Charles Hartley

What can I say about the election? & The candidate I (reluctantly) voted for in the Presidential race won. & The majority of the people of California then turned away from his message of change and hope and voted to make me an official second-class citizen of my native state. Overall, I think the United States did well, and California will eventually recover from this stain on its reputation as a social and cultural leader.

Election Day's all about the fuzzy slippers this time around. & I actually voted last week, so today I'm at my desk and watching the rain through the office window while my feet stay dry and warm . & It's not that I'm not doing anything election-related today - the husband and I placed a few more No on 8 signs around the neighborhood while we walked the dog this morning, and I'll spend most of the day waiting for and watching returns. &

With one week to go, my mind's made up on this year's ballot, but for those who are still undecided, a little help in finest of American traditions. & Peer pressure. &

What it boils down to is that I believe continued leadership of the country by the Republican Party, either through the presidency or through having a significant presence in Congress, will only make things worse for the country. & Bigger, more intrusive government. & A national debt that will make drastically higher taxes inevitable for future leaders. & Nanny-statism, if not for individuals than for corporate contributers, and a system of checks, balances, rewards and patronage completely detached from the concept of merit.

While the election is still officially nearly one month away, in reality it is much, much closer. & As in 'the call is coming from inside the house' is closer. & Yes, for many of us, the election is here - my husband and I are both registered as permanent vote-by-mail voters.

Palin's demeanor impressed me, and certainly exceeded my expectations given her