How has the mighty United States of America become a nation that defines itself by a single catastrophic event? We can't be a country with a victim mentality, can we? Motivated to action by fear. How can fear be of any use in making rational decisions that affect the entire planet? We are better than this, aren't we? We once were.
So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself -- nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. - FDR
As much as the actual decisions we're making in the world, I worry about HOW we make decisions. Not George, mind you. I'm not sure I have the mental acuity to ever figure that out. But what about us? Remember when you first learned about the holocaust? I remember wondering how the regular folks could have let that happen. The answer, of course, is that there was a culture of terror. What will history say about us, I wonder?
I am not suggesting that the President is a Nazi. I am saying he is fearmongering. In his pettiness, he is making us a smaller people. He is a divider, not a uniter.
I'm tired of having no domestic policy and having a foreign policy based entirely on 9/11. There just is no way to wage war on terror. Terrorism is a crime. It is a police matter. You arrest terrorists. You don't destroy a whole country (even if the terrorists had actually had any affiliation with said country.)
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Thursday, March 23, 2006
What I have in Common with Bush
As you all know, I am all about building bridges. In that spirit, I have decided I must search for some common ground with the President. Here goes:
1) I was born and raised in New England. When it serves my interests, I must fake a Texas drawl.
2) I, too, have a hard time putting food on my family.
3) I don't spend alot of time thinking about Usama Bin Laden.
4) I really have no concept of how the other half lives.
5) I don't believe that my history of drug use is any of your business.
6) I have a silly laugh for a grown man.
7) I am not prepared to run a whole country.
8) I had no idea that Usama Bin Laden intended to attack us.
9) I once swore an oath to protect and defend the US Constitution without having read it.
10) I wasn't smart enough to get into Yale either.
1) I was born and raised in New England. When it serves my interests, I must fake a Texas drawl.
2) I, too, have a hard time putting food on my family.
3) I don't spend alot of time thinking about Usama Bin Laden.
4) I really have no concept of how the other half lives.
5) I don't believe that my history of drug use is any of your business.
6) I have a silly laugh for a grown man.
7) I am not prepared to run a whole country.
8) I had no idea that Usama Bin Laden intended to attack us.
9) I once swore an oath to protect and defend the US Constitution without having read it.
10) I wasn't smart enough to get into Yale either.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
What about Fred?
What do we do about this guy? If you'll look back at my People We Love Who Hate (I'm sure referring to your own post must be bad form), I talk about "real haters" who can't be reached. I was referring specifically to Mr. Phelps.
Many of you believe that he is a monster. I think that he is a broken human being. Probably broken beyond repair. A person consumed by hatred is to be both feared and pitied. Feared for the pain he causes everyone with whom he comes in contact and pitied like you would pity a rabid dog. I suspect someone is going to suggest that rabid dogs get put down, and I want to make it clear that I find violence an unacceptable solution. The fact that we can't put him out of his obvious misery should make you pity him all the more.
Some states have managed to pass laws to prevent Mr. Phelps from picketing funerals and others are in the process of passing similar laws. Much like flag burning amendments, they are emotional and unconstitutional laws. Mr. Phelps will get an audience with the Supreme Court, and he will win. I understand and respect the motivation of the people trying to protect victims' families, but further erosion of the Bill of Rights is the consequence of the best intentions. Many of the soldiers whose funerals the Phelps family picket believed that they were fighting for those rights.
There are alot of Fred Phelps' out there. Alot.... ALOT! Somehow we gave this guy a stage. He ached his whole life for an audience and now he has one. It's not about hating fags as much as it is about imposing his will. He's trying to make America his bitch. But we are not children. His flock can only come from twisting the minds of babes. Anyone who has any basis in reality and morality is not subject to his tactics. Ever notice that it's always the impotent that have to proclaim their virility. His only real effect on us is his ability to offend our sensibilties. Let's not give him any more power than that, lest we encourage the closeted nuts to follow his lead.
This guy is the fringe (even O'Rielly would probably disapprove), and we should treat him as such. I love that bikers are acting as human shields at these funerals. I hope that makes it easier for the families to ignore the Phelps, because that is exactly how you treat a bully.
Finally, please bear in mind, that if we stop KKK rallies or Phelps' pickets, then we have no basis for protection for protest of any kind.
Many of you believe that he is a monster. I think that he is a broken human being. Probably broken beyond repair. A person consumed by hatred is to be both feared and pitied. Feared for the pain he causes everyone with whom he comes in contact and pitied like you would pity a rabid dog. I suspect someone is going to suggest that rabid dogs get put down, and I want to make it clear that I find violence an unacceptable solution. The fact that we can't put him out of his obvious misery should make you pity him all the more.
Some states have managed to pass laws to prevent Mr. Phelps from picketing funerals and others are in the process of passing similar laws. Much like flag burning amendments, they are emotional and unconstitutional laws. Mr. Phelps will get an audience with the Supreme Court, and he will win. I understand and respect the motivation of the people trying to protect victims' families, but further erosion of the Bill of Rights is the consequence of the best intentions. Many of the soldiers whose funerals the Phelps family picket believed that they were fighting for those rights.
