For those of us struggling to understand the polarization in American politics, this article will give some background and some insight.

The religion gap is the leading edge of the “culture war” that has polarized American politics, reshaped the coalitions that make up the Democratic and Republican parties and influenced the appeals their presidential candidates are making. The debate over same-sex marriage is expected to make it wider than ever this year. Gay rights, partial-birth abortion, definitions of patriotism and other “values” issues are likely to exacerbate the divide between the most observant and others.

Canadian election
I’ve see from my log some paid political reseachers have popped by to see what is being said on this blog about the election.
Not much.
The media went after Paul Martin the first week, while giving Stephen Harper, Jack Layton and Gilles Duceppe some room, but that will change. There are have been some real gaffes in campaigning.
One thing caught my attention.
As D-Day ceremonies approach there had been complaints that more bureacrats than veterans would be attending the ceremonies in France.
Paul Martin suggested that Stephen Harper and Jack Layton should attend.
Instead, both leaders gave their trip to veterans. Martin countered. But he fell flat again. Opposition leaders were not invited to the 50th anniversary ceremonies, so why make this invite appear to be an election issue?
The parties will have their policy statements firmed up and available by the end of the week.
If you are looking for blog coverage on the election I suggest Andrew Coyne, Colby Cosh, Paul Wells, Leighton Tebay, Ranting and Roaring, Dispatches and Blogs Canada E-group blog for starters.

The secret gamer
There has been a lot of rain here. A lot.
I have ways to cope when weather isn’t conducive to human beings.
Games are a great time waster.
There is a store in the area that sells pre-used PC games at bargain basement prices. It is surprising how quickly titles are recycled.
And they can be taken back and recycled again.
So, after five days of rain I picked up a dark mystery called Post Mortem, where I can wander around a 3D Paris and solve some murders.
I also picked up a game called Heaven & Hell, a Sims/Tropico style romp where I get to be God or the Devil. The goal is to convert everyone acccordingly.