http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/17494.html
You have got to be kidding??? This is a slap in the face to anyone who supports Roe vs. Wade, not to mention any woman who has, or ever will seek a safe, legal abortion.
I am currently reading, "The Nine", by Jeffery Toobin, and even the conservative Supreme Court, in the early 90's when given the perfect opportunity to overturn Roe vs. Wade, weren't about to overturn something that had been the law of the land for almost 30 years, at that point, something that the majority of Americans did (and still do) consider to be a right, under the rights of privacy. I appreciate that George W. Bush may have his own opinions regarding the issue of abortion, but even Justice Tony Kennedy didn't vote to overturn Roe and he's a devout Catholic, who, on an ideological level, cannot stomach the idea of legalized abortion, but realizes that his religious views are not the law of the land, that he cannot allow his own personal beliefs to be the guiding force in his legal judgements.
There is one thing that I feel needs to be clarified for the Right To Lifers...being Pro Choice does not mean that you're pro-abortion. It simply means that everyone should be allowed the choice to determine what she can or will do with her body.
I also can't help but find it laughable that a President who allows the torture of detainees, has no problem sending young men and women off to war, under false pretenses, and still has barely made a dent in the devastation that was caused by Hurricane Katrina, can claim to value human life. His track record hardly reflects that.
Friday, January 16, 2009
T-Minus 96 Hours and Counting
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/17503.html
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! The reign of terror is almost over! The end of an error is almost here!!!
Yes, I am a Democrat, but I feel that I am a reasonable person in my political ideology...I realize that no two people are going to agree on every issue, all of the time. And, there are even some Republicans in Washington that I could get on board with...Arlin Spector of Pennsylvania, for example. Ron Paul of Texas could be another one. However, there is another Texan whom I have never been able to get on board with, nor would I ever want to...the man who has done nothing but corrupt what should be the very seat of Democracy....George W. Bush.
But, at last, after 8 long years of torture, corruption, lies, cronyism, illegal wire tapes, two wars, false information, and verbal gaffes that probably have Mark Twain rolling over in his grave, it is FINALLY coming to an end. The man who will most likely go down as the worst President in American history, making even Herbert Hoover look competent will return to Texas, where I'm sure the village has been missing their idiot. (Claiming that there are "some things we would have done differently" is clear enough sign of that...."some things"?? Really? Only some? How about a do-over of the past 8 years, entirely.)
My Fellow Americans, fear not...the end is near, and the sun is coming up. And, to President Bush...don't let the door of Air Force One hit you in ass on the way out. On second thought...let it hit you.
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! The reign of terror is almost over! The end of an error is almost here!!!
Yes, I am a Democrat, but I feel that I am a reasonable person in my political ideology...I realize that no two people are going to agree on every issue, all of the time. And, there are even some Republicans in Washington that I could get on board with...Arlin Spector of Pennsylvania, for example. Ron Paul of Texas could be another one. However, there is another Texan whom I have never been able to get on board with, nor would I ever want to...the man who has done nothing but corrupt what should be the very seat of Democracy....George W. Bush.
But, at last, after 8 long years of torture, corruption, lies, cronyism, illegal wire tapes, two wars, false information, and verbal gaffes that probably have Mark Twain rolling over in his grave, it is FINALLY coming to an end. The man who will most likely go down as the worst President in American history, making even Herbert Hoover look competent will return to Texas, where I'm sure the village has been missing their idiot. (Claiming that there are "some things we would have done differently" is clear enough sign of that...."some things"?? Really? Only some? How about a do-over of the past 8 years, entirely.)
My Fellow Americans, fear not...the end is near, and the sun is coming up. And, to President Bush...don't let the door of Air Force One hit you in ass on the way out. On second thought...let it hit you.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Ta-Ta, T.O.?