There are alot of Fred Phelps' out there. Alot.... ALOT! Somehow we gave this guy a stage. He ached his whole life for an audience and now he has one. It's not about hating fags as much as it is about imposing his will. He's trying to make America his bitch. But we are not children. His flock can only come from twisting the minds of babes. Anyone who has any basis in reality and morality is not subject to his tactics. Ever notice that it's always the impotent that have to proclaim their virility. His only real effect on us is his ability to offend our sensibilties. Let's not give him any more power than that, lest we encourage the closeted nuts to follow his lead.
This guy is the fringe (even O'Rielly would probably disapprove), and we should treat him as such. I love that bikers are acting as human shields at these funerals. I hope that makes it easier for the families to ignore the Phelps, because that is exactly how you treat a bully.
Finally, please bear in mind, that if we stop KKK rallies or Phelps' pickets, then we have no basis for protection for protest of any kind.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Break is Over
School is back in session tomorrow, which means I'll have a lot less time to devote to this. I'll still post, but I'll do so ill-informed, which might get me a senior level staff position at the White House. Anyway, I've never been a news site, and it's only going to get worse, so if you were hoping to learn anything useful here, let me save you some time and trouble. As a matter of fact, if YOU know something that I should know, either post a comment or email me. As an engineering student, I am relying on you to be my Humanities lifeline. All calculus and no politics makes Jack a frickin' geek. Hook me up.
Friday, March 17, 2006
True Friends
I've got a question for you. It goes to the heart of why I love the internet. Who is a truer friend? Is it my next door neighbor, who is a retired cop that voted for Bush twice and goes to church every Sunday? His daughter babysits my kids. He watches my house when I'm away and let's me borrow his lawnmower when mines busted. He's a great neighbor (we'll forget for the moment that he's a Yankees fan, which used to be the ultimate sin). We remain good neighbors by avoiding our politics. As it has always been, so shall it always be.
Or is it the person on the other coast, whom I've never met? The one who spills his/her gut in a blog every day. The one that makes me say, "Right on, Sister! Go yell it on the Mountain!" The one I will never meet and have a cold beer with, but with whom I toke on the bong of truth everyday. I'm not going to call her when my car breaks down, but I'll read her when my spirit breaks down.
They say a broken clock is right twice a day. My dad had a couple of gems in my youth. He bought a wood-splitter (how many weekends did I spend splitting wood...) and he asked my uncle(who would eventually lose two fingers to the aforementioned tool) what he thought of it. My uncle said that machines break down, to which my dad replied "So do men. Get me another beer, son."
Or is it the person on the other coast, whom I've never met? The one who spills his/her gut in a blog every day. The one that makes me say, "Right on, Sister! Go yell it on the Mountain!" The one I will never meet and have a cold beer with, but with whom I toke on the bong of truth everyday. I'm not going to call her when my car breaks down, but I'll read her when my spirit breaks down.
They say a broken clock is right twice a day. My dad had a couple of gems in my youth. He bought a wood-splitter (how many weekends did I spend splitting wood...) and he asked my uncle(who would eventually lose two fingers to the aforementioned tool) what he thought of it. My uncle said that machines break down, to which my dad replied "So do men. Get me another beer, son."
Agenda Free
When the battle becomes more than you can bear, and fighting the good fight seems an overwhelming burden, may I suggest that you do what I did today. I had the best time. I went to my son's second-grade class and I read them Dr. Suess.
Before I began, I took questions. The teacher asked me what I do and I explained to her that I was a sophomore at the University, which is just like second grade in college. She then asked if I paid to go to the University, to which, of course, I replied that I did. To my amazement, the next question was directed to the class. Is Mr. ****** paying for a good or a service? My son's second grade class has already learned this concept as well as the laws of supply and demand and about producers and consumers. They can't even write in cursive yet, and their already learning economics. Times sure have changed. (Only the slightest twinge that the teacher has a W sticker in the back window of her Lincoln Town Car)
I don't get to spend a lot of time with groups of children, and I was amazed at their sweetness and directness. They were very polite. When they want your attention, they touch you, without concern of the connotations. When they ask you a question, they want a dialogue. They want to know why and they listen. Then they want you to listen to them. And they trust you. What a refreshing change. What a responsibility.
I have often heard how naive we are as liberals. Well, I, for one, don't consider that an insult. The fact that, at 37, I can still look at the world with childlike wonder, is one of my few really good qualities. I want to trust the next person I vote for. And I want that person to nurture that trust. I want him/her to be willing and anxious to have a dialogue. I will listen. I want them to listen to me. They should be a steward for the common good. That would be a refreshing change, no?
