Edwards' bloggers keep their jobs

From Presidential candidate John Edwards

The tone and the sentiment of some of Amanda Marcotte's and Melissa McEwan's posts personally offended me. It's not how I talk to people, and it's not how I expect the people who work for me to talk to people. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but that kind of intolerant language will not be permitted from anyone on my campaign, whether it's intended as satire, humor, or anything else. But I also believe in giving everyone a fair shake. I've talked to Amanda and Melissa; they have both assured me that it was never their intention to malign anyone's faith, and I take them at their word. We're beginning a great debate about the future of our country, and we can't let it be hijacked. It will take discipline, focus, and courage to build the America we believe in.

Three thoughts: 1. Glad they didn't get fired. If they did, people would be reacting to everything a blogger had to say as soon as they declared in support of a candidate; 2. Blogging is moving from the role of the "Ultimate Outsider" to an insider. Working against the system while some are working for the system. So bloggers may have to make a choice. Blog from the outside or the inside. The time is going to come where you have to make a choice; 3. Washington is talking about this instead of Iraq because....

P.S. Mind you, I am officially undecided as far as Presidential candidates go. I think everyone will be sick of everyone running by Thanksgiving 2007. Then they will realize there are 11 more months to go. Sigh. And people wonder why I don't talk politics.

Free File of the Week

Grand Theft Auto has come a long way. GTA and GTA 2 are now available for free download. Probably will be playing these on my PC on the plane ride to 'Zona.

Rockstar Games

Edwards blogging scandal?

I don't talk politics too much. But this story has to do with how politicians use the blogs. But Amanda Marcotte, of Pandagon, and Melissa McEwan, of Shakespeare's Sister, have been criticized by conservative bloggers for statements they had previously made on their blogs before joining the John Edwards presidential campaign.

Of course there are two sides to the story. One side stated in Time Magazine and the other on liberal blog MyDD

I would post sections from the article, but I don't have that kind of time. But I will cut to the bottom line. Catholic groups want the two bloggers fired for their past comments. As of Thursday morning, there is no clear answer about whether they have lost their jobs. That will likely come sometime today.

I'll post a followup tonight or tomorrow morning and my takes on the story. Also tonight, the download of the day. Tomorrow afternoon, a much-needed trip to Arizona for fun, poker, and, um, stuff.

Look both ways before crossing the street..And Don't Wear Your Ipod

George Carlin said it best, "Whatever happened to natural selection? Survival of the fittest? The kid who swallows too many marbles doesn’t grow up to have kids of his own."

People stupid enough to walk across a busy New York intersection while blaring their Ipod deserve what they get.

They're the inevitable street encounters in a metropolis tethered to its portable electronic devices: the meandering businessman typing a text message on his BlackBerry, the chatty cell phone user coming to a dead stop on a crowded sidewalk and the iPod listener obliviously crossing a street as the light changes.

Technology has allowed New Yorkers to go mobile with their media, but it has also put their legs on automatic pilot while they tune into games, e-mail and music.

Now one lawmaker wants to put an end to this habit of modern life.

New legislation proposed by state Sen. Carl Kruger (D-Brooklyn) would fine pedestrians and bicyclists if they use their iPod, cell phone or other PDA while crossing a city streets.

By the way, I have zero clue how they are going to enforce this.

Been a long time

And no, I was not playing World of Warcraft (much). By the way, I have a review coming