About ten days ago we here in Maine were bombarded with news about a young woman from Scarborough who while attending college in Providence had written a blog post on a College Conservatives website that had gone viral. The entry telling of her experiences as a Walmart checkout person and what she saw became something that was read all over the country.
The young lady wrote about people using welfare in what she considered inappropriate ways by buying fancy foods such as lobster, using the welfare card at the same time as they paid cash for fancy electronic equipment and the like. We all know that many of the people who are on welfare do not use the cards the way we would. Or at least the way we think we would.
The problem with this girls entry is that it plays into stereotypes. The problem with stereotypes is, hang onto your hat here, is that usually there is enough of a truth in them to make them dangerous. A good deal of Nascar fans are rednecks. Not all but enough so that people get the joke. The fact is that a stereotype does not work if it does not have a strong grain of truth running through it. People would not get the reference and it would fade away.
So it is established that there is welfare abuse. Welfare dependency is generational and the fact that she sees children playing EBT card games is something that should give us all pause.
The problem is bigger than somebody getting a birthday cake with their welfare money or having lobster. We do not know. If it is her childs birthday would you deny that kid a cake. Even if it was on welfare money?
As much as the stereotype works we must understand that there are a strong percentage of people who use welfare the right way. The question is how do you fix the problems. If a person has or can only get a low wage job and has children then yes it becomes difficult to get them to work when they can get the same amount of money to stay home. Do some women have kids to perpetuate this. Yes they do. Still much of the reason that they do is that they are uneducated and fearful of life off the system.
Our problems are deeper than welfare abuse. Every time you take a trip to Walmart, for example , you see people and children that you know have very little chance of breaking out of the cycle of dependence.
Do you solve it by making it harder for a generation so that the cycle is broken. Perhaps you do. Nothing else seems to stop it.
So now we return to the check out girl. If her motive was altruistic in writing this it would be easier to embrace. However when she puts her life's goal as being the next Ann Coulter it is easy to see what the end goal of this blog is. It is to get attention and to be controversial. She succeeded. She is not a bad person. She has seen abuses and she feels strongly about what she has seen. The problem is that there will always be wide swath of the population who will take a true stereotype as gospel.
Just like those who say they have nothing against black people before they go on to criticize black people many will say for those who really need it they do not mind welfare. The problem is can you standing behind someone at the checkout counter really determine in that brief glimpse if someone needs or deserves welfare.
Could someone who sees me hobble in on my cane and sit and watch my sons basketball game determine if I am disabled enough to receive a check. Are they at home with me later that night when my wife helps me undress and rubs my legs as they recover from the pain of walking and sitting.
Yes there are abuses. Yes the cycle of dependence needs to be broken. Yes the poor have become a voting block to be protected and in some cases exploited by politicians. The fact is though with all of these fixes needed I cannot be judge and jury and nor can anyone else. In this case when the people in charge need to make rational, non emotional, long term decisions stereotypes do not help. Even when they come from attractive wanna be pundit college girls.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Is Lowe's Stupid or in a Bad Position
Recently Lowe's pulled their advertisements from episodes of the TLC show All American Muslim. Protest from conservative groups, mostly from Florida, caused this decision.
All American Muslim is one of the seemingly never ending list of reality shows that are featured on The Learning Channel. Certainly they seem to have gotten away from thier main mission with current shows also including Virgins, and Sister Wives. Truly we probably do not need to learn about these people.
All American Muslim centers on some Muslin families in Dearborn, Michigan. Interestingly the protests over the show center not on what is shown, but that what is shown attempts to make people think that Muslims, for the most part, are just like us and should not be discriminated against or perceived as a threat.
The argument is ridiculous. My wife and I had a rather heated quasi-argument about racial profiling two weeks ago. Her position was that she felt it was ok for Grandma's and babies from Iowa to be taken out of line for a full search while a few turbaned Muslims skated right through because profiling was wrong. I was of a mind if 99 percent of all plane related terrorism relates to a certain group, in this case Muslims I supported profiling. Anyone who gets on a plane in America profiles. Your concern always increases when you see an obvious Muslim. I believe that people who tell you they do not are fibbing, either to you, themsleves or both.
That said the position that this show does a disservice is wrong. There is a higher percentage of the perceived American nationalities that have negative feelings about America and our government than do Arab Americans. Most of these folks are here for a reason, they choose to be, they believe the freedom in America is worthwhile. Most would not return to the Middle East if they could. To say a show that does not have for a sixth family a jihadi family so as to show the whole scope of Muslim opinion is foolish.
Lowe's giving into this pressure was very odd to me. However when one looks at Lowe's and their average customer demographic it is easy to see why. The percentage of people who might be offended by their decision, those that lean left and with a higher level of education is not the target Lowe's customer. Actually they really had no choice on this issue if they were going to protect their shareholders. Certainly they could have placed an add talking about the issue, stating their postion and going Stars and Stripes for everyone, including Muslims but that at best would have been a break even position. The amount of airplay this story has received, even in the left press, shows that Lowe's made the decision that was best for thier company financially.
All American Muslim is one of the seemingly never ending list of reality shows that are featured on The Learning Channel. Certainly they seem to have gotten away from thier main mission with current shows also including Virgins, and Sister Wives. Truly we probably do not need to learn about these people.
All American Muslim centers on some Muslin families in Dearborn, Michigan. Interestingly the protests over the show center not on what is shown, but that what is shown attempts to make people think that Muslims, for the most part, are just like us and should not be discriminated against or perceived as a threat.
The argument is ridiculous. My wife and I had a rather heated quasi-argument about racial profiling two weeks ago. Her position was that she felt it was ok for Grandma's and babies from Iowa to be taken out of line for a full search while a few turbaned Muslims skated right through because profiling was wrong. I was of a mind if 99 percent of all plane related terrorism relates to a certain group, in this case Muslims I supported profiling. Anyone who gets on a plane in America profiles. Your concern always increases when you see an obvious Muslim. I believe that people who tell you they do not are fibbing, either to you, themsleves or both.
That said the position that this show does a disservice is wrong. There is a higher percentage of the perceived American nationalities that have negative feelings about America and our government than do Arab Americans. Most of these folks are here for a reason, they choose to be, they believe the freedom in America is worthwhile. Most would not return to the Middle East if they could. To say a show that does not have for a sixth family a jihadi family so as to show the whole scope of Muslim opinion is foolish.
Lowe's giving into this pressure was very odd to me. However when one looks at Lowe's and their average customer demographic it is easy to see why. The percentage of people who might be offended by their decision, those that lean left and with a higher level of education is not the target Lowe's customer. Actually they really had no choice on this issue if they were going to protect their shareholders. Certainly they could have placed an add talking about the issue, stating their postion and going Stars and Stripes for everyone, including Muslims but that at best would have been a break even position. The amount of airplay this story has received, even in the left press, shows that Lowe's made the decision that was best for thier company financially.
Payroll Tax Cut Stalled in the House
It is not a usual circumstance for me to agree with John Boehner and less likely even for me to agree with the tea party but word that House Republicans plan to stop a bill to extend the payroll tax cut for the first two months of 2011.
Boehner would like to pass the bill but of course his friends on the tea party fringe are holding him hostage. Claiming that a two month bill just kicks the can down the road is an argument that cannot be fought. It is true. These folks want to go home for the holiday break. Anything that keeps their feet to the fire is a good thing.
Of course this will also give our President a chance to cave even further to the folks on the right. Obama clearly is of a mind that any deal is better than no deal. More than one Comedian has said for a reason that The Republicans today rejected an offer by the President for everything they asked for. Sometimes one must think that it is becoming harder and harder to argue with The President when he continually capitualtes.
Boehner would like to pass the bill but of course his friends on the tea party fringe are holding him hostage. Claiming that a two month bill just kicks the can down the road is an argument that cannot be fought. It is true. These folks want to go home for the holiday break. Anything that keeps their feet to the fire is a good thing.
Of course this will also give our President a chance to cave even further to the folks on the right. Obama clearly is of a mind that any deal is better than no deal. More than one Comedian has said for a reason that The Republicans today rejected an offer by the President for everything they asked for. Sometimes one must think that it is becoming harder and harder to argue with The President when he continually capitualtes.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Is Obama Going to Cave Again?
As the government debates if they should extend the payroll tax cut we now hear that the President is preparing to cave to the Republicans again.
I recently wrote about my disagreement with the extension as it relates to Social Security Funding. However were it to be extended which appears to be a certainty, eventually, the question is how does this happen or moreover how will it be funded.
In this we come to the constant question. Republicans want there to be cuts and not an extension of the deficit. This is a worthwhile opinion. Democrats would like to pay for it by raising revenue, specifically by new taxing of millionaries.
Now as a moderate Democrat it seems to me that taxing the wealthiest Americans is an acceptable way to raise revenue.
As a lay follower of politics it seems to me that nothing could so easily demonstrate the difference between the left and the right in this country is their opinion on the issue of taxing the rich. Yet in these instances time and time again The President wavers on these issues. Were you a Republican would you ever think that this President will hold firm on an issue, come what may.
When Congress did not cooperate Ronald Reagan went around them and spoke to the public. This President seems to have no desire to do that. For a man who is reputed to be a great speaker and communicator he again and again demonstrates an unwillingness to join the battle.
As he prepares to give in again, without a fight, before a shutdown and give away this incredibly potent contrast between the parties one wonders if Barack Obama is patently incapable of standing for something or anything at all.
I recently wrote about my disagreement with the extension as it relates to Social Security Funding. However were it to be extended which appears to be a certainty, eventually, the question is how does this happen or moreover how will it be funded.
In this we come to the constant question. Republicans want there to be cuts and not an extension of the deficit. This is a worthwhile opinion. Democrats would like to pay for it by raising revenue, specifically by new taxing of millionaries.
Now as a moderate Democrat it seems to me that taxing the wealthiest Americans is an acceptable way to raise revenue.
As a lay follower of politics it seems to me that nothing could so easily demonstrate the difference between the left and the right in this country is their opinion on the issue of taxing the rich. Yet in these instances time and time again The President wavers on these issues. Were you a Republican would you ever think that this President will hold firm on an issue, come what may.
When Congress did not cooperate Ronald Reagan went around them and spoke to the public. This President seems to have no desire to do that. For a man who is reputed to be a great speaker and communicator he again and again demonstrates an unwillingness to join the battle.
As he prepares to give in again, without a fight, before a shutdown and give away this incredibly potent contrast between the parties one wonders if Barack Obama is patently incapable of standing for something or anything at all.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Joe Biden
On the opposite side of the spectrum is Joe Biden. As Vice President Biden has become a bit of a caricature but no one inside Washington doubts his skills and knowledge. This man is a politician's politician.
In 2008 over the first few debates there were few, if any, candidates that were more prepared and more knowledgable that Joe Biden. Most acknowledge this. Biden is a very smart man and the consumate pro.
I, myself, do not think I am alone among Democrats in thinking that Joe Biden, tried and true Joe Biden, would have been a much more effective President than Mr. Obama has been.
Joe Biden is a man of courage, who for many long years has done the right thing. One wonders if he will run for the Presidency in 2016 at what will be a fairly advanced age. It is hard in this age of media to see him succeeding in a long term campaign but one never knows.
Biden might well be for Democrats what Dick Cheney was for Republicans, a member the faithful embrace while they watch them being pushed to the side. Biden does not deserve to be shunted aside. He is an example of how we elect the new and shiny and under utilize our best.
In 2008 over the first few debates there were few, if any, candidates that were more prepared and more knowledgable that Joe Biden. Most acknowledge this. Biden is a very smart man and the consumate pro.
I, myself, do not think I am alone among Democrats in thinking that Joe Biden, tried and true Joe Biden, would have been a much more effective President than Mr. Obama has been.
Joe Biden is a man of courage, who for many long years has done the right thing. One wonders if he will run for the Presidency in 2016 at what will be a fairly advanced age. It is hard in this age of media to see him succeeding in a long term campaign but one never knows.
Biden might well be for Democrats what Dick Cheney was for Republicans, a member the faithful embrace while they watch them being pushed to the side. Biden does not deserve to be shunted aside. He is an example of how we elect the new and shiny and under utilize our best.
Donald Trump
Is there anyone who is more deserving of disrespect and ridicule than Donald Trump. This man has changed his opinions so often over the years that he makes Mitt Romney look strong willed.
I do not like to make personal attacks on people. My Mom told me that if you cannot say something nice about someone to just be quiet.
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I do not like to make personal attacks on people. My Mom told me that if you cannot say something nice about someone to just be quiet.
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The Payroll Tax Cut Extension Revisited
As our friends in Washington debate the extension of the payroll tax cut a few things should be considered.
Just as I wrote long ago this is not a payroll tax cut. This is a reduction in Social Security Deductions. This is significant. The same program we are afraid will be out of money sometime in the next twenty years is the one we are reducing the amount of money we set aside for. Now we are told it is ok as the government is covering that amount that would have been contributed by individuals. Of course for those who think that money will be set aside must think the millions and billions that are in surplus are kept in a lock box and not spent.
Interestingly last year I said the Republicans were for this payroll tax cut is they hoped to starve the government and the best way to handle that is not to fund it and tax cuts are a fun way to not fund the government. It is popular sleight of hand until it is too late.
However in the debate for the renewal of this cut which I must say I am against the Republicans in the Senate are being more reponsible than their Democratic brethren. They wish to extend the cut but to fund this by cuts in other places. This is a practical solution. You cannot call everything an emergency and continially add to the deficit.
I am against this cut. The government should not cut SS contributions under any pretense.
Just as I wrote long ago this is not a payroll tax cut. This is a reduction in Social Security Deductions. This is significant. The same program we are afraid will be out of money sometime in the next twenty years is the one we are reducing the amount of money we set aside for. Now we are told it is ok as the government is covering that amount that would have been contributed by individuals. Of course for those who think that money will be set aside must think the millions and billions that are in surplus are kept in a lock box and not spent.
Interestingly last year I said the Republicans were for this payroll tax cut is they hoped to starve the government and the best way to handle that is not to fund it and tax cuts are a fun way to not fund the government. It is popular sleight of hand until it is too late.
However in the debate for the renewal of this cut which I must say I am against the Republicans in the Senate are being more reponsible than their Democratic brethren. They wish to extend the cut but to fund this by cuts in other places. This is a practical solution. You cannot call everything an emergency and continially add to the deficit.
I am against this cut. The government should not cut SS contributions under any pretense.
My Ipod, My Lonely, Dusty Ipod
My kids have Ipod touches and by the look of the Christmas flyers the ipod touches are still very popular. I myself have an Ipod, not a touch, but I must confess I have not listened to it in months. It is not so much obsolete as a victim of the choices it has predicated.
I have an Ipad that I use for most if not all of my internet, actually with the exception of blogging such as this and for Spotify which I still have as free and thus cannot use on my Ipad. At night I listen to Tune In Radio on the Ipad. If I want I can listen to Pandora on the Ipad but much of music comes from Spotify. In short one does not need to own music anymore. That day seems to be ending. I am not sure how artists make money under the Spotify system but clearly they must be or they would not be taking part. Right?
Spotify, Pandora, Tune In Radio and of course Sirius XM in the truck and the Ipod becomes a casualty. I do not think Apple is hurting, but certainly the era of choice is among us. For me personally Spotify is the descendant of Napster and Tune In Radio is perhaps the most underrated app for the Ipad.
For each gain however someone loses. I will dust off my Ipod but most likely will not be listening much.
My son has an overloaded ipod but he uses the computer for his music, if not spotify then our itunes collection. The next step for me is wireless speakers. Essentially what is happening is, at least in the house, itunes itself is replacing the ipod.
Still it's purpose was served, it started the revolution.
I have an Ipad that I use for most if not all of my internet, actually with the exception of blogging such as this and for Spotify which I still have as free and thus cannot use on my Ipad. At night I listen to Tune In Radio on the Ipad. If I want I can listen to Pandora on the Ipad but much of music comes from Spotify. In short one does not need to own music anymore. That day seems to be ending. I am not sure how artists make money under the Spotify system but clearly they must be or they would not be taking part. Right?
Spotify, Pandora, Tune In Radio and of course Sirius XM in the truck and the Ipod becomes a casualty. I do not think Apple is hurting, but certainly the era of choice is among us. For me personally Spotify is the descendant of Napster and Tune In Radio is perhaps the most underrated app for the Ipad.
For each gain however someone loses. I will dust off my Ipod but most likely will not be listening much.