Before I began, I took questions. The teacher asked me what I do and I explained to her that I was a sophomore at the University, which is just like second grade in college. She then asked if I paid to go to the University, to which, of course, I replied that I did. To my amazement, the next question was directed to the class. Is Mr. ****** paying for a good or a service? My son's second grade class has already learned this concept as well as the laws of supply and demand and about producers and consumers. They can't even write in cursive yet, and their already learning economics. Times sure have changed. (Only the slightest twinge that the teacher has a W sticker in the back window of her Lincoln Town Car)
I don't get to spend a lot of time with groups of children, and I was amazed at their sweetness and directness. They were very polite. When they want your attention, they touch you, without concern of the connotations. When they ask you a question, they want a dialogue. They want to know why and they listen. Then they want you to listen to them. And they trust you. What a refreshing change. What a responsibility.
I have often heard how naive we are as liberals. Well, I, for one, don't consider that an insult. The fact that, at 37, I can still look at the world with childlike wonder, is one of my few really good qualities. I want to trust the next person I vote for. And I want that person to nurture that trust. I want him/her to be willing and anxious to have a dialogue. I will listen. I want them to listen to me. They should be a steward for the common good. That would be a refreshing change, no?
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Gore/Fiengold 2008
My dream ticket.
Vice President Gore refers to himself as a recovering politician. Maybe he truly has left the arena and is just acting as an elder statesman. A sane voice in the wilderness. I suspect and hope otherwise.
I , and many of my fellow democrats, keep looking for that inspirational candidate. One who possesses the political savvy to position himself to win and who shares our values. And, put plainly, I trust this guy to protect American interests. That means restoring our global image and paying attention to domestic issues.
On both fronts, we have a winner. Let's not forget that most of us were Gore fans before we had ever heard of Clinton. He has proven himself as a leader on issues ranging from the environment to national security. He has the experience and the compassion to lead. And, he has developed and implemented a genius strategy to put himself in position to win.
His resume is impressive. He won the popular vote once, and that was before people were pissed. Fiengold brings the disenfranchised progressives and helps in Florida, although I think Gore wins Florida anyway. I think the level of disgust that exists in this country right now will result in record turnouts.
I'm no strategist. There are many fine sites out there that are detail oriented. I read them and so should you. Be informed. And once you are, you can go with your gut (it will be an informed gut). My gut tells me that something exciting is about to happen.
Vice President Gore refers to himself as a recovering politician. Maybe he truly has left the arena and is just acting as an elder statesman. A sane voice in the wilderness. I suspect and hope otherwise.
I , and many of my fellow democrats, keep looking for that inspirational candidate. One who possesses the political savvy to position himself to win and who shares our values. And, put plainly, I trust this guy to protect American interests. That means restoring our global image and paying attention to domestic issues.
On both fronts, we have a winner. Let's not forget that most of us were Gore fans before we had ever heard of Clinton. He has proven himself as a leader on issues ranging from the environment to national security. He has the experience and the compassion to lead. And, he has developed and implemented a genius strategy to put himself in position to win.
His resume is impressive. He won the popular vote once, and that was before people were pissed. Fiengold brings the disenfranchised progressives and helps in Florida, although I think Gore wins Florida anyway. I think the level of disgust that exists in this country right now will result in record turnouts.
I'm no strategist. There are many fine sites out there that are detail oriented. I read them and so should you. Be informed. And once you are, you can go with your gut (it will be an informed gut). My gut tells me that something exciting is about to happen.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Bridge Building Award
This may be the most interesting and far-reaching political alliance in decades.
Democrats court moderate evangelicals
Wow. Now, I know that this doesn't fix much. We still don't have an honest 2 party system. And all of the Orwellian crap that is being reported still needs to be fixed. Yeah, I'm still as pissed off as you are, but can we take a moment to appreciate this?
My 7th grade English teacher was a hard-core drunk. It was even money as to whether he'd be in on a Monday morning. I could tell you some stories...So one day (probably not a Monday), we get a lecture about God, Country and Family (I went to a public school and wouldn't you know it , no one thought to tape it). I remember finding the lecture odd at the time, but I grew up trailer trash with a pretty mean drunk of my own at home, and I wasn't about to add this to my list of problems. We came away from the lecture with a clear understanding of our responsibilities as human beings. We were to serve God first, America second, and family if there was anything left to give. I abandoned God just around that time, for scores of reasons having little to do with my 3 pack-a-day English teacher.
He was just one of a long list of nut jobs that talked god at me. I've never had a reasonable conversation about god. And I'm dead nuts against anybody talking god at my kids. Growing up in our blood-thirsty world is enough of a mind-fuck. And let me tell you, it aint us godless heathens banging the drums of war.
So, here is this chasm. Seemingly impossible to bridge. Then along comes this young fella who seems reasonable. He seems to be more interested in doing the will of his loving god than he is in serving the will of the church elders.
You can read the article for yourself. It's really something. Took me a solid day to wrap my brain around and I'm still not sure that I trust myself to believe this is possible. But I think an olive branch has been extended, and I want to tell you why I am inclined to take it.
