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** Lance Armstrong took the lead in the Tour de France and they've entered his strongest part of the race. I'd love to see him get #6. He's a hell of a competitor even if he does have a sudden penchant for musicians.
** This morning, The Today Show did a segment on the value of swing states and how many voters are disenfranchised by the current process. It's just what I was talking about last week but they made a valid point about the current process that I hadn't though of. Currently, anyone in a heavily democratic or republican state is somewhat overlooked because the electoral votes of their state are, essentially, predetermined. It's the swing states that get the attention. If we moved to a popular vote system, however, underpopulated areas would be overlooked in favor of campaigning in the big cities. There are states that would rarely see a candidate. The report also mentioned that, years ago, up to 40 states were considered swing states but now that number is closer to 17 or 18 states. Am I the only one who finds all of this incredibly fascinating? More than the politics and issues, I love learning about the process.
** I received my 401K statement last night and had a welcome revelation about home ownership. In looking at my finances, I forgot that I can borrow against my 401K for a first time home purchase without any penalties. Is it practical, though, to pay a mortgage and repay your 401K simultaneously? That seems like a lot of debt.
** GIP
** This morning, The Today Show did a segment on the value of swing states and how many voters are disenfranchised by the current process. It's just what I was talking about last week but they made a valid point about the current process that I hadn't though of. Currently, anyone in a heavily democratic or republican state is somewhat overlooked because the electoral votes of their state are, essentially, predetermined. It's the swing states that get the attention. If we moved to a popular vote system, however, underpopulated areas would be overlooked in favor of campaigning in the big cities. There are states that would rarely see a candidate. The report also mentioned that, years ago, up to 40 states were considered swing states but now that number is closer to 17 or 18 states. Am I the only one who finds all of this incredibly fascinating? More than the politics and issues, I love learning about the process.
** I received my 401K statement last night and had a welcome revelation about home ownership. In looking at my finances, I forgot that I can borrow against my 401K for a first time home purchase without any penalties. Is it practical, though, to pay a mortgage and repay your 401K simultaneously? That seems like a lot of debt.
** GIP