My son has an overloaded ipod but he uses the computer for his music, if not spotify then our itunes collection. The next step for me is wireless speakers. Essentially what is happening is, at least in the house, itunes itself is replacing the ipod.
Still it's purpose was served, it started the revolution.
The Fed Bails out the Euro
Last week as we had our weekly fear mongering about the pending collapse of the Euro the United States treasury led a bailout effort for some European banks. Digest that for a moment. While some European treasiries were convinced to help the main force was the United States.
The International Banking System is all connected so it stands to reason the United States would be concerned about the pending rupture in Europe. That said one has to ask themselves if this is the action that we should expect. The U S out in front on baling out European economies.
I do not know the answer but I know that much of America would say no.
The International Banking System is all connected so it stands to reason the United States would be concerned about the pending rupture in Europe. That said one has to ask themselves if this is the action that we should expect. The U S out in front on baling out European economies.
I do not know the answer but I know that much of America would say no.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Michael Steele is no longer a Boogeyman
Former Republican National Committee Chairman Micheal Steele was very controversial in his tenure. Since being ousted however and taking a position as a regular analyst on MSNBC now Steele is a gentleman. The fact that he is working for MSNBC and not FOX can lead to one to believe that he has been cast aside by the right.
Thus Steele may be toning down his act. For me however I think we are seeing, just as we talked earlier about Pawlenty, that once away from the day to day sword fight that is politics, one can be polite and not personal and still disagree.
To me Steele is so much more likable and seems much more intelligent at this time speaking clearly and persuasively for his positions.
Why do folks have to leave politics to stop acting like spoiled children.
Thus Steele may be toning down his act. For me however I think we are seeing, just as we talked earlier about Pawlenty, that once away from the day to day sword fight that is politics, one can be polite and not personal and still disagree.
To me Steele is so much more likable and seems much more intelligent at this time speaking clearly and persuasively for his positions.
Why do folks have to leave politics to stop acting like spoiled children.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Does Joe Scarborough have a Personal Agenda?
I like Joe Scarborough. I respect his opinions and in many ways think that is postions mirror mine on many issues. He is a Republican. Many Republicans are thinking that the party needs a few less friends like Joe.
This morning alone he eviscorated Newt Gingrich and his lobbying efforts and pay checks and then laughingly spoke about Rick Perry's claim that he would stop Obama's War on Religion.
Scarborough is intelligent and witty. He is an entertainer and he is very articulate. Still one wonders where the line between criticizing in an attempt to get the party to move to winnable positions and just being critical as a knee jerk reaction.
I have watched Joe so much it makes me wonder what he does believe in. I think that with the dissatisfaction on both the left and the right someone like Scarborough could be a legitimate candidate for President. I get the sense that he is four years away from this.
One thing that might come back to bite him however is that he soon will not be able to run as a Republican. He will have to be an Independent. Perhaps that is the plan already. If it is not then it might have to be.
I for one welcome his getting off the fence and standing on the soapbox as a candidate.
This morning alone he eviscorated Newt Gingrich and his lobbying efforts and pay checks and then laughingly spoke about Rick Perry's claim that he would stop Obama's War on Religion.
Scarborough is intelligent and witty. He is an entertainer and he is very articulate. Still one wonders where the line between criticizing in an attempt to get the party to move to winnable positions and just being critical as a knee jerk reaction.
I have watched Joe so much it makes me wonder what he does believe in. I think that with the dissatisfaction on both the left and the right someone like Scarborough could be a legitimate candidate for President. I get the sense that he is four years away from this.
One thing that might come back to bite him however is that he soon will not be able to run as a Republican. He will have to be an Independent. Perhaps that is the plan already. If it is not then it might have to be.
I for one welcome his getting off the fence and standing on the soapbox as a candidate.
Rick Perry's New Ad
I have made clear I think Rick Perry is a terrible Governor, would be a horrnedous President and is not a person whose opinions I agree with in anyway.
Still there must be something said about his recent ad. Perry talks about it being wrong that gays can serve in the military openly and children cannot pray openly in school. It is not an opinion I agree with but I agree with the fact that this does appear to be an interesting contrast.
Perry runs an ad that does not deflect or hide his feelings. He believes this stuff. He tells what he believes.
You do not have to agree with him. I do not. You still have to respect that he is clear and not mincing his position depending on his audinece
Still there must be something said about his recent ad. Perry talks about it being wrong that gays can serve in the military openly and children cannot pray openly in school. It is not an opinion I agree with but I agree with the fact that this does appear to be an interesting contrast.
Perry runs an ad that does not deflect or hide his feelings. He believes this stuff. He tells what he believes.
You do not have to agree with him. I do not. You still have to respect that he is clear and not mincing his position depending on his audinece
Rod from Illinois and Micheal Jackson's Doctor
So the former Governor of Illinois was convicted on various charges and yesterday was sentenced to 14 years in jail. I am sure he committed offenses. Still this seems like a vendetta and certainly an excessive sentence.
14 years for conspiracy to extort. Really? 14 years for being a whore for money. Like a good percentage of our politicians? It just seems like this is excessive. Now, clearly, if he had fallen on his sword and stayed off reality television perhaps it would have not been such a large sentence.
Still I see no merit in Blagovich, SIC, spending this much time in jail. It seems ridiculous.
Conrad Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and received a four year sentence. That was the maximum allowed. I did not follow the case. That sentence seems to be in line, accidentally being a cause of a death. The Illinois Governor did not kill anyone.
14 years? Ridiculous. Vindictive.
14 years for conspiracy to extort. Really? 14 years for being a whore for money. Like a good percentage of our politicians? It just seems like this is excessive. Now, clearly, if he had fallen on his sword and stayed off reality television perhaps it would have not been such a large sentence.
Still I see no merit in Blagovich, SIC, spending this much time in jail. It seems ridiculous.
Conrad Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and received a four year sentence. That was the maximum allowed. I did not follow the case. That sentence seems to be in line, accidentally being a cause of a death. The Illinois Governor did not kill anyone.
14 years? Ridiculous. Vindictive.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
LePage and his Medicaid cuts
As anyone who knows me knows I am not a fan of Paul LePage. I think he is a poor governor and truthfully as close to an embarrassment as we have ever had in a public official in Maine.
His Medicaid proposal deserves a fair review. The state Medicaid system pays at a higher percentage than the federal mandate. We really have no reason for that to be the case.
Proposed cuts to the benefits for childless adults, and young adults may need to be made . It is a fair question if providing health insurance to these people is the best use of our resources.
Another question to be asked is why should those who receive Medicaid get dental benefits when many working people even with health insurance do not have dental coverage.
It could be said that giving health benefits to those who qualify for Medicare that exceeds that given to those who buy their own health insurance brings up it's own questions of fairness.
Like him or not something needs to be cut. This plan is legitimate and should not be given a knee jerk rejection from the other side. If folks do not like these cuts they should at least propose what they would cut.
His Medicaid proposal deserves a fair review. The state Medicaid system pays at a higher percentage than the federal mandate. We really have no reason for that to be the case.
Proposed cuts to the benefits for childless adults, and young adults may need to be made . It is a fair question if providing health insurance to these people is the best use of our resources.
Another question to be asked is why should those who receive Medicaid get dental benefits when many working people even with health insurance do not have dental coverage.
It could be said that giving health benefits to those who qualify for Medicare that exceeds that given to those who buy their own health insurance brings up it's own questions of fairness.
Like him or not something needs to be cut. This plan is legitimate and should not be given a knee jerk rejection from the other side. If folks do not like these cuts they should at least propose what they would cut.
Newt Picks His Secretary of State
Usually candidates wait for things like this, wanting to not annoy anybody while the campaign is still in progress.
Not our friend Newt. Newt today stated that his Secretary of State of choice would be John Bolton. Bolton, you will remember, was Bush the second's ambassador to the UN. He could not get him confirmed, he had to put him in place with a recess appointment. We should thank Gingrich for being honest.
He brought a Conservative group to their feet today with this announcement. And, truthfully few Americans pay attention to potential Secretary of State choices. For those in the know though, this cannot get Gingrich any Independent votes.
Things sometime do not work out as expected and the rise of Newt in the polls proves this but it seems on all levels Gingrich as the nominee would be a complete disaster for the Republicans.
Not our friend Newt. Newt today stated that his Secretary of State of choice would be John Bolton. Bolton, you will remember, was Bush the second's ambassador to the UN. He could not get him confirmed, he had to put him in place with a recess appointment. We should thank Gingrich for being honest.
He brought a Conservative group to their feet today with this announcement. And, truthfully few Americans pay attention to potential Secretary of State choices. For those in the know though, this cannot get Gingrich any Independent votes.
Things sometime do not work out as expected and the rise of Newt in the polls proves this but it seems on all levels Gingrich as the nominee would be a complete disaster for the Republicans.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Christmas Time Again
I can tell how much closer Christmas gets as my wife's complaining about the cold increases. I do not mean to imply my wife is one who complains often. She is not, in fact she almost never does. Except. About the cold. Our house is about sixty years old and it would appear has never been insulated that well. This is a problem when you have a wife who gets cold easily, and children who like to wear t shirts and shorts all year long.
So we know that Christmas is getting closer. Today we took our annual trip to get our Christmas tree. Going to our regular tree farm we were given an ax and a tarp and off we went. Armed with a six foot four teenager we were well prepared to do battle with Mother Nature despite my days of carrying an ax being replaced by my days of hobbling along on a cane.
It is a nice experience, pretty fields, a nice day, laughing families. It gives one a little bit of hope that the whole world has not gone crazy. Some neat machines help get the tree you cut ready to go on your truck and if you like you can have cider and cookies.
When we arrive home the tree goes up. I must admit the debate between three teenagers or two teenagers and a twelve year old is a bit more than I like..the tree set up was a good time to take the dogs out but once that was done we were well on our way to decorating.
So here we sit, at six fifteen on a Sunday night. Children bribed with pizza to stay social a few minutes longer before they retire to their seperate corners for the evening to do homework, text and facebook.
Still a good day. The longest we have been all together without a National Holiday in a few months. Have to call that what it is...a special day.
So we know that Christmas is getting closer. Today we took our annual trip to get our Christmas tree. Going to our regular tree farm we were given an ax and a tarp and off we went. Armed with a six foot four teenager we were well prepared to do battle with Mother Nature despite my days of carrying an ax being replaced by my days of hobbling along on a cane.
It is a nice experience, pretty fields, a nice day, laughing families. It gives one a little bit of hope that the whole world has not gone crazy. Some neat machines help get the tree you cut ready to go on your truck and if you like you can have cider and cookies.
When we arrive home the tree goes up. I must admit the debate between three teenagers or two teenagers and a twelve year old is a bit more than I like..the tree set up was a good time to take the dogs out but once that was done we were well on our way to decorating.
So here we sit, at six fifteen on a Sunday night. Children bribed with pizza to stay social a few minutes longer before they retire to their seperate corners for the evening to do homework, text and facebook.
Still a good day. The longest we have been all together without a National Holiday in a few months. Have to call that what it is...a special day.
We Have a Sick Pet
Not one of our dogs but one of our cats. One is either a cat person or not. In our family we are cat people. I think cats are interesting and have an incredible amount of personality. We have two cats both large, a brother and sister. As they approached seven years old our female cat weighted well over 20 pounds.
About a month ago we noticed that she was losing weight. When we weighed her we were shocked to see that she was down to 14 pounds. Now a month later she is about 13 and while she does not act sick we know she is. Our vet took a look this week and ran some tests and she does indeed have diabetes. It is possibly treatable but not surely as her levels are very high and she has lost a great deal of weight.
What does one do. Can we see ourselves giving insulin shots twice a day, incurring that cost, the consistent blood and urine tests. These are not barn cats They have great personalities and they are loved members of the family. That said we have a large family with many pets. There are limits to what can be done to save a cat, even one we love.
We have been honest with the kids, given the prognosis, and advised we are going to change her diet and hope this makes a difference. I hope it does. I feel sad about her sickness and bad I cannot spend 1000 to save her. It is hard being the grownup sometime.
About a month ago we noticed that she was losing weight. When we weighed her we were shocked to see that she was down to 14 pounds. Now a month later she is about 13 and while she does not act sick we know she is. Our vet took a look this week and ran some tests and she does indeed have diabetes. It is possibly treatable but not surely as her levels are very high and she has lost a great deal of weight.
What does one do. Can we see ourselves giving insulin shots twice a day, incurring that cost, the consistent blood and urine tests. These are not barn cats They have great personalities and they are loved members of the family. That said we have a large family with many pets. There are limits to what can be done to save a cat, even one we love.
We have been honest with the kids, given the prognosis, and advised we are going to change her diet and hope this makes a difference. I hope it does. I feel sad about her sickness and bad I cannot spend 1000 to save her. It is hard being the grownup sometime.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Hunger in America Part Two
This past Sunday Sixty Minutes revisited some of the subjects of it's earlier story on homeless families in Florida. At the time I wrote about what a sad subject this is and how in America it seems outrageous that this should be so.
One of the jingoist answers is that we should not be doing so much foreign aid. I agree. I even regret seeing so many people devoting so much time to Haitian relief for example when so many are hurting here in this country. I am sure that is not the correct response but it is how I feel.
There is a very strong contrast between Fox news spending the weekend talking about the President mentioning God in a speech and this piece on homeless families. These are not drug abusers. They are not anyone but people who still are trying to be part of the American dream.
I do not have the answers but kids should not go hungry in this country.
One of the jingoist answers is that we should not be doing so much foreign aid. I agree. I even regret seeing so many people devoting so much time to Haitian relief for example when so many are hurting here in this country. I am sure that is not the correct response but it is how I feel.
There is a very strong contrast between Fox news spending the weekend talking about the President mentioning God in a speech and this piece on homeless families. These are not drug abusers. They are not anyone but people who still are trying to be part of the American dream.
I do not have the answers but kids should not go hungry in this country.
The President's Controversial Thanksgiving Speech
Last week on Thanksgiving President Obama released a short video of him giving his Thanksgiving message. In these technologically advanced days this video was released to Youtube so anyone who wished could view the greeting.
Somehow this became a controversial statement. At least in some places that is. What did the President do that made for such controversy that over the weekend every talking head had to talk about it. The President said that like most Americans he would be eating good food, watching football and taking the time to reflect and be thankful.
What he did not do was mention God. Should he have? This is a hard subject. America is still a Christian nation though that becomes less and less so over time. I, for one, do not think that ours becoming a more multicultural nation is in all ways or even in most ways a good thing. However this does not mean that not mentioning God in a speech makes him a resolute anti christian. It does not make him a socialist.
The fact that Fox TV can spend that much time discussing such as a small subject tells you that the spin machine is always ready to accentuate the smallest perceived Republican talking point.
One must really wonder about the future of the political process.
Somehow this became a controversial statement. At least in some places that is. What did the President do that made for such controversy that over the weekend every talking head had to talk about it. The President said that like most Americans he would be eating good food, watching football and taking the time to reflect and be thankful.
What he did not do was mention God. Should he have? This is a hard subject. America is still a Christian nation though that becomes less and less so over time. I, for one, do not think that ours becoming a more multicultural nation is in all ways or even in most ways a good thing. However this does not mean that not mentioning God in a speech makes him a resolute anti christian. It does not make him a socialist.
The fact that Fox TV can spend that much time discussing such as a small subject tells you that the spin machine is always ready to accentuate the smallest perceived Republican talking point.
One must really wonder about the future of the political process.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
What I Am Thankful for This Year
My Wonderful Wife
My 16 year old son who knows everything
My 14 year old step son who loves me most days
My 12 year old daughter who still thinks I am neat
My best friend Brad...the best person I know
The brothers A from AZ and Boston. Two men I love
The domed one who is perhaps not on others lists but is always on mine.
My mother in law who is the sweetest lady I know
My sister in law who is just edgy enough to be fun.
My Aunt Deb and Uncle Bob who are generous with their time, possessions and spirit.
I am thankful for baseball.
I am thankful for the MLB Baseball Package
Jon Stewart
David Letterman
Jimmy Fallon
Brian Williams
Chris Matthews
The Avett Brothers
The Beatles
Bruce the Boss
Spotify
Sirius XM Radio especially Outlaw Radio and E Street Radio
Camp at Bryant Pond
Disneyworld
Bar Harbor
Sunny Days
Blue Sky Fall Days
Full Moons
My wife and daughter checking out yard decorations
My crabapple tree
My burning bush
My new lilac trees and dreams of a spring blossom.
