyone doesn't see it that way. I'm working on it.

Say Cheez!!!

Harris County, Texas must have a contract with Olan Mills or some other photography studio to take mug shots. This looks more like it should be in a Congressional yearbook. Why are people suspected of committing white collar crimes treated so differently than other criminals? Are white collar crimes considered lesser crimes because offenders prey on the poor and powerless? Think Martha Stewart.


I don't blame him for smiling though. The gaggle of reporters were waiting for him to come to the courthouse in Austin. There's no video of "Teflon Tom" coming in or coming out of the courthouse. What a shame, we didn't get to see the reporters trip over each other for the story (the booking process) that would have lasted at most an hour. Don't get me wrong... I'm not saying he's guilty. I do, however, believe that our elected officials should be held to the highest standard, especially when it comes to ethical questions that could have direct influence upon elections. To try to influence an election by controlling the campaign finances of state officials, in the hopes that they will be elected, and then draw U.S. Congressional Districts that are favorable towards one party and unfavorable to the politically ignorant and powerless serves no one, except one's self. I hope he's found not guilty, and more importantly actually is not guilty because I want to be able to trust elected officials.

But, I still have to ask questions. I'd smile too.

A Return to Therapeutic Blogging?

Could this be the return to my blogging experience?

I can't help but to comment on the Hurricanes that have targeted the U.S. this year. We've gone through the list and now we're at the end with Wilma. The last time I blogged, I was talking about Hurricane Dennis. I thought about returning to blogging after Hurricane Katrina, but I decided better. My commentary would have been endless and still would not have encapsulated the feelings I felt by watching the horrific images and my words would have only comforted me. That's selfish. I'd rather spend that time praying... as I'm doing now for people in the path of Hurricane Wilma-- the strongest hurricane EVER to form in the Atlantic Basin. Unbelieveable.