Kerry a la mode

Served up by P.J. O'Rourke.

America is not doctrinaire. It's hard for an American politician to come up with an ideological position that is permanently unforgivable. Henry Wallace never quite managed, or George Wallace either. But Kerry's done it. American free speech needs to be submitted to arbitration because Americans aren't smart enough to have a First Amendment, and you can tell this is so, because Americans weren't smart enough to vote for John Kerry.

O'Rourke then proceeded to have his way - ol school d-style - with Teresa Heinz (nee Heinz Kerry) over the plush armrest of a smart Italian leather sofa in the study of the Heinz's tony Beacon Hill townhouse.

Not Quite a Girly-man

I took the Sex I.D. test. Scored a paltry 25 toward the masculine. Seems I'm an analytical, systems oriented person who's also right-brained (hmmmm...). I like feminine faces, am verbal, empathetic (nah, nah, nah greenman) and demand 50% of a two-way money split. (Wouldn't you...?)

Pssst - don't tell anyone at Harvard about this thing, okay...

Via Kris... via Aprille

The Bankruptcy Thing

29 has been on a tear for quite some time on this one. Now, the pending legislation in Congress has brought it to the fore.

From 29's piece, here's the crux of the leglislation via AP/Forbes:

Those with insufficient assets or income could still file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which if approved by a judge erases debts entirely after certain assets are forfeited. But those with income above the state's median income who can pay at least $6,000 over five years - $100 a month - would be forced into Chapter 13, where a judge would then order a repayment plan.

Can someone please explain to me what the problem is here? Isn't this the purpose of Chapter 13...? Look, this law applies only to individuals and families who make more then the median income. It structures a way for these folks to pay back what they borrowed. Isn't that fair?

As a young married couple, Brenda and I managed to bury ourselves in credit card debt. We recognized the problem and dug our way out.

I'm sick to death of the way that our society enables, nay, encourages adults to be children. To my mind, this legislation is a very small, measured step in the right direction.

As for the "predatory lending" angle... oh puhlease. If you are old enough to get a credit card - which means that you presumably can read (got that kids... you should read the thing - all of it) a contract and sign your name to it. It's a contract... okay? If the lender does not fully disclose their penalty system, then it's null. But, they do of course. However, many people just see free money, sign their name and use the card.

We're not talking about Dickensian workhouses and treadmills here, okay. The law makes allowances for people's ability to pay. If this law encourages grown men and women to take personal responsibility for their personal decisions, it seems like a good thing.

Back from Orlando

The wife and I had a great time at the Grand Floridian. Wells Fargo put on a wonderful recognition event. Great food, great fun and entertainment.

As for the theme parks... Epcot was great. If you go, make sure you ride "Mission Space" - it was awesome. The Magic Kingdom, on the other hand, is getting a bit threadworn.

Managed to catch the mother of all head colds/flu-like thingy yesterday on the way home. I'm recovering at home with soup and rest.