My Dog Rudy
Tennis Balls for Rudy
Snowdrifts for him to make paths through
Front Steps at Dusk
Weak Rum and Cokes
Shrimp
Milk Toast
Chicken and Rice
Paddy Murphy's Sweet Potato Fries
Cold Allagash on Tap
Ruebens with good Sauerkraut
Memories of my Mom that make me smile ( sometimes through tears)
My 16 year old son who knows everything
My 14 year old step son who loves me most days
My 12 year old daughter who still thinks I am neat
My best friend Brad...the best person I know
The brothers A from AZ and Boston. Two men I love
The domed one who is perhaps not on others lists but is always on mine.
My mother in law who is the sweetest lady I know
My sister in law who is just edgy enough to be fun.
My Aunt Deb and Uncle Bob who are generous with their time, possessions and spirit.
I am thankful for baseball.
I am thankful for the MLB Baseball Package
Jon Stewart
David Letterman
Jimmy Fallon
Brian Williams
Chris Matthews
The Avett Brothers
The Beatles
Bruce the Boss
Spotify
Sirius XM Radio especially Outlaw Radio and E Street Radio
Camp at Bryant Pond
Disneyworld
Bar Harbor
Sunny Days
Blue Sky Fall Days
Full Moons
My wife and daughter checking out yard decorations
My crabapple tree
My burning bush
My new lilac trees and dreams of a spring blossom.
My Dog Rudy
Tennis Balls for Rudy
Snowdrifts for him to make paths through
Front Steps at Dusk
Weak Rum and Cokes
Shrimp
Milk Toast
Chicken and Rice
Paddy Murphy's Sweet Potato Fries
Cold Allagash on Tap
Ruebens with good Sauerkraut
Memories of my Mom that make me smile ( sometimes through tears)
Vivid Memories of My Dad
Jeopardy
My Ipad
College Basketball....Go Duke
Charlie Brown and Snoopy Books
Amazon
Huffington Post
Apps for Everything
E books
Honey Mustard Pretzels
My new Hat
A son that can snowblow
A son that listens all the time
A daughter that provides sweetness
A wife that knows me and still loves me
A wife that is talented and special everyday
Turtlenecks
Warm Socks
My Cane to Hold Me Up
Morning Joe and Mika too
Regis
Robert Caro's next LBJ book due in the late spring
Bill Clinton
Joe Castiglione
Amc Original Programs
The New Yorker
The Grand in Ellsworth
Concerts on the Waterfront
Chopping your own Christmas tree
When you get piping hot fries and not scraped Cheeseburgers at McDonalds
Taking my daughter to lunch
A well made sandwich at Subway
Spaghettio's and Meatballs
A hockey game at the Alfond
Mansfield stadium
The Bangor Public Library
HOT Buttered Popcorn at the movies,,,must be hot
Angry Birds
Tobasco Sauce
Old Cars
Tivo
On Demand
Chinese Food
The stuffed animals I share with my children
The first snow
Garry Wills books
Bewitched
Zach Galfinakas
Wblm
Wifi
My cross my daughter gave me
Good pens
Coke and Pepsi
Trees
Birds
PBS Programming
Cats
Alfred Hitchcock movies
David Leen movies
Russian history
Presidential biographies
Ernest Hemingway
David Halberstam books
My high school history teacher
Books of all types that I have read
Fantasy Baseball
First and Last and Always my Wonderful Wife
Jeopardy
My Ipad
College Basketball....Go Duke
Charlie Brown and Snoopy Books
Amazon
Huffington Post
Apps for Everything
E books
Honey Mustard Pretzels
My new Hat
A son that can snowblow
A son that listens all the time
A daughter that provides sweetness
A wife that knows me and still loves me
A wife that is talented and special everyday
Turtlenecks
Warm Socks
My Cane to Hold Me Up
Morning Joe and Mika too
Regis
Robert Caro's next LBJ book due in the late spring
Bill Clinton
Joe Castiglione
Amc Original Programs
The New Yorker
The Grand in Ellsworth
Concerts on the Waterfront
Chopping your own Christmas tree
When you get piping hot fries and not scraped Cheeseburgers at McDonalds
Taking my daughter to lunch
A well made sandwich at Subway
Spaghettio's and Meatballs
A hockey game at the Alfond
Mansfield stadium
The Bangor Public Library
HOT Buttered Popcorn at the movies,,,must be hot
Angry Birds
Tobasco Sauce
Old Cars
Tivo
On Demand
Chinese Food
The stuffed animals I share with my children
The first snow
Garry Wills books
Bewitched
Zach Galfinakas
Wblm
Wifi
My cross my daughter gave me
Good pens
Coke and Pepsi
Trees
Birds
PBS Programming
Cats
Alfred Hitchcock movies
David Leen movies
Russian history
Presidential biographies
Ernest Hemingway
David Halberstam books
My high school history teacher
Books of all types that I have read
Fantasy Baseball
First and Last and Always my Wonderful Wife
Thanksgiving 2011
Just got back from Grandma's house. My daughter and I just were playing with an Atari flashback set. I said the games worked better when we were kids. My wife said that we had lower expectations then. My guess is that it is most likely somewhere in between.
Had a great lunch today. Squash that comes out the right way is something to behold. I was not feeling too well and had to lay down for a bit this morning. Still the day was enjoyable. After lunch we played Catch Phrase. For awhile my wife and I were on the same team. We were unstoppable.
Watched the Macy's parade this morning. I always enjoy it and seem to more and more each year. I wish that we lived close enough to see some Broadway plays. In the last year some great ones have played that I am sure I would have enjoyed.
A big snow storm yesterday, or big for this early in the year. Well over six inches of snow and it was drifting. My son drove a bit today on the snow and ice. I think he will be ok.
Tomorrow the boys find out which if any basketball team they have made. We hope for the best.
Had a great lunch today. Squash that comes out the right way is something to behold. I was not feeling too well and had to lay down for a bit this morning. Still the day was enjoyable. After lunch we played Catch Phrase. For awhile my wife and I were on the same team. We were unstoppable.
Watched the Macy's parade this morning. I always enjoy it and seem to more and more each year. I wish that we lived close enough to see some Broadway plays. In the last year some great ones have played that I am sure I would have enjoyed.
A big snow storm yesterday, or big for this early in the year. Well over six inches of snow and it was drifting. My son drove a bit today on the snow and ice. I think he will be ok.
Tomorrow the boys find out which if any basketball team they have made. We hope for the best.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
I Love the Bangor Library
I cannot imagine life without libraries. I love libraries. I love people who work in libraries. I know that I most likely utilize a library better than others.
Still for anyone who enjoys reading, a little time spent at a library is a wonderful thing. A little passing acquaintence with library staff can help as well.
I might well have written previously on this subject but it is a subject that cannot be overstated. My children learned to count going up the steps of the library.
For me, what could be called a serial reader, I scan the new books on Amazon and request them. I am not sure it is the best use of taxpayer dollars for the Fort Kent Library to send to me the new Stephen King book as soon as it comes in when their are surely folks there who would like to read it. However, if one knows how to use the Ursus catalogue and use the system of reserve and requests they can get new books very quickly.
I am sure I overstate the importance of the library to most. Not, however, to me. It is a wonderful thing, a wonderful place.
I remember the library in the town I grew up. The stone building. The big wooden doors. The leather sofas. The lamps with the green lamp shades. The librarian urging you to be quiet.
I love libraries and we are blessed here in Bangor with ours.
Still for anyone who enjoys reading, a little time spent at a library is a wonderful thing. A little passing acquaintence with library staff can help as well.
I might well have written previously on this subject but it is a subject that cannot be overstated. My children learned to count going up the steps of the library.
For me, what could be called a serial reader, I scan the new books on Amazon and request them. I am not sure it is the best use of taxpayer dollars for the Fort Kent Library to send to me the new Stephen King book as soon as it comes in when their are surely folks there who would like to read it. However, if one knows how to use the Ursus catalogue and use the system of reserve and requests they can get new books very quickly.
I am sure I overstate the importance of the library to most. Not, however, to me. It is a wonderful thing, a wonderful place.
I remember the library in the town I grew up. The stone building. The big wooden doors. The leather sofas. The lamps with the green lamp shades. The librarian urging you to be quiet.
I love libraries and we are blessed here in Bangor with ours.
Arab Fall
After the much ballyhooed Arab spring it might be time for a recap. In doing so we will not be that pleased with the results. The only country the West can feel good about, really, is the one we had the least impact on. Tunesia which first deposed their dictator and gave birth to the movement and has since had free elections appears to be making progress toward a more democratic and certainly less totalitarian form of government.
The rest of the news is not great. While Libya had deposed Khadaffi they have a very long road ahead of them to determine their future. Libya does have oil and lots of it so they will be watched by the West but if we think that because NATO planes helped them achieve their goal that we will see a pro Western government we may be in for a big surprise.
The United States does not have clean hands in Bahrain as they or Saudi Arabia certainly seemed to prop up the ruling elite. In Yemen the President was severely injured in a bombing of the palace but after leaving the country for months has returned and appears to have a grip on power.
Egypt which deposed Mubarek in the spring has been ruled by the army since then. Open Parlimentary elections are promised but there appears to be some doubt as to if those elected will retain full power from the Military. In short Egyptians might have to do it all over again. The fact that over 20 people were killed last weekend in protests should make clear that there is no sure end in this.
In Syria Assad has held onto power but at great cost. Hundreds, more likely thousands have been killed. This has been covered by the West but Assad has limited pressure simply by not allowing Western journalists into the country. The country teeters close to a civil war.
And then there is Iran which we are told are closer and closer to gaining nuclear weapons. If they do the United States and Israel will be faced with a difficult choice. Having the bomb could lead to other countries needing it and pressing the United States for help. Can you not envision the Saudi's telling us that to keep the oil flowing to the West they would feel the need for a bomb to protect themselves from the Iranians.
The U S gives more aid to Egypt than any other country. We need to be tougher. I believe that all countries act in their own best interest but all countries also respect power. We need to wield more. To me if the Saudi's really fear Iran we should tell them we will protect them for free oil or at least oil sold well below the cost paid by countries that do nothing to help them. Look everybody knows we our in the Middle East to protect our oil but we dress it up in prettier things. We should just get something for our cost in blood and treasure.
What happens in the Middle East is up in the air. Our positions can be much better however. First and foremost we need to be like every other country. We do that by putting our interests first. Countries do not succeed by being altruistic.
The rest of the news is not great. While Libya had deposed Khadaffi they have a very long road ahead of them to determine their future. Libya does have oil and lots of it so they will be watched by the West but if we think that because NATO planes helped them achieve their goal that we will see a pro Western government we may be in for a big surprise.
The United States does not have clean hands in Bahrain as they or Saudi Arabia certainly seemed to prop up the ruling elite. In Yemen the President was severely injured in a bombing of the palace but after leaving the country for months has returned and appears to have a grip on power.
Egypt which deposed Mubarek in the spring has been ruled by the army since then. Open Parlimentary elections are promised but there appears to be some doubt as to if those elected will retain full power from the Military. In short Egyptians might have to do it all over again. The fact that over 20 people were killed last weekend in protests should make clear that there is no sure end in this.
In Syria Assad has held onto power but at great cost. Hundreds, more likely thousands have been killed. This has been covered by the West but Assad has limited pressure simply by not allowing Western journalists into the country. The country teeters close to a civil war.
And then there is Iran which we are told are closer and closer to gaining nuclear weapons. If they do the United States and Israel will be faced with a difficult choice. Having the bomb could lead to other countries needing it and pressing the United States for help. Can you not envision the Saudi's telling us that to keep the oil flowing to the West they would feel the need for a bomb to protect themselves from the Iranians.
The U S gives more aid to Egypt than any other country. We need to be tougher. I believe that all countries act in their own best interest but all countries also respect power. We need to wield more. To me if the Saudi's really fear Iran we should tell them we will protect them for free oil or at least oil sold well below the cost paid by countries that do nothing to help them. Look everybody knows we our in the Middle East to protect our oil but we dress it up in prettier things. We should just get something for our cost in blood and treasure.
What happens in the Middle East is up in the air. Our positions can be much better however. First and foremost we need to be like every other country. We do that by putting our interests first. Countries do not succeed by being altruistic.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Republicans Purity Tests Are Failing Them
Jon Huntsman appeared on Morning Joe this morning. He pulled no Perry/Cain brain freezes, no Romney flipflops and no Rand Paul I am your crazy Uncle at family gathering moments. What he did was show intelligent, thoughtful answers to serious questions.
Huntsman has not caught fire and most likely will not. This is a shame. He is more Conservative than people think. More than I like. That said he is intelligent and rational. I would not struggle to vote for him. Republicans often mark it as a strike against him that he served as Obama's Ambassador to China. How can it be? How could Obama attack his judgement without inferring his own was weak.
The two term Governor of Utah is utting all of his marbles in New Hampshiire. The primary map is not favorable to him. He is at this point the Conservative most likely to get Independents ans Democrats to vote for him. I am not sure that is an asset. It should be.
Huntsman has not caught fire and most likely will not. This is a shame. He is more Conservative than people think. More than I like. That said he is intelligent and rational. I would not struggle to vote for him. Republicans often mark it as a strike against him that he served as Obama's Ambassador to China. How can it be? How could Obama attack his judgement without inferring his own was weak.
The two term Governor of Utah is utting all of his marbles in New Hampshiire. The primary map is not favorable to him. He is at this point the Conservative most likely to get Independents ans Democrats to vote for him. I am not sure that is an asset. It should be.
Gingrich Might Not Get Even 15 Minutes
Yesterday the rumblings came true and the first polls showing Newt Gingrich leading in the Republican Polls come out. Seriously how would you like to be Mitt Romney. Clearly your party does not like you. You might do well in a National Election but good luck getting there.
Two months ago Newt could be seen on television advising that any of Obama's advisors who had worked, advised or consulted with Fannie and Freddie Mac should resign or be fired.
Yesterday it was revealed that he was paid 1.6 million in consulting fees by Freddie Mac at the height of the boom. As my Dad used to say "he may be smart but he sure is dumb.". The height of hypicrocy. Obama must be funneling cash contributions to Newt.
Two months ago Newt could be seen on television advising that any of Obama's advisors who had worked, advised or consulted with Fannie and Freddie Mac should resign or be fired.
Yesterday it was revealed that he was paid 1.6 million in consulting fees by Freddie Mac at the height of the boom. As my Dad used to say "he may be smart but he sure is dumb.". The height of hypicrocy. Obama must be funneling cash contributions to Newt.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
The Super Commitee
I think it was Thomas Jefferson who said that when a countries citizens realize they control the treasury they will bankrupt the country. We are fast approaching that point.
I write this not as a moderate democrat. Do I believe rich folks should pay more taxes. Yes I do. But interestingly on many issues I divert from the left line. I am truly a moderate.
As our country goes trillions in debt we see committees to solve the problem. First there was the Bowles committee. Nobody voted on it then there was the gang of six. They fell apart. The fact is the political pressure on both sides is so great. If Dems give on spending they will be eviscerated by their cohorts if the Republicans give on revenue increases they will have trouble getting reelected.
Until politicians are rewarded for being honest and telling us uncomfortable truths nothing will happen.
So this past summer when the Debt Ceiling issue blew up the two sides agreed to empower a Super Committee whose job would be to find 1.2 trillion in deficit cuts or if they could not then triggers would force cuts across the spectrum of government. So now as the deadline for their findings approaches we should not be surprised by what we are hearing.
We are seeing more and more Senators and Congressmen saying that the triggers are not in stone, that rhey can be pulled back. The most recent proposal I heard is stating the amount of revenue to be raised and then empowering you guessed it, a committee to come up with how.
How can these people sleep at night. Still we get the government we deserve.
We criticize the Greeks, we say they cannot make cuts and be responsible. Really? Are we any different? Can we honestly say that we are?
I write this not as a moderate democrat. Do I believe rich folks should pay more taxes. Yes I do. But interestingly on many issues I divert from the left line. I am truly a moderate.
As our country goes trillions in debt we see committees to solve the problem. First there was the Bowles committee. Nobody voted on it then there was the gang of six. They fell apart. The fact is the political pressure on both sides is so great. If Dems give on spending they will be eviscerated by their cohorts if the Republicans give on revenue increases they will have trouble getting reelected.
Until politicians are rewarded for being honest and telling us uncomfortable truths nothing will happen.