Sure, it has occurred to me that this may be an end run around the separation of church and state. But I WANT my kids (in an equal time sort of way) to learn about religion. They need to understand, at least in some perfunctory way, the motivations of the 80-90% of the people in the world who identify themselves as religious. And (GASP!) I trust the public school system to do this in a more even-handed way than the church (of course we need to stipulate some very clear ground rules).
So, I, for one, am interested in hearing more details about this. We have been viewed as the party of America-hating, anti-family, atheist cowards for too long. Of course, it would take volumes to point out how ludicrous this is, and even then, who'd listen. Here, I see an opportunity to show that even the very small percentage of Democrats who are atheists, are reasonable people who do not hate Christians. Most of us grew up in the church, and most of our families are still true believers. And guess what, we love them.
If this guy turns out to be the real deal, I am going to start some kind of Bridge Building Award, and he will be the first recipient. Until then, much love.
Democrats court moderate evangelicals
Wow. Now, I know that this doesn't fix much. We still don't have an honest 2 party system. And all of the Orwellian crap that is being reported still needs to be fixed. Yeah, I'm still as pissed off as you are, but can we take a moment to appreciate this?
My 7th grade English teacher was a hard-core drunk. It was even money as to whether he'd be in on a Monday morning. I could tell you some stories...So one day (probably not a Monday), we get a lecture about God, Country and Family (I went to a public school and wouldn't you know it , no one thought to tape it). I remember finding the lecture odd at the time, but I grew up trailer trash with a pretty mean drunk of my own at home, and I wasn't about to add this to my list of problems. We came away from the lecture with a clear understanding of our responsibilities as human beings. We were to serve God first, America second, and family if there was anything left to give. I abandoned God just around that time, for scores of reasons having little to do with my 3 pack-a-day English teacher.
He was just one of a long list of nut jobs that talked god at me. I've never had a reasonable conversation about god. And I'm dead nuts against anybody talking god at my kids. Growing up in our blood-thirsty world is enough of a mind-fuck. And let me tell you, it aint us godless heathens banging the drums of war.
So, here is this chasm. Seemingly impossible to bridge. Then along comes this young fella who seems reasonable. He seems to be more interested in doing the will of his loving god than he is in serving the will of the church elders.
You can read the article for yourself. It's really something. Took me a solid day to wrap my brain around and I'm still not sure that I trust myself to believe this is possible. But I think an olive branch has been extended, and I want to tell you why I am inclined to take it.
Sure, it has occurred to me that this may be an end run around the separation of church and state. But I WANT my kids (in an equal time sort of way) to learn about religion. They need to understand, at least in some perfunctory way, the motivations of the 80-90% of the people in the world who identify themselves as religious. And (GASP!) I trust the public school system to do this in a more even-handed way than the church (of course we need to stipulate some very clear ground rules).
So, I, for one, am interested in hearing more details about this. We have been viewed as the party of America-hating, anti-family, atheist cowards for too long. Of course, it would take volumes to point out how ludicrous this is, and even then, who'd listen. Here, I see an opportunity to show that even the very small percentage of Democrats who are atheists, are reasonable people who do not hate Christians. Most of us grew up in the church, and most of our families are still true believers. And guess what, we love them.
If this guy turns out to be the real deal, I am going to start some kind of Bridge Building Award, and he will be the first recipient. Until then, much love.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Link Resumes
I want to introduce a few friends of mine:
Fight to Survive
It is impossible for those of us who haven't actually been to war to understand the challenges that our soldiers face. I am amazed by their ability to hang on to their humanity. This is the hardest site to read and therefore the most necessary.
Scott Bidstrup's Letters from Exile
Have you ever mentioned something offhandedly, and the person you're talking to says, "Don't even get me started! I could go on and on." Well, Scott's not kidding. Sure, you can go to half a dozen websites to get the news he has on his blogsite, but you'd be missing out on some of the best commentary out there. Make the effort to navigate to his essays. Trust me when I tell you, this guy is smarter than you are.
The (liberal) Girl Next Door
Bold. There's just no other word. She not only reminds us why we should be proud to be liberals, she provides actual ideas to make our country a better place.
Joe Bageant
If you think all of us liberals are full of shit, Joe will tell you why you are right. I always feel like getting drunk and eating foods I've never heard of before when I'm done.
Unknown News
Helen and Harry give 'em hell. They get the best hate mail , and they always respond respectfully. Be sure to check out the Mystery Links. Fair warning, though, if you are at work turn the volume down.
Rory Shock
Things that make you go "Holy Shit!"
Fight to Survive
It is impossible for those of us who haven't actually been to war to understand the challenges that our soldiers face. I am amazed by their ability to hang on to their humanity. This is the hardest site to read and therefore the most necessary.
Scott Bidstrup's Letters from Exile
Have you ever mentioned something offhandedly, and the person you're talking to says, "Don't even get me started! I could go on and on." Well, Scott's not kidding. Sure, you can go to half a dozen websites to get the news he has on his blogsite, but you'd be missing out on some of the best commentary out there. Make the effort to navigate to his essays. Trust me when I tell you, this guy is smarter than you are.
