Ryan Evans! Bien!

National:
Super, or “Super-Duper”, Tuesday is next week. A record twenty-four states are holding their primaries, or caucuses. Many of these states are battling for prestige and wield voting clout in moving up their primaries. To compliment this radical change, there is a heavy shortage of polling station workers. There is also plenty of confusion in deciding what type of ballots to use. Electronic or written? Many elderly people are on vacation as well. This is due to the cold weather in the eastern states, such as: New York, or Connecticut. Vote counts are also expected to be delayed because of an expected record voting turnout. There will be plenty of confusion here.

Opinion:
The chaos of the campaign trail will be hitting home this Tuesday. The record crowd for the record Tuesday will probably cause record delays. It seems ridiculous to have four or five primaries over a month, and one single primary over a day. Maybe the twenty four states should be split up over a week? Is that logical at all? This would give workers a better chance to accurately count the polls and create less stress. Candidates would also have an opportunity to campaign in separate states for a longer period of time. This would get their message out to more people.

National:
This evening, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton debated in Los Angeles. This was a much more jovial affair than the past debates. They debated over healthcare, immigration, and the current situation in Iraq. Again, both remained civil. Both reported on how much money they have raised. Obama raised an incredible 35 million dollars in January. He will be airing many ads from coast to coast. Clinton raised about 27 million in November and December. This was her most recent estimate. Both of the Senators also explained how it was simply too early to begin the ‘Dream Ticket’ talk. Super Tuesday is still ahead and the National Conventions also are still waiting.

Opinion:
It is nice that they decided to play nice here. It is great to see two dignified Senators grow up for a few hours. I think whichever one is elected will wrap up the presidency. This is how it seems now, but it could change. Right? Both have the pocket book, and if they team up, then wow… That supposed ‘dream ticked’ sounds champion as of now. Whoever is elected out of the GOP could very well be the sacrificial lamb here. The future does not look too bright here. Oh well, there is always 2012 or the congressional elections in 2010 right/

International:
In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil a two night samba float parade is taking place. However, a float featuring a dancer dressed up as Adolf Hitler and mannequins representing dead Holocaust victims. The title of the float is: “It will give you goose bumps” A judge threatened to fine if they did not remove the mannequins. The judge will still permit the Adolf dancer to remain. A Jewish organization praised the judge’s decision. Millions of people will still watch the parade on television and on the streets.

Opinion:
This is gross. I do not understand how anyone could do that or find it entertaining. I am all for free speech, but that is terrible. For that sort of event, I do not think I would allow it. The dancers do not seem to be conveying any sort of political agenda. They seem to find this to be decent and entertaining. The dead Holocaust babies are absolutely revolting. I think I want to vomit at the thought of this ‘comedy.’

International:
Another suicide bombing occurred in southern Afghanistan this Thursday morning. A provincial governor and five other associates were worshipping in a mosque when the bombing happened. This suggests the militants in Afghanistan will continue the suicide attacks which are carrying over from 2007. Over 140 attacks occurred last year. This is the continuing onslaught against President Hamad Karzai’s current government. These current attacks are the highest since the United States invasion in 2001.

Opinion:
Due to the current situation in Iraq, Afghanistan has become the forgotten war. Karzai is losing control of his country to the Taliban. It is frightening to see Islam extremists attacking their own in their own mosques. There is an obvious split among Muslims, much like the GOP presidential race but bloodier. Once again something has to be done to cool down these religious activists. Death can only ensue.