I cannot understand how and why Tea-Party politicians are supported by any voters as they seem to be determined to destroy all of the advances the most completely developed and powerful nation in the world has made in the past 80 years - apparently because they for some reason fear the very power of the government they own and run.
I can only conclude that they reject the very notion of Democracy - even a democracy that protects minority rights better than any other that has ever existed.
These anti-american, anti-government radicals have collected a sizable following of voters, apparently because they are well-funded and can afford massive publicity campaigns directed toward the less knowledgeable potential voter. This coupled with a low voter turn-out, partially due to clever anti-democratic gerrymandering has given them a disproportionate advantage in Congress, which coupled with poor leadership in either major party, has led to our current impasse and fiscal crisis.
I urge readers to become more active in politics - at least to the extent of educating themselves in real truths about issues and the real agenda of those candidates standing for election.
It is my considered opinion that many voters are voting contrary to their own best interests - especially economic best interests.

It seems to me that American politics are reaching a new low. Neither major political party has a memorable or responsible congressional leader. Most Congressmen seem to believe that their personal career is far more important than the welfare of the country much less the welfare of those they have been chosen to represent.

The average congressman (Senator or Representative) seems to have little or no knowledge of, or interest in the history of the US and the part politics has played.
I think I'll write more on this, if anyone's interested

Well, Fall is in the air here in downeast Maine. The blueberries are all done - the "Summer Complaint" is being replaced by leaf-peepers (Average age at least 70), the kids are all back in school and we keep our heat on here at the camp.
I'm always surprised at how many businesses are so tourist-oriented that they close up after Labor Day - even those that serve mostly local folks.

Bar Harbor will get a real shot in the economic arm by the increasing number of cruise ships. When 3000+ tourists hit that very small town all at once it must be something - I'm personally not going closer than looking down at them from Cadillac Mt. Whale-watching season is here also.

Our lake is still home to the Loons - teaching their young to fly. Ma and Pa will take separate vacations leaving Junior to decide when he's ready to go south all on his own. Every year our resident "Loon Lady" has to go out on the ice with a net and heavy towel to rescue one that has waited too long. Junior is taken to salt water and left to figure out which way south is by himself.

The land-dwelling varmints are all in evidence - Moose, Deer, Turkeys, Foxes, Raccoons, and Porcupines all have been sighted on our camp road. Hunting season will sound like a war - but we will have done our snow-birding bit by then and be back in North Florida by mid-October.

I suppose all good things must come to an end, but I find I am missing the old xanga format already. How about you?