The Death of Compromise in Federal Politics?

The August 7th op/ed in the Washington Examiner seems to be only the latest example of how partisan posturing is inhibiting any positive change for America. Both sides of the health care reform argument—in this case the SEIU/HHS departments and the tea party conservatives—make grandiose claims about the dangerous aspirations of the other side while making scripted appeals to a perceived moderate majority of Americans, whom they see as their partners in reason. In reality, however, the average American is only growing more weary of hearing buzzwords “terrorist,” “socialist,” “army” and “thwarted” being thrown about so flippantly and repeatedly. In the rush to either enact or prohibit sweeping change, both parties seem to have completely forgotten the subtleties of making small and gradual compromises, in health care reform or elsewhere, for real and concrete results.

2009 USA Today Football Coaches' Poll

The defending national champion Florida Gators are atop the recently released USA Today Coaches' Poll with 53 first place votes. The Texas Longhorns, who were snubbed from a BCS Title Game birth last season, came in at number 2, including four first place votes. Two other teams, Oklahoma and Southern California also received a first place vote each at numbers 3 and 4, respectively. The Alabama Crimson Tide are ranked at number 5, while Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Penn State, LSU, and Ole Miss round out the top 10. 

Oklahoma State and California came in at numbers 11 and 12 with two top 10 finishers from last year, Georgia and Oregon, following suit. An ACC favorite Georgia Tech is ranked fifteenth followed by a Boise State team that went 12-1 last season. TCU is ranked 17th and is followed by an underrated Utah team that went undefeated last year, including a route of Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.

Florida State is is ranked at number 19 and is followed by the previously unranked North Carolina Tarheels. Iowa, Nebraska, Notre Dame, BYU, and Oregon State round out this year's preseason 2009 USA Today Football Coaches' Poll.

Dirico Motorcycles

Dirico Motorcycles is a new venture between the musician Steven Tyler, Mark Dirico and Stephen Talarico to launch the 2009 Dirico Motorcycle line. The models available are the Speedster, Flyer and Pro-Street. Mark Dirico is the engineer among the three with many patents to his credit. 

The Flyer is a performance machine with a 1450 cc Harley engine on a Dirico chassis. When you turn the throttle you will feel the awesome power immediately. The Pro-Street has a 1690 cc Harley power plant with a Dirico chassis. The Speedster has a 110 ci Harley engine. These are individually produced and give you Harley performance along with detailed workmanship. Give them a test ride and see if these great bikes are for you.