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/111294-dallas-cowboys-thinking-of-releasing-terrell-owens
As a Dallas Cowboys fan, I would obviously hate to see them lose the athleticism of Terrell Owens. He is an outstanding football player, no question. However, letting him go, could be one of the smartest things the Cowboys do. Skills on the field or not, his attitude is toxic. He began the season well, keeping his ego and his attitude in check, but he certainly didn't end the season that way. I think he resents Jason Whitten, Patrick Creighton, et al., and I think his relationship with Tony Romo has been tarnished, as well.
The fact is, the Cowboys did not play as a team, this season, and while there are probably any number of reasons as to why that's the case, I don't think anyone, even the most hardcore Cowboys fans, can deny that Owens's attitude, especially towards the later part of the season, was a factor in that. At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter how good you are on the field, if you pollute the locker room, off the field.
There are any number of changes the Cowboys organization can and should make during the off-season, before next year, including within the coaching staff. And, their owner, Jerry Jones could also benefit from a good stern talking to. But, it's getting harder and harder for me to defend my boys...the expression, "Dallas Cowboys...hated by many, respected by all" is holding true less and less....everyone still hates them, but their not respected the way they used to be. If Dallas wants to once again be, America's Team, then some shake-ups do need occur, before next season. And, letting go of T.O., while his skills on the field will be missed, is probably one of them.
As a Dallas Cowboys fan, I would obviously hate to see them lose the athleticism of Terrell Owens. He is an outstanding football player, no question. However, letting him go, could be one of the smartest things the Cowboys do. Skills on the field or not, his attitude is toxic. He began the season well, keeping his ego and his attitude in check, but he certainly didn't end the season that way. I think he resents Jason Whitten, Patrick Creighton, et al., and I think his relationship with Tony Romo has been tarnished, as well.
The fact is, the Cowboys did not play as a team, this season, and while there are probably any number of reasons as to why that's the case, I don't think anyone, even the most hardcore Cowboys fans, can deny that Owens's attitude, especially towards the later part of the season, was a factor in that. At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter how good you are on the field, if you pollute the locker room, off the field.
There are any number of changes the Cowboys organization can and should make during the off-season, before next year, including within the coaching staff. And, their owner, Jerry Jones could also benefit from a good stern talking to. But, it's getting harder and harder for me to defend my boys...the expression, "Dallas Cowboys...hated by many, respected by all" is holding true less and less....everyone still hates them, but their not respected the way they used to be. If Dallas wants to once again be, America's Team, then some shake-ups do need occur, before next season. And, letting go of T.O., while his skills on the field will be missed, is probably one of them.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Theatre of the Absurd
As someone who was a Theatre Major in college, and is still actively involved with supporting the arts, as both a patron and participant, I keep myself up-to-date (or, I at least, try) on various goings on in my general area of Southeastern Virginia, as well as the Washington, DC area and New York City. As of late, I have come across a few articles and blogs and whatnot from the greater Richmond area...articles and reviews and such in online publications, etc. And, more and more, I am seeing a very disturbing trend...one that perhaps I have always known was growing, but seems to be becoming more so...the lack of interest in theatre, both community and professional. I realize that given my education in theatre, my experience and continued support, that I am perhaps biased, but with that said, I was also raised by parents, who while not terribly artistically-inclined, themselves, were always taking me off to theatres, art galleries, museums, et al. I used to reside in Northeastern Connecticut, and while various arts organizations certainly had their struggles, it did not seem to be as hard to find (and please) patrons, as it does in Virginia. (With that said, I also haven't lived in CT for about 8 years or so...the theatre scene there may be suffering there, now too, just as it seems to be in Virginia.)