The (liberal) Girl Next Door
Bold. There's just no other word. She not only reminds us why we should be proud to be liberals, she provides actual ideas to make our country a better place.
Joe Bageant
If you think all of us liberals are full of shit, Joe will tell you why you are right. I always feel like getting drunk and eating foods I've never heard of before when I'm done.
Unknown News
Helen and Harry give 'em hell. They get the best hate mail , and they always respond respectfully. Be sure to check out the Mystery Links. Fair warning, though, if you are at work turn the volume down.
Rory Shock
Things that make you go "Holy Shit!"
My Apologies
My apologies and thanks to those of you who posted comments. My comment moderation settings were frigged up. I hope that I have corrected that. Technologically challenged. Much love.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Help Me Develop This
Clinton had Perot and Bush had Nader. See where I am going with this?
Let's stop letting Fox and MSNBC tell us who the presumptive nominee is? Even those of us with great respect for Sen. Clinton recognize that there is no way she is going to get elected. She has zero crossover appeal. Whether warranted or not, she is perceived as an ultra-liberal. Hey, did you know that she was President of the College Republicans at
Without suggesting who the nominee should be (think southern democrat who once won the popular vote BEFORE people were all pissed off), I think the DNC should pony up and finance a moderate-conservative third party candidate. There are a couple of people I'd like to see that I know won't do it (Sec. Powell or Sec. Cohen). But what about one of the many Republican Governors that are expected to be out of work this November? Or, better yet, a retired military man. The republican equivalent of Gen. Clark. I believe such a person would do more to split a Republican ticket than a Democratic one.
Do you think I'm on to something? Or maybe you have a better idea? Hey, I'm all ears (eyes?). Much love.
DNA and the Death Penalty
I just had a thought. You know how these organizations exist that get people off death row with DNA evidence? What if DNA evidence was required to put people on death row?
Now, I know that innocent people would still be executed. There will be husbands, or lovers whose DNA has every right to be there. But there must be many people on death row without DNA evidence. If it takes overwhelming evidence to take someone off death row,why doesn't it take overwhelming evidence to put them on death row?
What do you think?
Now, I know that innocent people would still be executed. There will be husbands, or lovers whose DNA has every right to be there. But there must be many people on death row without DNA evidence. If it takes overwhelming evidence to take someone off death row,why doesn't it take overwhelming evidence to put them on death row?
What do you think?
Survivor
Doesn't our life in America today seem a bit too much like a large-scale, life and death version of a reality TV show? We form alliances to protect ourselves from being marginalized (not unlike prison, by the way). We no longer strive to make our world a better place regardless of whether or not we think we will succeed. We strive to get power so that we might be able to effect change. The problem is that getting and keeping the power becomes an all-consuming goal. We begin to lose sight of our altruism, for fear it might cost us the power that we fought so hard to get so that we could be altruistic.
I can't stand reality TV. It fosters an already prevalent narcissism that exists in America today. But you know what I can't get enough of? (<---- ended in a preposition. Poor Ms. C******* must be turning over in her grave). I just love those survival stories. You know the ones I mean. The stories of people who overcame seemingly insurmountable odds just to stay alive. Usually the stories involve a loss of body part or another member of the party. There is no reason to believe that you will survive, but you just can't give up. There is something about your life that makes the suffering worthwhile.
Now, I truly understand the desire to nominate a candidate that we believe has the best chance to win the General Election. I feel the same sense of urgency to be sure that it's anybody but... But what if we all got back to selflessly trying to make the world a better place. Would we then easily recognize a standout option? I don't know, I'm just asking. When we have survived and ovecome what now seems insurmountable, politically speaking, how will we conduct ourselves? What lessons will we have taken away with us? What will our suffering have taught us? If history is any indication, not a hell of alot.
I am oversimplifying, I know. The candidate who, in my view, was clearly the best person for the job is largely responsible for the eight years of war and divisiveness we will have endured by the end of this regime. I still feel guilty for not voting for him. I would feel guilty if I had voted for him. Where is our Dark Horse?
I do ramble on. Just thinking out loud here. Somewhere out there, is an altruisic candidate with crossover appeal and courage ( I was gonna say balls, but I don't know that). Will the real Slim Shady please stand up.
Jesus, I wish I could write. Well, hopefully I'll get better. Thanks for plodding through.
I can't stand reality TV. It fosters an already prevalent narcissism that exists in America today. But you know what I can't get enough of? (<---- ended in a preposition. Poor Ms. C******* must be turning over in her grave). I just love those survival stories. You know the ones I mean. The stories of people who overcame seemingly insurmountable odds just to stay alive. Usually the stories involve a loss of body part or another member of the party. There is no reason to believe that you will survive, but you just can't give up. There is something about your life that makes the suffering worthwhile.
