Should Republicans go ahead and add Supreme Court Justices to head off Democrats

California wedding trip

My wife and I flew to California Friday for my daughters wedding. Trips like this yield not only personal satisfaction but a chance to see ancedotal evidence of what is going on in this country. Here are a few observations:

• The airlines appear to have recovered passenger traffic since 9-11. We had to change planes in Phoenix going both ways, and the four different flights we were on were all full. The flight home was overbooked when they had to use an aircraft with one fewer rows than they had planned for. Airports in all three cities, Houston, Phoenix, and Burbank were crowded with passengers.
  
• Real estate is appreciating significantly al over the country. Homes in California that would well for under $250,000 had multiple bidders at prices between $750,000 and $1 million. An old home on Peaks Island, Maine near Portland recently appraised for $450,000. A small two bedroom row house in Alexandria. Virginia recently sold for over $400,000 which was more than twice its purchase price about fours years ago. Country property in Texas has also nearly double in value in the last five years. Lower interest rates probably have helped push prices up soem since it makes it easier for people to qualify for bigger loans. But, people still have to be able to afford the purchase and they can only do that when the economy is strong.
• Antiwar pukes were generally ignored in Los Angelos. Near the resturant where we had the rehearsal dinner, there were a few folks holding signs asking drivers on the busy road to honk if they wanted "peace." Even with a loaded request, the group was mostly ignored. While I contemplated giving them a single finger salute, it struck me that ignoring them probably frustrated them more.
• Security in the airports, while something of a hassle was done with courtesy and relative efficiency. It is interesting that the buckles on my sandals set off the metal detector, but my belt buckle did not. Despite all the hype about sharp objects being confiscated, my wife had no trouble getting her cork puller through in her checked baggage.
• I was able to save signifcant dollars by using Priceline.com to purchase tickets, my hotel room and rent car. If you are not concerned about changing your plans, the advance purchase makes economic sense.

The outdoor wedding in the Topango Canyon area was beautiful.