So yeah....things look pretty grim.

As I suspected, the voters handed the keys to our pResident - effectively eliminating any checks and balances that were in the balance. Democratic party is in chaos...not sure whether to swing to the right or left. Ugly.

Well...at least we know what to expect in the next two years.

1. The Homeland Security Bill that Bush has been chomping to get passed will continue to chip away at our Civil Liberties. Already our public libraries are being watched by the FBI. If you read certain books, your name will be on a list. Also, you can guarantee that all cell phone / email traffic is being watched as well. The Patriot Act will be the basis for many intrusions.

2. Unless Saddam relinquishes power in Iraq, we will be going to war in the very near future. Since this will be about ousting Saddam and setting up a new puppet government, we will be entrenched in a very anti-West Middle East. Terrorism will continue to take its toll - and the open-ended war on terror will continue unabaited. Many will die.

3. Our nation's energy policy will be centered around oil. After making quick work of Iraq, there will be oil rights to be divided up between a host of Republican-backing oil companies...and the Bush administration will be wheeling and dealing. The Alaskan Wildlife Refuge will most likely be pillaged for its meager supply, and look for new exploration to start encroaching national park areas. As you might expect, any alternative energy models will be shelved.

4. Corporate responsibility will be swept under the carpet. All those who took part in the 2001 California energy swindle will get reduced sentences and/or a slap on the wrist. Unless the people start to rise up and protest, very little will be done to effectively pursue the theives who have helped to ruin the U.S. economy.

5. Partial privitization of Social Security. Now you'll be able to place your Social Security funds in the hands of Wall Street - via the U.S. government. Why don't I have any confidence in this?

6. Tax cut for the Rich becomes permenant. You may think that you're getting more back, but those who make over $300,000 a year will see the real benefit. And where will funding come from for the future? Get ready to see all those pesky social services get ushered to the chopping block.

The list goes on......

In other news.....

Got some extra work in Gus Van Sant's new movie "Elephant".
I play a cafeteria worker......which in the light of everything going on, seems pretty inconsequential.