Certainly, with cable, and all the accessibility that goes along with it, and movies, and the internet, going to theatre isn't the only form of entertainment available to people. But, for anyone who has been a theatre patron, you know that for what it may lack in shoot 'em up action, like that of a Nicolas Cage film, it more than makes up in intimacy. While you don't the close-up camera shots of an actors face, as you do with film or television, there is a connection that is formed, when sharing the space, with the actors on the stage. (And, as an actor myself, I can also say that it is the same for the actors...the intimacy that you share with audience is quite...well, magical.) I find it very distressing that we seem to be becoming a society that doesn't appreciate the arts, in any form (theatre, dance, music, visual arts), the way we used to. The talent and skill and passion that is exhibited, every day, in places all over the country, all over the world, is to be respected, admired, and appreciated.
Insofar as the lack of interest in/support of community theatre is concerned...it seems that a lot of the rather negative comments that I have come across have been from people who have moved to this area from Washington, DC., New York City, etc., places in which professional theatre is far more accessible, and probably even the community theatre is of high quality, given the larger talent pool, from which to choose. But, as I have learned, from my own experiences, treading the boards, one should never underestimate the community theatre. The men and women who participate in these productions, in every capacity, usually do so on a volunteer basis...if they get paid anything at all, it's usually only a small stipend. They are volunteering their time, their talent, their passion, and their energy, so that live theatre may be more accessible to the masses. They volunteer time their time, even though no one has enough of it. (And, now you can probably see my nonprofit life coming out to play.) They have regular "day jobs" and volunteer to go to rehearsals 3, 4, 5 nights, a week, after they get off work, for 2 or 3 hours a night, to put together a production that can be accessible to and enjoyed by those who may not otherwise have the resources to see a professional theatre production. After all, not everyone can make it to DC, or NYC...and, certainly, in this economy, not everyone can even afford tickets to The Fergeson Center, Virginia Stage Company, or Chrysler Hall, to see a professional touring production.
Obviously, community theatres have to do some leg work, on their end, too...more/better marketing and public relations...listening to their patrons as to what shows they would like to see (something of an ongoing debate, on that point, though, as there are those within the arts world who feel that people don't really know what they want until it's given to them...and, I do believe that there is some truth to that...especially as a transplanted New Englander, and a theater major at a liberal arts college in Massachussettes, where things are much more liberal and people seem to have greater ease at "pushing the envelope")...doing more to make their existence known, both to patrons and participants. But, most community theatres are, by their very nature, nonprofit organizations, and sometimes the idea of "you have to spend money to make money" (as it pertains to marketing and such) isn't always as feasible as it is with other types of organizations. As previously mentioned, I moved to Virginia from the icy tundra of New England, and from the standpoint of an actor, was somewhat spoiled, given the relative ease in which we could do shows written by David Mamet, Tennessee Williams, Sam Shepherd, and be able to do so without fear of offending our audiences. (Of course, there were, from time to time, those people who were offended, but it was a fairly rare occurrence.) Which again, I suppose, brings up the idea of whether or not audiences really even know what it is that they want, until it's given to them. There are arguments to be made on both sides of that coin.
It's just a sad idea...the lack of appreciation for the arts. Of course, the funding cuts within our countries public schools certainly doesn't help, in that regard. Unless younger kids have parents who will expose them to the arts, giving them an appreciation for it, they're not going to get it at school, either, it seems. The lack of appreciation for the arts within public schools, also being a real source of contention for me. It's not like any of us learned anything, had fun, or made friends in any of our arts-related classes, regardless of whether or not it was something that we continued to pursue. It's not like it didn't expand our horizons. There is a direct corralation between the progress of a society and progress within the arts. (Hello...the era of Elizabeth I was also the era of Shakespeare.)
So, if you have never been to theatrical production...go to one. Turn off the television, turn off the iPod, turn off your BlackBerry, step away from computer and do something, regardless of whether it's a professional production or a community theatre production, that will open your mind, broaden your horizons, and make you, at least look, a little more sophisticated. And, for those two hours, you may find yourself transcended, you may laugh, you may cry, you may think, you may have something with which you can have a thought-provoking conversation. (Impress your friends! Fun at parties!) You may very well become a patron of the arts.
