I know Obama acted better at the debate, but he needed to nip "Joe the Plummer" in the bud, and he didn't.  I have a real sick feeling in my stomach about it. 

I think - and Michael Roberst's link backs this feeling up - that the whole story is bullshit - media pundits are going on about how Obama will tax small business out of business, but his plan does just the opposite!  He gives tax credits to small businesses.  He's taxing big businesses - and that tax that people are upset about?  That is going to end capitalism?  It's only a difference of 3 points!

I mean... there are firm, clear arguements against this whole line of logic, and Obama is not addressing it, and it's frustrating.  I can see people responding to what the right wing pundits are spreading. 

Without this issue, I predict Obama will win no problem, but this can blossom into a huge deal-breaker.  He needs to take action to make sure people understand his position on it.

Oh, and Geoff - yes, yes, I'm not affiliated with Ayers... though... I am a proponant of civil disobediance, and Jeffersonain revolution, and I do agree that we were wrong to get involved with Viet Nam, but... no, I don't support Ayers or bombing innocent people, etc...

It's like FBI Special Agent Dale B Cooper said about Weathermen:  "To get paid that kind of money to be wrong most of the time?  That beats working..."

Uh... wrong weathermen?

The taxes on small business aren't going to matter if they can't get any loans.  Thats what I would be focusing on if I were advising Obama -- keep it on the economy.  You can't tax what you don't earn -- if business can't stay in business they can't be taxed.  Thats what I'd tell Obama to say.

Thanks Geoff!

T'was nothing --just let me negotiate the film rights for you! :o)

Bruce very cool!!!

We are going thru Superintendents like water here in our area, they stay long enough to get a "pension" than they move on. I had one ask me, "why I would ever want to live in a community like this".  He was horrible.

That's terrible, Jodi. I don't understand why any school board would hire such a superintendent.

I think one of the most overlooked qualities in a school superintendent is a connection and commitment to the local community. It's not like most other jobs -- as you are the caretaker of a community's most precious trust, it's children.

If a superintendent doesn't feel a bond to a community (or, in your case, openly despises it), how can he or she be trusted to care for that community's kids? Too many superintendents are always on the lookout for that next job, that next big payday, rather than looking out for the best interests of the students in their care.

Oh, and since we are talking about education, I just wanted y'all to be aware of this upcoming debate:

Live from Teachers College, Columbia University: "Education and the Next President," a debate between Linda Darling-Hammond, education adviser to Democratic nominee Barack Obama, and Lisa Graham Keegan, education adviser to Republican nominee John McCain. The debate is Tuesday, Oct. 21st from 7 to 9 p.m. EST.

The debate is going to be Webcast by Education Week magazine. Looks like you have to register in advance.

I don't know if I'm going to be able to watch this, but I'm going to try. Education issues have largely gone under the radar during this election, with the economy being the main focus. But it's important and this debate could be informative.