So this past summer when the Debt Ceiling issue blew up the two sides agreed to empower a Super Committee whose job would be to find 1.2 trillion in deficit cuts or if they could not then triggers would force cuts across the spectrum of government. So now as the deadline for their findings approaches we should not be surprised by what we are hearing.
We are seeing more and more Senators and Congressmen saying that the triggers are not in stone, that rhey can be pulled back. The most recent proposal I heard is stating the amount of revenue to be raised and then empowering you guessed it, a committee to come up with how.
How can these people sleep at night. Still we get the government we deserve.
We criticize the Greeks, we say they cannot make cuts and be responsible. Really? Are we any different? Can we honestly say that we are?
Sunday, November 13, 2011
LePage Got His Tax Cut Thru, What Do You Think Happens Next?
The question above is rheotorical. Most of us who follows politics already know the answer. Sure enough, right on cue, we saw a press release a few days ago where LePage announced that in order to keep the education budget where it is now then large scale cuts are going to be need to be made in the Social Services budget.
This is standard Republican doctrine but is now evident from both a federal and state level what the new approach to accomplish this is. Simply put the Republican approach is to give away the candy first...tax cuts first and then when the budget starts to be out of balance to the point where you cannot ignore it again put the Dems in a position where they have to agree to cuts or be seen voting in favor of tax increases. In effect the plan is to starve government so that cuts have to be made. To me what is most surprising, like all thinks in Republican doctrine that they get away with, is that the Democrats let them get away this and follow their script.
LePage has proven adept at this too. When he can, with a straight face, say to those in the education field, administrators, chancellors and the like to encourage thier representatives to cut social services in order to save the education budget we know what we are up against. It is brilliant in the sense that it puts two Democratic constituencies in battle against each other. Keep in mind that LePage has already put his tax cuts thru. He and his folks can now sit and watch his foes try to outflank each other if not turn completely on each other.
It is brilliant politics. It also spells trouble for our young people trying to get an education and those in our society that are the most vulnerable.
This is standard Republican doctrine but is now evident from both a federal and state level what the new approach to accomplish this is. Simply put the Republican approach is to give away the candy first...tax cuts first and then when the budget starts to be out of balance to the point where you cannot ignore it again put the Dems in a position where they have to agree to cuts or be seen voting in favor of tax increases. In effect the plan is to starve government so that cuts have to be made. To me what is most surprising, like all thinks in Republican doctrine that they get away with, is that the Democrats let them get away this and follow their script.
LePage has proven adept at this too. When he can, with a straight face, say to those in the education field, administrators, chancellors and the like to encourage thier representatives to cut social services in order to save the education budget we know what we are up against. It is brilliant in the sense that it puts two Democratic constituencies in battle against each other. Keep in mind that LePage has already put his tax cuts thru. He and his folks can now sit and watch his foes try to outflank each other if not turn completely on each other.
It is brilliant politics. It also spells trouble for our young people trying to get an education and those in our society that are the most vulnerable.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Could Rick Perry's Mistake Help Him
I will not vote for Rick Perry. Ever. I think he is a terrible candidate for President. I think his ideas are all wrong. That said I think the media declaring his debate flub the other night as epic and game changing is overblown by far.
Perry forgot the third governmental department he would close were he to become President. Could we imagine Clinton or Obama doing that. No, of course not. That is not the point. To mch of the electorate this is not a big deal. Who among is does not have a moment like this at least once a week.
Does it mean that Perry would not react well under pressure as President. I suppose it could. It could also mean he is human. By my estimation that can only help him as his policies and demeanor usually make him seem less than.
The right wing spin machine blames the liberal media. I do not. I do think that there are plenty of things to skewer Rick Perry about. His claim that he will always err on the side of life when discussing the HPV vaccine could have been turned around on his denial of review in the Willingham arson death penalty case. Erring n the side of life there would have saved what most now believe to be an innocent man.
Rick Perry is a terrible camdidate. He is however apparently human. That is one better than I thought him yesterday.
Perry forgot the third governmental department he would close were he to become President. Could we imagine Clinton or Obama doing that. No, of course not. That is not the point. To mch of the electorate this is not a big deal. Who among is does not have a moment like this at least once a week.
Does it mean that Perry would not react well under pressure as President. I suppose it could. It could also mean he is human. By my estimation that can only help him as his policies and demeanor usually make him seem less than.
The right wing spin machine blames the liberal media. I do not. I do think that there are plenty of things to skewer Rick Perry about. His claim that he will always err on the side of life when discussing the HPV vaccine could have been turned around on his denial of review in the Willingham arson death penalty case. Erring n the side of life there would have saved what most now believe to be an innocent man.
Rick Perry is a terrible camdidate. He is however apparently human. That is one better than I thought him yesterday.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
The passing of Frazier, Boxing died long ago
Joe Frazier died yesterday. To me, boxing died long ago. Factually my second statement is not true. Pay Per View fights are still very popular and the top fights make money unheard of even in the heyday of boxing.
Still I don't think anyone can dispute that the significance of boxing on the culture of America and the world for that matter has disproportionately smaller.
Joe Frazier, Muhammed Ali, George Foreman, and to a lesser extent Ken Norton and Larry Holmes, these men were iconic. I was a kid in the seventies and can remember how my Dad did not like Ali and his braggadicio. I remember watching highlights of the big fights on ABC Wide World of Sports. I remember waking one, I think, February morning in, again I think, 1978 to learn that Leon Spinks had defeated Ali in an upset.
Ali got the title back but that was the beginning of the end of his career. Much of what killed fighting I think was the dearth of heavyweights. Another major problem was the splintering of the titles. At one time there were three champions in each division. This was no way to make people interested. For the same reason the Yankees are good for baseball Ali was good for boxing.
Tyson had a run and he certainly brought interest back for a time. Today, no one knows who the champions are. The culture does not celebrate boxing, if anything it jokes about it, denigrates it.
Joe Frazier was a great fighter. Read an article today in The New York Times that described Frazier and Ali in The Thriller in Manilla. Ali could barely walk after the fight and Frazier though his team threw in the towel before the fifteenth round was at a party later that night and did not look the worse for wear. Ali won the fight but he paid a price. Frazier was a monster in the ring. His 1971 fight defeating Ali was another fight for the ages.
Frazier fought Foreman, Foreman fought Ali. These three and some others gave us a constant spectacle of fights that everyone talked about. Perhaps I am misreading the current situation, perhaps my belief is based on a feeling that the white culture has abadoned boxing so therefore it is abandoned. Still I stick to my thesis, boxing is in no way as significant in the lives of Americans. Not in our house for certain.
Rest in piece Joe Frazier.
Still I don't think anyone can dispute that the significance of boxing on the culture of America and the world for that matter has disproportionately smaller.
Joe Frazier, Muhammed Ali, George Foreman, and to a lesser extent Ken Norton and Larry Holmes, these men were iconic. I was a kid in the seventies and can remember how my Dad did not like Ali and his braggadicio. I remember watching highlights of the big fights on ABC Wide World of Sports. I remember waking one, I think, February morning in, again I think, 1978 to learn that Leon Spinks had defeated Ali in an upset.
Ali got the title back but that was the beginning of the end of his career. Much of what killed fighting I think was the dearth of heavyweights. Another major problem was the splintering of the titles. At one time there were three champions in each division. This was no way to make people interested. For the same reason the Yankees are good for baseball Ali was good for boxing.
Tyson had a run and he certainly brought interest back for a time. Today, no one knows who the champions are. The culture does not celebrate boxing, if anything it jokes about it, denigrates it.
Joe Frazier was a great fighter. Read an article today in The New York Times that described Frazier and Ali in The Thriller in Manilla. Ali could barely walk after the fight and Frazier though his team threw in the towel before the fifteenth round was at a party later that night and did not look the worse for wear. Ali won the fight but he paid a price. Frazier was a monster in the ring. His 1971 fight defeating Ali was another fight for the ages.
Frazier fought Foreman, Foreman fought Ali. These three and some others gave us a constant spectacle of fights that everyone talked about. Perhaps I am misreading the current situation, perhaps my belief is based on a feeling that the white culture has abadoned boxing so therefore it is abandoned. Still I stick to my thesis, boxing is in no way as significant in the lives of Americans. Not in our house for certain.
Rest in piece Joe Frazier.
Death on the Road
Reading the news today we all are heartsick about this accident in Hermon. Two young boys, a 16 year old and a 14 year old, stepbrothers, killed in a car crash last night. All of these accidents that have been occuring all too frequently tear you apart as a parent.
In this house we have a 16 year old and a 14 year old. Both boys, stepbrothers. It is, as my wife said, too close too home.
While it is not our home, it is someone's home that has been torn apart today. Two boys, two parents, other parents...the recriminations yet to come. In the end nothing matters except two young lives are ended.
What happens to a young man who gets his license. I was one once and I can attest that I did not drive that smart. I am sure there were several times when God kept me safe from hurting myself or someone else. Why did he steady the wheel for me and not for these young man in Hermon. Who knows. How can we know.
So in light of this my wife and I talk. We talk about how to impress upon our young men that this is life and death. The safest thing is to not let them drive. It was my idea not to let him drive until he was seventeen. However that did not last. I hope I do not rue that decision.
My son announced that he had a soccer banquet at six. He told us at 5:15 which, for him, was ahead of schedule. To make it more interesting he could not find his dress pants. As he headed out the door, in his mind, behind schedule, I called him back and told him that he was not late and not to speed. To be careful. He smiled and said of course Dad.
I wonder if those young men said the same thing to their parents on the way out last night.
In this house we have a 16 year old and a 14 year old. Both boys, stepbrothers. It is, as my wife said, too close too home.
While it is not our home, it is someone's home that has been torn apart today. Two boys, two parents, other parents...the recriminations yet to come. In the end nothing matters except two young lives are ended.
What happens to a young man who gets his license. I was one once and I can attest that I did not drive that smart. I am sure there were several times when God kept me safe from hurting myself or someone else. Why did he steady the wheel for me and not for these young man in Hermon. Who knows. How can we know.
So in light of this my wife and I talk. We talk about how to impress upon our young men that this is life and death. The safest thing is to not let them drive. It was my idea not to let him drive until he was seventeen. However that did not last. I hope I do not rue that decision.
My son announced that he had a soccer banquet at six. He told us at 5:15 which, for him, was ahead of schedule. To make it more interesting he could not find his dress pants. As he headed out the door, in his mind, behind schedule, I called him back and told him that he was not late and not to speed. To be careful. He smiled and said of course Dad.
I wonder if those young men said the same thing to their parents on the way out last night.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Tim Tebow is a Lightning Rod and What Does That Say About Us
Tim Tebow is a devout Christian. If you know who Tim Tebow is you know that. Tim Tebow was a great college quarterback. Tim Tebow is not, at least not yet, a great professional quarterback.
The question is why is Tebow such a lightning rod. Other young quarterbacks come in the league and play and succeed or not without this much scrutiny.
To me the worst thing is not his success or lack thereof it is the divisivness Tim Tebow brings. Is it his fault. I do not know how one could consider it his fault. Anyone who doubts the truth of his character cannot be looking at the facts. This man goes to jails in college, goes to the Phillipines in the summer and heaven help us prays before a game or in thanks for success. Why does this make people so mad. Why does this bring out the vitrol in sportswriters, commentators, and fans that should be reserved for those that actually do something wrong.
I hope Tebow has success. If he does not though I still love him. I think he is true to himself and himself just happens to be a fine, Christian man with values that have not yet changed. Would we want them too? Do we not criticize people who change with fame and money. Does anyone doubt that this is the Tim Tebow that existed in high school and college. From everything we know nothing has changed except for he has a platform to praise his God.
Jesus said let your life be a light that shows what the Grace of God can bring. If you do not believe in God or Religion or whatever that is ok. But you still must believe in good and doing the right thing. Tim Tebow is a good person and in a world where they are rare a good role model.
We wonder why Christians feel persecuted in this country when for no reason Tebow is villified and mocked. He did not ask for anything more than a chance to succeed. He is being given that opportunity. If he does not succeed my guess is he will be the same person after his failure.
When you see players mocking him, Tebowing him as it were, you, at least I, wonder why the act of prayer would be something someone would want to mock. Is that really where we are in this world.
To me the only reason to mock Tebow would be a belief that he was not real in his actions. The Bible does say that he who makes a show out of praying to me will get no reward other than the notice his praying draws him. It also says however to be that light I spoke of sooner.
In the end you believe he is sincere or you do not. If you do not believe he is sincere then you are just not looking at the walk he is walking and has been walking for a long long time.
God Bless Tim Tebow
The question is why is Tebow such a lightning rod. Other young quarterbacks come in the league and play and succeed or not without this much scrutiny.
To me the worst thing is not his success or lack thereof it is the divisivness Tim Tebow brings. Is it his fault. I do not know how one could consider it his fault. Anyone who doubts the truth of his character cannot be looking at the facts. This man goes to jails in college, goes to the Phillipines in the summer and heaven help us prays before a game or in thanks for success. Why does this make people so mad. Why does this bring out the vitrol in sportswriters, commentators, and fans that should be reserved for those that actually do something wrong.
I hope Tebow has success. If he does not though I still love him. I think he is true to himself and himself just happens to be a fine, Christian man with values that have not yet changed. Would we want them too? Do we not criticize people who change with fame and money. Does anyone doubt that this is the Tim Tebow that existed in high school and college. From everything we know nothing has changed except for he has a platform to praise his God.
Jesus said let your life be a light that shows what the Grace of God can bring. If you do not believe in God or Religion or whatever that is ok. But you still must believe in good and doing the right thing. Tim Tebow is a good person and in a world where they are rare a good role model.
We wonder why Christians feel persecuted in this country when for no reason Tebow is villified and mocked. He did not ask for anything more than a chance to succeed. He is being given that opportunity. If he does not succeed my guess is he will be the same person after his failure.
When you see players mocking him, Tebowing him as it were, you, at least I, wonder why the act of prayer would be something someone would want to mock. Is that really where we are in this world.
To me the only reason to mock Tebow would be a belief that he was not real in his actions. The Bible does say that he who makes a show out of praying to me will get no reward other than the notice his praying draws him. It also says however to be that light I spoke of sooner.
In the end you believe he is sincere or you do not. If you do not believe he is sincere then you are just not looking at the walk he is walking and has been walking for a long long time.
God Bless Tim Tebow
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Welfare and Drugs
The Governor would like to have welfare recipients tested for drug use. On the surface this sounds reasonable. It is however just a simplistic slogan based answer to a complex problem. Stereotypes are hard to beeak. Often times they exist, most times they exist, due to a level of truth that exists.
Often times welfare recipients do have substance abuse issues. They often have others. You will never lose a popular vote limiting welfare benefits. However as I tell my children popular does not equate with right.
Welfare recipients have children. What happens to them if Mom and Dad smoke a joint and fail a test. Should they be punished. And what about beer. Should that be limited?
It seems to me that if you need to go forward with this plan you need to make drug counseling and therapy available to those whose benefits you are threatening.
A slogan ready, simplistic proposal to a very complex issue. From our Governor not a surprIse.
Often times welfare recipients do have substance abuse issues. They often have others. You will never lose a popular vote limiting welfare benefits. However as I tell my children popular does not equate with right.
Welfare recipients have children. What happens to them if Mom and Dad smoke a joint and fail a test. Should they be punished. And what about beer. Should that be limited?
It seems to me that if you need to go forward with this plan you need to make drug counseling and therapy available to those whose benefits you are threatening.
A slogan ready, simplistic proposal to a very complex issue. From our Governor not a surprIse.
So Perhaps it is Not Just Whitehead
The Maine football team has has a great fall. Even more they were not picked to be a strong team, certainly.not a contender for the National Championship. Yet before today they were on top of the conference with a strong shot at the playoffs.
Today they lost 40 to 30. Why? Well according to the faithful fans of the BDN it was not because Towson, number two in the conference prior to today as a solod team that had a good day. No, it was because Jack Cosgrove coached a bad game. Now I do not know if he did or not. However, it seems to me that with the close games and start this team had that Cosgrove, again, deserves the benefit of the doubt.
Cosgrove has given us a great season, a kid fumbled late in the game, is thqt Jack's fault. I know what I think. I think these geniuses who alll could coach better than Jack and Tim, two men who are stalwart members of our community as well as Coaches, should let us follow them at work and criticque all of their decisions.
Of course next we will be told for the money they make they deserve he scrutiny and an argument can be made that this true. Certainly they are compensaed well. Still coaching is a profession where coaches get paid. We can dislike that but wecannot change it.
