Bush vs. Kerry: Who was smarter?

Okay now, think back to the presidential campaign. It was obvious that Bush was made out to be a dunce and Kerry was this Ivy League intellectual who was flabbergasted that such an idiot as Bush was even being considered by voters. Bush's grades at Yale had been made public a long time ago, and to say he was an underachiever would be an understatement. Well, guess what? Kerry's grades were just made public this week and turns out his grades at Yale were almost identical to those of Bush. Can you imagine had that come out during the campaign? That would have been a huge blow because he was constantly portrayed as being such a superior intellect. I would say that it was a wise move of the Kerry campaign not to have released those records, but it's kind of funny now.

(not so) Deep Thoughts . . .on Deep Throat.

I have been fascinated by the whole Watergate affair for as long as I can remember. Although I was only 9 during the summer of 1973, I remember actually watching some of the testimonies during the hearings and especially remember John Dean. I also vividly recall the night Nixon resigned, realizing even at age 10 that this was certainly not something that happens every day. If you ask me what one of my all-time favorite movies is, "All the President's Men" comes near the top. By the way, as far as books on the subject, H.R. Haldeman's "The Ends of Power" is among the best.

So, after 30 years, the mysterious source for Woodward and Bernstein has finally been revealed. Turns out to be the number two guy at the FBI. To me, this was all very anti-climactic. The identity of Deep Throat had been so closely guarded and the subject of so much speculation. Names like Alexander Haig were thrown about, as well as many others. Bob Woodward said he would certainly reveal the identity some day, but only after the individual had died. Now, all is revealed in an issue of Vanity Fair magazine which features Nicole Kidman on the front cover. The scoop of the century revealed in a magazine most famous for having a nude, pregnant Demi Moore on the cover. Like I said, kind of anti-climactic.

So Deep Throat was this old man in a walker named Mark Felt. Okay, he's 91 now, but that's the image we'll have of him now. They are trying so hard to paint him as a hero, but I don't think that's going to stick for very long. The obvious critics like Pat Buchanan said he's anything but a hero. But even Chuck Colson did not give this guy a break, and if anyone would, it would be Colson. I've already heard the comparison as to what if the number two guy in the FBI today was out leaking secrets? Yes, they would be crucified for doing so. Felt seems like he was a disgruntled employee ticked off because Nixon didn't appoint him in charge of the FBI. I'm sure he has a book ready to go. I suppose Woodward and Bernstein had a book ready to go to, as soon as Deep Throat's identity had been revealed. They are probably not too happy with Felt coming out with this after they were so committed to keeping it secret for so long.
Get ready for a bunch of Watergate-related articles and news programs in the near future. Which is fine by me, because it is still holds a great deal of fascination to me. In fact, I think it's time to get out my video of "All the President's Men."

Max the Cat: 1994-2005

We had to say goodbye to our big gray lump of fur also known as Max. He had very suddenly developed a couple of masses in his throat area that were likely cancerous. According to the vet he was in severe discomfort and would not have much longer to live. We are firm believers in not allowing pets to suffer, so Dorene had the uncomfortable task of having to turn Max over to be put to sleep. Our two kids are fine, but us big kids have certainly shed our share of tears.

Before he came our way, Max was found wandering a golf course. A family took him in and had him for a couple years. However, this family was moving to Florida and could not take Max with them. Through a co-worker, Dorene found out about this. We went over to check out this cat, and the moment we saw him, he walked over to me and I needed no coaxing. Max came home with us. He stayed with Dorene in her apartment leading up to our wedding in June of 1995. Dorene said Max cuddled up next to her every night during this time. So, there was a little bit of jealousy on Max's part when I permanently entered the picture. Max weighed about 18 pounds but was the ultimate lap cat. All he wanted was to flop himself over you and let you pet him. He was definitely the best cat I've ever had. Dorene had a special bond with him in particular because of the time she had with him leading up to our wedding.

Yes, he may only be a cat, but a cat is still one of God's creations and we are thankful for the time we had with him. He'll certainly be missed.