The Doppler Effect

On my way home from work, I drove by my precinct's polling place, Winn Elementary, and was mildly surprised at how far into the neighborhood cars were parked. I decided to continue on home, and then take my scooter back to the school, so I could park right by the entrance rather than blocks away.

My neighborhood is mostly black and hispanic, with about maybe 15 percent being caucasian. Therefore, I wasn't too surprised that I was one of only a couple of dozen caucasian folks in the room. I was dismayed that I didn't notice a singe hispanic person, save for the guy on stage shouting instructions. Wonder what's up with that.

Looking for an empty seat near the rear of the room, I recognized one of the bartenders from my favorite local brewpub. It was Eric, from the Draught House! I sat down next to Eric and we had a bit of small talk. Then the guy on stage announced that Obama supporters should be on the right-hand side of the room, and Clinton supporters on the left. Eric and I were on the left, so we and most of the other people on that side of the room got up and moved to the right. Very few people moved in the other direction. I think it's safe to say that I live in an Obama-favoring 'hood :-)

It was somewhat exciting to partake in the democratic process at that level. I'd never been to an event like that. Also, it was cool to see so many people from my neighborhood all in one room, and even meet a few of them.

I guess the fact that former Republican House representative Mark Foley (R) has a thing for young House pages was inconvenient news for the right-leaning Fox News Corp. According to them, Mr. Foley is in fact a Democrat! How convenient! Honest, mistake I'm sure (wink, wink)... After all, who ever heard of a Republican pedophile?

Stick another ribbon on your SUV, by the Asylum Street Spankers, is quite hilarious and poignant. It's a loose cover of "Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Old Oak Tree," or whatever.

In the current issue of The New Yorker, there's an article about Kinky Friedman's Texas gubernatorial campaign.

I've got friends who know Kinky, so I've heard some stories here and there. I've previously been left with the impression of some semi-famous and eccentric musician and author who happens to be from around Austin somewhere.

After reading the article linked above, I've had a few laughs and gained a little more insight to who Kinky is and what he thinks. I have to agree with his most famous campaign slogan: "Kinky 2006: Why the Hell NOT?"