Why does it take me so long

to go to a doctor?

A few years ago I tore the cartilage in my right knee, and so had to have arthroscopic surgery to repair it.  It calmed down for the most part, but was never quite the same.  I've been walking around with a clicking knee ever since, and so, unfortunately, cannot sneak up on anyone.

Well, for about a year now my knee has been hurting me again.  Not just occasionally, but all the time.  Now, occasionally it hurts so bad that I limp.  Badly.

Wouldn't a normal person have gone to the doctor already?  Knowing how bad it can be if left until it tears, wouldn't a sane individual have done something about it?

Yes, probably so.  But I have done nothing.

Today I made an appointment to see an orthopedist who specializes in knees and shoulders (did I mention my shoulder has hurt for about 2 years?).  I can't wait to hear what an idiot I am for letting it get this bad.

and here we go

This is why I'm so incredibly pissed off about the outcome of this election.

Republicans in the House and Senate said this week they plan to push for Alaska refuge drilling legislation early next year, and they predict success, given the 55-44-1 GOP Senate majority in the next Congress. Democrats and some environmental activists say continued protection of the refuge has never been as much in doubt.

"It's probably the best chance we've had," Rep. Richard Pombo, R-California, chairman of the House Resources Committee and a vocal drilling advocate, said in an interview.

*snip*

Bush is also expected in his second term to renew his call for action by Congress on a broader, largely pro-production, energy agenda -- from easing rules for oil and gas drilling on federal land in the Rocky Mountains to expanding clean-coal technology and improving the reliability of the electricity grid.

(More at link)

I realize that there are huge issues at stake.  Issues that I strongly believe in, such as abortion rights, homosexual rights, the Christianizing of the government, the "war on terror," and plenty more.  But this is the one that MAKES MY FRIGGIN EYES BLEED.

I don't think I can even put together a coherent argument about why this is so wrong, so I'll let someone else do it.


Don't even get me started about the Clean Air Act.