The last two or so weeks have been absolutely insane. Progress reports just came out and it’s looking good so far, all that hard work pays off…trust me.

Last week, it felt as though the  California fire season for 2008 was well in the rear-view mirror.

The $700 billion bailout was passed off on the American people as a necessity to save our economy, and as Rep. Mike Thompson put it: “Voting yes was the only responsible option.”

With the collapse of prime lenders, investment institutions and the infusion of at least $1.8 trillion into a small segment of our economic infrastructure, I will be firing all of my elected officials this November. This will include state officials, as well.

Not sure I can add much to what is already on the site or out there, other than my view. McCain seems constantly angry and unpresidential. Regardless of his policies I don't see how he can win like that. Unfortunately I think we are seeing the real McCain, many from Arizona predicted he would be a bad campaigner, now I know what they mean.

Why do I dislike so many political partisans? Let me count the ways.

Proposition 6 on the California ballot seeks to increase spending for criminal justices resources, mostly to fight gangs. It would fund an increase in staffing for prosecutors, probation officers, jails and juvenile halls. It rewrites laws covering 30 offenses, making things tougher on convicted gang members by lengthening prison sentences for many gang-related crimes. It would make possession of methamphetamine a felony.

Dear editor, So, the Napa Register endorses John McCain. Not surprising since they previously endorsed George W. Bush. Some people never learn.

Dear editor, One of the most inspiring events I have attended at Napa Valley College was the staging of “The Laramie Project” six years ago. It made me particularly proud to work at a community college that illustrates, in the many of the events we hold for the public, our commitment to the ideal that an educational institution should take a leading role in repudiating hate crimes in our society.

Dear editor, I watched the second presidential debate and what may have gone unnoticed really rang out to me loud and clear. Sen. McCain referred to Sen. Obama as “that one.” To me this was an egregious lack of respect for an elected official of the United States, a lack of common sensibility and an appearance of ignorance of common decency.

Dear editor, I found my Obama sign stolen from my yard and my neighbor’s Obama sign torn and thrown into a bush on my yard. In a walk of my Old Town neighborhood it seemed that other Obama signs were missing, as well. I object to this act of anti-Americanism and anti-free speech. In response I will find more signs and contribute more money to the Obama campaign, in the hope that we elect him as our next president and return our country back to honor, prosperity and leadership.

Dear editor, I was genuinely disappointed to read the expression of your short-sighted opposition to Proposition 1A, the California High Speed Rail Project bond measure on the Nov. 4 statewide ballot.

Dear editor, Proposition 2 on the November ballot will indeed make life better for millions of farm animals in California. The improvements this measure asks for could not be more moderate. It will simply give egg-laying hens, pregnant sows and veal calves enough room to stand up, turn around, lie comfortably and extend their limbs. That’s it.

Dear editor, In response to your article dated Oct. 1, I would like to publicly thank all of the volunteers and staff of the Napa Valley Conference and Visitors Bureau. This group of 84 displayed random acts of kindness when they offered to help the guests through this abrupt transition. The volunteers have really become cohesive, all working together for a common cause. The organization always ensured that the people who visited the Visitor Center were treated as guests using a great deal of kindness to share the story of Napa Valley.

Dear editor, Proponents of Proposition 8 on the coming ballot want to prohibit same-sex unions from adopting children. They argue that a two-parent, man-woman family is necessary for the healthy development of children.

It never fails that right after the first month of school ends, the hot topic becomes Halloween. How do your kids get ready for Halloween?  Do you mom's make costumes?  Or do you buy something ready made?  Which is better, and why?

Every afternoon, starting at about 3:30, I feel like I am the one going back to school. One child needs help with an algebra problem. Another has social studies questions to answer. A high school student has a paper that needs proofing. How do you mom's find the time to help your kids with homework? How much time do your kids — and you -- spend on homework each night? Who helps your kids with their homework?

Barack Obama chose Delaware Sen. Joe Biden as his running mate ... what do you think of the choice?

(Editor's note: The comments on this crashed about 9:30 a.m Friday, right after McCain's announcement. We were able to rebuild most but not all of the comments)