Open

Egypt!

Libya!

Bahrain!

Wisconsin!

Indiana!

Michigan!

Rahm!

I got sick of looking at my post from last week, and the rest of you are apparently too apathetic or lazy to post anything, so this is an open thread.

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What is a Leader?

What is a leader?

I think most would agree that a leader is someone who tries to guide or produce some sort of action out of others. 

A leader may organize and motivate employees to make a business succeed.  A leader may seek to convince you to vote for them or another candidate.  A leader may work to galvanize people around a cause, such as giving blood at the Red Cross, donating food to the local food bank, or encouraging you to swing a hammer for Habitat for Humanity.

No matter what cause a leader wants you to support, a leader uses words to try to drive others to action.  A moral leader motivates their followers through responsible, inspirational speech.  

While the average person might be motivated to vote or take up protest after hearing a metaphor promoting violent action, there are those who will take these calls-to-arms literally.  There are those who will be inspired to take violent action against communists, socialists, Grannie-killing bureaucrats, or the illegitimate holder of the oval office.

Yes, words matter.  Yes, words can get people killed.  

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Bob's Best: The five things I am most thankful for this holiday

Wives that put up with us
Let’s face it, most guys marry “up”. With all of our scratching, farting, burping and other mannerisms that show we have no manners at all, we are lucky to get a date, let a lone avoid a divorce.

The Big-three automakers…
…and the 4 million workers and retirees that they employ. Along with all the dependable cars my family has purchased from them over my lifetime.

A job and health care
9.3% of us in Michigan are looking for a paying gig. I will not complain about mine. Thank goodness mine even provides healthcare.

Michigan beer
According to the Michigan Beer Guide there are at least 88 Michigan breweries. You could likely drink nothing but Michigan beer all year round and never drink the same beer twice.

Family and friends
No explanation needed.

What are you thankful for this holiday season?

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Watching a Guy Speak

So, apparently there's a guy giving a little chat this evening. It seems to be getting some hype.

While we've never done this before, I'm wondering if there are going to be enough people watching this AND reading Around the Keg to do an open thread.

If so, just start the commenting. If not, I'll just post my thoughts into the ether.


9:55- Pat Buchanan just called this speech "one of the most important moments ever". Yeah, no hype here.

10:00- This speech is apparently an hour long, and will be given in front of 80,000 people. Meanwhile, John McCain is having trouble filling out a 10,000-seat arena to introduce his running mate tomorrow.

10:07- Nice little clip in the intro video about the Barack/Michelle Obama love story.

10:12- Obama enters to what seems to be the theme music from every 80's movie staring Michael J. Fox.

10:14- At some point, people are going to have to stop the applause. It's a long speech, people. Settle in.

10:22- Doesn't look like there will be any pulled punches this evening.

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