sic transit

This morning was a reminder of why I enjoy using public transportation in these parts.

First, there was the teenager who blew his nose with his bare fingers then wiped them on his pants. Luckily he did this after the girls he'd been trying to chat up had gotten off.

Later, a slovenly-looking gent got on board, sat down, and proceeded to sneeze 4 or 5 times without trying to cover things up with his hand. Luckily for Humankind, that sector of the bus was empty by then. His giggling to himself added a nice touch.

Mr. Smith goes to Washington

Elsewhere yesterday I said that we all have to hold our noses when we vote, especially this year. Sometimes though I get into a Mr. Smith Goes to Washington mood, and I remember that not everybody gets into politics for the power or the money(1). They probably could get more of either from working in the private sector, where they won't have their every action scrutinized. Some get into politics because they want to make the world a better place(2). How dare they make compromises? Well, we too have to compromise sometimes to achieve our goals - for example, I value Truth, but I've learned that being honest with the higher-ups at the office might keep me away from my goal to remain employed. And I find myself remembering that Clinton and Obama are in the same position, and that they are in an Arena nastier than the corporate world, at least outside of the boardroom.

That being said, here is Mr. Smith:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWyEc7FAMTg

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(1) Some exceptions would be the current Administration, and the likes of Joe Lieberman.
(2) As for what a better world is, it depends on the person answering to question.