Plain Speaking

"The whole world is watching! The whole world is watching!" Remember those words? Remember when they shook the world?

Do you wonder how many of George W. Bush's pilot buddies from his Air National Guard days will be featured at the Republic National Convention? It seems like after John Kerry's Swift Boat crewmembers were featured at the Democratic Convention, the Bush supporters should do the same.

I hate to be a naysayer, but it seems to me the likelihood of an al Qaeda-inspired attack inside the United States is very low.

The official national Democrat convention and beauty contest is next week. Meanwhile, the real world campaign for president has been in full swing for months, and it seems the Republicans have an effective new tactic. The tactic is labeling.

I am not sure anyone is noticing, but there is a contest to be the mayor of San Diego. While the national race for president fills the news the important local race between Mayor Dick Murphy and challenger Ron Roberts is barely noticeable.

Memorial Day honors soldiers who have served and fallen in service of our country. This year, it is a time not only for the people of the United States to honor those who have served, but to consider our government's use of our military and our precious youth.

Could it be true? Is Donald Trump interested in buying Qualcomm Stadium and parking lot?

There can be no doubt that the United States' reputation has suffered mightily since the invasion of Iraq. And that is just among our friends. In the Middle East it is very clear that we are hated as never before. The only way this will change is if we replace George W. Bush as president.

In 1971, with the war in Vietnam dividing us, Cat Stevens wrote the song, "Peace Train," which begins, "Now I've been happy lately, thinking about the good things to come. And I believe it could be, something good has begun."

Recently I asked a friend if she had ever listened to a particular talk radio program. Her answer was interesting: She said never listened to talk radio. She added that she preferred to think for herself.

The other night I was surfing the TV channels and there was Casey Gwinn, mad as hell. I couldn't believe my eyes; our city attorney was criticizing the Chargers -- no, he was blasting the Chargers, and their front-men fact spinners.

Fleet Week in San Diego. Our city's annual celebration of the history of San Diego's relationship with the military which honors the men and women of the armed services in San Diego past and present. And one of the biggest events of Fleet Week is the annual vintage car races at North Island Naval Air Station known as the Coronado Festival of Speed.