Faneuil Hall Looked Lovely Last Night

There it is. The remnants of last evenings election party. It was just Laura and I, but we had a good time following the live fb'ing, hearing Wolf Blitzer shriek every time he saw a close race and playing with the online interactive electoral college maps. We might use the electoral system to make decisions around the house from now on, like what's Ohio telling us is for dinner, or what does Colorado think we should do on our day off (hmm). Favorite lines on fb were:

"I guess Claire McCaskill had a way of shutting that whole thing down"

"Diane Sawyer is either wicked blotto or having a stroke"

"Aww, I was really looking forward to getting my own planet"

"The trailer for Lincoln looks really good"

 

Presidential race aside, it's quite an impressive result in the Senate and cool to see provisions passing in Maine, Maryland and (I think) Washington. I've been following it as much as a anyone can and I'm mostly relieved it's over. I guess I'll stay tuned to see what happens next. But first... oatmeal.

Democracy With Frosting

 It was a frosty morn, but getting out early so not to stand in line was the motivation. We have been living in a sub-zero house for a week, may as well be efficient while we're at it.

By the time we grabbed some hot beverage and arrived at the polling place the sun started to peak thru. We only waited outside for about 15 minutes amongst murmurs and anxious pre-casters, but it was mostly pleasant.

The entire process from leaving home in frosty conditions to returning home in slightly less frosty conditions took only and hour and 15 minutes. Not bad. Heard it's worse. But we did our part, and got a muffin too!

I'm not ashamed to say that this is the first time I've ever voted. It's the first time I've actually felt "informed" enough to make a valid decision. But I'm not gonna lie, I am excited that this madness will be over in 24 hours. And a whole other madness will begin.

Brady, Tebow & The Fall Of Western Civilization

Today the Broncos host the New England Patriots in a game coveted so much by the networks that NBC and CBS sparred in unprecedented fashion over who would get to broadcast it. And why not? While the Patriots are adored by their fans, to many nationwide they are regarded as the Sons of Darkness, with their perfectly coiffed Hollywood quarterback and their brilliant – one might say diabolical – hoodie-clad coach. And, oh yes, the most identifiably Jewish owner in sports. Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and Bob Kraft are all upstanding citizens, moral exemplars in their home communities, but in this Oberammergau of the Rockies, they are playing the role of Pilate.

People are always looking for signs of God’s beneficence, and a victory by the Orange Crush over the blue-clad Patriots, from the bluest of blue states, will give fodder to a Christian revivalism that has already turned the Republican presidential race into a pander-thon to social conservatives, rekindling memories of those cultural icons of the ‘80s, the Moral Majority and “Hee Haw.” The culture wars are alive and well, and, if the current climate in Washington is any indicator, the motors are being revved up for what will undoubtedly be the most cantankerous Presidential campaign ever. When supposedly well-educated candidates publicly question overwhelming scientific evidence on climate change and evolution and then gain electoral traction by fabricating conspiracies about a war on Christmas, these are not rational times.

Into the middle of it all rides Tebow. Absolutely confident that God is on his side, he comes across as a humbler version of the biblical Joseph, who, in this week’s Torah portion, audaciously lays claim to being the Chosen One, and then goes out and proves it. Tebow’s sanctimonious God-talk has led even pious peers like Kurt Warner to suggest that he cool it. Joseph could have used the same coaching.

If Tebow wins the Super Bowl, against all odds, it will buoy his faithful, and emboldened faithful can do insane things, like burning mosques, bashing gays and indiscriminately banishing immigrants. While America has become more inclusive since Jerry Falwell’s first political forays, a Tebow triumph could set those efforts back considerably.

Or maybe it'll just be a football game.

Go Giants!!