A Blue Dot Traveling to Red Country

In less than two weeks, I will be driving across the country to the state of Arizona.  I have decided to make the two-day journey to visit my grandparents since they have made their seasonal retirement to that part of the country.  I am both excited and nervous to embark on such a “bucket list” type endeavor.  First things first; I have always wanted to see the Grand Canyon.  In addition, I want to be in Yuma when it is exactly 3:10 (I really hope someone got that reference).  I can’t wait to drive through Oklahoma & Texas – mainly because I have ALWAYS wanted to be a storm chaser and I love Tornados!!! (I guess the notion that Aquarians tend to have eccentric hobbies is accurate, haha.) Also, I really want to drive through New Mexico and take a picture of a cactus in its nature surrounding (and see Roswell, ha). I guess my memories of “Cruising U.S.A.” are, in some way, catching up to a reality I never really considered.  While I won’t be racing – except to beat daylight – I will be excited to travel to new states as well as I whole part of the country I’ve never experienced before.  If any thing else, it will allow me to fill out more of my, “Where I’ve Been” Map on Facebook. Those are just a few of the joys I am looking forward to on my cross-country road trip.

Now, the nervous issues regarding my journey are less than the joyful ones; yet, they are still relevant. This will be the first time I’ve driven across the country – well, close enough anyway.  I did a sporadic road trip to Texas last year in March (and that was an experience to say the least) and it enlightened me A LOT regarding their views on politics and how the government should work without knowing about how it actually works. Anyway, I digress.  In addition to the length of time I’ll be driving, alone I might add, my destination is the state of Arizona.  Now, I have highly criticized this state in the past and I am still standing by such criticisms.  Personally, I would love to visit Phoenix and give that unintelligent, moronic, and racist “governor” a piece of my mind – mainly because I’m an Hispanic male that was born in New York State and I have a clear understanding of the law and I’ll even say it all in English so she’ll understand.

 I thought about not spending any money while in the state, but I realized I would need gas for my car – even though I can apparently run since we all do this, at least, according to some of the Arizona state police and a few county sheriffs – and I would actually like to bring back a souvenir or two.  I’ve said it a few times and I’ll say it again: why not let Hispanic Americans take the lead regarding Hispanic issues like immigration? I guess that just makes too much sense….silly me!  I will say this, I really hope that if I get pulled over for something stupid and am asked for my papers…because I will lose it. I am not even joking. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a nice and friendly person…but if someone ticks me off and is just ignorant, then I go off. 

One more thing, I have two bumper stickers on my car: an Obama 2012 one and a Human Rights Campaign one. I guess the irony is that they are on my car which just happens to be…BLUE! Let’s not forget I am driving a foreign-made car. Who would have thought I was so political – and a democrat at that?! Anyway, I will make the best of it and be a nice person and smile. You know, play “Mr. Politician”, I might even volunteer for a candidate out there.  I’ll be in Arizona for roughly two weeks. I can’t wait to visit my grandparents and see the good things Arizona has to offer such as the landscape, the history, the big open sky at night, and the Grand Canyon.

Earlier I mentioned that I’ll be driving through Oklahoma and Texas. I will be driving through Tornado Alley during actual tornado season!!! I am super excited and I secretly hope I see one. I am debating whether to spend the night in Tulsa or Amarillo. I already have decided to spend one night in Little Rock.  I quickly realized, and much to my dismay, that it would be at least a two or three day journey out to Arizona.  Besides, it is my first time driving such a long distance so I will take my time on the road. I do plan on stopping at every state welcome center for my picture of the state welcome sign (and it will be going on Facebook).  On the trip home, I will stop in Hope, Arkansas, and visit the William J. Clinton Presidential Museum.  I will even stop somewhere in New Mexico and get some Alien/Area 51 souvenirs. Here is an interesting fact about me: I didn’t start believing in extra-terrestrials until 2006.

Another fact, it is going to be REALLY hot out there in the southwest portion of the United States (and I am not a fan of shorts; mainly because I have skinny chicken legs…but they are great for dancing since I have moves like Jaggar – or so I’m told haha).  Speaking of dancing, I do plan on hopefully doing some line-dancing out there since my grandparents are into that kind of entertainment. Remember, I’m a city person and I am a huge nightlife/club type of guy.  The fact that I can ride a horse (both western and English saddle I might add) should say something. Come to think about it, I think somewhere I have cowboy boots and a jean vest (and I haven’t worn any of it since…1998). It is important to bear in mind that I have resided in McDowell County, North Carolina, since 1998 so I can “go country” if I have to in any situation. Shoot, I’ll even throw in a southern accent and even ask for sweet tea! ;-) (“I ain’t got no English degree”….I’m sorry, I meant to say, “I’m sorry, but I do not have a degree in English”…yes, I had to correct myself; get over it).

