I agree, it's a shame Bush is so aggressively pursuing terrorists everywhere---even in unstable states that sponsor terrorism but had no overt connection to 9-11. It's almost criminal. I feel terrible for Sadaam. And Bush is so unpredictable, it leaves everyone, you, me, Jane Fonda, France, hystrionic feminists, Kim Jong Il, Alec Baldwin (to borrow from Team America), everyone, so unsettled. And, I know he's to blame for everything: 9-11, low inflation, historically low unemployment, unbrideld materialism, Target Stores, WalMart, the diminunition of our culture, American Idol, Jerry Springer, the Surreal Life, reality TV, the housing bubble, high gas prices (despite his shameful Saudi connection...tsk, tsk), not to mention bad schools, national guilt for everything America ever does, the low birth rate, unbridled immigration, the new super-AIDS bug....wait I'll think of more.
But, we'll have to do the best we can....
Sorry I couldn't resist. You've been unwittingly talking to one of the few gay conservatives in NY. In fact, I own "gayconservative.com." And, I'm pro-gay marriage....
If I can see my way clear I'll contact you. I totally understand the stairs thing. I'm mid-40s and I have officially placed a moratorium on carrying anything up stairs, except groceries and then only on the rarest of occassions.
He sent me a long rant about how this country is going to break apart on blue state/red state lines just like the Soviet Union and conservatives are all bigots and homophobes. I replied that if California and New England seceded from the U.S. that might not be such a bad thing (He lives in CA, I'd just moved to Utah to get away from the traffic and smog in L.A.). I've not heard from him since so I guess he's an ex-friend.
I hate it when people just assume that whoever they're talking to agrees with them when they start spouting off about politics! This guy knew I was a Republican so I was amazed at how huffy he got when I disagreed. I'm sure we would still be in touch if I had kept my mouth shut.
You would think a contractor would keep his political opinions to himself for fear of unnecessarily offending a client but in states like CA and NY liberals just figure everyone thinks like them.
By the way, my sister works with a lot of construction people and she heard that it's all the building in China that drove up prices.