Certainly, with cable, and all the accessibility that goes along with it, and movies, and the internet, going to theatre isn't the only form of entertainment available to people. But, for anyone who has been a theatre patron, you know that for what it may lack in shoot 'em up action, like that of a Nicolas Cage film, it more than makes up in intimacy. While you don't the close-up camera shots of an actors face, as you do with film or television, there is a connection that is formed, when sharing the space, with the actors on the stage. (And, as an actor myself, I can also say that it is the same for the actors...the intimacy that you share with audience is quite...well, magical.) I find it very distressing that we seem to be becoming a society that doesn't appreciate the arts, in any form (theatre, dance, music, visual arts), the way we used to. The talent and skill and passion that is exhibited, every day, in places all over the country, all over the world, is to be respected, admired, and appreciated.
Insofar as the lack of interest in/support of community theatre is concerned...it seems that a lot of the rather negative comments that I have come across have been from people who have moved to this area from Washington, DC., New York City, etc., places in which professional theatre is far more accessible, and probably even the community theatre is of high quality, given the larger talent pool, from which to choose. But, as I have learned, from my own experiences, treading the boards, one should never underestimate the community theatre. The men and women who participate in these productions, in every capacity, usually do so on a volunteer basis...if they get paid anything at all, it's usually only a small stipend. They are volunteering their time, their talent, their passion, and their energy, so that live theatre may be more accessible to the masses. They volunteer time their time, even though no one has enough of it. (And, now you can probably see my nonprofit life coming out to play.) They have regular "day jobs" and volunteer to go to rehearsals 3, 4, 5 nights, a week, after they get off work, for 2 or 3 hours a night, to put together a production that can be accessible to and enjoyed by those who may not otherwise have the resources to see a professional theatre production. After all, not everyone can make it to DC, or NYC...and, certainly, in this economy, not everyone can even afford tickets to The Fergeson Center, Virginia Stage Company, or Chrysler Hall, to see a professional touring production.
Obviously, community theatres have to do some leg work, on their end, too...more/better marketing and public relations...listening to their patrons as to what shows they would like to see (something of an ongoing debate, on that point, though, as there are those within the arts world who feel that people don't really know what they want until it's given to them...and, I do believe that there is some truth to that...especially as a transplanted New Englander, and a theater major at a liberal arts college in Massachussettes, where things are much more liberal and people seem to have greater ease at "pushing the envelope")...doing more to make their existence known, both to patrons and participants. But, most community theatres are, by their very nature, nonprofit organizations, and sometimes the idea of "you have to spend money to make money" (as it pertains to marketing and such) isn't always as feasible as it is with other types of organizations. As previously mentioned, I moved to Virginia from the icy tundra of New England, and from the standpoint of an actor, was somewhat spoiled, given the relative ease in which we could do shows written by David Mamet, Tennessee Williams, Sam Shepherd, and be able to do so without fear of offending our audiences. (Of course, there were, from time to time, those people who were offended, but it was a fairly rare occurrence.) Which again, I suppose, brings up the idea of whether or not audiences really even know what it is that they want, until it's given to them. There are arguments to be made on both sides of that coin.
It's just a sad idea...the lack of appreciation for the arts. Of course, the funding cuts within our countries public schools certainly doesn't help, in that regard. Unless younger kids have parents who will expose them to the arts, giving them an appreciation for it, they're not going to get it at school, either, it seems. The lack of appreciation for the arts within public schools, also being a real source of contention for me. It's not like any of us learned anything, had fun, or made friends in any of our arts-related classes, regardless of whether or not it was something that we continued to pursue. It's not like it didn't expand our horizons. There is a direct corralation between the progress of a society and progress within the arts. (Hello...the era of Elizabeth I was also the era of Shakespeare.)