***

Switching topics now; this upcoming Tuesday will be primary day for two states and the District of Columbia. The two states are Wisconsin and Maryland.  I will make the argument that Rick Santorum needs to win Wisconsin in order to make the case that he should be the GOP Presidential nominee. There are a couple of things that should be pointed out at this time.  Rick Santorum has repeatedly given praise of the leadership of Scott Walker as governor of Wisconsin.  I’m not sure if anyone is aware of this, but the majority of Wisconsin residents (I’m certain it’s in the ballpark of 64% give-or-take three percentage points) are opposed to Governor Walker and are currently trying to recall him from office. I actually have many friends that put their lives on hold and went to Wisconsin to help out in the efforts to recall Scott Walker. Actually, these friends are just as political as I am so it’s not really putting their lives on hold because politics is what they live for…like me.  I don’t really know, or care, about the current political climate in Maryland. The two main reasons why I don’t care are: Obama will take Maryland in the general election by at least 73% and Maryland residents are happy with their governor – who is in the same party as the President. I actually wish President Obama would take a lesson from governors like Martin O’Malley, but that’s a different discussion and I understand why he hasn’t done so yet.

My prediction for Tuesday’s primaries are as followed:

Maryland – Mitt Romney

Wisconsin – Rick Santorum…but it will be too close to call for at least two hours

District of Columbia – Mitt Romney

Hopefully, Newt Gingrich will finally drop out of the race; however, the thought in the back of my mind is that he won’t because he’s a stubborn, old, and arrogant person.  Ron Paul will not be dropping out of the race.

As for the current moment, I will stop this conversation and figure out the best way to discuss the Healthcare care currently being discussed in the United States Supreme Court.  Expect a wonderful post in the near future. Until then, I’m going to have some tea made from various tree barks and a hint of something citrus-y. I will also work on my music to compile for the long drive (the list is title “Car Jams).

A Potential Moment of Truth for the Politically Weak & Athletically Fit

     Well, we have finally come around to another primary day! This time, it is down south and it involves two states: Alabama and Mississippi.  It will be an interesting outcome indeed; however, I would like to briefly discuss the past weekend that endured within the GOP primary race.
     The past weekend involved four different caucuses with three of them having nine delegates awarded to the winner (the forth had 40 delegates).  Those four caucuses were: Guam, Kansas, Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands - guess which one has 40 delegates [it is Kansas]. Rick Santorum won the Kansas caucus with over 50%, whereas Mitt Romney won the other three caucuses.  It should be noted that Ron Paul won the popular vote in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but because it is a...unique system it had Mitt Romney win the actual caucus.  Personally, it doesn't really matter because, like Puerto Rico, residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands are not able to vote in the general election...just the primaries and caucus (and yes, this makes no sense what-so-ever). Speaking as someone who actually knows people in Puerto Rico - hahaha - they have more important things to consider like statehood, independence, hurricanes, being home to the only rain forest in the United States (take that Hawaii!), and promoting tourism to help the economy of the country that they can't elect a leader to govern over them. Anyway, I digress...
     Okay, let's fast forward to today.  It is primary day in the deep south! I actually think Hawaii and the American Samoa hold caucuses today as well.  I guess we've had enough of caucus talk for the moment so we are only looking at primaries (Ron Paul would not be happy as his outlook is the exact opposite).    I always enjoy watching politics in the southern states...even though I never took Southern Politics in undergrad.  Anyway,  here are my predictions:

     2012 Primary (and Caucus) Predictions for the States of Alabama & Mississippi, Hawaii, and the United States Territory of the American Samoa:

Primaries ~

Alabama - 50 Delegates - Mitt Romney
Mississippi - 40 Delegates - Rick Santorum

Caucuses ~

Hawaii - 20 Delegates - Mitt Romney
American Samoa - 9 Delegates - Mitt Romney

***I know Gingrich has stated that he vows to stay in the race, but at some point he has to drop out because he can't win with two states.  If he doesn't drop out, then maybe Ron Paul will (I'm sorry Ron Paul supporters, but seriously....I'm not sold on him yet).

     Now before I get glares by the Ron Paul supporters, I am not saying he is a bad candidate or that he can't get elected....ok, I will say that much but I can defend that statement (at a later date). I am simply saying that he is true to his beliefs and he is very consistent when it comes to his voting records and positions.  Personally, I wish more people would read the Constitution.  Also, as a side note, he is a Duke graduate so that is always a plus - and now I'll be getting the glares from all my UNC friends, ha-ha!  I think he would make a more dramatic impact on policies, etc if he just stayed in Congress. I will continue to read up on his efforts and maybe, just maybe, I would consider voting for him.....but at the current time I am endorsing President Barack Obama for re-election.