Lets be positive about this team and this program and hope they can rebound as the season comes to a close. Go Bears. Thanks Jack.
Today they lost 40 to 30. Why? Well according to the faithful fans of the BDN it was not because Towson, number two in the conference prior to today as a solod team that had a good day. No, it was because Jack Cosgrove coached a bad game. Now I do not know if he did or not. However, it seems to me that with the close games and start this team had that Cosgrove, again, deserves the benefit of the doubt.
Cosgrove has given us a great season, a kid fumbled late in the game, is thqt Jack's fault. I know what I think. I think these geniuses who alll could coach better than Jack and Tim, two men who are stalwart members of our community as well as Coaches, should let us follow them at work and criticque all of their decisions.
Of course next we will be told for the money they make they deserve he scrutiny and an argument can be made that this true. Certainly they are compensaed well. Still coaching is a profession where coaches get paid. We can dislike that but wecannot change it.
Lets be positive about this team and this program and hope they can rebound as the season comes to a close. Go Bears. Thanks Jack.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
January Legislative Session...Will Lepage Double Down
Paul LePage's poll numbers are coming up a bit lately. Why? I think it is because he has quieted down, not made any national news with a stupid comment or two. The question is how long will or can this last.
In the last session of the legislature LePage nibbled around the edges. He cut taxes which is always popular and in fairness to him it should be noted that he did not gut education.
Still this next session bodes watching. Items that could be brought up are education reform, welfare reform, right to work legislation and bills cutting union rights. LePage also has to decide what to do with Dorothea Dix.
In the end a couple of months ago the the legislature backed away from a divisive battle over redistricting.
Next week we will vote on Question 1 which is clearly a Republican measure to hold down voter turnout in traditional Democratic groups.
In Ohio Governor Kasich appears to be ready to be defeated on his union busting bill.
Occupy is a movement that at least is gaining some attention.
Will LePage go for broke as earlier expected and attempt some of his more extreme measures or does he realize that is a fast track to defeat and that he might need to nibble around the edges.
This will tell if LePage is truly a member of the Radical Right or just another opporunistic politician with his finger in the wind.
In the last session of the legislature LePage nibbled around the edges. He cut taxes which is always popular and in fairness to him it should be noted that he did not gut education.
Still this next session bodes watching. Items that could be brought up are education reform, welfare reform, right to work legislation and bills cutting union rights. LePage also has to decide what to do with Dorothea Dix.
In the end a couple of months ago the the legislature backed away from a divisive battle over redistricting.
Next week we will vote on Question 1 which is clearly a Republican measure to hold down voter turnout in traditional Democratic groups.
In Ohio Governor Kasich appears to be ready to be defeated on his union busting bill.
Occupy is a movement that at least is gaining some attention.
Will LePage go for broke as earlier expected and attempt some of his more extreme measures or does he realize that is a fast track to defeat and that he might need to nibble around the edges.
This will tell if LePage is truly a member of the Radical Right or just another opporunistic politician with his finger in the wind.
Skin and Bones
We all have defintions of what we think makes a woman attractive. Big breasts, pretty eyes or something else. That definition sometimes changes by our level of maturity and where we are at in life.
Still the self image that we create for our young women has to be questioned. Look I like pretty girls too but when we see these young actresses that are stick thin it is bad enough.
But when we see established actresses such as Demi Moore and Julie Bowen appear in public like they are refugees from a starving country what kind of messages are we sending not only to young girls but women in general.
It just does not look healthy.
Still the self image that we create for our young women has to be questioned. Look I like pretty girls too but when we see these young actresses that are stick thin it is bad enough.
But when we see established actresses such as Demi Moore and Julie Bowen appear in public like they are refugees from a starving country what kind of messages are we sending not only to young girls but women in general.
It just does not look healthy.
Corporate Tax Rates
When I see discussions about Corporate Tax Rates I see it noted that the United States has one of the higher ones. This might well be true. However some of our income taxes after loopholes and shelters are the lowest in the Western World. In short revenue has to come from somewhere.
An interesting idea was floated on a show I saw the other day. Corporations who bring jobs back home, that they had previously set up elsewhere, will get for a time period a lower tax rate than those that continue to produce all their goods overseas.
Look the days of assuming that Corporations are run by patriotic men who believe in the red, white and blue are gone. It is money first, second and last. That said if we can find a way to entice them to recapitalize we might see our economy improve. Of course morally I would like to see us to this without selling our soul to the highest bidder.
My answer of tariffs and forcing products to be made here seems never to be a serious thought.
An interesting idea was floated on a show I saw the other day. Corporations who bring jobs back home, that they had previously set up elsewhere, will get for a time period a lower tax rate than those that continue to produce all their goods overseas.
Look the days of assuming that Corporations are run by patriotic men who believe in the red, white and blue are gone. It is money first, second and last. That said if we can find a way to entice them to recapitalize we might see our economy improve. Of course morally I would like to see us to this without selling our soul to the highest bidder.
My answer of tariffs and forcing products to be made here seems never to be a serious thought.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Herman Cain ..they are out to get you
We have not been given enough detail to know if there is any truth to the sexual harassment rumors that have been dug up by Politico. It could be that they were false allegations.
What has become apparent in the last 36 hours as Cain's story has changed and been modified from interview to interview is that if Cain knows the truth he does not want to talk about it. Anyone listening to him advise that over the course of the day Monday his memory improved should also understand that Politico had reached out to the Cain campaign before the article was published. That is he should have had ample time to refresh bis memory before Monday. No matter what the truth is one thing that is clear is that the Cain campaign and Cain himself is not ready for the big time.
A discussion could be had about the validity of a candidate having to prepare for the scrutiny of the tabloid press. Cain however is not Presidential timber, this will just hasten the process of Republicans moving onto their next anti - Romney.
What has become apparent in the last 36 hours as Cain's story has changed and been modified from interview to interview is that if Cain knows the truth he does not want to talk about it. Anyone listening to him advise that over the course of the day Monday his memory improved should also understand that Politico had reached out to the Cain campaign before the article was published. That is he should have had ample time to refresh bis memory before Monday. No matter what the truth is one thing that is clear is that the Cain campaign and Cain himself is not ready for the big time.
A discussion could be had about the validity of a candidate having to prepare for the scrutiny of the tabloid press. Cain however is not Presidential timber, this will just hasten the process of Republicans moving onto their next anti - Romney.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The Death of Quadaffi
No one will shed any tears for Mohammar Quadaffi. By all accounts he was an evil man who took no pity on his people or those who disagreed with him. His complicity in the Pan Am bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland long ago sealed the fate of his worth in the eyes of the West.
Still one has to wonder if the new government will succeed when it forms. The fact that deposed dictators end up hung, decapitated or dragged through the streets such as happened to Saddam Hussein and now Quadaffit should make the West wonder. We should not equate the success of a revolution with the ability of a people to govern themselves.
With a pending trial for Hosnoi Mubarek and his Egyptian cronies we might yet see this again. Justice sometimes is harsh and no one can doubt that these men all abused their power and their people.
Still in view of moving forward it might be better to let these old men die in a prison cell of old age than make martyrs of them and show the brutal side of whatever society hopes to form.
Still one has to wonder if the new government will succeed when it forms. The fact that deposed dictators end up hung, decapitated or dragged through the streets such as happened to Saddam Hussein and now Quadaffit should make the West wonder. We should not equate the success of a revolution with the ability of a people to govern themselves.
With a pending trial for Hosnoi Mubarek and his Egyptian cronies we might yet see this again. Justice sometimes is harsh and no one can doubt that these men all abused their power and their people.
Still in view of moving forward it might be better to let these old men die in a prison cell of old age than make martyrs of them and show the brutal side of whatever society hopes to form.
Is the Joke on Herman Cain or Us?
Anyone watching Late Night television last night has seen the new Herman Cain ad. I had planned this post before even seeing that. Now it is imperative. A staffer talking about Herman Cain standing against what looks like a cinderblock wall one might find in a prison tells us about his belief and devotion in the candidate. After telling us that Cain wants to put the United in United States, which seems like a fine idea , as the ad ends we see this staffer take a drag off a cigarette and then exhale. He looks like everyone's Uncle Leroy smoking on the front porch at Thanksgiving. Then we have a picture of Herman Cain come up on the screen in which he stares at us before proceeding to smile.
The scariest thing is that as weird and unconventional as this ad is it is not the strangest thing about the candidate.
In the last couple of debates Cain has advised that he would negotiate with terrorists to gain back hostages but then advised he would not after all. Then Cain speaks at a rally and advises that he would have an electrified fence on the border and have signs in English and Spanish advising that the fence could kill you. When called on this he says he is joking, and then later advises he meant it and would not run from it.
And yet he continues to rise in the polls. This says a few things. First off the active Republican faithful ( those heavily involved here in the early stages ) are the most conservative. They do not trust Mitt Romney. They certainly would take him over Obama but they are doubtful about his belief in their causes and experience some twangs about his Mormonism. What becomes more and more apparent too is that these party members want someone out there. This is the feel good stage of the primary, the eqivalent of a Democrat agitating Obama to the left on issues that if he goes too far left will hurt his chances for the Presidency.
Herman Cain will not be President. He does not want to be President. The fact that he is being taken seriously as a candidate says more about the state of the Republican primary than it does about him or any of his policies.
The scariest thing is that as weird and unconventional as this ad is it is not the strangest thing about the candidate.
In the last couple of debates Cain has advised that he would negotiate with terrorists to gain back hostages but then advised he would not after all. Then Cain speaks at a rally and advises that he would have an electrified fence on the border and have signs in English and Spanish advising that the fence could kill you. When called on this he says he is joking, and then later advises he meant it and would not run from it.
And yet he continues to rise in the polls. This says a few things. First off the active Republican faithful ( those heavily involved here in the early stages ) are the most conservative. They do not trust Mitt Romney. They certainly would take him over Obama but they are doubtful about his belief in their causes and experience some twangs about his Mormonism. What becomes more and more apparent too is that these party members want someone out there. This is the feel good stage of the primary, the eqivalent of a Democrat agitating Obama to the left on issues that if he goes too far left will hurt his chances for the Presidency.
Herman Cain will not be President. He does not want to be President. The fact that he is being taken seriously as a candidate says more about the state of the Republican primary than it does about him or any of his policies.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Obama and Reagan
President Obama in recent days has been speaking about his so called proposed Buffet rule. This is a result of Warren Buffet commenting that he paid less percentage of taxes than his secretary. Obama has been making an effort to sell his plan making a very valid point that with capital gains taxes being low and hedge fund income being taxed as investment income that Buffet is right, that a minimum tax needs to be in place for the richest Americans.
It is always funny, or would be if it were not some mix of sad and disgusting, to see Republicans twist themselves into stating why millionaries should not have any tax increase.
So yesterday I saw a fascinating clip of the great Conservative Icon Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan who lowered the top tax rate more than half. Ronald Reagan the great tax cutter who stated that he wanted to remove loopholes because he wanted to make sure that the top executives on Wall Street did not pay a lower percentage than the bus driver and postman.
And yet our Republican friends who revere President Reagan still try to let us believe that any tax rate increase on millionaries will bring the economy to a screeching halt.
Ridiculous when your icon does not agree with you.
It is always funny, or would be if it were not some mix of sad and disgusting, to see Republicans twist themselves into stating why millionaries should not have any tax increase.
So yesterday I saw a fascinating clip of the great Conservative Icon Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan who lowered the top tax rate more than half. Ronald Reagan the great tax cutter who stated that he wanted to remove loopholes because he wanted to make sure that the top executives on Wall Street did not pay a lower percentage than the bus driver and postman.
And yet our Republican friends who revere President Reagan still try to let us believe that any tax rate increase on millionaries will bring the economy to a screeching halt.
Ridiculous when your icon does not agree with you.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Every Generation
I am sure that every generation such as mine who are in our forties look at young people and worry about their future and thus the future of the country. My son is a good kid but I believe that he is indicative of much of what I worry about. People do not like the word entitlement but exuding from young people is a sense of entitlement. "Self absorbed" a young woman on Joe Scarborough said this morning, " does that always have to have a negative conotation. I think the answer is yes.
Texting and all these methods of non personal communication. Micheal Steele asks about if online job application takes a skill away from young people of persistance and follow up in person. I think this has merit. You cannot make an impression beyond your skill set over the computer. My son struggled with applying for jobs and when he was not successful this past summer said he had applied but did not understand the need for follow through.
Email is a great tool, not as personal as a letter but I feel that facebook, texting and the like while something we all do will have long term effects on our abilities to communicate as our young people grow up.
I think there is a thought that as they get older our young people will be more like us and previous generations and surely they will. Still one cannot embrace a talent that one never gains in the first place.
It is a worry.
Texting and all these methods of non personal communication. Micheal Steele asks about if online job application takes a skill away from young people of persistance and follow up in person. I think this has merit. You cannot make an impression beyond your skill set over the computer. My son struggled with applying for jobs and when he was not successful this past summer said he had applied but did not understand the need for follow through.
Email is a great tool, not as personal as a letter but I feel that facebook, texting and the like while something we all do will have long term effects on our abilities to communicate as our young people grow up.
I think there is a thought that as they get older our young people will be more like us and previous generations and surely they will. Still one cannot embrace a talent that one never gains in the first place.
It is a worry.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Thou Shall Not Covet
As a parent we are supposed to teach our children the right things. This is hard to do. I like to think I have the right ideas about things. I know that we are lucky to have what we have and I know that as a whole Americans are lucky in the extreme compared to a great deal of people in the world. Each year the BDN at Christmas features the same biblical verse about the birth of Christ and comments that in all the time since the birth of Jesus a great deal of people live much as they did then. In poverty, fear and ignorance. For us in America this seems like something hard to agree with but it is by all rights true.
We have five people and four animals living in a small three bedroom cape. None of the bedrooms are big, the kitchen is outdated and our second son is in a bedroom designed as a spare room. Someday it will be my man cave. Everybody has their space but no one as too much. Still compared to the houses our fathers and grandfathers grew up in we are fortunate. We told our kids we might have a baby, we have since backtracked on that idea, and they expressed real fear about having to double up. The fact that we have raised them to consider not having their own rooms a hardship perhaps says something about our jobs as parents.
Of course we are a blended family which adds to the importance of no one losing something they once had, i.e a room of their own. When I was a single Dad and living in a townhouse my son and daughter shared a room. They never complained. Of course they were only 11 and 7 when we moved into our house but still they did not consider it a hardship then.
On a whim I looked at a house on sale a couple of weeks ago. Four bedrooms, a large attic level, a big kitchen, dining room and living room. We could spread out. In retrospect though for me the need for that house was superficial. We have all that we need and in truth soon enough our family will be shrinking. The desire for new things, for bigger and better is never ending. As rational as I am right now however I know that I will soon be wanting something new and bigger and better.
We all go through this. How we deal with it determines the values we teach our children and how satisfied we are with our own lives.
We all have too much. We all have more than we need. We all need to be more thankful. We all need to remember what is important. Myself included.
We have five people and four animals living in a small three bedroom cape. None of the bedrooms are big, the kitchen is outdated and our second son is in a bedroom designed as a spare room. Someday it will be my man cave. Everybody has their space but no one as too much. Still compared to the houses our fathers and grandfathers grew up in we are fortunate. We told our kids we might have a baby, we have since backtracked on that idea, and they expressed real fear about having to double up. The fact that we have raised them to consider not having their own rooms a hardship perhaps says something about our jobs as parents.
Of course we are a blended family which adds to the importance of no one losing something they once had, i.e a room of their own. When I was a single Dad and living in a townhouse my son and daughter shared a room. They never complained. Of course they were only 11 and 7 when we moved into our house but still they did not consider it a hardship then.
On a whim I looked at a house on sale a couple of weeks ago. Four bedrooms, a large attic level, a big kitchen, dining room and living room. We could spread out. In retrospect though for me the need for that house was superficial. We have all that we need and in truth soon enough our family will be shrinking. The desire for new things, for bigger and better is never ending. As rational as I am right now however I know that I will soon be wanting something new and bigger and better.
We all go through this. How we deal with it determines the values we teach our children and how satisfied we are with our own lives.
We all have too much. We all have more than we need. We all need to be more thankful. We all need to remember what is important. Myself included.
Is There a Third Party Candidate Out There
Every four years as the candidates solidify for the general election we start to hear murmurs of third party candidates. This year is remarkable in that this does not seem to be the case.
