Politics
Kerry will lose. At least I'll win a dollar. I believe that this is the time for mentioning an exceptionally astute point of Ted's. Historically speaking, with possible exception only in the late 1790s, parties that have been favored by the white South have always been viewed as some of the worst, regressive parties with the least long-term success. The South is, of course, a Republican stronghold. I'm not bitter at all.
Democrats have faired rather well in Oregon though. No Senate seats were up for reelection, so they're still split 1-1. The House split remained 4-1 in Democratic favor. Despite Multnomah county's 60-40 No vote on the constitutional amendment to define marriage, the amendment is still passing by about 52-48. Multnomah county seems to be failing measure 26-64, the recall of the county's temporary income tax surcharge. It's set to expire in two years anyway. So Multnomah county can't pull the entire state along with everything, but it can with a lot of stuff.
I'm amazed I hadn't thought of this refutation to the "The bible says so" argument. When debating someone about gay marriage and other "the bible says so" issues, first get them to admit that "the bible saying so" is the primary and deciding factor in their decision. This shouldn't be too hard to accomplish. Next, bring up that the bible explicitly states that false gods should not be worshipped and that god should. Point out that the bible is in conflict with the first amendment to the federal consitution. Ask if they believe the first amendment should be repealed because the bible says so. If you had not been able make them admit their reasoning earlier, they could weasel out at this point by rebutting that gays are gross, thus defeating your use of the socratic method. I doubt many republicans want the first amendment repealed. Sorry for the lack of cohesion in the previous passage; I am lazy and stupid.
Next debate topic: Unisexual pronouns.
Dude, you're ignorant. Ron Wyden was up for reelection. Of course, it was never much of a race, so it didn't get much news.
Just because I'm ignorant doesn't mean my views should be discounted.