Long-Term Ramifications

Despite the actual economic and Constitutional viability of the Healthcare bill (which has been discussed in great detail in other places), the Democrats may have hurt themselves in the long run by deciding to use up a good deal of their political capital right before a census.

A census only happens once a decade, and usually ends up causing states to do something else: redistrict. Most states redistrict after a census, since that is when they have the best picture of their population makeup. Redistricting, due to the now common practice of gerrymandering (drawing political district lines to the advantage of one party or another), has political ramifications which will affect the next ten years of politics.

Obama, who has gotten some flak for the Healthcare thing, might get hurt not only in the House and Senate this coming November, but in the states as well. Now, who cares about state politics? Well, if the states draw their districts to advantage the Republicans, the next ten years of elections will be tipped, slightly, to the Republicans.

Perhaps Healthcare isn't actually that controversial, and perhaps Democrats will do just fine in the elections this November. All I'm saying is, whoever does well will have an advantage in American politics for the next decade, so if you're old enough to vote, show up for this one.

The Truth of a Broken Heart

I met a young man walking
(His face was so downcast!).
It seemed he had a broken heart,
I stopped him as he passed.

I asked him, “Son, who broke your heart?
Your hurt, please tell me of.”
A wan smile flicked across his face,
“Sir, I’m ta’en by too much love.

“When I was young, my parents loved
me dear, and I loved them.
But as I grew, more folk I knew,
From thence my problems stem.

“Each person that I loved loved me
With all that they could give.
But I, alas, have but one heart,
Whose breaking I forgive.

“I would to each give my whole heart,
But, see, I’ve only one,
And so I broke it all apart,
A piece for everyone.

“So now I walk, as sad as rain,
But blessed beyond all thought.
For I was loved so much by all…
I gladly broke my heart.”

Why You Should Not Leave 6-Page Research Papers for the Night Before

All I can say is, thank goodness it's just a draft. However brilliant and eloquent the paper might have seemed at 3:40am last night, it's probably not even legible. Still, it was pretty epic. At about 1:00 am I hiked down to the laundry room to retrieve a can of Coke, with a distinct "this is it" expression on my face. The Coke did its work well, for which I am grateful. I just hope I don't literally collapse in class or (God help me) Chicago rehearsal tonight. Yikes...