While talking to a Canadian at a club in Toronto last weekend, my friends and I were told that we were responsible for bombing an innocent country. Since all three of us were anti-war, it kind of bothered me. I believe that we have some responsibility for what our government does, but if you vote, protest, and participate in the political process in other ways, I think that you are doing what you can. Here's the kicker though: the guy told us that he would have voted for Bush. EXCUSE ME? AND THIS IS ALL MY FAULT?

After the three of us calmed down from that experience, we met another Canadian that made a similar comment. This young man appeared to have an Arab background, so I was very tempted to make a similar generalization, but I really didn't want to continue the discussion.

Here are some familiar faces that showed up at my house last weekend.

I'm so happy that Col. Powell is pleased with my performance. I worked on a database for anthrax decontamination at one of the post offices in Virginia. Apparently I need to work on my scanning skills, but this is the evidence.

I think Terry is right to focus the issue on the problems of the system rather than the individuals. We all know enough people that have a difficult time supporting themselves in Buffalo, where there are more jobs than in the rural areas that house prisons. Furthermore, a lot of these people that I know (and I imagine most of you know) are well-educated, with college degrees. If it's difficult for people like this, Joe and Jane Culpepper's options are even more limited. Maybe we should all blame ourselves for shopping at Wegman's instead of the Farmer's Market or Food Co-op, essentially putting Joe and Jane's family farm out of business.

In a similar vein, Paul commented on people that join the army to pay for college. I think the real question is - Why should someone have to join the army to pay for an education? True - there are other ways to finance college, but nobody should have to make the choice of joining the army or paying off loans for the rest of his or her life.

I had my first ever casino experience last night. The buffet was good and I got my very own Player's Card. I only lost 6 bucks, so I'm glad I stopped when I did.

The whole experience reminded me once again of what a messed up place we live in. In the middle of all that Niagara Falls poverty, there's a room somewhere filled with money. Not to mention all the food that is thrown out after it goes "bad". I'm so glad I could be a part of such wasteful overindulgence.