Van Halen is no fan of McCain

The Republicans have problems over the years when they've tried to use music at political rallies. The Ronald Reagan campaign famously weren't listening to the lyrics of "Born in the USA" when they played it on the campaign trail. John McCain has been asked not to play music by Jackson Browne and John Mellencamp. The other day when he introduced Sarah Palin, Van Halen's "Right Here, Right Now" was playing. I was confused because I was certain that after past embarrassments, I was certain he knew to ask permission, right?

No. Van Halen has issued a statement. I think McCain would be best to stick to the "Nuge" in the future. How about some "Cat Scratch Fever"?

Our President

At the 1988 Republican convention, a newspaper reporter asked George W. Bush, "When you're not talking about politics, what do you and your father talk about?" His answer?

A) "Baseball"
B) "Well, sometimes it's about getting his friends to bail me out of another business fiasco..."
C) "Pussy"

Let's buy some damn beer on Sunday

Let's face it. Some laws just don't make a lick of sense or are so outdated they defy common logic. One law that I have never understood is why you can't buy beer or liquor at a store on Sunday in the Hoosier state. I don't have a problem with the law because I am such a raging alcoholic who can't wait until Monday to get a drink, but simply because doesn't make a lick of sense.

You can buy beer in a restaurant on Sunday and that's fine. You can buy wine from one of Indiana's fine wineries on Sunday with no problem. But if you need a six pack, you're screwed. I suppose the law is on the books as a nod to the Lord's day but why would you not allow folks to drink in their homes but they can drink till their heart's content at the local Red Lobster?

Some folks have banded together to try to progress Indiana's law with the majority of states that allow alcohol sales on Sunday. You can access beverage choices by clicking the previous highlighted icon.

I think it is a "noble" cause (I am fully aware that the state has more pressing needs) but I doubt it will go anywhere quick. The restaurant industry would fight it teeth and nail because of their rather profitable monopoly. Also, the Indiana General Assembly can be easily swayed. I remember a few years ago our local microbreweries fought for the same right the wineries had: to be able to sell booze to go on Sunday. But some big beer company from 3 and 1/2 hours West brought their lobbyists and next thing you know it gets shot down. Maybe the Indiana General Assembly should revisit this again considering that company is now foreign owned and its interest shouldn't trump the interest of local companies wishing to grow.

Not only does the law not make any sense, it costs the state money. I grew up about an hour from the Ohio border. When young, I remember crossing the border to Ohio and immediately seeing places you could buy booze. Think how much tax revenue is lost to our border states every year because of this antiquated law.

Plus, we just look backward by holding on to this outdated law. I imagine it will fall on deaf ears but it is time for Indiana to get with the 21st century.

This is a cause I can support

Go Topless

Apparently, national Go Topless day will be August 23rd. From the website:

We are a US organization, claiming that women have the same constitutional right to be bare chested in public places as men.

Absolutely.

According to the website, the event will fall on the 26th in Bloomington.

Low Road Express

Those who are following the Presidential campaign may find this web-site from Senator Obama interesting.