Sunday, August 31, 2008
An Enigma, Wrapped in Mystery, Wrapped in Propaganda
John McCain, never wishing us to be bored, announced on Friday (after jerking around the national media in damn-near hilarious ways) that he was choosing Sarah Palin as his running mate. For those of you reading my blog as proof that you are truly in the dark, Sarah Palin is the current governor of the great state of Alaska.
Mrs. Palin, a person of youth and vigor, has been governor for the last 18 months. Before that, she was the mayor of Wasilla, AK, population 8,700 and some change (but whether you can believe in that change or not, I leave to you).
She has been out of the country all of once in her life, in 2007 visiting Alaska National Guard Troops in Kuwait. So her foreign policy experience is beyond nil. But, let's forgive her of that.
She has no experience with the economic issues facing our country. What knowledge she has of jobs going overseas is impossible to gauge, as Alaska's economy is not (and has never been) based on manufacturing. So, can we get an opinion from her on how to keep jobs from going overseas? But let's forgive her of that, also.
What really has me scratching my rather large head is all the unknowns about her. Since McCain's announcement, I have received the following pieces of information about her, or questions about her.
Mrs. Palin, a person of youth and vigor, has been governor for the last 18 months. Before that, she was the mayor of Wasilla, AK, population 8,700 and some change (but whether you can believe in that change or not, I leave to you).
She has been out of the country all of once in her life, in 2007 visiting Alaska National Guard Troops in Kuwait. So her foreign policy experience is beyond nil. But, let's forgive her of that.
She has no experience with the economic issues facing our country. What knowledge she has of jobs going overseas is impossible to gauge, as Alaska's economy is not (and has never been) based on manufacturing. So, can we get an opinion from her on how to keep jobs from going overseas? But let's forgive her of that, also.
What really has me scratching my rather large head is all the unknowns about her. Since McCain's announcement, I have received the following pieces of information about her, or questions about her.
- She is currently being investigated for firing the head of the State Troopers for not firing her ex-brother-in-law. She says she didn't have anything to do with that, but there seems to be a great amount of evidence otherwise.
- She believes that creationism should be taught in school along with evolution. So much for the separation of church and state.
- She believes that abortions should be totally banned, including instances of rape and incest.
- She believes that humans play no part in global warming. She's not even sure there is such a thing, even though the melting of the glacier's in her home state should be evidence enough for me.
- She believes that drilling will solve our dependence on foreign oil. I shall start typing again after laughing my considerable ass off.
Now, the Republican propaganda machine would like you to believe that she is as experienced as Barack Obama (now that's a bad joke). They would like you to believe that she is pure as the Alaskan snow. That she has fought for ethical behavior in Alaska (but...Alaska's politics is so dirty that it makes Louisiana seem pristine). That she fought against "the bridge to nowhere", although there is plenty of evidence that is not the case.
Simply, do not believe what you hear from the Republican's.
She is not a feminist. She does not believe in equal pay for equal work.
She does seem to be a right-wing nut-job.
She is not, under any circumstances, a leader in the way that Hillary Clinton is a leader. Not even close.
Enjoy the unwrapping, the unwrapping of the mystery that is Sarah Palin.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
No Joe Blow
Barack Obama finally made official that which I was hoping for (well, after Bill Richardson), naming Senator Joe Biden as his running mate. It is the perfect choice for him, and for the Democratic Party. I'll even bore you with the reasons this makes so much sense for the campaign and for America.
First, Joe Biden doesn't lie. Hell, I don't think he has the ability to lie. Of course, sometimes he says what he thinks so imperfectly as to offend people. That is the price one pays for being open and unfiltered. But as problems goes, this is one I will happily live with. After being lied to for the last 8 years by the Bushies and their minions, I'm ready for the unvarnished truth. Joe Biden will give it to us and to Barack Obama. Can one ask for more as the second most important person in government?
Second, Joe Biden understands the world in a way so many of us wish we did, but have neither the experience or insight. Joe Biden has used his time in the Senate to immerse himself in foreign policy. He sees more nuance in what happens on a daily basis than most of us ever will. A man who has so much knowledge can only help in a position of power. Certainly a good thing to have as your number two.
Third, Joe Biden may be filled at times with ego, but he understands that what he is doing is not about him. He has worked so hard for America on so many issues, often keeping himself in the background. He values family, religion (though not pushing it down other's throat) and service to others above self-promotion. The perfect attitude for a VP.
Fourth, Joe Biden respects the law. As VP, I am sure he will NEVER break a law of the United States. We can certainly not say that about the current holder of the office. He will bring honor back to the VP's office, and will run the place understanding his responsibility is to the Constitution first and the American public second. This will be a man all can be proud of.
