As someone wrote on a mailing list today, “I’m going to go out in the morning and shake my trees, because there will be pork in them.” The Sox just got the last out. Game 4. 3–0. I hear fireworks and horns in the streets. I’m going to bed.

But I can’t resist asking: if things come in threes, and we are having two signs of Apocalypse tonight (one atmospheric, one Bostonian), what’s the third?

Given what we’ve been reading about potential GOP attempts to interfere with voters in Florida, Ohio, and other swing states next week, this Election Protection Card looks like it’s a must-have when you go to your polling place on Nov. 2. It won’t keep another Brooks Brothers Riot from happening but it might help bring the perpetrators to justice.

Tonight: Game 4, and a total lunar eclipse. Guess I’ll miss part of the middle innings, since the eclipse starts at 9:14…

It looks like Pedro isn’t taking any chances, and he’s giving credit where due. I think this photo from Game 3 would make a great Photoshop contest…

Daily Kos: Free speech, Bush style. At Richland Center High School in Richland County, Wisconsin, students were told in preparation for a visit from the President that they could not wear pro-Kerry clothing or buttons or protest in any manner at risk of expulsion.

Expulsion. Getting thrown out of school for the rest of the year. Because one chooses to wear an item that supports the Democratic candidate for president.

It’s never too early to learn that free speech isn’t for everyone, but only for those that can afford it. That schools restrict political activity during presidential campaigns instead of creating teachable moments is one of the greatest failures of our educational system to date. That the campaign would make this request in the first place is the final proof (as if we needed it) that they care neither for our rights nor our children’s education.

Suggested action? Patrick Nielsen Hayden links to the story and provides contact information for the school and its administrative personnel.

US Election Atlas: 2004 Election Night Events Timeline, all dressed up and ready to go. I hope the server is up to the load it will be getting on November 2. (Also, I didn’t realize that the Massachusetts polls were open until 8 pm—that’s cool, though we won’t need the extra time as we live three blocks up the hill from our polling location.) Thanks to Tin Man for the link.