Oh PLEASE lay it to rest.

Yes, this is exactly what I meant.

Back in the day, Rockefeller Repubs and Goldwaterites were two very different things, but I think I understand why you're combining them, because even though Goldwater was very radical for his time, I've read articles saying that he would be horrified at what's happening now. I'm curious what you think the differences are between then and now in the Republican candidates.

I'm not so sure the above is nonsense. I've read today that a lot of Republicans declined to vote because they didn't feel they had a candidate they could support.

I agree with Souphie, just being there is the greatest gift you can give. If the person is able to talk, encourage them to talk about whatever they want to--serious or shallow, I think you'll find that afterwards, remembering those conversations will give you strength.

Best wishes.

Your point being?

Well, yeah, tell me something I don't already know.

I sense a history lurking behind this comment.

Haha, I love this.

Peck peck peck SQUISH. Yum yum.

People always jump to the conclusion that a standoffish animal has been abused. I think it's more likely that your outside friend is just feral. Once they become adults, feral cats are very hard to tame, but they can handle a "feed me only" relationship quite well. Cats are very businesslike, LOL.

It's kind of you to take care of her. Are you wanting to actually make a pet of her? You said you only wanted one, and you have that.

Why is this in the Science Forum, anyway?

Not that much of the other threads here are very close to science, but this one is way off.

Congratulations, BIS! It's good to hear that some jobs are coming back, even if only a few.

Carol, I don't understand why you say this. To me it seems obvious that it's possible. I'm not sure it's even manipulative. Some people are great at being romantic, affectionate, all that, but just don't have the capability for true caring. It's a personality defect (IMO) but I don't think it's necessarily intentional, especially with younger people who haven't figured themselves out yet.

Caring but not romantic is also highly possible, in my book.

You know, I never thought of that term as meaning one's psychic identical twin. I thought of it as being the person who "fits" you perfectly and whom you also "fit" perfectly, kind of like yin and yang. However, I don't believe in that either.

Unfortunately, I don't think the "should" word comes into play much as to whether or not people become comfortable with loneliness. First of all, I think very few people do. Secondly, those who do, I think most of the time it's not a conscious decision. And my guess is that even of those who do become comfortable with it, a very high percentage would be delighted to have it go away.

The rest of your post is 100% true, IMO.

BRAVO, Wux!

Why oh why is there no applause smiley?

How do you know that? I can guarantee you that not all do. But the vast majority are polite enough to keep it to themselves.

The problem is that the Pledge is always said in unison in public gatherings, following a leader. This makes it at least a semiformal public declaration. Sure, people can remain silent for the "under God" part. But while they are silent, the rest of the group is overwhelming them with their words, and anyone watching would have no way to realize that person X doesn't agree with the whole thing.

If the Pledge were something that people said spontaneously on their own, like a prayer, or if it were commonly said in private, then I'd have no problem with it containing religious language. But as it is, I do think it violates the Constitution.

Are you sure that's the ultimate total? All the absentee votes can't have been counted yet, could they?

If your guy had won by the same amount and someone else had had the same complaint to you, I wonder what you'd reply. . . . Somehow I can hear a rant about how a majority is a majority, live with it, get over it. Hmmmm.

I'd really like to see that link to number of votes cast, too. I can't find anything on a preliminary search except for early votes. I'd really appreciate it if you could find it. Seems a little early for a summary of total votes, but I'd love to see it anyway.

I'm not into Schadenfreude but I am very happy that Obama won and some of the more extreme candidates were rejected. I hope there is at least a slightly higher chance now that the two parties can work together better.