Extremists Are Getting Attention- But Nothing Else

Why is it that we ONLY have extremists in the formerly (G)OP list of candidates?  Nobody appears to be addressing the issues with a moderate quality. Everything they say or do appears to be to attract attention- not votes. Every one of the candidates also has baggage.  It appears as though that means much more now than it used to. You used to be able to know where someone stood without second guessing whether they were saying something to get attention or to say what you wanted to hear.  I am totally fed up with politicians, at all levels.  An honest person couldn't afford to run, so doesn't.  A power hungry extremist accepts campaign monies with future favors attached.  If that is the only way to win, I wouldn't run.  Hence we come up with the biggest issue. That is that we can't get rid of pork on bills because that is the means that candidates pay back their benefactors for campaign assistance.  It is a nasty, nasty circle which is not easily broken- even though it has broken the system.  We must limit campaign contributions and limit lobbying.

Security Alerts in Europe -- by John Cleese
The English are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist threats and have therefore raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved." Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross."

The English have not been "A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies nearly ran out.

Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to "A Bloody Nuisance." The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was in 1588, when threatened by the Spanish Armada.

The Scots have raised their threat level from "Pissed Off" to "Let's get the Bastards." They don't have any other levels. This is the reason they have been used on the front line of the British army for the last 300 years.

The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide." The only two higher levels in France are "Collaborate" and "Surrender." The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France 's white flag factory, effectively paralyzing the country's military capability.

Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout Loudly and Excitedly" to "Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain: "Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides." The Germans have increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs." They also have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbor" and "Lose."

Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual; the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels.

The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.

Australia, meanwhile, has raised its security level from "No worries" to "She'll be alright, Mate." Two more escalation levels remain: "Crikey! I think we'll need to cancel the barbie this weekend!" and "The barbie is canceled." So far no situation has ever warranted use of the final escalation level.