Now, I truly understand the desire to nominate a candidate that we believe has the best chance to win the General Election. I feel the same sense of urgency to be sure that it's anybody but... But what if we all got back to selflessly trying to make the world a better place. Would we then easily recognize a standout option? I don't know, I'm just asking. When we have survived and ovecome what now seems insurmountable, politically speaking, how will we conduct ourselves? What lessons will we have taken away with us? What will our suffering have taught us? If history is any indication, not a hell of alot.
I am oversimplifying, I know. The candidate who, in my view, was clearly the best person for the job is largely responsible for the eight years of war and divisiveness we will have endured by the end of this regime. I still feel guilty for not voting for him. I would feel guilty if I had voted for him. Where is our Dark Horse?
I do ramble on. Just thinking out loud here. Somewhere out there, is an altruisic candidate with crossover appeal and courage ( I was gonna say balls, but I don't know that). Will the real Slim Shady please stand up.
Jesus, I wish I could write. Well, hopefully I'll get better. Thanks for plodding through.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
The Mandate for Impeachment
Vermonter's Call for Impeachment
Congressman Sanders Responds
And I write to the Congressman:
Congressman Sanders Responds
And I write to the Congressman:
Congressman Sanders,
I would like to urge you to reconsider your position on submitting articles of impeachment. The very few people in a postion to offer any serious oppostion to the current administration have been so "practical" that they've become complicit in the destruction of my civil liberties.
We currently have no reason to believe that the midterm elections will have any effect on our current plight since the opposition party has shown no indication that they are willing to fight the tough battles required to effect change.
Even if an impeachment is unsuccesful (and I am not convinced that it would be), it opens a serious national debate. I also believe that it would bring back the much alienated and much needed Democratic base.
We would like to see our party leaders cherish the rights afforded to us under the Constitution. We would like them to honor their oaths to protect those rights from enemies both foriegn and domestic. In fact, I would suggest that your constituents have mandated it. Of the paper votes that were counted, over 82% favored impeachment. Since this is supposed to be a representative form of government, I would suggest, at the very least, that you take the step of polling your entire district to determine just how pervasive the desire for impeachment is.
Please, Congressman, give us a reason to believe that we actually have a choice in November.
Respectfully,
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Tools of Division
This was an anonymous comment to:
http://starkraving.livejournal.com/40733.html?thread=134429#t134429
I thought it spoke pretty well to the things we should look out for.
Glittering Generalities-intensely emotionally appealing words closely associated with highly valued concepts and beliefs that carry conviction without supporting information or reason. Subsequently, they ask for approval without examination of the reason, i.e. love of country, desire for peace, freedom, glory, honor, etc. The connotation is always favorable though the owrds and phrases are vague suggsting different things to different people.
Assertions-positive statements presented as fact. Implication is the stated word is self-evident and needs no further proof. They may or may not be true.
Fear-Fear appeal is often used by the spieler by warning listeners disaster will follow if they do not follow a particular course of action. Deep seated fear appeal is utilized to redirect attention away from the merits of any argument and steps to take to dispel the emotion.
Leading questions-Asking questions which suggest only one possible answer.
Lying and Distortion-falsehoods are stated as truth which is contrary to fact.
Insinuation-used to create or stir up the suspicions of the target aduence against ideas, groups or individuals in order to divide. User suggests, hinit and implies thus allowing the audience to draw its own conclusions. Subsequently, latent suspicions and breaks within the target camp are expoited in an attempt to structure them into active expressions of disunity thus weakening their efforts.
Simplification-many facts of a situation are reduced so the good or evil, right or wrong, of an act or decision is obvious to all. This technique provides simple solutions for complex problems by suggesting apparently simple solutions for complex problems. Thus, the user gives simplified interpretations of events, ideas, concepts or personalities. Statements are positive and firm; qualifying words are never used.
Card Stacking or Selective Omission-process of choosing from a variety of facts only those which support the user's purpose. Thus facts are selected and presened which most effectively strengthen and authenicate the point of view of the propagandist.
http://starkraving.livejournal.com/40733.html?thread=134429#t134429
I thought it spoke pretty well to the things we should look out for.
Glittering Generalities-intensely emotionally appealing words closely associated with highly valued concepts and beliefs that carry conviction without supporting information or reason. Subsequently, they ask for approval without examination of the reason, i.e. love of country, desire for peace, freedom, glory, honor, etc. The connotation is always favorable though the owrds and phrases are vague suggsting different things to different people.
Assertions-positive statements presented as fact. Implication is the stated word is self-evident and needs no further proof. They may or may not be true.
Fear-Fear appeal is often used by the spieler by warning listeners disaster will follow if they do not follow a particular course of action. Deep seated fear appeal is utilized to redirect attention away from the merits of any argument and steps to take to dispel the emotion.
Leading questions-Asking questions which suggest only one possible answer.
Lying and Distortion-falsehoods are stated as truth which is contrary to fact.
Insinuation-used to create or stir up the suspicions of the target aduence against ideas, groups or individuals in order to divide. User suggests, hinit and implies thus allowing the audience to draw its own conclusions. Subsequently, latent suspicions and breaks within the target camp are expoited in an attempt to structure them into active expressions of disunity thus weakening their efforts.
