Election 2012

Now with some news that pertains to all of America.

It is raining here on Chappaquiddick and thus a perfect opportunity to use the internet to draw attention to the 2012 presidential race. While I am someone who considers myself to be argumentative and brash in many respects, I do not want this post to be one which illuminates President Obama's glaring flaws and short-comings but rather one that discusses and highlights the strengths of one of our nation's top GOP prospects come 2012: Tim Pawlenty, former Governor of Minnesota. He boasts impressive grass roots support, and is considered to be a Main Street Conservative appealing to moderates and conservatives alike. Part of Pawlenty's appeal comes from his record of balancing the Minnesota budget without raising taxes, or cutting useful and necessary programs and initiatives. I personally like Tim because he seems genuine and honest, characteristics that most politicians seem to lack. I also like him because he is not a celebrity and doesn't try to be. In fact, one of the biggest challenges that his campaign faces is that his name is less known than other Grand Old Party front runners like Mitt Romney and Ron Paul or the Hollywood Status Obama Family.

Moral of the story is not to vote Pawlenty but to simply consider voting for a candidate other than the incumbent. Exercise your right to vote! Think about who you are voting for! Think about what you want from the next President of the United States and what you can do to make that candidate's campaign a reality. Pawlenty may not be your guy but he's definitely mine.

The Summer Solstice

Greetings, I hope that I find all of you enjoying your summer with a good book, barbecues a-plenty, and a healthy sunburn-tinted tan. This post is obviously overdue, but late is better than never, I suppose. I write this morning, from my kitchen overlooking Edgartown Harbor, and North Neck of Chappaquiddick. It's overcast today but yesterday was a beauty: high in the 90's, slight northwest breeze, no clouds. While I have been busy on Martha's Vineyard since before Memorial Day, the summer only officially began yesterday, on the day of the year when the earth's axis is most inclined towards the sun, and thus the debauchery and excitement that the summer promises still has ample opportunity to manifest.

The breadth of this post is clearly vague and meant only to serve as a reminder that I am still alive and happily rambling about my native region in the north. I make no guarantees, but the interval at which I post should soon become more frequent as I continue to settle into my summer routine. I hope everyone is enjoying the sun although you can rest assured that your tan will never be as perfect as mine. Happy summer, New England.