Of course with countless Republicans running in the primary perhaps the field has not shaken out enough for this to become an option. Still it appears that a strong independent candidate could certainly be a factor in the election.
The problem is of course that at this point a third party candidate would be a blessing to the presumed Republican candidate Mitt Romney. A third party candidate from the left could doom Obama and it just seems unlikely that a candidate from the right would hold any traction. This is because Republicans seem to have more discipline in matters Presidential. It is also seems that energy seems to come more to the party out of power.
Still it is fun to think about who could run. Could the Wall Street protests have any long term effect on the coming election. Could a populist from the left succeed. I was putting Joe Scarborough through the Google machine and noted that about a year ago he was taken as a serious candidate for President. It seems that he does not have the desire to do so at this time. It also is clear that he could not get through a Republican primary but as independent candidate I think he could hold the center very well. I think Independents and moderates from both sides would consider him. He could raise money easily. It may be that he is four years away and he might like his job now too much but this is a man one could get behind.
Businessman running for office claiming we need to run the country like a business will never get my vote and it these days of income quality and unemployment I do not know how a businessman can win. I think this could hurt Romney. A picture just surfaced of him and his Bain Capital buddies posing with money coming out of their clothes. Not a good picture for him in these times.
We are ripe for a four candidate election with both independent candidates from the left and the right. Where they come from, where they sit on the political spectrum might well determine who our next President will be.
Of course with countless Republicans running in the primary perhaps the field has not shaken out enough for this to become an option. Still it appears that a strong independent candidate could certainly be a factor in the election.
The problem is of course that at this point a third party candidate would be a blessing to the presumed Republican candidate Mitt Romney. A third party candidate from the left could doom Obama and it just seems unlikely that a candidate from the right would hold any traction. This is because Republicans seem to have more discipline in matters Presidential. It is also seems that energy seems to come more to the party out of power.
Still it is fun to think about who could run. Could the Wall Street protests have any long term effect on the coming election. Could a populist from the left succeed. I was putting Joe Scarborough through the Google machine and noted that about a year ago he was taken as a serious candidate for President. It seems that he does not have the desire to do so at this time. It also is clear that he could not get through a Republican primary but as independent candidate I think he could hold the center very well. I think Independents and moderates from both sides would consider him. He could raise money easily. It may be that he is four years away and he might like his job now too much but this is a man one could get behind.
Businessman running for office claiming we need to run the country like a business will never get my vote and it these days of income quality and unemployment I do not know how a businessman can win. I think this could hurt Romney. A picture just surfaced of him and his Bain Capital buddies posing with money coming out of their clothes. Not a good picture for him in these times.
We are ripe for a four candidate election with both independent candidates from the left and the right. Where they come from, where they sit on the political spectrum might well determine who our next President will be.
Question 2 is about GAMBLING
This fall we have seen countless ads about Referendum Question 2. If one was to listen to the ads and read the fliers that are being received three or four times a week they would be convinced that this was a jobs bill that was being funded.
It is not. No matter how many times people who look like everyday Mainers tell us in ads that this will bring jobs that is not what this is about.
This is about gambling. This is about bringing a casino to Biddeford. Let me ask you something. Without denigrating Biddeford is there anyplace in Maine that is less suited economically and demographically to having a casino in Biddeford. The routines that Maine comedian Bob Marley does about Biddeford are broad and generalizing but they are about Biddeford for a reason.
It is quite something to see these ads. All one has to do in these instances is follow the money. It is never about jobs. No private company wants to do business to bring in jobs. If they feel they can make money at it and jobs are a result so be it but if it was just about jobs we would have a million non profits. There is nothing wrong with making money, there is nothing wrong with wanting to make a profit.
What is wrong, at least to me, is the bait and switch being done with these ads. One could see all the media on this issue and not know what business is being promoted.
We have a casino approved in Oxford, constant agitation in Princeton for a casino there and now we have Question 3 that relates to Hollywood Slots in Bangor. They want us to now allow them to have table games. With the gambling companies it is always something more. One of the methods on the ads for Question 3 to get us in favor is their claim that Oxford will have table games so it is only fair for Bangor too.
Think about it. All the economic trouble in Maine and the two major referendums this year are about allowing the Gambling industry to dig further into our psyche and business climate.
We need to build something. We need factories and call centers and industry. We do not need to go for the easy low wage money that makes out of state gambling interests rich.
Another note. Construction jobs? How many of those will be union jobs? And how many of those will be employing Mainers. Will the bids be given to Maine companies.
On all levels this is a bad idea.
It is not. No matter how many times people who look like everyday Mainers tell us in ads that this will bring jobs that is not what this is about.
This is about gambling. This is about bringing a casino to Biddeford. Let me ask you something. Without denigrating Biddeford is there anyplace in Maine that is less suited economically and demographically to having a casino in Biddeford. The routines that Maine comedian Bob Marley does about Biddeford are broad and generalizing but they are about Biddeford for a reason.
It is quite something to see these ads. All one has to do in these instances is follow the money. It is never about jobs. No private company wants to do business to bring in jobs. If they feel they can make money at it and jobs are a result so be it but if it was just about jobs we would have a million non profits. There is nothing wrong with making money, there is nothing wrong with wanting to make a profit.
What is wrong, at least to me, is the bait and switch being done with these ads. One could see all the media on this issue and not know what business is being promoted.
We have a casino approved in Oxford, constant agitation in Princeton for a casino there and now we have Question 3 that relates to Hollywood Slots in Bangor. They want us to now allow them to have table games. With the gambling companies it is always something more. One of the methods on the ads for Question 3 to get us in favor is their claim that Oxford will have table games so it is only fair for Bangor too.
Think about it. All the economic trouble in Maine and the two major referendums this year are about allowing the Gambling industry to dig further into our psyche and business climate.
We need to build something. We need factories and call centers and industry. We do not need to go for the easy low wage money that makes out of state gambling interests rich.
Another note. Construction jobs? How many of those will be union jobs? And how many of those will be employing Mainers. Will the bids be given to Maine companies.
On all levels this is a bad idea.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Republican Debate
Watching the Republican debate it appears that Mitt Romney is going to be the candidate. He reminds me of the kids movie about Charlie Brown in a track and field event in which he wins because he keeps finishing second. Romney is not many people's first choice but he is most groups second. It is key for him to get this nomination wrapped up as soon as possible so that he can move to the center before America's focus centers in next year.
Romney is vulnerable. His health care plan in Massachussets is a success but he cannot claim it, in fact must distance himself from it to gain Republican support. His claim to having been a businessman is true but one wonders in these economic times if he is a shell waiting to be cracked open. Much of his businessman time was with Bain Capital, a company that bought up companies; then fixed them, scrapped them, or sold them for parts. Employees were usually part of whatever package was chosen and were not the first consideration. This is business, it is not a sure pleaser to many folks.
Romney is still a strong candidate. He works hard not to offend anyone.
Cain has no staying power, Perry seems to be on short legs, Chris Christie is out of the race.
Yet the Republicans have a good chance. Watching Morning Joe as I write this and the discussion of the President's jobs bill failing, those who would like to be sympathetic to the President are so tired and discourgaged by his passivity.
With a well known google problem and a background that might be tough to keep from becoming a caricature of himself Rick Santorum is a candidate that one wonders could catch fire. If the other conservative darlings of the moment fade Santorum has th chops to be considered seriously. His two terms in the Senate in a blue state show this. Importantly along with his conservative credentials he also has been speaking in a populist vent. It is unlikely that he can pull it together but it is not unforeseen. If anyone had any longshot money to lay he would be a good choice.
Romney is vulnerable. His health care plan in Massachussets is a success but he cannot claim it, in fact must distance himself from it to gain Republican support. His claim to having been a businessman is true but one wonders in these economic times if he is a shell waiting to be cracked open. Much of his businessman time was with Bain Capital, a company that bought up companies; then fixed them, scrapped them, or sold them for parts. Employees were usually part of whatever package was chosen and were not the first consideration. This is business, it is not a sure pleaser to many folks.
Romney is still a strong candidate. He works hard not to offend anyone.
Cain has no staying power, Perry seems to be on short legs, Chris Christie is out of the race.
Yet the Republicans have a good chance. Watching Morning Joe as I write this and the discussion of the President's jobs bill failing, those who would like to be sympathetic to the President are so tired and discourgaged by his passivity.
With a well known google problem and a background that might be tough to keep from becoming a caricature of himself Rick Santorum is a candidate that one wonders could catch fire. If the other conservative darlings of the moment fade Santorum has th chops to be considered seriously. His two terms in the Senate in a blue state show this. Importantly along with his conservative credentials he also has been speaking in a populist vent. It is unlikely that he can pull it together but it is not unforeseen. If anyone had any longshot money to lay he would be a good choice.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Why Don't We Know
My sister's husband has developed an interest in genealogy. He is finally retired and is a collector and a very intelligent fellow and this has become a quick passion of his. Today's programs such as Ancestry.com certainly provide much information to allow for folks to easily gain access to their complete family trees.
What is different is that 100 years ago with no access to things like the internet, public records as plentiful as they are now and yet, folks then had a much better idea of their family history. This is no longer the case. A great deal of people if they can only go back to their grandparents they are in the majority. Why is this so. Are we such a fast paced society that we do not bother to keep track?
The traditional record is the family bible. I have to say that the idea of knowing my full family tree and presenting that to my children so that they have a picture of their complete history has an appeal. It is something I will pursue.
My brother-in-law has taken his family back to 1530. That is pretty exceptional. A great gift for his son.
What is different is that 100 years ago with no access to things like the internet, public records as plentiful as they are now and yet, folks then had a much better idea of their family history. This is no longer the case. A great deal of people if they can only go back to their grandparents they are in the majority. Why is this so. Are we such a fast paced society that we do not bother to keep track?
The traditional record is the family bible. I have to say that the idea of knowing my full family tree and presenting that to my children so that they have a picture of their complete history has an appeal. It is something I will pursue.
My brother-in-law has taken his family back to 1530. That is pretty exceptional. A great gift for his son.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Wall Street Occupation
For the last week or so we have seen building protests on Wall Street with the occupy Wall Street movement. These protests are designed to protest the growing income equality in this country, rising and long term unemployment and of course the fact that those on Wall Street after a bailout are back to their old tricks.
The right wing spin machine classifies these as hippies, Dartmouth liberals and such. Inevitably there may be a grain of truth to this but what we do know is that there is much reason for protest. Many wonder if America could ever have protests such as what took place in Cairo and London.
It seems unlikely. However one thing that cannot be forgotten is that eventually if income equality does not modify there will be a time where protests get ugly. Many people think that if Teddy Roosevelt had not put in the measures to modify monopolies then there might well have been more anarchy than there was in the United States at the start of the twentieth century.
One thing is for sure. Our country is split. People are hurting. A market for protest is there. People might have to put down their ipads to get involved somehow.
The right wing spin machine classifies these as hippies, Dartmouth liberals and such. Inevitably there may be a grain of truth to this but what we do know is that there is much reason for protest. Many wonder if America could ever have protests such as what took place in Cairo and London.
It seems unlikely. However one thing that cannot be forgotten is that eventually if income equality does not modify there will be a time where protests get ugly. Many people think that if Teddy Roosevelt had not put in the measures to modify monopolies then there might well have been more anarchy than there was in the United States at the start of the twentieth century.
One thing is for sure. Our country is split. People are hurting. A market for protest is there. People might have to put down their ipads to get involved somehow.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Political News Updates
This morning Joe Scarborough points out that most of the guns that are used in the tri state area come from gun shows in the state of Virginia.
Rick Perry evidently had a racially offensive name for his family camp for years after he purchased it, the name was changed five years ago, several years after he became governor.
Herman Cain wins the Florida straw poll and states that blacks have been brainwashed by the Democratic party to stay on the plantation. This in itself is an imflammatory statement.
Chris Christie or at least his followers are making noises about his joining the fray in the Republican primary. He, I think, with the dissatisfaction can do well in the primary and could defeat Obama.
Wall Street protests are heating up. Some wonder if this might be an American version of Cairo. It seems to me that Americans cannot get heated up about anything much less protest in the streets but with unemployment where it is and the inequality in our society it becomes more a question of why aren't people protesting in the street.
Paul LePage here in Maine wants to go after unemployment fraud, while of course we all know about the corporate welfare he favors on a day to day basis. This is not to say there is not fraud, of course there is. The issue is the use of time and effort. It is much the same as the folks emptying bottled water purchased on welfare funds to get the returnables for cash for beer and such. Yes this is a waste. The bigger picture thought might well be what do we do for folks with substance abuse problems, why does our economy not have jobs so folks do not need welfare. Instead we choose to demonize those on the margins for political gain.
Rick Perry mentions he might consider sending troops to Mexico.
Rick Perry evidently had a racially offensive name for his family camp for years after he purchased it, the name was changed five years ago, several years after he became governor.
Herman Cain wins the Florida straw poll and states that blacks have been brainwashed by the Democratic party to stay on the plantation. This in itself is an imflammatory statement.
Chris Christie or at least his followers are making noises about his joining the fray in the Republican primary. He, I think, with the dissatisfaction can do well in the primary and could defeat Obama.
Wall Street protests are heating up. Some wonder if this might be an American version of Cairo. It seems to me that Americans cannot get heated up about anything much less protest in the streets but with unemployment where it is and the inequality in our society it becomes more a question of why aren't people protesting in the street.
Paul LePage here in Maine wants to go after unemployment fraud, while of course we all know about the corporate welfare he favors on a day to day basis. This is not to say there is not fraud, of course there is. The issue is the use of time and effort. It is much the same as the folks emptying bottled water purchased on welfare funds to get the returnables for cash for beer and such. Yes this is a waste. The bigger picture thought might well be what do we do for folks with substance abuse problems, why does our economy not have jobs so folks do not need welfare. Instead we choose to demonize those on the margins for political gain.
Rick Perry mentions he might consider sending troops to Mexico.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Red Sox Continued
Looking at the roster there are some changes that will be made.
At catcher the Red Sox this year had Jarrod Saltamachia and Jason Varitek. Late in the year Ryan Lavernaway caught several games and showed promise. His numbers in the minors were strong indicating potential power. Late in the season Lavernaway swatted two homeruns in a critical game for the Red Sox. It seems likely that Varitek will not return though this will be a potential problem for pitchers like Josh Beckett who have grown reliant on him.
Adrian Gonzales had a great season. While only hitting 27 homeruns, his average was strong and an OBP of over 400. Still after last nights game Gonzales gave some odd answers blaming, at least partially, the Red Sox demise on ESPN Sunday night games and God not having it in his plan for the Sox to make the playoffs. Myself personally I do not think God determines baseball victors for the most part. Gonzales played wonderfully and he is new to major market baseball so we can give him a pass.
Dustin Pedroia is a star and with twenty five players like him you would excel.
At shortstop Marco Scutaro had a good year batting almost .300 with a strong OBP. Still his range is limited and the Sox have a strong desire to see Julio Igliseas who has a wonder glove become thier shortstop. He has, however, struggled to hit on a consistent level. Still with the Red Sox having an offense as strong as theirs one can think that even batting.250 he could be an asset if his fielding is as advertised. The Sox also have Jed Lowrie who has shown a good bat, especially from the right side but the question of his durability is a valid one. Still it seems likely that Scutaro will not return.
Kevin Youkilis had a rough season. He has been injury prone with foot, hit and now hip injuries. Third base was hard on him and he was clearly not the fielder he used to be. One wonders if perhaps he could move to left field. The Sox do have a great prospect on the way by the name of Will Middlebrooks. If Youk had not been hurt at the end of the season the chance of him being traded was potentially high but now it appears they will have to hold him.
Ellsbury was fantastic and Crawford cannot be this bad again but it is clear that the outfield is a problem. J D Drew will be gone. Could Crawford be traded. One wonders.
Will David Ortiz be back. My gut says yes as offense is at a premium.
Pitching should have been a strong suit. Clay Bucholz should return from his injury but who knows. Dice K is gone, Wake is insurance. Suddenly Lester looks like his mental toughness could be questioned and Josh Beckett will always be a number 2 at best. He who cannot be named John Lackey has to be better but that does not mean he will be good.
Based on the fact that many relievers, especially closers, are availalble it seems that Papelbon might be brought back, if nothing else he is a standup player who does not shirk responsibility. Bard needs a third pitch. It is a symbol of how hard this game is that throwing 98 miles an hour is not enough to bring success.
