Is Europe becoming increasingly anti-semitic? If you read this article, Ritual Murders of Jews in Paris, it does make you wonder.

I have to honestly admit, that what turns me off the most about the left wing progressive platform, is its views on Israel and what I see as an increasingly anti-semitic tone in their rhetoric.

I support the legitimacy of the State of Israel in the middle east, and I'm proud to say it. I don't necessarily agree with everything that Israel does, but I certainly do not consider Israel as the greatest threat to world peace.

We light a candle during each service as part of a four candle wreath during advent at my presbyterian church, but I had no idea that it's kind of a catholic custom.

"The four weeks prior to Christmas, observed in the Catholic liturgical year, is called the season of Advent (Latin: an approach, Second Coming, appearance, something's coming). On tables in Catholic homes around the world stands a wreath holding four candles, three violet (royalty) and one pink (love). Each week one more candle is lit. By Christmas all four candles are alight. Representing the light to come in the midst of increasing darkness, Advent reflects ancient times when, with no electric light on our planet, darkness was feared. The candles gave the people hope. Celebrating Advent, especially with an Advent wreath, revivifies ancient ceremonies and feasts of light."

More on the lighting of the four candle wreath; The Advent Wreath.

Just when I was writing yesterday about the importance of voter turnout, I see this article this morning on SFGate.com; GOP may decide S.F. mayor's race Close election could be decided by one voting bloc.

I think it's kind of interesting that some republicans will support a green party candidate, but if they do vote that way I think it's only because they don't like democrats.

Here's the referenced article by Rod Dreher on "crunchy granola conservatives", Birkenstocked Burkeans.

I did a google search, and apparently this essay caused a stir in all kinds of places. I even came across the term, "metropolitcan conservative".