Simplification-many facts of a situation are reduced so the good or evil, right or wrong, of an act or decision is obvious to all. This technique provides simple solutions for complex problems by suggesting apparently simple solutions for complex problems. Thus, the user gives simplified interpretations of events, ideas, concepts or personalities. Statements are positive and firm; qualifying words are never used.
Card Stacking or Selective Omission-process of choosing from a variety of facts only those which support the user's purpose. Thus facts are selected and presened which most effectively strengthen and authenicate the point of view of the propagandist.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
People We Love Who Hate
There is a mantra amongst the more moderate of our Christian neighbors that we should hate the sin and love the sinner. Interesting, no? Sounds great. Let's forget that pretty much anything that you REALLY want to do is a sin. I'm kinda partial to gluttony and lust myself. I'll sneak in some pride too, from time to time. I really don't require anyone's forgiveness, and because I'm causing no harm to others I don't really see why anyone would care. But, if you want to care, be my guest. Pray for me, if you wish.
I'd like to return the favor. I won't pray for you. I am an atheist. But I think there may be something to this "love the sinner, hate the sin" thing. So, I'm going to love the homophobic, and hate the homophobia. I am going to love the misogynist, and hate the misogyny. I am going to love the racist, and hate the racism. The really bizarre thing is, none of these is a sin and all of these do real harm to real people.
Think about the folks that you know and care very much about. We may say something to them when they say something intolerant or we may not. I live in a redneck haven. Since we all have a tendency to project (take my advice and stop doing this , you are almost certainly misjudging the person you are talking to. We ALL think we are good judges of character), you'd be amazed at the things people feel perfectly comfortable saying to me.
You see, I am a very white man living in a very white state. The thing is, I'm not quite so white as my friends think. My long time friends will know this, having met my mother (although she is sometimes mistaken as Italian). But my mother and I are not close, and live in different states, so most of my friends do not know that I am not lily white. So, when the not infrequent stupid joke comes out, I have a decision to make. Do I want to invest in this person or not.
Kind of an odd type of racism, eh? A white man, who knows nothing about what it means to be a black man, talking like he does. I'm not, though. I'm telling my unique story. See, I never had to try to "pass". And I grew up in a time where people probably would have said less to me about it if they HAD known. My mother couldn't "pass" in a time when people definitely let her know what they thought she was worth.
Racism. The thing is, it's never the people you suspect. And when it happens, at a party, or some other gathering...when that joke comes and you can see the punch line from the first 3 words...More bridges to build.
Misogyny. This problem is as old as humankind. We just don't learn. It's such a part of who we are, that we don't even notice it anymore. Sure, we might see or hear the overt violence in video games and lyrics. But is it also as simple as expecting less from your daughter, since she'll have a man to provide for her? And even in these "enlightened" times, what woman would want to testify against her rapist, knowing that she is really on the stand to prove that she wasn't asking for it? I tend to steer clear of women's issues, because I have a penis. But I have to be involved to the extent that I am complicit. I think that the fact that most men don't give women's issues much thought is misogynistic in and of itself. More bridges to build.
Homophobia. I am a left wing nut-job, but this one is my demon. I have absolutely nothing against people living their lives in a way that makes them happy. Gay marriage has no effect on my marriage. No, I really don't care. The thing is, homosexality does kinda make me uncomfortable. I recognize that this is a huge flaw in me as a loving human being. I am ashamed of it. Before you judge me too harshly, just know that I am a better person than I once was, and I will be a better person than I am now. Someone out there will see potential in me and make an investment, even though they are horrified by my weakness and the potential for real damage that my prejudice can cause.
Now, there are some real haters out there. I'm not talking about the ones that can't be reached. But what about the ones who can? And you don't REALLY know which is which. It is so much harder to reach out to someone who offends you than it is to turn your back on them. In that moment, there seems no good reason to know a hater. But once you've found a cancer, you can treat it. Let's build some bridges.
Much love.
I'd like to return the favor. I won't pray for you. I am an atheist. But I think there may be something to this "love the sinner, hate the sin" thing. So, I'm going to love the homophobic, and hate the homophobia. I am going to love the misogynist, and hate the misogyny. I am going to love the racist, and hate the racism. The really bizarre thing is, none of these is a sin and all of these do real harm to real people.
Think about the folks that you know and care very much about. We may say something to them when they say something intolerant or we may not. I live in a redneck haven. Since we all have a tendency to project (take my advice and stop doing this , you are almost certainly misjudging the person you are talking to. We ALL think we are good judges of character), you'd be amazed at the things people feel perfectly comfortable saying to me.
You see, I am a very white man living in a very white state. The thing is, I'm not quite so white as my friends think. My long time friends will know this, having met my mother (although she is sometimes mistaken as Italian). But my mother and I are not close, and live in different states, so most of my friends do not know that I am not lily white. So, when the not infrequent stupid joke comes out, I have a decision to make. Do I want to invest in this person or not.
