2012 Election Shoud Have Been A Slam Dunk

"...in Paul Ryan, the Golden Boy from Janesville who schooled himself in the ideology of right-wing think tanks inside the Beltway, they finally have one of their own -- a true believer for the new Gilded Age." - Bill Moyers

If Obama had the enthusiasm behind him that he had four years, ago, this year's presidential election would be a blowout. But Obama frittered away all of the good vibes among the old and young alike with his listless performance during his first term. Change you can believe in became business as usual...in Afghanistan, on Wall Street, in Washington, and in his refusal to be a principled leader. For example, rather than fight the good fight for single payer universal health care, we ended up with a hybrid plan that helps a little but that no one likes, and one that preserves the for profit healthcare system. Rather than take the advice of his vice president, Obama added more troops to the war in Afghanistan. Obama had to be shamed into embracing marriage equality. We almost didn't get the long promised repeal of DADT. Gay activists had to chain themselves to the White House fence in order to pressure Obama to do the right thing. Is it any wonder that there is an "enthusiasm gap?" Nevertheless, with Romney/Ryan vs. Obama/Biden Americans will indeed have a choice. They can either vote to return this country to the 19th century, when social Darwinism and all of its evils was the order of the day, or they can re-elect a flawed president who at least gives lip service to the idea of social justice. That this is not a great choice is squarely the fault of Barak Obama. If he loses in November, president Obama will have only himself to blame.

Dinner in Ocean Bay Park

Photo: On board the water taxi on the Great South Bay...Dan, Jim and Michael. Flynn;'s restaurant in Ocean Bay Park is just a short water taxi ride away. We had dinner there Friday and the food was excellent.

Romney's Gift To Obama: Paul Ryan

Romney picks extremist Tea Party darling Paul Ryan for his running mate...this has got to be good news for Obama & Co. Even Republican David Frum sums up how the Democrats will eviscerate Paul Ryan:

"You've worked hard all your life. You've paid Medicare taxes for almost 30 years. But under the Republican plan, Medicare won't be there for you. Instead of Medicare as it exists now, under the Republican plan you'll get a voucher that will pay as little as half your Medicare costs when you turn 65—and as little as a quarter in your 80s. And all so that millionaires and billionaires can have a huge tax cut."

But Independent Senator Bernie Sanders is first out of the gate attacking Ryan:

"The selection of Rep. Paul Ryan as Romney's choice for vice president makes it very clear that the Republican Party has completely caved in to the extreme right-wing Tea Party. Ryan, the author of the Republican House budget, would make devastating cuts in Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and education while giving even more tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires. The Romney-Ryan ticket is waging war against the middle class and must be defeated."

Dan's Paintings At Point 'O Woods Art Show

Dan has several wonderful new paintings on display this weekend at the Point 'O Woods art show.

Baby Dragonfly - Just Hatched

This baby was on one of our Canna lily blossoms...the egg casing was just below.

Unique Ice Palace Decoration

This was the entrance to the Ice Palace over the weekend when Alan Cumming and Lisa Minelli did two shows Saturday evening.

Unlucky Accident In The Garden

Fell on Saturday working in the garden, lacerated my right foot requiring eight stitches...not good.

A Colorful Buoy

Channel marker at Sailor's Haven.

Full Moon Over The Beach

Cherry Bowl Annual Volleyball Game

Yesterday the Suffolk Police team (pictured) bested the Cherry Grove "Grovettes" two games to one in the annual Cherry Bowl volleyball tournament. The crowd was smaller than in previous years, but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves at the game and at the after party held at the Ice Palace.