How many school shootings, gun rampages in malls and universities, guns seized from disgruntled employees and standoffs with the police do we have to have in this country before we start to have different ideas about gun control?

If you want a gun, that's fine with me. But, why do you need 10 guns? Why do you need semi-automatic guns? Why do people on medication for mental issues get guns? Why does Dick Cheney get to keep a gun after he shot a man in the face?

The Senate released their admonition letter. Just a reminder! Larry Craig, still a pervert. That is all.

Talk about whiny people that think they are entitled to something! The story on KXAN about the debate first being closed to the public and then only having 100 tickets for people has the comments section fired up with people that are outraged they can't go to a debate. As if it were a conspiracy to deny them access.

Really? How many debates have there been now and how many people were sitting in those audiences? Don't you think thousands of people in Vegas and Ft. Lauderdale and Charleston all were dying to get in? But Austin, no...if you come here you should play by our rules. That means you bend and twist to suit every one. Just shut it already, Austin. Get over yourself. You are a mid-size market that consistently votes Democrat and have no influence in national elections.

Then, there's the comments like this one:

Julie 02-13-2008 18:40:56
One more thing - the reason I am NOT voting for Obama or Clinton is I am tired of my tax dollars going to people who do not work, don't want to work or find excuses for a handout. I am not rich, I work and barely make it but don't take the handout and electing them would mean you and I foot the bill - no thanks

Julie, when your Adjustable Rate Mortgage breaks your budget and you wind up foreclosed upon and moving into a tiny apartment and then lose your job because of excessive absenteeism dealing with your personal issues, let me know what the GOP is going to do for you.

Julie's comment is why I like it over here at PinkDome. The people here know policy and political maneuvering and cause/effect things, unlike the unchecked and unwashed masses that we have to run into on the street every day. We should make these political blogs in Texas a private club and all get jackets with a crest on them!

This elitist rant brought to you courtesy of Veuve Clicquot and a two margarita hangover.

Utah States Senator Chris Buttar shocked some folks with his ignorant and racist remark.

Republican Sen. Chris Buttars' comment came during a debate on SB48, aimed at equalizing school construction funds. Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, called it "the ugly baby bill," but, as Buttars stood to vote, went further. "This baby is black. It's a dark, ugly thing," he said.

The CNN/Univision Debates at UT will be invitation only and will be party officials and invited guests only. There will be a TDP watch party that will cost you $50 or you could go to the Stephen F. Austin and take control over the big TV there.

That's what I'd do if I weren't going.

That a cynic like me is excited about a debate? Yes. It's true. I am. Maybe because I'll be there. I can't wait to see what goes into the production and what happens behind the scenes. I still haven't made up my mind on who I will vote for, so maybe once I see them in person I'll know.

I'm dying to see those cankles close up. Do you think there will be an open bar?

McCain has turned the GOP inside out and good for him. The social conservative movement is not controlling the election this year and boy are they mad about that. Me, I couldn't be happier. The last 8 years have been awful and all that time, as any good political scientist would tell you, I have said "The pendulum always swings" and it has.

I'm not a big fan of McCain, but it's going to be nice to see that the Christian Terrorists that have destroyed this country over the past 8 years will not have the best seat at the table with either of the candidates come November.

For that, Senator McCain, I dedicate this song to you.

Praise Him!

Like create an abomination like this and call it a website.

You'll start to see television ads for Clinton and Obama today here in Texas. Weird. We haven't seen presidential primary ads in Texas since, when, 1976? Well, I didn't see them in 1976 but some of you old people might have.

In The Pink Texas posted a post in the form of a letter from a man to his parents. While I agree with most of the letter, I'd have to also add that while the Baby Boomer generation bankrupts Social Security and votes overwhelmingly for politicians that drive up the national debt, they, too, are going bankrupt. As people live longer, we now face the extra burden of taking care of our parents in their old age more than ever before.

I think I would probably make a few changes to this letter. I would probably include:

Dear Mom and Dad,
We need to talk. You are both getting older now and we have to consider your future. Just as you taught me to prepare for mine, we should prepare for yours. I absolutely insist you only vote for candidates that promise to reduce the national deficit, fix Social Security and promise universal health care.

Where do I get off telling you how to vote? Well, it's like this. You have three sons. You have one that is responsible and consistently making substantial income. That's me. That means that it will be up to me to care for you when you become aged and infirm. I will not bankrupt myself because of a.) your poor financial planning for the last 20 years of your life and b.) you voted against your own best interests.

So, there you have it. Remember all that "tough love" you used to talk about? I love you, but there is absolutely a financial and quality of my own life limit. Selfish? Maybe, who's to say?

The way the world is now, I am freaking out about my own retirement. I find it hard to believe that I make six-figure income and am single and have a hard time saving money. Any extra financial burden is not planned nor acceptable. How in the hell a family of four could live on my income is beyond me.

So, let's discuss long-term care insurance and the distribution of any assets before you get Alzheimers. Let's discuss Advance Directives and Living Wills. Let's discuss what are your best interests for people in their late 60's and early 70's. It isn't terrorism or war or strong national defense. It's health care, Social Security, Medicare reimbursement rates, long-term care, and property tax reductions for seniors. It's reduced dependence on foreign oil and improved energy efficiency to reduce costs to people on fixed incomes.

So, I'll need to be with you on election day and guide your vote.

Jenny Hoff is blogging that Obama has accepted the invitation to debate in Texas and it will be right here in Austin. The format may not be decided yet, but it will be a CNN debate. Nice.