The Sox have some limitations due to bad contracts but this team needs a shakeup with a few more hard nosed players. Who those will be and who will be running the team we will have to wait and see.
At catcher the Red Sox this year had Jarrod Saltamachia and Jason Varitek. Late in the year Ryan Lavernaway caught several games and showed promise. His numbers in the minors were strong indicating potential power. Late in the season Lavernaway swatted two homeruns in a critical game for the Red Sox. It seems likely that Varitek will not return though this will be a potential problem for pitchers like Josh Beckett who have grown reliant on him.
Adrian Gonzales had a great season. While only hitting 27 homeruns, his average was strong and an OBP of over 400. Still after last nights game Gonzales gave some odd answers blaming, at least partially, the Red Sox demise on ESPN Sunday night games and God not having it in his plan for the Sox to make the playoffs. Myself personally I do not think God determines baseball victors for the most part. Gonzales played wonderfully and he is new to major market baseball so we can give him a pass.
Dustin Pedroia is a star and with twenty five players like him you would excel.
At shortstop Marco Scutaro had a good year batting almost .300 with a strong OBP. Still his range is limited and the Sox have a strong desire to see Julio Igliseas who has a wonder glove become thier shortstop. He has, however, struggled to hit on a consistent level. Still with the Red Sox having an offense as strong as theirs one can think that even batting.250 he could be an asset if his fielding is as advertised. The Sox also have Jed Lowrie who has shown a good bat, especially from the right side but the question of his durability is a valid one. Still it seems likely that Scutaro will not return.
Kevin Youkilis had a rough season. He has been injury prone with foot, hit and now hip injuries. Third base was hard on him and he was clearly not the fielder he used to be. One wonders if perhaps he could move to left field. The Sox do have a great prospect on the way by the name of Will Middlebrooks. If Youk had not been hurt at the end of the season the chance of him being traded was potentially high but now it appears they will have to hold him.
Ellsbury was fantastic and Crawford cannot be this bad again but it is clear that the outfield is a problem. J D Drew will be gone. Could Crawford be traded. One wonders.
Will David Ortiz be back. My gut says yes as offense is at a premium.
Pitching should have been a strong suit. Clay Bucholz should return from his injury but who knows. Dice K is gone, Wake is insurance. Suddenly Lester looks like his mental toughness could be questioned and Josh Beckett will always be a number 2 at best. He who cannot be named John Lackey has to be better but that does not mean he will be good.
Based on the fact that many relievers, especially closers, are availalble it seems that Papelbon might be brought back, if nothing else he is a standup player who does not shirk responsibility. Bard needs a third pitch. It is a symbol of how hard this game is that throwing 98 miles an hour is not enough to bring success.
The Sox have some limitations due to bad contracts but this team needs a shakeup with a few more hard nosed players. Who those will be and who will be running the team we will have to wait and see.
Shades of 78,86, and 2003
Where does the collapse of this Red Sox team fit in the pantheon of not just historic sports collapses but in the too long list of Red Sox collapses.
In truth 2003 hurt more, it was too the Yankees and it was for a trip to the World Series. Aaron Boone visited with the Sox previous to last nights game. Did no one not think that might be bad karma.
1986 was epic and cannot be touched on the hurt meter. In truth 78 and the collapse was the most like this but even that team won their last eight games to get to a playoff game and showed great heart. Still that hurt more because we loved that team.
Lets be honest. While Sox fans always want to win we are not as invested with this team as we once were. As I wrote before much is the fact that you cannot be as hungry to get married after you have been once, you can only lose your virginity once. The Sox fan of today is just not as hungry.
Complicating matters more is that in search of a team that will win and perform well based on Sabermetrics et all the Sox have built a team that is a bit bloodless. Who do we love on this team. Really?
We are told there will be many changes after this the second year without the playoffs. This might well be true.
I do not write a sports blog so will comment on the Sox here and trust that many Maine folks live and die with the Sox so it is not too out of place.
Will Terry Francona be back. I find it hard to believe that he will not be. Was he any worse a manager when the team was 81 and 42 in between its bookends of a terrible start and finish. Still the question could be asked if this team of stars and expectations was managed properly and properly prepared. It is true that Francona has found a level of comfort managing in the fishbowl that others might not. The question remains one of do you think someone will do better. I think Francona is not the problem though to me it is clear that Curt Young, excellent resume or not, will not be back as pitching coach. Why Red Sox pitchers seem to be made of glass is a question that has to be asked.
Should Theo be allowed to move on to the Cubs. This one is tougher. There are a host of strong GM candidates available from Friedman in Tampa to Cashman to Billy Beane. Epstien has not made good decisions with free agents.
John Lackey, it should not have taken a genius to look at his record outside of the AL West and certainly in the AL East to know that a five year deal might not be wise. Worse yet the money spent on Carl Crawford seems to have been more to prevent him from going to the Yankees than to thinking he would fit this team. It is true that Crawford had been killing the Sox for years but it was also evident that he had been making clear that he did not wish to be a runner anymore, he imagined himself as a power hitter, a number 3 hitter. He is not.
The question of will these two ever do well in Boston always has to be asked. I do not blame the Sox management in the Crawford case. They had no reason to think that Crawford would crumble like he did. I do blame them however for not thinking about the fact that when a fast outfielder loses his speed with age ( this contract lasts forever) he better be a power hitter or an OBP machine to justify himself in the lineup. Crawford's OBP has never been strong in relation to his average and despite stealing ten bases against the Red Sox yearly he had been making noises that he no longer was a runner or did not desire to be. What we do not know is did Francona not trust him to run, if there is a philosophy difference going on. Crawford is now the scapegoat right down to the failed catch last night. He will bounce back next year I would imagine but perhaps Theo should go. Clearly at least to some extent the Sox went away from the Sabermetric answers with both of these players.
Keep Terry, Let Theo go. That is my vote.
To be continued....
In truth 2003 hurt more, it was too the Yankees and it was for a trip to the World Series. Aaron Boone visited with the Sox previous to last nights game. Did no one not think that might be bad karma.
1986 was epic and cannot be touched on the hurt meter. In truth 78 and the collapse was the most like this but even that team won their last eight games to get to a playoff game and showed great heart. Still that hurt more because we loved that team.
Lets be honest. While Sox fans always want to win we are not as invested with this team as we once were. As I wrote before much is the fact that you cannot be as hungry to get married after you have been once, you can only lose your virginity once. The Sox fan of today is just not as hungry.
Complicating matters more is that in search of a team that will win and perform well based on Sabermetrics et all the Sox have built a team that is a bit bloodless. Who do we love on this team. Really?
We are told there will be many changes after this the second year without the playoffs. This might well be true.
I do not write a sports blog so will comment on the Sox here and trust that many Maine folks live and die with the Sox so it is not too out of place.
Will Terry Francona be back. I find it hard to believe that he will not be. Was he any worse a manager when the team was 81 and 42 in between its bookends of a terrible start and finish. Still the question could be asked if this team of stars and expectations was managed properly and properly prepared. It is true that Francona has found a level of comfort managing in the fishbowl that others might not. The question remains one of do you think someone will do better. I think Francona is not the problem though to me it is clear that Curt Young, excellent resume or not, will not be back as pitching coach. Why Red Sox pitchers seem to be made of glass is a question that has to be asked.
Should Theo be allowed to move on to the Cubs. This one is tougher. There are a host of strong GM candidates available from Friedman in Tampa to Cashman to Billy Beane. Epstien has not made good decisions with free agents.
John Lackey, it should not have taken a genius to look at his record outside of the AL West and certainly in the AL East to know that a five year deal might not be wise. Worse yet the money spent on Carl Crawford seems to have been more to prevent him from going to the Yankees than to thinking he would fit this team. It is true that Crawford had been killing the Sox for years but it was also evident that he had been making clear that he did not wish to be a runner anymore, he imagined himself as a power hitter, a number 3 hitter. He is not.
The question of will these two ever do well in Boston always has to be asked. I do not blame the Sox management in the Crawford case. They had no reason to think that Crawford would crumble like he did. I do blame them however for not thinking about the fact that when a fast outfielder loses his speed with age ( this contract lasts forever) he better be a power hitter or an OBP machine to justify himself in the lineup. Crawford's OBP has never been strong in relation to his average and despite stealing ten bases against the Red Sox yearly he had been making noises that he no longer was a runner or did not desire to be. What we do not know is did Francona not trust him to run, if there is a philosophy difference going on. Crawford is now the scapegoat right down to the failed catch last night. He will bounce back next year I would imagine but perhaps Theo should go. Clearly at least to some extent the Sox went away from the Sabermetric answers with both of these players.
Keep Terry, Let Theo go. That is my vote.
To be continued....
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Red Sox Fade and We Care So Much Less
When I say we that may well not be the case for all Red Sox fans but for me, with a couple of championships in the recent past it just cannot be as important as it was once.
Life is busy now, my kids are active, my health has made me realize what is important and what is not and of course the ever changing landscape of professional athletics makes it easier to care less. Watch the games, enjoy the games, but have a better grip on the overall importance of the results.
When the Sox won in 2004 it was and probably will remain the biggest moment of my sports fandom. 2007 was nice as well but as we all know the first one was something we all doubted we would experience until we did.
The Celtics have since won which was nice, the Bruins won this year which was frankly remarkable but the Celtics still remain the number one sports team for a majority of New Englanders. That is certainly the case with me.
The collpase this month has been frustrating but if one compares how this would have felt before 2004 with how it feels now it is not even close. The fact is Red Sox fans, unless decades of futility are to begin now, will never feel the same stress that we used to. I think the Sox will hold on but if they do not I will not lose sleep.
Life is different now for me and of course as a fan with a title I am different. Dan Shawnessey says that neither the Red Sox nor their fans are as hungry as they used to be. That is likely true.
I am not sure in the big picture that is a bad thing.
Life is busy now, my kids are active, my health has made me realize what is important and what is not and of course the ever changing landscape of professional athletics makes it easier to care less. Watch the games, enjoy the games, but have a better grip on the overall importance of the results.
When the Sox won in 2004 it was and probably will remain the biggest moment of my sports fandom. 2007 was nice as well but as we all know the first one was something we all doubted we would experience until we did.
The Celtics have since won which was nice, the Bruins won this year which was frankly remarkable but the Celtics still remain the number one sports team for a majority of New Englanders. That is certainly the case with me.
The collpase this month has been frustrating but if one compares how this would have felt before 2004 with how it feels now it is not even close. The fact is Red Sox fans, unless decades of futility are to begin now, will never feel the same stress that we used to. I think the Sox will hold on but if they do not I will not lose sleep.
Life is different now for me and of course as a fan with a title I am different. Dan Shawnessey says that neither the Red Sox nor their fans are as hungry as they used to be. That is likely true.
I am not sure in the big picture that is a bad thing.
Wonderful Fall Days, Depressing Fall Nights
These last few days have been a bit warmer than usual as the tempertures have approached the eighties. Still soon the days will be a little cooler but still with their amazing blue skies these fall days are as good as it gets.
What is depressing however are the nights. The air is crisp and when I take the dog out at night it is refreshing and crisp. However about 6:45 when I look outside and see that darkness has fallen I am reminded that the days are fast becoming shorter. I always feel better about winter when in February the days lengthen.
I know it is just the way of the natural world but it is so nice to have an evening to sit outside. If I could I think I would live on both sides of the world and move with the sun.
What is depressing however are the nights. The air is crisp and when I take the dog out at night it is refreshing and crisp. However about 6:45 when I look outside and see that darkness has fallen I am reminded that the days are fast becoming shorter. I always feel better about winter when in February the days lengthen.
I know it is just the way of the natural world but it is so nice to have an evening to sit outside. If I could I think I would live on both sides of the world and move with the sun.
Another Republican Debate, Another Mistake
At last weeks debate Fox News anchor Meghan Kelly brought forth a question from a soldier serving in Iraq. The soldier who stated on camera he was gay asked the candidates how they would treat the fact that Don't Ask, Don't Tell had been repealed and that now hundreds of soldiers who have come out would be caught in legal limbo.
Rick Santorum who answered the question made an argument about how gay soldiers compromised our armed forces for a social expirement. He did not address what would happen to these soliders such as the questioners but one can expect that the answer would not be to embrace these soldiers.
The bigger issue in terms of the election, for who really expects Republicans to embrace anything close to gay rights, was that at the end of his question the soldier was audibly booed by members of the debate audience. Even more telling not one of the candidates on stage felt compelled to correct the crowd that this was a soldier putting his life at risk.
The lack of courage to say what is right, to do what is right or perhaps not knowing what is right and decent is appaling. It is hard to see how independent votes can be gained by a party that can be seen as in the last three weeks as cheering executions, wishing uninsured patients to die and now booing gay soldiers.
It is a sad state of affairs that even common decency cannot be part of the forum.
Rick Santorum who answered the question made an argument about how gay soldiers compromised our armed forces for a social expirement. He did not address what would happen to these soliders such as the questioners but one can expect that the answer would not be to embrace these soldiers.
The bigger issue in terms of the election, for who really expects Republicans to embrace anything close to gay rights, was that at the end of his question the soldier was audibly booed by members of the debate audience. Even more telling not one of the candidates on stage felt compelled to correct the crowd that this was a soldier putting his life at risk.
The lack of courage to say what is right, to do what is right or perhaps not knowing what is right and decent is appaling. It is hard to see how independent votes can be gained by a party that can be seen as in the last three weeks as cheering executions, wishing uninsured patients to die and now booing gay soldiers.
It is a sad state of affairs that even common decency cannot be part of the forum.
The Change at Disney
In August of 2009 our family took a trip to Disney. In September of 2009 it became apparent that I had something wrong with me. I was having trouble using my arms, experiencing significant weakness and having much trouble holding my head up.
From October to April I visited doctors, physical therapists, neurologists, and eventually visited hospitals in Boston and has tests performed at Duke Medical Center. In the end they diagnosed me and while not terminal my life was changed forever. I will never be better and the disease is progressive
I often think about that trip in August. I remember right before we left my son and I played a small game of horse in which I to put it nicely destroyed him. When in Florida one night my son and I were at a park by ourselves and when leaving both used our long legs to pass much of the crowd and he enjoyed talking about how fast we were walking by ourselves.
Two days later we were going to a stunt show in the late afternoon. With a large seating that one entered from the bottom my oldest son led the way up the vast staircase. As we were about 10 steps up we came up behind an older man, a little heavyset who appeared to be laboring. Many people were stepping around this man who had been moving so slowly and now had all but stopped. I was concerned and stopped and asked the man if he was ok, if there was anything that we could do for him. He chuckled and said he was fine, just fat and soon found a seat. Still it was concerning to see.
As we kept progressing up the stairs, evidently my son wanted to be all the way to the top, I started feeling strange. I have always had knee pain but this was different. It felt like my knees could not lift. I was having a very hard time, if not failing to raise my leg. I stopped and eventually with considerable thought was able to make my legs move the additional steps. The show lasted about an hour so when we left I had recovered and really thought little of it. It seems clear now however that this was the first symptom of my diesease manifesting itself.
I have often thought that trip up the stairs was significant. A beginning up the stairs showing concern for a stranger to, at the top, finding that I could not go on and experiencing a level of pain that signified a sickness that would change the rest of my life. I think there is some kind of reciprocity in that. I wonder if by being nice in that situation it has enabled me to have the treatment that one would desire when sick and unable to do all that they would like. Moreover how would I have felt if looking back at that first symptom of sickness I realized that minutes earlier I had been rude and unconcerned to another person struggling to walk. I am glad I do not have to deal with that feeling.
I tell my son. Be nice. Remember the golden rule. For it truly the case that " there but for the grace of God go I " I found that out in a ten minute span that forever changed my life. Anyone of us could
From October to April I visited doctors, physical therapists, neurologists, and eventually visited hospitals in Boston and has tests performed at Duke Medical Center. In the end they diagnosed me and while not terminal my life was changed forever. I will never be better and the disease is progressive
I often think about that trip in August. I remember right before we left my son and I played a small game of horse in which I to put it nicely destroyed him. When in Florida one night my son and I were at a park by ourselves and when leaving both used our long legs to pass much of the crowd and he enjoyed talking about how fast we were walking by ourselves.
Two days later we were going to a stunt show in the late afternoon. With a large seating that one entered from the bottom my oldest son led the way up the vast staircase. As we were about 10 steps up we came up behind an older man, a little heavyset who appeared to be laboring. Many people were stepping around this man who had been moving so slowly and now had all but stopped. I was concerned and stopped and asked the man if he was ok, if there was anything that we could do for him. He chuckled and said he was fine, just fat and soon found a seat. Still it was concerning to see.
