Free Republic

One week before election day and Democrat Barack Obama has a commanding lead among New York state voters on Republican John McCain in the presidential race. The Siena Research Institute poll, released Oct. 27, shows Obama ahead, 62-31 percent, an increase of nine points in the past three weeks. The institute is affiliated with Siena College, located in Loudonville.

I already know I won't be getting the gift I covet most this Christmas: The sight of my mother rushing in the door, big smile on her face, bags of presents in her hands, ready to envelope her grandkids in her arms. Like everyone who suffered a deep loss this year, I feel it most acutely during this festive season. But Christmas will go on, however altered it will be. There will be presents -- several are already there, under the tree in the family room--and I'm sure they all will be wonderful and much appreciated. But there are a...