Finally, Joe Biden has proven again and again that he will not shirk away from a good fight. If someone wants to punch him, or someone he cares about, rhetorically he has no qualms returning with the full power of his convictions. John McCain, though a personal friend of his, better be ready to feel the full brunt of Joe Biden's anger should he continue to lie about Barack Obama. Joe Biden asks for no quarter, and gives none either.
Joe Biden is not a perfect man. He has made mistakes, as we all do. And I'm sure the Republican's will be more than happy to let you know of his failings. But the American public will learn what a good man he is, what a leader he can be for our country, and what a strong and sage confidant he will be for Barack Obama when sitting in the Oval Office.
If nothing else, Barack Obama has shown in his first important decision as the Democratic Presidential Nominee that he understands what is most needed in a running mate. He has picked someone who could fill the most important job in the world well, if needed.
Sometimes, wisdom is shown in the decisions we make. Barack Obama has shown his wisdom this weekend, very well indeed.
First, Joe Biden doesn't lie. Hell, I don't think he has the ability to lie. Of course, sometimes he says what he thinks so imperfectly as to offend people. That is the price one pays for being open and unfiltered. But as problems goes, this is one I will happily live with. After being lied to for the last 8 years by the Bushies and their minions, I'm ready for the unvarnished truth. Joe Biden will give it to us and to Barack Obama. Can one ask for more as the second most important person in government?
Second, Joe Biden understands the world in a way so many of us wish we did, but have neither the experience or insight. Joe Biden has used his time in the Senate to immerse himself in foreign policy. He sees more nuance in what happens on a daily basis than most of us ever will. A man who has so much knowledge can only help in a position of power. Certainly a good thing to have as your number two.
Third, Joe Biden may be filled at times with ego, but he understands that what he is doing is not about him. He has worked so hard for America on so many issues, often keeping himself in the background. He values family, religion (though not pushing it down other's throat) and service to others above self-promotion. The perfect attitude for a VP.
Fourth, Joe Biden respects the law. As VP, I am sure he will NEVER break a law of the United States. We can certainly not say that about the current holder of the office. He will bring honor back to the VP's office, and will run the place understanding his responsibility is to the Constitution first and the American public second. This will be a man all can be proud of.
Finally, Joe Biden has proven again and again that he will not shirk away from a good fight. If someone wants to punch him, or someone he cares about, rhetorically he has no qualms returning with the full power of his convictions. John McCain, though a personal friend of his, better be ready to feel the full brunt of Joe Biden's anger should he continue to lie about Barack Obama. Joe Biden asks for no quarter, and gives none either.
Joe Biden is not a perfect man. He has made mistakes, as we all do. And I'm sure the Republican's will be more than happy to let you know of his failings. But the American public will learn what a good man he is, what a leader he can be for our country, and what a strong and sage confidant he will be for Barack Obama when sitting in the Oval Office.
If nothing else, Barack Obama has shown in his first important decision as the Democratic Presidential Nominee that he understands what is most needed in a running mate. He has picked someone who could fill the most important job in the world well, if needed.
Sometimes, wisdom is shown in the decisions we make. Barack Obama has shown his wisdom this weekend, very well indeed.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Bumper Stickers
I have three bumper stickers on my car.
One is stating that I’m an alumnus of Georgia State University. Nice sticker, it’s relatively understated, and certainly not controversial.
My two other stickers are Obama stickers. One says his name in Hebrew (hence I’m giving my underlying message that he’s OK for us Jews) and one just a plain ole Obama ’08 sticker. Again, I would think that neither of these could offend anyone.
But, I’ve come to the opinion that I am wrong about that. It is obvious that just by showing that I am a supporter of Barack Obama, some will find that amazingly offensive. I even have empirical evidence.
Now, as I’ve driven around with these bumper stickers I’ve had people give me a thumbs down sign. That’s perfectly fine; it’s just someone showing a different viewpoint.
I’ve had a couple of people stick their tongues out at me. Not a big deal either, sure it’s childish but a little tantrum is really easy to handle. This is especially true given I’m a father and have watched kids tantrums for years.
Today was different. On my way to get my daily fix of iced caffeine disguised as a cappuccino, I was sitting at a red light. I looked in my rear-view mirror and there was a man, probably in his 50’s, giving me not one but two middle fingers. What was even more astounding was the rage in his eyes, his face contorted like I had just spit on his car. When the light turned green, I want on my way and he turned into his neighborhood.
I almost turned into the other entrance into his neighborhood to find him just to ask him why a couple of innocuous bumper stickers would make him so angry. Luckily, my need for caffeine was stronger than my desire for an answer to my question, and I continued onto the QuickTrip.
But this incident does bring up a real concern I have had for sometime, long before we got to this election. Why are those who live in the right-wing of politics so moved to raging anger (at least from my vantage point) against those who believe opposite from them? Just because I am a liberal (and am unapologetic about it), I’ve been called un-patriotic, un-American, a communist, a fascist and gay (my wife would like to deny the last point).