As we kept progressing up the stairs, evidently my son wanted to be all the way to the top, I started feeling strange. I have always had knee pain but this was different. It felt like my knees could not lift. I was having a very hard time, if not failing to raise my leg. I stopped and eventually with considerable thought was able to make my legs move the additional steps. The show lasted about an hour so when we left I had recovered and really thought little of it. It seems clear now however that this was the first symptom of my diesease manifesting itself.
I have often thought that trip up the stairs was significant. A beginning up the stairs showing concern for a stranger to, at the top, finding that I could not go on and experiencing a level of pain that signified a sickness that would change the rest of my life. I think there is some kind of reciprocity in that. I wonder if by being nice in that situation it has enabled me to have the treatment that one would desire when sick and unable to do all that they would like. Moreover how would I have felt if looking back at that first symptom of sickness I realized that minutes earlier I had been rude and unconcerned to another person struggling to walk. I am glad I do not have to deal with that feeling.
I tell my son. Be nice. Remember the golden rule. For it truly the case that " there but for the grace of God go I " I found that out in a ten minute span that forever changed my life. Anyone of us could
How Great is a Library
I went to the library today. For the last twenty years i must have taken out hundreds of books fromthe library here in Bangor. Occasionally we will read that the BPL has one of the highest circulation rates in the country. I like to think i play a part in that, as much as anyone individual that is.
Today I was there t pick up a book tthat was just published called We the Animals. I am what I call an agressive reader. I am always searching out new books. Using Amazon I usually know that a book I am interested n is being published and so often with the reserve system at the library I can get a new book right away. With the library exchange system it works even better. The book I was looking for was available at only one library in the state but with one click was able to have it sent to our local library.
What a great system. With a little research any book in a library can be yours. We discovered this years ago. My children, both of them, learned to count to ten and well beyond by counting the steps at the library entrance. Indeed thye as they got to be six and seven they too liked requesting new books.
Last week my daughter, now twelve, accompanied me to the library to pi k up a book i had requested. As we went to be desk a nice fellow who has been working at the library for quite sometime greeted me by name and handed me my books. My daughter said " Wow Dad thye know you by name and just hand you your books."
Thinking about it later my wife said " Is there a better place that you would want to be known by name." An accurate statement that says much.
Today I was there t pick up a book tthat was just published called We the Animals. I am what I call an agressive reader. I am always searching out new books. Using Amazon I usually know that a book I am interested n is being published and so often with the reserve system at the library I can get a new book right away. With the library exchange system it works even better. The book I was looking for was available at only one library in the state but with one click was able to have it sent to our local library.
What a great system. With a little research any book in a library can be yours. We discovered this years ago. My children, both of them, learned to count to ten and well beyond by counting the steps at the library entrance. Indeed thye as they got to be six and seven they too liked requesting new books.
Last week my daughter, now twelve, accompanied me to the library to pi k up a book i had requested. As we went to be desk a nice fellow who has been working at the library for quite sometime greeted me by name and handed me my books. My daughter said " Wow Dad thye know you by name and just hand you your books."
Thinking about it later my wife said " Is there a better place that you would want to be known by name." An accurate statement that says much.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Jon Stewart versus Mitch Daniels
Mitch Daniels is the very popular Governor of Indiana. He had been touted as a candidate for President but chose not to run. Much of the reason for this is his marriage has had some rough spots, namely he and his wife split, she remarried and then after divorcing she and Daniels reconciled. While we might admire their reworking their marriage many would find things to criticize in this for a candidate for President.
Daniels is however touting a new book so appeared on Stewart's show mid week. As he proclaims himself as a different kind of Republican Stewart called him out on his tone and word usage about Obama such as fanatically obsessed with redistribution of wealth. Daniels seemed a little taken aback.
Stewart then went through the familiar numbers about the percentage of income for the top 1 percent compared to the years past. These numbers and their changes are dizzying but our Republican friends sleep well at night, do not ask me how.
We were then told by Stewart that an additional way to look at this is that the middle fifty percent of the population control and own 2 percent of the economy. If this is true or close to true this is a repulsive number.
Income equality and its ever increasing disparity can lead to problems in a society that might not be envisioned. At some point those in the tea party and others that are being duped by the Republican rich into voting against there own economic interests might realize what has been done. If those people join with those already disposseed in this economy we could have a radical social shift leading to who knows what.
Would it not be better for the rich to pay four percent more in taxes?
Daniels is however touting a new book so appeared on Stewart's show mid week. As he proclaims himself as a different kind of Republican Stewart called him out on his tone and word usage about Obama such as fanatically obsessed with redistribution of wealth. Daniels seemed a little taken aback.
Stewart then went through the familiar numbers about the percentage of income for the top 1 percent compared to the years past. These numbers and their changes are dizzying but our Republican friends sleep well at night, do not ask me how.
We were then told by Stewart that an additional way to look at this is that the middle fifty percent of the population control and own 2 percent of the economy. If this is true or close to true this is a repulsive number.
Income equality and its ever increasing disparity can lead to problems in a society that might not be envisioned. At some point those in the tea party and others that are being duped by the Republican rich into voting against there own economic interests might realize what has been done. If those people join with those already disposseed in this economy we could have a radical social shift leading to who knows what.
Would it not be better for the rich to pay four percent more in taxes?
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Rick Perry, Willingham and Trial By Fire
As the execution of Troy Davis took place yesterday those against the death penalty brought up the case of Cameron Todd Willingham a man convicted and sent to death in Texas for the arson murder of his three infant girls.
Last evening Barry Scheck of The Innocence Project was speaking on Chris Matthews and mentioned that soon Rick Perry would have to answer questions about how he put to death an innocent man. Perry as Governor refused to stay the execution and there are many that question whether he even reviewed the evidence.
I read a New Yorker article called Trial by Fire which many take to be the best introduction to the case. Willingham emerged from his house stating that his babies were burning. His wife was out of the house and he awoke that morning to his house being on fire.
Fire invesigators later found evidence of acclerants being used and stated that it along with the fact that Willingham left the house barefoot and suffered no burns on his feet.
A study of fire investigators and their methods has shown that it is a very subjective science. In fact when the Supreme Court ruled that all experts must provide evidence based on a scientific method fire investigators stated that they should not be held to that standard as their science is more of a case of hunches. The fact that someone can be put to death based on the hunches of an investigator should make us all nervous.
Later as Willingham neared death he finally had his case reviewed by one of the most reknown experts in the field. Test fires had been done that had shown that the methodology and science used in the investigation was flawed. Without going into the full science of it this gentleman disproved the entire science and methodology used in Texas in this case. Still armed with this information Rick Perry chose to let this man die.
Why is there a rush to exectute a man that science has shown to at least have a reasonable doub. Rick Perry will answer questions over the next year but there is one sad truth that is reflective in all politics today.
For those that are in favor of the death penalty there will be no overriding concern that this man might have been killed. In America today you are either for or against and there is very little in between.
Hopefully he was guilty but the whole process is flawed. Why are we so violent. Whey are we the only Western country that executes like this.
Last evening Barry Scheck of The Innocence Project was speaking on Chris Matthews and mentioned that soon Rick Perry would have to answer questions about how he put to death an innocent man. Perry as Governor refused to stay the execution and there are many that question whether he even reviewed the evidence.
I read a New Yorker article called Trial by Fire which many take to be the best introduction to the case. Willingham emerged from his house stating that his babies were burning. His wife was out of the house and he awoke that morning to his house being on fire.
Fire invesigators later found evidence of acclerants being used and stated that it along with the fact that Willingham left the house barefoot and suffered no burns on his feet.
A study of fire investigators and their methods has shown that it is a very subjective science. In fact when the Supreme Court ruled that all experts must provide evidence based on a scientific method fire investigators stated that they should not be held to that standard as their science is more of a case of hunches. The fact that someone can be put to death based on the hunches of an investigator should make us all nervous.
Later as Willingham neared death he finally had his case reviewed by one of the most reknown experts in the field. Test fires had been done that had shown that the methodology and science used in the investigation was flawed. Without going into the full science of it this gentleman disproved the entire science and methodology used in Texas in this case. Still armed with this information Rick Perry chose to let this man die.
Why is there a rush to exectute a man that science has shown to at least have a reasonable doub. Rick Perry will answer questions over the next year but there is one sad truth that is reflective in all politics today.
For those that are in favor of the death penalty there will be no overriding concern that this man might have been killed. In America today you are either for or against and there is very little in between.
Hopefully he was guilty but the whole process is flawed. Why are we so violent. Whey are we the only Western country that executes like this.
Georgia Executes Troy Davis
The execution of Troy Davis took place last evening. It had been delayed for a few hours as the word on a possible stay by The Supreme Court was awaited. It did not decide to act on the request.
Anyone who knows me know that tend to the Catholic view on all issues life, whether it be abortion or death penalty so my viewpoint on this is pretty standard fair.
I do not believe in the death penalty. The merits of this case seem to be especially egregious. Davis convicted of killing a police officer based primarily on the eyewitness testimony of nine people. Of those people seven have now recanted and the other two are dubious at best.
I do not know if Troy Davis was guilty of that murder. There is no doubt that earlier in the evening he was in a fight, that he had evidently shot a man earlier in the night in a fight. In short he was no angel.
Still cop killers are hated and if folks are thought to be cop killers the blue shield closes around and it is a rare case where a conviction is not gained.
One of the issues in these cases is it is very rare for a poor man with court appointed representation to be able to defend himself well. It seems that in America health care and justice are meted out on a pay to play basis. The more money you have the better chance of success in both areas.
I do not know if Troy Davis is guilty. I do know that there are enough doubts about the evidence and the guilt that a delay in his execution or better yet a commutation to life in prison was called for.
The innocence of youth is remembered. Looking at facebook last night I saw that many of my son's friends were posting about the case and the injustice of it all. I remember when I felt that sure of everything.
I am sure that I am against the death penalty. I am not sure that I know of his innocence. I think we are arrogant as men if we believe that we know who is guilty enough to kill in all cases.
Anyone who knows me know that tend to the Catholic view on all issues life, whether it be abortion or death penalty so my viewpoint on this is pretty standard fair.
I do not believe in the death penalty. The merits of this case seem to be especially egregious. Davis convicted of killing a police officer based primarily on the eyewitness testimony of nine people. Of those people seven have now recanted and the other two are dubious at best.
I do not know if Troy Davis was guilty of that murder. There is no doubt that earlier in the evening he was in a fight, that he had evidently shot a man earlier in the night in a fight. In short he was no angel.
Still cop killers are hated and if folks are thought to be cop killers the blue shield closes around and it is a rare case where a conviction is not gained.
One of the issues in these cases is it is very rare for a poor man with court appointed representation to be able to defend himself well. It seems that in America health care and justice are meted out on a pay to play basis. The more money you have the better chance of success in both areas.
I do not know if Troy Davis is guilty. I do know that there are enough doubts about the evidence and the guilt that a delay in his execution or better yet a commutation to life in prison was called for.
The innocence of youth is remembered. Looking at facebook last night I saw that many of my son's friends were posting about the case and the injustice of it all. I remember when I felt that sure of everything.
I am sure that I am against the death penalty. I am not sure that I know of his innocence. I think we are arrogant as men if we believe that we know who is guilty enough to kill in all cases.
President Clinton is Missed
Everytime I see him on television I say this but watching former President Clinton on Morning Joe this morning one has to be struck by the absolute intelligence of Mr Clinton. There is nothing he is not interested in. He is the quintessential man of letters. He is interested in all topics and moreover he learns about each topic and has something fruitful to add.
Clinton is a marked contrast to Bush and Perry and even Obama. A man that connects with people high and low, who really cares and is perhaps the most intelligent politician of his times.
There is nothing more to say it is a beaten horse but it seems to me we do ourselves a disservice when we disqualify from service the best politician due to the fact he has served.
Is there Democrat who would not take Clinton over Obama but just as importantly any Republicans who would not do the same.
Where have you gone Bill, a nation turns it's lonely eyes to you.
Clinton is a marked contrast to Bush and Perry and even Obama. A man that connects with people high and low, who really cares and is perhaps the most intelligent politician of his times.
There is nothing more to say it is a beaten horse but it seems to me we do ourselves a disservice when we disqualify from service the best politician due to the fact he has served.
Is there Democrat who would not take Clinton over Obama but just as importantly any Republicans who would not do the same.
Where have you gone Bill, a nation turns it's lonely eyes to you.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
We All Live a Normal Life
Reading a story by Ann Beattie in The New Yorker this week made me think about how as my Dad used to say " put our pants on one leg at a time." In this story we see a fictional account written by Pat Nixon about various incidents in her life with Richard Nixon.
One of the sections centers on a time when The President, now out of office and living in New Jersey has a dog approach him when he is outside. The dog appears lost and Nixon likes dogs. He brings the dog inside and he and Pat have a debate about keeping it, if someone might be looking for it and then make tea. It is the kind of thing we all do, the conversations of short term meaning that we all have with our spouses.
Would we feel differently about our leaders if we knew that they liked the movies we did, the music we did, wore the same bathrobe as we did or enjoyed the same books. Does that make them more human and less of a leader. There was a reason that even those that did not like President Bush the younger as President felt like he was more knowable and likable than Al Gore. Bill Clinton could make everyone feel like they knew him and it worked for him.
Richard Nixon was a good President and a human man with flaws, perhaps greater than other Presidents, perhaps not. In the end however he might well have discussed keeping a stray dog. In the end we saw him breakdown and cry when his wife Pat Nixon died and he soon followed her.
He died like the rest of us will. Alone. He came into the world like the rest of us did. Alone. In between one assumes with charity he did the best he could and even with his mistakes his intent was usually good. He had human frailties and made mistakes. We all do.
We all live and we all die. Thinking about Nixon and a stray dog made me think of my own life and in the end my own mortality. Perhaps that is why I write so much. We all want a legacy. A friend of mine told me about a dream he had as we finished high school. He came back to school the next year to visit. Right before he had left he had written up on the wall Steve was here. When he returned the next year he sought out what he had written. It was there but underneath in bigger letters stood a new phrase. Who Cares.
We all want our lives to mean something. Did Nixon find solace in a dog or a grandchild after the ups and downs of his life. I hope so. We should hope to find solace in our lives when we get old. We all need to do things that will help us have that as we get old.
Rest easy Mr. Nixon. I am sure that stray dogs life was better for your efforts. In the end is that not all any of us can do. To improve somebody, someones life and hope that the ledger is in the positive at the end.
One of the sections centers on a time when The President, now out of office and living in New Jersey has a dog approach him when he is outside. The dog appears lost and Nixon likes dogs. He brings the dog inside and he and Pat have a debate about keeping it, if someone might be looking for it and then make tea. It is the kind of thing we all do, the conversations of short term meaning that we all have with our spouses.
Would we feel differently about our leaders if we knew that they liked the movies we did, the music we did, wore the same bathrobe as we did or enjoyed the same books. Does that make them more human and less of a leader. There was a reason that even those that did not like President Bush the younger as President felt like he was more knowable and likable than Al Gore. Bill Clinton could make everyone feel like they knew him and it worked for him.
Richard Nixon was a good President and a human man with flaws, perhaps greater than other Presidents, perhaps not. In the end however he might well have discussed keeping a stray dog. In the end we saw him breakdown and cry when his wife Pat Nixon died and he soon followed her.
He died like the rest of us will. Alone. He came into the world like the rest of us did. Alone. In between one assumes with charity he did the best he could and even with his mistakes his intent was usually good. He had human frailties and made mistakes. We all do.
We all live and we all die. Thinking about Nixon and a stray dog made me think of my own life and in the end my own mortality. Perhaps that is why I write so much. We all want a legacy. A friend of mine told me about a dream he had as we finished high school. He came back to school the next year to visit. Right before he had left he had written up on the wall Steve was here. When he returned the next year he sought out what he had written. It was there but underneath in bigger letters stood a new phrase. Who Cares.
We all want our lives to mean something. Did Nixon find solace in a dog or a grandchild after the ups and downs of his life. I hope so. We should hope to find solace in our lives when we get old. We all need to do things that will help us have that as we get old.
Rest easy Mr. Nixon. I am sure that stray dogs life was better for your efforts. In the end is that not all any of us can do. To improve somebody, someones life and hope that the ledger is in the positive at the end.
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