     On a positive note, MARCH MADNESS is here!! All I'm going to say, at this point, is I hope Western Kentucky wins tonight's game! I still have to print, and fill out, my brackets! I want Syracuse to win (go figure and surprise, surprise.....give me a break I was BORN THERE!!!), but they have to face the University of North Carolina at Asheville. I have vowed to my UNC-A friends that I will remain neutral during their match-up on Friday afternoon. I do feel obligated to cheer for a North Carolina Public institution of higher education (and also was my back-up school if I didn't get into Western Carolina University). So for now.... GO SYRACUSE ORANGE[MEN] & GOOO UNCA BULLDOGS!!!!! The battle of the Bigs: Big East Vs. Big South!
     Oh,by the way, did anyone else see MY ALMA MATER on ESPN2 as they fought hard against Davidson on Monday night in the Southern Conference Championship game??? Two words - Double Overtime (and yes, I was on TV at least twice)!!! I am so proud to be a Western Carolina University Catamount Alumnus!  In fact, I've decided to forgo some of my other choices for graduate school and return to Western for my master's degree in.....Public Administration (not teaching as I once thought I was going to do; I'm too political).

If you want to contact me and discuss any political issues - or thoughts - then feel free:

E-mail: timoteohines@gmail.com
Facebook: Tim Hines
Twitter: @timoteohines

Super Tuesday....Indeed, Indeed!

Well, it is finally here! No, not March Madness...although that is here as well.  I'm talking about Super Tuesday.  The day where anyone with some political knowledge will follow the results of the day's final outcomes.  It is days like this that I will be sitting in front of the television and when there is a commercial break, I'll be: checking my phone; checking twitter; texting my political friends across the country; play different scenarios in my head if a candidate wins; argue with the political commentators; etc.  This is what I live for everyday.  Politics is indeed my life. Super Tuesday, the State of the Union, Inauguration Day, Election Day, and GOTV/GOTPV (Get Out The Vote/Get Out The Primary Vote) Day are my holidays.

Since Super Tuesday is here, it is important to know which states are voting today.  It is a list of only ten states.  Those states are:

1)     Alaska - 27 Delegates
2)    Georgia -  76 Delegates
3)     Idaho - 32 Delegates
4)     Massachusetts - 41 Delegates
5)     North Dakota - 28 Delegates
6)     Ohio - 66 Delegates
7)     Oklahoma - 43 Delegates
8)     Tennessee - 58 Delegates
9)     Vermont - 17 Delegates
10)   Virginia - 49 Delegates

Bear in mind that 419 delegates are up to be claimed by and of the four candidates: Romney, Santorum, Paul, and Gingrich.  Now, here are my predictions before the polls start to close in less than an hour.

                  My Predictions for the 2012 Super Tuesday Primaries & Caucuses:
                  (*** = I made a correct prediction)


1)     Alaska - Ron Paul
2)     Idaho - Mitt Romney
3)     Georgia - Newt Gingrich
4)     Massachusetts - Mitt Romney
5)     North Dakota - Ron Paul
6)     Ohio - Rick Santorum
7)     Oklahoma - Rick Santorum
8)     Tennessee - Rick Santorum
9)     Vermont - Mitt Romney
10)   Virginia - Mitt Romney (but it will be a long count to ensure this win)

I do think Newt Gingrich will drop out of the GOP Presidential Race either tonight or by tomorrow afternoon.  We might even see Ron Paul drop out of the GOP Presidential Race as well.  I guess time will tell (I honestly don't think he'll drop out though).

I'll attempt to provide updates throughout the night. I think in the end Santorum will do just a little bit better than Romney.  It would be interesting to see Ron Paul have a suprisingly good night though

***At 6:51PM, I switched Oklahoma to the "Rick Santorum" as the winner and "Vermont to the "Mitt Romney" winner; I think Vermont would mainly independent and fairly Tea Party Conservatives which are good for Ron Paul, but Romney has done well in New England even though he was on edge in Maine against Dr. Paul.  As far Oklahoma, I think Santorum has done well in Oklahoma in terms of campaigning - through television ads and I think one stump speech in Tulsa.  Ron Paul has not done anything in Oklahoma because it is a primary state and his focus is mainly for caucus states like Idaho.


Results ~
My Predictions for the 2012 Super Tuesday Primaries & Caucuses: *** = Predicted correctly



1)     Alaska
2)    Georgia***
3)     Idaho***
4)     Massachusetts***
5)     North Dakota
6)     Ohio
7)     Oklahoma***
8)     Tennessee***
9)     Vermont***
10)   Virginia***