Supposedly, the apple does not fall far from the tree. But on this old timer in Madison, they don't seem to fall at all. (I should have tasted one of the few windfalls —this might be some precious heirloom.)

And, tomorrow is election day. I'm bracing myself for another demonstration of the incompetence of the American voter—all those who vote against their own self interest because of attack ads paid for by billionaires or because they think they are voting on hot button issues like gun ownership, abortion, or the pledge of allegiance.

What matters, I think, are the environment, climate change, education, opportunity, employment, and fairness—and some hope of maintaining a democracy rather that an oligarchy or corporatacy. (I encourage everyone to read Fredrick Pohl's The Space Merchants.)

How do you build a strong, vital, robust country? It's simple: the best educational system money can buy, accessible to every single person no mater to whom or where they are born; top quality health care available to everyone; and affordable high speed internet. (Of course this implies a planet that can continue to support human occupation.)

Pax is well aware of all this, and what he says is: Burke, Burke, Burke!