I'm majorly frustrated.. it seems that whenever I talk politics, I always get blasted by both sides on the interesting issues... Depending on who you talk to, I'm either part of the Jewish Conspiracy or a rabid anti-semite, a supporter of babykillers or a taker away of women's right to choose, a scary conservative or a way out there liberal. I just can't win. I always take up these nuanced positions, and get blasted by both sides. But just keep your mouth shut, I hear you say. Nonsense. I like people who talk politics, and there are a lot of people like that out there.. I just wish there was more variety in the opinions, more people with nuanced positions, instead of the vast majority being all the way on one side. But no, almost all the Zionists I bump into just have that automatic devotion to Israel and Hebrews as a group, and anything that advances that is kosher. Almost all the others I bump into think the Palestinians can do no wrong, and write their blank checks for that group. And, like in BushJr land, I'm either for you or against you. Wonderful. And it's the same thing on Abortion, although at least there, as most people have conservative or liberal friends, and it's pretty recognized that the differences are foundational, people generally don't talk about it. Argh!

The joys of Christianity -- the gay pastor guy needs bodyguards. Yup, people care THAT MUCH that, to make the whole mess go away, they're sending him death threats.

I do find it amusing that Wolfowitz's hotel was attacked while he was in Iraq to talk about how things have gotten back to normal. It seems like he and Rumsfeld are proving to be good accidental doses of reality countering BushJr's BS.

Here's my list of sites to visit when I get the time: Butterflies and Wheels Political Compass Setting self on fire DailyConfession

Of course, by my calculations, I now have enough material on my laptop, without even requiring the internet, to keep me entertained and busy for at least 5 years. Books, music, programming projects, scientific papers, video game ROMS, you name it, I've got it. I really would like to find a place far away from civilization, yet with a plug to hook my laptop in, so I could take my tent out there every so often.... *sigh*

My plans... on Friday, I'll probably head to Columbus, visit with all the people I want to visit with (I'll be insanely busy!! So many people..), and maybe go to outland... than on saturday, I'll be off to Athens, to (hopefully) visit with another friend, and attend the Hallow's Eve parade there. Depending on the timing and my tiredness, I'll either return to Pgh that evening or find a place to stay there. The weekend after? Maybe that'll be my New York trip. If it is, I might try to take some days off on the border so I can stay longer. I wonder if I can find someone to go with me.