Expensive Politicians

Dawn left a comment asking for my thoughts on the millions and millions spent on election campaigns in this country.

Are They Worth It?
First of all, I'm not that well-versed in campaign financing, but having little or no understanding of something, rarely stops me from commenting.

As an overall statement, I agree with Dawn, and think the amounts of money raised for campaigns is obscene, and that that it would be great to see that money go towards more charitable or social causes.

From a more pragmatic standpoint, the reality of this country's election process almost always favors the candidates with the most money. We could have the most perfect candidate campaigning for an office, and if the opponent decided to launch an advertising smear campaign, the perfect candidate would need to be able to have the monetary resources to defend against it.

What do I see are possible solutions? This is the area where I am extremely unqualified to give an opinion. Do you just put a maximum limit on campaign spending? Do you disallow television advertisement, or any electronic advertising? The loopholes that get created whenever campaign financing rules are brought up, seem to be overwhelming. Limit a candidate's spending, and the party spends on behalf of their candidate. Limit the candidate and the party's spending, and special interest groups spend on behalf of their candidates (many recall the Swiftboat group that sideswiped Kerry).

I don't think many people like the way campaigns are run in this country, but I also don't think many folks have a lot of answers to address it...including me.

Current Knitting
I've almost completed the first sleeve (I'm about halfway through the sleeve-top shaping. I'm expecting to finish the sleeve this evening, and start the second one. I'll post a progress picture

Current Spinning
I finished the last hank of the multi-color merino.



I now have about 1,300 yards of bulky yarn that knits up beautifully on a US9 needle. I started swatching a new garment using this handspun, but I messed up the stitch pattern and had to start over. I'll keep you posted.

New Magazine
I always love seeing friends succeed, so I'm happy that Kathy Merrick has the cover design on the most recent issue of Interweave Crochet.



Friends have always called Kathy the queen of crochet. She understands how to make fine crochet garments that don't rely on vintage looking granny squares. Kathy also has an exquisite scarf design in this issue. Although I need to warn readers that there are a couple of dreadful garments in this magazine, it is definitely worth buying.

Hit Counting
I just realized that this site has almost had 1,000,000 hits.

I never could have guessed three and half years ago that anyone would care to read about my political leanings and my knitting and spinning. It has been an incredible experience that has allowed me to grow and learn in ways I never could have without it.

A million thanks.