Laura Sandefur's blog

Alan Keyes reportedly filed a Statement of Candidacy (Form 2) with the Federal Election Commission on Friday. Sounds like he’s officially announcing as a Republican candidate for President. One article (I have NO idea how credible it is) says Keyes is planning to be at the Values Voter debate September 17.

I know there has been speculation Keyes was going run, but if he’s filed paperwork with the FEC that seems like maybe it has gone beyond the point of discussion for him.

What say you all? I know Keyes is kind of a touchy subject for the Illinois GOP, but is he radioactive in other states as well? Will he distract from the other candidates? Who will he siphon votes from? Will he even be a tiny blip on the election radar?

Let’s hear it!

Laura

One of the many things that fascinate me is looking at how we think.  Brain theory may be the stuff of boredom to many, but for some odd reason it really holds my interest.  Anyhow, there is a new study that looks at brain function and how it relates to your political attitudes.  The upshot of it all, is that your political attitudes may, in fact, be a hardwired thing like being right or left handed.
This is from the LA Times.  Check it out--it is some pretty interesting stuff:
 
Researchers show that liberals and conservatives approach everyday decisions differently.
 

By Denise Gellene, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
11:07 AM PDT, September 9, 2007

 Exploring the neurobiology of politics, scientists have found that liberals tolerate ambiguity and conflict better than conservatives because of how their brains work.

The results showed "there are two cognitive styles -- a liberal style and a conservative style," said UCLA neurologist Dr. Marco Iacoboni, who was not connected to the latest research..."

Full article here:
http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-politics10sep10,0,5982337.story?coll=la-home-center
 
Given the discussions here, and how intense they get, I have to say I think this study shows some reasons why that happens.  What I can't find any discussion of, however, are people who are classed as Independent voters.

What do you all think about that?  Are the Indy voters the only ones making full use of their brains?
 Regards!
  

Laura

My Labor Day weekend began yesterday afternoon when I took one last phone call before I turned off my office lights and walked out the door 45 minutes past closing time. As expected, it was a taxpayer wanting to discuss property tax issues. Given the fact that the deadline to file a property tax appeal is September 10, we’ve been getting a lot of calls and a lot of people coming through our offices.
 
This woman wanted an appeal form mailed out. I explained that we could fill that form in for her when she comes in—that we don’t require that the taxpayers provide evidence. She responded that she would be mailing in her appeal. I then tell her that she can download the form off the County website, and she says she doesn’t have Internet access. 
 
I go on to explain that County mail has already been picked up and this will go out in Tuesday’s mail, As I am getting ready to get her address, she starts screaming that she knows the deadline is September Ten and she will not be prevented from filing a complaint. At that point she declares that I should personally take this envelope to a post office and mail it on my way home so that she will have “enough” time to file this complaint.
 
I explain to her that the next time mail will be picked up at our office is on Tuesday and that I will not be going to a post office on my way home. She blows up and starts SCREAMING into the phone, “You LAZY g** d**n government types just don’t GET it! You can’t even be bothered to help out a Senior citizen…”
 
We got disconnected at that point in time. Our conversation was over as soon as the swearing began. Just like the under assessed woman last year that called me a “F***ing heartless bitch,” this senior citizen forfeited her access to my ear by directing profanity at me.
 
I am acutely aware that as a government employee I work for the taxpayers—every one of them. I will (and do) work at my desk while eating my lunch, I will stay late to accommodate their schedules, and I will do all I can to make them feel comfortable while they are in my offices. I regularly supply my own pens and candy for the candy dishes because I like doing it—I enjoy watching people take advantage of these small frills. 
 
I will even work overtime or at home just to get the job done timely and right because I think I owe you all that in return for what you pay me. I take that check every two weeks and I think you are entitled to these small things. I see it as a part of the employer / employee relationship.
 
What you are NOT entitled to do, however, is abuse me. I will show you every courtesy and I will do the best I can to provide good service and high quality work, and in return you will not swear at me or abuse my good will. I think that is fair, and I expect that in most civilized settings this expectation of mine is not an unreasonable one. 
 
 
As I head off to celebrate the working men and women of our nation and the accomplishments of the Labor Movement, I intend to celebrate all the people who do go to work every day in spite of the stones and arrows they endure. I celebrate the professionals who show up every day in spite of the abusive bosses and abrasive people they encounter.  I also celebrate the people who band together to demand their rights in the workplace. We should all be able to work in places that are safe, civilized and fair in the treatment of all the employees.
 
In solidarity!
 
 
Laura