I can't believe it's not a democracy!

I'm digging my new governor:

Protecting the Rights of Married Couples, by Governor David A Paterson. Governor Paterson writes: Yesterday I discussed some of the steps that my administration has taken to protect the rights of married couples. 

* * * 

For decades, New York has had laws on the books designed to protect the rights of couples who were legally married in states and jurisdictions other than New York. I believe, and our courts strenuously agree, that those laws are meant to protect all legal marriages, including unions involving same-sex couples. 

That is why I have ordered all New York State agencies to review their policies and ensure that none of the more than 1100 rights and privileges extended to married couples by the State are denied to same-sex couples granted marriage licenses in other states and jurisdictions.

* * * 

I also wanted you to know that I will use all legal means to ensure that same-sex couples are not discriminated against. To that end, I will continue to support a legislative solution that gives same-sex couples the right to marry in New York. 

Yes, Spitzer would have done something like this eventually. Thing is, Paterson is doing it very early in his term. I have to say that I am impressed with his willingness to directly confront "controversial" issues. There is still the problem of the [just barely] republican controlled state senate, but Paterson has made it clear that he is moving the state forward with regards to civil rights. I'm guessing same-sex marriage--not civil union--legislation will be next. Kudos, Governor Paterson. And I hope that I get the chance to vote for you when you run for your second term.

I won't be posting much tomorrow.

You see, for some reason my employer gave us dedicated sick days this year.  Yeah, I know, extra time off.  Not bad.  And our sick days can be used for doctor's appointments.  So tomorrow I have my ophthalmologist's exam.  My eyes will be messed up for a while because it takes me quite a while for the drops that dilate my pupils to wear off.  That means no reading for hours.  Hopefully I'll be back to surfing and posting by the early evening.  

Here's your real Axis of Evil:

Landmark cluster bomb ban agreed by 111 countries. Surely no first world nation would be filthy enough to refuse to sign such a sensible and compassionate treaty, yes? Um, no. According to the AFP,"the United States, Russia, China, India, Israel and Pakistan -- all major producers and stockpilers of cluster bombs -- were all absent from the Dublin talks, and thus not part of the agreement."

Well, at least there is an economic reason. I was going to assume that the US didn't participate just because W likes to blow shit up.

Oh shit, it's Hillary. Quick, hide your wallets:

Clinton's return to the Senate may pose difficult challenges. Why "hide your wallets?" Because her big fat campaign debt won't pay itself, that's why.

No doubt Hillary has an annotated enemies list that she will hone and refine over the next few months. Still, unless something very odd occurs and she manages to steal the nomination, her ability to punish her enemies should be limited. That said, I can see her cozing up to Joe Lieberman (Quisling Turd, CT), joining him in throwing the occasional wrench to the democratic leadership's plans, just because they can. Long and short, she's going to be unhappy and she will try to share the pain. I hope to see her fail at that, as well.

Hmmm, is Yahoo! editorializing by way of story placement?:

Bush eager to hit campaign trail, but does GOP want his help?.

Consumer confidence falls to lowest level in nearly 16 years.

Because it seems too something for this to be a coincidence, that's why. Oh, and the answer to the question posed in the first headline is: are you fucking nuts????

Everything about this story is disturbing:

German scientists design more environmentally friendly bombs. But at least the headline doesn't keep you guessing. There's that.

By the way, I didn't get to surf the internets much this weekend. So, did Hillary graciously concede yet?

Oh yes, I am kidding, as I am quite aware that Hill said that she was staying in the race because, you know, anything can happen. I mean, RFK was the contender in June 1968 and we all know what happened then. Like the majority of people who read about Hill's latest fuck up, I was appalled. Even those who aren't strongly partisan (i.e., my brother) thought it was quite clear what she was suggesting, and he believes that her run is over. So do I. Q: Who tells Hill? A final point: Hillary has played the victim card and skirted the line entirely too many times this campaign season. The media--and others--let her get away with it because they either find it entertaining or profitable, or they don't have whatever it takes to stop her. Truth be told, I think the democratic leadership has its hands tied. They can try to persuade the super delegates to make up their minds now, rather than later, but I don't think they have any influence whatsoever with Hill and Bill. Nope, those two and their closest advisors seem hellbent on getting the nomination at any cost, by any means. Screw the country, screw the party, it's ours. Although I will certainly be lifting a glass in celebration when she finally concedes, I won't really celebrate until it is clear that the Clinton legacy is dead (i.e., she's out of office and he's off the fucking tv). One more "misstep" and that could come sooner than later. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if certain people in the know aren't putting together a list of potential primary challengers for 2012. Hey, it's never too early.

Sorry for forgetting to put up a "see you after the weekend" post.

Actually, I thought I had.  In any event, I'm back.  Relatively rested, fed (perhaps too much) and ready to face the week.  A mercifully short week.  Hope you all had a lovely holiday weekend.  

Shhhh. It's a secret:

Obama has started running-mate search, officials say. Mindless AP tool Nedra Pickler scrawls: Likely Democratic nominee Barack Obama has begun a top-secret search for a running mate, fresh signs that the general election campaign is well under way and the primary race against Hillary Rodham Clinton is basically over.

It must be top-secret if Nedra Pickler says so...in a story carried on the AP wire. Doesn't her editor read her shit before hitting "publish?"

And the price of oil continues to rise:

Oil prices rise to new record of $135 a barrel on supply worries.

But no worries, not everything is going up in price: Home prices post sharpest first-quarter decline in 17 years.  Yes, we are screwed.