What is McCain Thinking? One Alaskan’s Perspective. « Mudflats

Lovely Downtown Wasilla, Alaska

“Is this a joke?” That seemed to be the question du jour when my phone started ringing off the hook at 6:45am here in Alaska. I mean, we’re sort of excited that our humble state has gotten some kind of national ‘nod’….but seriously? Sarah Palin for Vice President? Yes, she’s a popular governor. Her all time high approval rating hovered around 90% at one point. But bear in mind that the 90% approval rating came from one of the most conservative, and reddest-of-the-red states out there. And that approval rating came before a series of events that have lead many Alaskans to question the governor’s once pristine image.

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The Sheriff that "Made My Day"

On my way home from work this evening I was pulled over by a Loudoun County Sheriff. Normally this would be something of concern but not in this case. You see he was pulling me over because I wasn't wearing a helmet at the time.

I drive from Fairfax County in through Loudoun County to get home each day. When I get to the border I pull my helmet off and hang it on a hook under my seat. I wasn't more than three blocks into Loudoun when I hear a siren and see lights pulling up behind me. I of course pull over, mainly because I thought I was getting nailed for running a stop sign. Much to my relief the first thing out of his mouth was "did you know it's a state law that you are supposed to be wearing a helmet while riding that thing?" (That thing being my electric scooter) Having researched all of the laws pertaining to this type of vehicle prior to purchase I simply stated the facts. "No sir, there is no state law regulating the use of helmets in Virginia. There are however laws per county which regulate their use but Loudoun does not have any law which states such a requirement." He asked if I had a Virginia drivers license; he did not ask to see it though because I think he was a little befuddled by my previous response. After a little more back and forth he said "we'll let's just look this up and I'll show you the law". "Yes, please do" I said. He pulled over to the curb just past where I had parked and got out his book. I walked over to his passenger window and just started politely telling him about the bike and all the research I did prior to it's purchase.

After a few minutes had passed he asked me how fast the bike went. Of course I knew the new law says if the vehicle can travel at speeds greater than 35 mph it will be classified as a motorcycle; so I of course told him 35 tops. I told him it was all electric and sometimes, by the end of a long ride, it didn't have enough juice to even do more than 15 mph. He was a little surprised to hear that the scooter was all electric. And in fact when he was unable to find any regulation in either of his books regarding the use of helmets he says "good thing it's electric, if it had been gas powered you would have had to wear a helmet." Of course I knew this was just being said to save face so I didn't correct him. I simply said thank you sir and have a nice day! I don't know why this incident made me so happy but I laughed most of the rest of the way home.

Rip-off

Beware of efax.com! They claim to offer a free trial but they do not. I signed up for the "free trial" because I had to fax a lease agreement for my daughter. The leasing company would not accept an email attachment?!? Whatever.

Not owning a facsimile machine since the 20th century I went online. So I find this company which offers a "free trial" for sending and receiving faxes. They require a credit card number but say that you won't be charged for the service if you cancel within 30 days. I figure I would use it then cancel and bingo bango would be done with it. I sign up, send my faxes back into the 20th century and think great, I'm done nice and neat. Well today I go into cancel my account and am surprised by a $10- charge to my Amex. It has only been 1 day since I signed up so what was the deal? I sent an email to their "customer support" and got back a form letter which they apparently send out all too frequently. Basically it says F U and we are keeping your ten bucks! This is why I am sending out this warning to anyone who may see this post. Watch out for this sleazy, deceptive web site!

Sole Black Reporter Booted from McCain Event

by thinkbridge

Sat Aug 02, 2008 at 12:36:07 PM PDT

Tallahassee Democrat senior writer Stephen Price was singled out and asked to leave the area reserved for media at a rally for John McCain in Panama City, Florida, on Friday. He had showed his media credentials and employee i.d. in order to enter the area when a member of McCain's security detail asked him to leave.

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