deficit reduction...

These two words are making the Republicans very happy. Obama has agreed to an 'independent, bi-partisan' deficit reduction commission, something the neo-cons have been trying to establish for years. This body will look at ways to reduce the deficit, either by cutting or raising taxes, but in Washington, raising taxes won't happen. This commission will look at 'entitlement programs' such as social security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Will they look at those costly wars we are waging? You got to be kidding...they wouldn't dare.... Will they look at the Pentagon budget? Not that...the military-industrial complex is off limits... Will they look at foreign aide? No... we cannot stop buying our friends and keeping tyrants in power This commission will look at the things that impact the lowest of the economic realm, the poor, the elderly, the sick. No, Obama has fallen into a neo-con trap.. and we will pay the price.

Why?

It seems the Democrats are running scared because of the defeat in Massachusetts.. and they don't realize that the reason they were defeated in Massachusetts was they had a poor choice for a candidate and considered themselves invincible.  They need to start acting like they are in charge and stop worrying about what Republicans think. This 'bi-partisan' talk has to stop. Now they are talking about reworking the health care bill to get more Republican support... what are they smoking?

Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa covered with snow...this is the mountain I see every morning (except when hidden in clouds).

The road to town...

It is an eight mile ride to town on barely two lane blacktop. This trip involves elevation changes, almost 1000 feet, and can be subject to some extreme weather, you can be in Sunshine at the start and pass through the clouds, only to drop into an approaching storm. This is horse country, this is a place where pickup trucks are common.  This is the West today.