Beagle Pic Of The Day

Dave Grohl for president!

The Foo Fighters/ Nirvana drummer announced his intention to run, and his platform includes drinking more beer.

Bushism

"It's easier to tear a country down than it is to rebuild a country."
From the associated press, covering Bush's trip to Liberia.

From The Economist...

After the bitterness of the Bush years, America needs a dose of unity: Mr. Obama has a rare ability to deliver it. And the power of charisma should not be underrated, especially in the context of the American presidency which is, constitutionally, quite a weak office. The best presidents are like magnets below a piece of paper, invisibly aligning iron filings into a new pattern of their making. Anyone can get experts to produce policy papers. The trick is to forge consensus to get those policies enacted.

The article goes on to caution voters against Obama's lack of experience, but the above passage highlights the qualities that matter in a president. Realistically, presidents do not make policy. They may have strong influence over it, but the actual solutions to our nation's problems will be crafted by advisers, agencies, and Congress. The president's effect on policy is a function of his/her judgment and values, as well as their ability to negotiate and push through solutions that are both effective and politically palatable enough to muster the necessary support. So, rather than elaborate policy solutions, perhaps we should be focusing more on our candidates leadership skills, attitude towards the office of president, and what they perceive to be important issues.

Signs of Spring

Today, the weather was more similar to a crisp, bright day in April than February's usual gray chill. I blew off my work to go to the C&O canal towpath with Ben and Franklin.

There were blooming crocuses!


The new surroundings, filled with people, other dogs, and assorted wildlife, made my dog even more rambunctious than usual. Now he's all worn out and sleeping on the couch.

This is my puppy, Franklin:

He's a six-month old beagle that we met at an animal shelter.

I'm happy because...

1. Ben and I are getting a dog! He's a six-month-old beagle named Bertie from the Washington Area Rescue League. We get to bring him home a week from today.

2. Romney is out of the race!

3. The weather is starting to feel like spring.

4. It's almost the weekend.

I'm almost done with those socks, just have to graft the last toe together.