Dan Lipka Web Log

Been away for a long time. So very busy. First, the Dan and Lindy wedding website is up and running. It has information on events, directions, accommodations, stories, and pictures. Also, I recently added a countdown to the wedding day and a message board. Visit the site at... http://www.wedding.kokopop.com/ In non-wedding news, Lindy and I just got back from a weekend trip to California. We went to a wedding (a friend of Lindy’s) on Saturday and spend the rest of the time with my brother Glen, my sister-in-law Katie, and their three sons, Ethan, Jared, and Matthew. We played, we laughed, we rode bikes, we had religious debates, and saw the Incredibles. Ethan, Jared, and Matthew are each so perfect in their own way. I had a great time and I miss them all already.

Today: Do my job, go to school, plan a wedding. Tomorrow: Do my job, graduate, fulfill career ambitions, buy a house, create a new political party in New York. So very busy. Here is an update: The wedding is on! January 15, 2005, George Washington Manor. Go to http://wedding.kokopop.com for more information. The site is still being updated to be patient. The Democrats have put a pro-life proponent as their leader in the Senate. Mr. Reid also sponsored a constitutional amendment that would have banned flag-burning. He is a junior Senator from Nevada, a state known for gamblers, prostitution, and corruption. And with this begins the downfall of the Democratic party. Condoleezza Rice, as expert on foreign relations (specifically Soviet foreign relations (of course there is no more Soviet union) was made Secretary of State after Colin Powell resigned. Would Bush have won the election if Powell publicly said that he planned on resigning? Did anyone know about this

Here is the advice of great philosopher. His followers made him god and than forgot all of his earthy words. “Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. “" "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy'. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you.” “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of god” "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (riches).” "Judge not, that you be not judged.” Just

Here are some random thoughts, insights, and questions from the last few days. I called the IRS hotline to try to find out a tax question. I had looked for my answer online and spent several hours over the past week doing so. The IRS seemed like my last resort. As it turned out, the phone was picked up very quickly after only two automated prompts. After explaining what I was looking for, I was transferred to an actual person who picked up right away. He had all my answers and even gave me the exact tax code reference when I asked. He was friendly, informative and efficient. Who would have guessed? Why are US troops attacking Falluja. What is the rush, the insurgents aren't hurting the locals, but not wait until the Iraqi army can handle this. Why occupy a city that doesn't want us. If we are leaving pretty soon anyway, what is the point, what are our goals? Planning a wedding is stressful, but all things can be worked out. I'm trying to remember that ev

Not only does New York only have two Senators even though they are more people in New York that the total population of 16 smaller states (who get a total of 32 Senators), but New York only gets 8o cents on the dollar of Federal Taxes. For every buck we pay, the Federal government gives 20% of that to other states. So I was wondering, who did the states who are paying more towards Federal taxes than they receive, vote for? Could it be that all the States with sweetheart deals voted for Bush? Let's see, here are some statistics from the Census Bureau; Tax Foundation's "State-by-State Tax Burden Allocation . Of the top 13 states are get the least federal assistance as a proportion of what they pay, 11 of the, voted for Kerry. New Jersey has the worst ratio in the country, while New York is 10th. Of the top 13 states that pay the least amount of Federal Taxes and get the most, 12 of them went for Bush. New Mexico and Alaska both voted for Bush and each gets almos

It is the day after. Nothing has changed. This country is now capable of electing a president based solely on morals and faith. I am not proud of this or the actions of my fellow citizens. I am saddened, but that is no solution. I am angry, but that is no solution. I want change, but wanting is reactionary. As I described the two basic ideologies permeating this country in a previous post, I now belief that the faith-based one will continue to grow and spread throughout this country. Supreme Court Justices will be appointed, wars will be fought, faith will replace evaluation. And this government is supposed to be represented me, and it does better than any other country in the world, but that is not enough. The only solution is that a new country be formed, starting with New York state and invited any other who wish to join. A new country which will be responsive to the needs of the people. A country self-sufficient to provide for its defense, provide education, provide

Today is the big day. Election Day. The day when the United States is supposed to lead by example. Our leaders say that we want to spread the democracy throughout the world, but our democracy has come down to a few days a year for most of the population. George Bush contends that democracy is enough to make a country flourish, that it will lead to equal rights, free speech, and other wonderful things that this country enjoys. But in reality, modern democracy (many call it a republic) is about elected an official to make the decision for you and nothing more. Those leader can give rights or take them away will equal legitimacy. Today this country is choosing the their most important official, their President, based on ideology. This is significantly different than when Presidents were chosen because of their success, looks, policies, name, experience, wisdom, or anything else that has to do an actual individual. This election is not about George Bush and John Kerry, it is about being