It is not my normal writing time, but I have insomnia. Not normal insomnia, but the type fueled by a late night political discussion, angst over the stock market, and frozen pizza for dinner. When better to write down some thoughts? After all, this day has been just packed full of current events.

Well, Fred has officially dropped out of the race for Republican nomination. I guess it was obvious with his slipping poll numbers and lackluster fund raising, but I can’t help but feel a little confused. I’m not confused by Fred, but rather by what happened over the past couple of months. He is such a great man and really knew the issues. No candidate is as solid or published on policy. Fred seemed to say the “right” things about military, economic, and social issues. It just didn’t matter; Fred always seemed to be the second choice of decided voters.

To top it off, the fed cut interest rates three quarters of a point to 3.5%. I don’t think rates have been this low since 1990, the year the federal reserve began using monetary policy to control economic growth. With the dow ending the day with a 130 point loss, it makes you wonder what would have happened without the cut. President Bush and Congress are working towards a short-term stimulus package. I don’t know enough to have an opinion on either (a stimulus package or rate cuts). Regardless, the world economy as a whole shows signs of slowing down.

Even with all this glum, things are well in my little world. The job is going great and the girl is coming for a visit later this week. My dad is even in town tomorrow night, giving me an opportunity to get a late dinner with him.  We have had some interesting weather in East TN, but it is about time we experience some winter.