Goddamn.
Remember the good ol’ days? You know, the 90’s? When you could call yourself a Democrat without a nervous laugh? When Democratic leaders had some modicum of passion and vision? That all seems like a dream now. What a mess. As many have already pointed out, the Dems have nobody to blame but themselves. It seems that we’ve become the party of boring, middle-of-the-road, old, white, cautious men who have little in the way of new ideas and seem more concerned about staying in office than connecting with their constituents.
So get ready for the onslaught. More tax cuts for the wealthy. Drilling in ANWR. Judges who think abortion should be a capital crime. And, oh yes, a nice little war for good measure. How long until the Ten Commandments is posted on the door of every courthouse in the nation?
Fuck.
That’s it, I’m running for the school board or city council in ’04. Who wants to be my campaign manager?
Peace,
Mark

I’ve been playing with my new scanner, which just came in the mail today. I’ll post some pictures later, if I get a chance.
The backlash from the Wellstone memorial was predictable. It’s unfortunate that prominent Republicans were booed, but I still believe that this event was directed at the Wellstone faithful, not people watching at home. So let’s move on.
I’ve got a copy of Blade II sitting by my DVD player, so I’m off. Happy Halloween!
Peace,
Mark

Walter Mondale appears to be the likely replacement for Senator Wellstone on the ballot. With the election only a week away, it’s the sensible choice. Nearly every Minnesotan knows the Mondale name and he’s a respected political figure with a long history of service. He spoke at my law school commencement back in 1998 and I remember his speech having some good, progressive undertones. Nobody can ever replace Wellstone and his bold oratorical skills, but Mondale is a worthy successor. I’m debating whether to go to the memorial tonight. With twenty thousand people expected, I’m a bit hesitant. But perhaps I should still go as an unofficial representative of the disability community.
I still have a Wellstone bumper sticker on my car. I think I’ll just leave it. A reminder.
Back to work.
Peace,
Mark

A sad and tragic day for Minnesota. A few hours ago, Senator Paul Wellstone died in a plane crash in Northern Minnesota, along with his wife, daughter, three staffers, and two pilots. I never had the opportunity to meet the Senator, but I admired his strong advocacy for special education and disability rights. He was the most prominent liberal voice in the Senate and I will deeply miss his presence. And, as crass as this may seem, I am wondering how this will affect what was a very close race against Norm Coleman. But for now, it’s time to grieve.
Peace,
Mark

Anybody read today’s Doonesbury? Pretty amusing, but now I feel a little insecure. Maybe I don’t have anything meaningful to say. Maybe I’m just stroking my own ego. Maybe…but I digress.
So internet radio has been saved, at least temporarily. Which means I won’t be deprived of my workplace entertainment anytime soon.
By the way, a federal judge just ruled that the ADA doesn’t apply to the Internet because it was never specified in the law. So if I go to my local Barnes & Noble, it has to be accessible. But if I go to their website and have a visual impairment, I’m outta luck. Never mind all this blather about the Web being a tool for everyone and opening doors and such. Yes, making accessible web pages takes time and money. But so does building a ramp.
Peace,
Mark