I have never heard a more impassioned, eloquent argument. If you are one of those horrible people (I said it, and I'll say it over and over again) who are against gay marriage, I defy you to argue his points. I challenge you to look into your soul and ask yourself what your motives are.

This next story happened in Canada, so this neanderthal will be charged rightly with a hate crime. Only 31 states in the USA have hate crime legislation that includes sexual orientation. Minnesota does not. Think about that.

Lesbian mothers attacked and beaten outside of their kids' elementary school while their six-year-old son watched

I am flabbergasted:

Raped in the Military? You'll Have to Pay for Your Own Forensic Exam Kit

What has you outraged?

What are you going to do about it?

Today I saw two camels and a donkey being led into the Target Center. The best part? The guys who were handling the camels were wearing cowboy hats and boots. I've had ridiculous images in my head all afternoon.

Mixed results on measures banning same-sex marriage - CNN.com

I have refrained from talking about who precisely I was going to vote for until now.  I'll be honest, I struggled with this one.

I have been a fervent Ralph Nader supporter for the last 8+ years.  I proudly voted for him in 2004. 

I did not vote for Nader yesterday.  I voted for Obama.  I made the decision to give him my vote last week.  This one was far too important to leave to the assumption that Minnesota is a blue state.  I don't agree with Obama 100%, but it's close.

So I'm ecstatic about our new president.  So were our neighbors, who were launching fireworks last night.  I forgive them.  I probably wouldn't have gotten any sleep last night anyway. 

But the bittersweet part comes in when it comes down to the state propositions and amendments.  I'm thrilled that MN's environment and arts funding amendment passed.  I'm happy that Minneapolis's per-pupil funding increase passed since our kids will be partaking in that extra $585.  So yay Minnesota!

I'm super excited about California's Prop. 2 passing (maybe it will spark similar legislation across the country), but I'm biting my nails on Prop. 8.  No -- make that I'm severely pissed off that Prop. 8 (and its doppelgangers in AZ and FL) even exists.  If the question of whether to ban interracial marriage would have appeared on ballots in the 50s or even the 60s, there's no doubt that the ban would have been passed through popular vote.  Ditto on suffrage and just about any civil/human rights issue you can think of.

Speaking of writing hate and bigotry into law, the ****s in Arkansas prohibit unmarried sexual partners from adopting or fostering children.  Bravo, ****s, Because what we all need are more unparented children coming out of orphanages.  I have not heard if this affects single folks.

A giant thank you to South Dakota for not banning abortion.  Yay, Planned Parenthood!

And Michigan, you are also awesome not only for going blue this time around, but for allowing embryonic stem cell research and furthering science for all.  And -- AND!  Michigan!  Medical marijuana!  You guys rock.

Nebraska, you surprised me with your ban on discrimination/preferential treatment based on race.  Now if only you could have squeaked in sexual orientation....

One of my favorites is Washington, which has legalized physician-assisted suicide for terminal patients.  Another win for reason!

South Carolina finally stepped into the real world and raised the age of sexual consent from 14 (!) to 16.  14?!

So there you have it.  It's only going to get more interesting from here on out.

Had a nice, relaxing weekend for once.

Interruption: a co-worker just told me that I'm glowing.  First time!  Whee!

Husband and I went back up to Duluth all by our lonesome.  Our missions were accomplished: we brought our water jalopy/hoopty float to its new home, we hauled up the 70's cabinets that were taking up space in the garage, and I made pumpkin pie.  The weekend was spent burning things, eating terribly, and lounging around.  By some miracle Bindi didn't smear her face in any dead fish or bear poop.

I was a tiny bit disappointed that I didn't get to dress up for Halloween as we left that morning, but I really didn't have any solid plans for the evening anyway.  I'm sad that we were lazy and didn't go and see my grandma's new chiahuahua puppy, but neither of us had any inclination to leave the house at all.

We hit up Burrito Union on our way back home on Sunday.  The combination of burritos, good beer, and coffee is pure win every time.  Plus they have local music shows.  Why don't we have a place like this in Minneapolis?

Totally forgot about daylight savings last night.  I was all showered up and ready for bed when Husband reminded me that it was, for all intents and purposes, only 8:00 PM.  Woke up at 3:30 AM.  Got up at 5:00, ate breakfast as slowly as I could, flipped between the local morning newscasts, came in to work early.  Stupid DST.

Final Debate: McCain Mocks Women's Health In Abortion Issue | Crooks and Liars

If you read nothing else, read this.