We’ve been thinking long and hard about how to deal with the political issues that are on the tip of everyone’s tongues this year.  The main reason political discussion scares all of us admins, is that, inevitably, people have strong convictions that, in some way, shape or form, are outgrowths of personal beliefs.  It’s nearly impossible to have a meaningful debate because people can’t  agree on anything.  Debates degrade into personal attacks and that spoils the fun.

Here’s the first test to see if we can talk politics intelligently (if we revert to personal attacks, then no more politics) …

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Popularity: 12% [?]

The Daily Progress reports that VDOT is proposing more traffic cameras in the Charlottesville region.   Fortunately, these are not the kind of cameras that get you for running red lights or speeding.  Still no word on when traffic law cameras will be installed.

Anyway, just be happy when you drive up 29N, in case you didn’t know already, you will now have a video feed of how much it sucks.  Oh.. that video feed will cost $800,000.  I have a proposal: pay 4 dudes $50,000 a year to hold a video camera and pay me the rest.  Deal? Ok.

[via DP]

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Just how far would you go to get a pay check? Would you work somewhere that went against your beliefs?

We can’t discuss politics, but we can grab a hold of morals.

I was recently sent information on a job opening that would be perfect for me. It involves working for something I don’t believe in and stand against. The pay would be great, the benefits would be ideal and the location is just right.

I am torn between money/employment and my morals. There is always the chance I could begin to change my views after working at this job…but do I want to change them?

Examples: Working for a medical company that tests drugs on animals when you are a strong supporter of stopping medical testing on animals, working for an abortion clinic if you don’t believe abortion should be legal, working for a democrat when you are a republican, etc.

What would you do in such a situation? Should money and secure employment even matter?

Popularity: 36% [?]

The IRS sux, but they are giving us money. Almost everyone qualified for the economic stimulus rebate. But when are they coming? Check this schedule to find out.

Stimulus Payment Schedule for Tax Returns
Received and Processed by April 15

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=180247,00.html

Good times are here, my friends. And none too soon, I’m starving. I’m gonna buy myself a shirt made of gold that says, “remember what W did for you”. What are you gonna spend your rebate on?

Popularity: 25% [?]

I know a may be a little behind the times, but have you seen the new five dollar bill?! I had one in my change back from Barnes and Noble the other day. I tried to give it back. I told the lady I thought it was fake. She looked at me like I was crazy. I looked at her like, “b!@&*, I will knock you out”. She retrieved the manager and he proceeded to hit on me (probably just to calm me down–he knows how to use sex as a weapon) then told me the bill was legit.

Basically, I made fool of myself.

Had I known I would not have made such a big deal about it, but this stuff looks fake! What exactly is going through the treasury’s mind? A giant purple five? They must have been doing psychedelics when they thought the redesign up.

I can appreciate that they gave Lincoln a face lift…he was looking a bit old.

Check out more on the bill here.

Popularity: 17% [?]

To the joker who stole from the fundraiser at Mellow Mushroom last night:

I HOPE KARMA GETS YOU BIG TIME

NBC 29 Reports that a guy came up to the table where Relay for Life cups were being sold, pushed one of the girls, grabbed an envelope which contained an undisclosed amount of money and fled on foot.

Police said he is a 35 to 50 year old black male… good luck finding someone with that discription.

[via NBC 29]

Update: The Daily Progress reports the amount stolen was $425.

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