More Fireworks

You might have been too busy so far looking to the sky to have noticed that the first round of fireworks has been set off in the new 9th Congressional District House race.

In yesterday's Standard - Times, page A2, there is an article about the first debate between Keating and Sutter and their first debate.  It happened on a cable television show called "Broadside" hosted by David Braude.  

Presumably Mr. Braude had the right political pedigree to satisfy Keating (this is no reflection on Mr. Braude at all by the way.  I assume he, as would any other moderator, would do his job the way it should be done, regardless of his politics).

Sorry, but that line about having the local radio host moderating a debate show how violating the principals of the democratic party just kinds of irks me, especially when you would be debating someone from the same party.  I have had a number of people try to explain the rationale to me, but I guess I am thick as  brick on that one, because I just don't get it.

Anyway, that's old news (worth remembering though).  

Now I didn't see the actual show, and I am mainly just pointing out the fact the first debate happened, and that the story was done on it.  But from the story, it seems the big explosions are being saved for the later acts.  

Nonetheless, proceed with caution as the fuse has been lit.  

Speaking of Summerfest ... starting now that is ...

The Downtown/Waterfront event kicked off last night.  

I think it was a brilliant stroke to turn the music aspect of the event into a folk music festival.  It is a good move, targeting a specific audience.  The genre has an appeal across generational lines, draws a crowd that is usually more inclined to enjoy the festivities than try and become the main event, and is more likely to dovetail into the "arts" aspect.

It continues today and tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow, we have the big parade here in Fairhaven.  Kickoff is I believe 1:00 p.m., however make sure you check the papers to be sure.

If you are going to be anywhere other than at the parade or at Summerfest, might be a good idea to plan your travel accordingly for tomorrow afternoon, especially around town.

Nice little article in today's S-T about the parade.  The route is shown in the hard copy on page A3.

A dud and and powder keg ...

Over the last few days you may have heard on the news or read in various sources the less than stellar news about the economy and unemployment.  Some sources are on record as stating we are looking to 2016 as the real "turn around" year.

Honestly, the only thing that keeps the presidential race outcome being in issue is the fact Romney is the opponent to Obama.  The fact the Republicans spent 2/3s of their primary season shooting each other in the foot was a big factor too.

Maybe it is just a personal thought a basis more imagined but real, but it seems to me the fundamental flaw that exists in present national politics is now not even so much the pure "winning" concept, but the paramount goal seems to be to keep the other side from "winning".

The health care system is a mess.  Whatever doubts one has about "Obama Care" (and one should have doubts), nothing has been proposed by those in opposition to seriously counter it.

The tax the rich debate.  I agree in principal that there needs to be a serious look at how people are taxed in this country.  I really do.   Yet the competing sides seem to be more worried about the "my way or no way" scenario than seriously addressing it.

Just as no one who makes a seven figure plus income should be able to escape taxes, one has to wonder why people with no income, or little income are entitled to a tax refund greater than what they pay in?

You know what, more on this some other day.  It is too nice a morning to be getting worked up.  Maybe once the real heat sets in I will sit down and let off some steam.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.  Take in the events going on right now, or get back and relax with a cool drink.  Whatever you do, be safe!