I would put all these under the “sticks and stones” edict of life, but the names in question are very, very pointed toward trying to make me less inclined to speak my beliefs. Isn’t that, by definition, un-American? Our country was founded on each person’s right to speak their mind on what they believe is right, as long as it does not infringe on others.
Hence, I again ask all to stop the angry personal rhetoric. It does not serve our country at all. It does not move us closer to being a society working to fix the problems we are facing or to make us more willing to listen to each other.
Of course, maybe we want to be so angry at each other that we don’t have to listen to what each other have to say. Maybe we should just continue to shout at each other with no hope of being anything but right in our own minds.
Now that’s a sad prospect.
One is stating that I’m an alumnus of Georgia State University. Nice sticker, it’s relatively understated, and certainly not controversial.
My two other stickers are Obama stickers. One says his name in Hebrew (hence I’m giving my underlying message that he’s OK for us Jews) and one just a plain ole Obama ’08 sticker. Again, I would think that neither of these could offend anyone.
But, I’ve come to the opinion that I am wrong about that. It is obvious that just by showing that I am a supporter of Barack Obama, some will find that amazingly offensive. I even have empirical evidence.
Now, as I’ve driven around with these bumper stickers I’ve had people give me a thumbs down sign. That’s perfectly fine; it’s just someone showing a different viewpoint.
I’ve had a couple of people stick their tongues out at me. Not a big deal either, sure it’s childish but a little tantrum is really easy to handle. This is especially true given I’m a father and have watched kids tantrums for years.
Today was different. On my way to get my daily fix of iced caffeine disguised as a cappuccino, I was sitting at a red light. I looked in my rear-view mirror and there was a man, probably in his 50’s, giving me not one but two middle fingers. What was even more astounding was the rage in his eyes, his face contorted like I had just spit on his car. When the light turned green, I want on my way and he turned into his neighborhood.
I almost turned into the other entrance into his neighborhood to find him just to ask him why a couple of innocuous bumper stickers would make him so angry. Luckily, my need for caffeine was stronger than my desire for an answer to my question, and I continued onto the QuickTrip.
But this incident does bring up a real concern I have had for sometime, long before we got to this election. Why are those who live in the right-wing of politics so moved to raging anger (at least from my vantage point) against those who believe opposite from them? Just because I am a liberal (and am unapologetic about it), I’ve been called un-patriotic, un-American, a communist, a fascist and gay (my wife would like to deny the last point).
I would put all these under the “sticks and stones” edict of life, but the names in question are very, very pointed toward trying to make me less inclined to speak my beliefs. Isn’t that, by definition, un-American? Our country was founded on each person’s right to speak their mind on what they believe is right, as long as it does not infringe on others.
Hence, I again ask all to stop the angry personal rhetoric. It does not serve our country at all. It does not move us closer to being a society working to fix the problems we are facing or to make us more willing to listen to each other.
Of course, maybe we want to be so angry at each other that we don’t have to listen to what each other have to say. Maybe we should just continue to shout at each other with no hope of being anything but right in our own minds.
Now that’s a sad prospect.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
McCain, so smart, he knows to plagiarize
From cqpolitics blog:
http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/politicalinsider/2008/08/did-mccain-plagarize-his-speec.html
OK, normally a politician plagiarizing something wouldn't be that big of news. Of course, if it had been Barack Obama who had done so, the McCain campaign and the Republicans would be screaming bloody murder.
But this incident proves two things.
1 - McCain may say he knows so much about Georgia (not my home state...the one in Asia), but there seems to be no proof of that matter. Given his need to steal knowledge without referencing said source, he would immediately fail any PoliSci course.
2 - Even if McCain doesn't know Wikipedia, at least his speech writers do. Lack of knowledge of the internet does not mean one can steal intellectual property from said place. But at least he's stealing someone else's ideas as opposed to not having any, which has been the hallmark of his campaign so far.
So, I'm going to call John McCain, Mr. McPlagiarizer from now on. After all, it's the one name that I'm sure fits.
http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/politicalinsider/2008/08/did-mccain-plagarize-his-speec.html
OK, normally a politician plagiarizing something wouldn't be that big of news. Of course, if it had been Barack Obama who had done so, the McCain campaign and the Republicans would be screaming bloody murder.
But this incident proves two things.
1 - McCain may say he knows so much about Georgia (not my home state...the one in Asia), but there seems to be no proof of that matter. Given his need to steal knowledge without referencing said source, he would immediately fail any PoliSci course.
2 - Even if McCain doesn't know Wikipedia, at least his speech writers do. Lack of knowledge of the internet does not mean one can steal intellectual property from said place. But at least he's stealing someone else's ideas as opposed to not having any, which has been the hallmark of his campaign so far.
So, I'm going to call John McCain, Mr. McPlagiarizer from now on. After all, it's the one name that I'm sure fits.