Kind of an odd type of racism, eh? A white man, who knows nothing about what it means to be a black man, talking like he does. I'm not, though. I'm telling my unique story. See, I never had to try to "pass". And I grew up in a time where people probably would have said less to me about it if they HAD known. My mother couldn't "pass" in a time when people definitely let her know what they thought she was worth.
Racism. The thing is, it's never the people you suspect. And when it happens, at a party, or some other gathering...when that joke comes and you can see the punch line from the first 3 words...More bridges to build.
Misogyny. This problem is as old as humankind. We just don't learn. It's such a part of who we are, that we don't even notice it anymore. Sure, we might see or hear the overt violence in video games and lyrics. But is it also as simple as expecting less from your daughter, since she'll have a man to provide for her? And even in these "enlightened" times, what woman would want to testify against her rapist, knowing that she is really on the stand to prove that she wasn't asking for it? I tend to steer clear of women's issues, because I have a penis. But I have to be involved to the extent that I am complicit. I think that the fact that most men don't give women's issues much thought is misogynistic in and of itself. More bridges to build.
Homophobia. I am a left wing nut-job, but this one is my demon. I have absolutely nothing against people living their lives in a way that makes them happy. Gay marriage has no effect on my marriage. No, I really don't care. The thing is, homosexality does kinda make me uncomfortable. I recognize that this is a huge flaw in me as a loving human being. I am ashamed of it. Before you judge me too harshly, just know that I am a better person than I once was, and I will be a better person than I am now. Someone out there will see potential in me and make an investment, even though they are horrified by my weakness and the potential for real damage that my prejudice can cause.
Now, there are some real haters out there. I'm not talking about the ones that can't be reached. But what about the ones who can? And you don't REALLY know which is which. It is so much harder to reach out to someone who offends you than it is to turn your back on them. In that moment, there seems no good reason to know a hater. But once you've found a cancer, you can treat it. Let's build some bridges.
Much love.
Goodbye, Kirby
Kirby Puckett died yesterday, one day after suffering a stroke. I am a lifelong Red Sox fan, but I've always had a special place in my heart for the Twins. Year after year, they put a team on the field that contends for their division despite having one of the lowest payrolls in a very small market. For too few years, including 2 championship years, Kirby Puckett was the heart and soul of the Twins. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001 despite the fact that his career was comparatively short for a Hall of Famer due to glaucoma.
Kirby was an easy player to love. He seemed to be everyman, but, oh what he could do on the diamond. Besides being a feared hitter for both power and average, he also won 6 Gold Gloves. He was enthusiastic and a clubhouse favorite.
It's too easy for us to overlook the demons when someone shines so brightly. I don't want to dwell on Kirby's demons, but it got me to thinking about the people I love and the demons that I overlook. I'll make that a seperate post.
Kirby was an easy player to love. He seemed to be everyman, but, oh what he could do on the diamond. Besides being a feared hitter for both power and average, he also won 6 Gold Gloves. He was enthusiastic and a clubhouse favorite.
It's too easy for us to overlook the demons when someone shines so brightly. I don't want to dwell on Kirby's demons, but it got me to thinking about the people I love and the demons that I overlook. I'll make that a seperate post.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Born To Be Warriors
In this country, we are raised from birth to be contrary. We are adversarial in nearly all of our encounters with our fellow persons. It matters not the topic of discussion, we have a Pavlovian reaction to counter any statement made. Of course, many times the original statement is designed to draw us into an argument, which we usually know has no chance of changing anyone's mind. In this Brave New World of electronic media and instant feedback, people seem to me to be more inclined to speak in an inflammatory way. I fear civility is a thing of the past.
Don't get me wrong, I recognize the need for inflammatory speech. Progress would halt without it. But, we now start there and leave no room for negotiation. I surely would like to see a leader that worked to BUILD a consensus rather than one that works to DESTROY civility and compromise. I want a leader who strives to appeal to what is best in all of us and not to our basest instincts.
Please show me that I am wrong. Please show me that there are reasonable people with different ideologies. Please show me that there are people who disagree strongly with me and still have great respect for me. People who may think I'm a fool, or an idiot, but who are smart enough and humble enough to recognize that they may be mistaken.
Until then, much love. Peace.
I'm On Board
Yet another windbag in the electronic universe. I'll rant from time to time. Probably drunk, mostly. Mostly, I want to hear from people who are interested in the well-being of humanity. How is that well-being defined for you, and how is it achieved? You may derive from the title of the blog, that I am a liberal. I am a liberal in search of a viable solution to the woes that plague our nation. I want to perform an experiment.
You see, I can't recall a more divisive time in my life. I don't believe that is an accident. I want to know if there is any desire in this country to overcome this and hold a civil discourse. Is there room for concession anymore?
So the rules are simple. Be civil and, if you are able, be smart. If you can't be smart, well, I probably won't notice. If you can't be civil, I surely will.
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