Choices.

Here's a picture of me in my seat at the Cinerama for Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith.

It was pretty bad ass, and it was a fun experience. I'm glad it was the last Star Wars, though, because I can't do that all night thing anymore. Too old!

On the street and in the theater before the previews, I pulled my hat down over my eyes and sat very still like Buddha, and it helped get me through. Our seats were excellent, due to the fact that my friends arrived at midnight for the 3:45am show.

Some students spotted me in line; they were happy to see me, but I scowled and said 'KEEP WALKING,' which is absolutely not an out of the ordinary interaction in my life, but my friends thought it was brilliantly hillarious. The students found their place in line and then came back later to greet me; I scowled and gave them some candy.

The movie let out at 6am; it was DAYLIGHT. That was depressing. I hopped in the car, drove home, showered, shaved, and dressed, and reported to work. I got through the work day thanks to a few power naps on the couch in the office; I just closed the door and tried to get some sleep. I doubt if I was ever resting for more than 15 minutes at a time, but that's what kept me going. I was absolutely worn out all day.

Anyway, I got home at 4pm and went to bed. I got up again at 10pm and went to Taqueria el rinconsito and ordered carne asada. I wish it wasn't always so loud in there, but it's worth it.

It's now 20 after midnight. My belly is full and I am well rested. Tomorrow should be a piece of cake, starting with breakfast at Louisa's with JR.

So the Republicans are trying to eliminate the filibuster from judicial nominations. The writers of the Constitution gave the Senate specifically the duty of approving the president's appointments to the judiciary because the Senate is set up to empower the 'minority.' (The House, with it's numbers based on population, empowers the majority).

So why did the framers of the Constitution give this duty to the Senate? Did they do it so the goverment could lock up and bicker over judiciual appointments? No. I'll tell you why.

They did it so that the majority and the minority would have to COMPROMISE. They did it so that the President would be forced to appoint people that everyone could live with.

Now, those Republicans want to remove the filibuster, the single procedural tactic used to ensure the voice of the minority and the will of the framers of the Constitution.

Why? It is because they want their way, and they don't care about democracy. These people took an oath to protect and uphold the constitution, but they don't have any understanding of it.

Some people have noticed the parallels between the Bush administration and the Galactic Empire at the fall of the Republic. Well, what can you say? Life imitates art.

Actually, it's an old story, the story of republic to empire, the story of a tyranny ushered in by applause. Thank you, John Willams, for giving us a musical score to our country's descent into fascism.