So, if you have never been to theatrical production...go to one. Turn off the television, turn off the iPod, turn off your BlackBerry, step away from computer and do something, regardless of whether it's a professional production or a community theatre production, that will open your mind, broaden your horizons, and make you, at least look, a little more sophisticated. And, for those two hours, you may find yourself transcended, you may laugh, you may cry, you may think, you may have something with which you can have a thought-provoking conversation. (Impress your friends! Fun at parties!) You may very well become a patron of the arts.
Joe the War Correspondent
http://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/joe-plumberer-war-correspondent-says-
So, Joe the Plumber, now, apparently, Joe the War Correspondent, who has gotten a job with a conservative network, (being an out-of-work plumber, of course, making him the premier example of experience in journalistic integrity, and certainly bearing the same qualifications as Tom Brokaw, Anderson Cooper, Larry King, Katie Couric, and Barbara Walters), has stated that he feels, in his infinite wisdom, given all of his prior experience as a member of the press, that the media should not report on the war. This statement was made all the more interesting and poignant, given the face that Joe the Plumber/War Correspondent/ was making this profound proclamation from...wait for it...Iraq.
Now, as an Army Brat, I have, from time to time, had my concerns about the way the media reports on the war, printing the locations of troops in the papers, et al....I am certainly not one who supports the idea of classified National Security information being published in the New York Times, but America has a civilian-lead military, and as such, to a certain degree, we do have a right to know, how our tax dollars are being spent and the full nature of what is befalling the brave men and women of our Armed Services. I never condone reporting that would potentially put the safety of our soldiers, sailors and pilots at greater risk, but we do have a right to know what those risks are.
So, Joe the Plumber...if you have a problem with the way the media covers the war, you are entitled to your opinion. But, the next time you want to get on your soapbox regarding said issue, perhaps you shouldn't be doing it from the middle of a war zone. Just a thought.
So, Joe the Plumber, now, apparently, Joe the War Correspondent, who has gotten a job with a conservative network, (being an out-of-work plumber, of course, making him the premier example of experience in journalistic integrity, and certainly bearing the same qualifications as Tom Brokaw, Anderson Cooper, Larry King, Katie Couric, and Barbara Walters), has stated that he feels, in his infinite wisdom, given all of his prior experience as a member of the press, that the media should not report on the war. This statement was made all the more interesting and poignant, given the face that Joe the Plumber/War Correspondent/ was making this profound proclamation from...wait for it...Iraq.
Now, as an Army Brat, I have, from time to time, had my concerns about the way the media reports on the war, printing the locations of troops in the papers, et al....I am certainly not one who supports the idea of classified National Security information being published in the New York Times, but America has a civilian-lead military, and as such, to a certain degree, we do have a right to know, how our tax dollars are being spent and the full nature of what is befalling the brave men and women of our Armed Services. I never condone reporting that would potentially put the safety of our soldiers, sailors and pilots at greater risk, but we do have a right to know what those risks are.
So, Joe the Plumber...if you have a problem with the way the media covers the war, you are entitled to your opinion. But, the next time you want to get on your soapbox regarding said issue, perhaps you shouldn't be doing it from the middle of a war zone. Just a thought.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Vampire Effect
It certainly seems that the "Twilight" series has continued to expand it's popularity, especially amongst adults. I find it interesting (as someone who also ended up loving the series by Stephanie Meyer and couldn't put them down) why it is that adults, people in their 30's and 40's are being so sucked into a series of novels that were written for teenagers. (Much the same way the "Harry Potter" books, took the world by storm, regardless of the age of the reader...I was the loser at the book store at one minute past midnight getting her copy of the book, with the last three novels.) Is it that we, as adults, are so accustomed to reading (by our own design or by societal pressures) more "heady" books...the classics, written by Hemingway, Woolf, Plato, Bronte, Austen, et al., to the political and biographical books of today..."The World is Flat", "American Lion", "American Creation", "Team of Rivals", etc., that everyone once in awhile we want to escape in the easier, lighter fare of books geared young people? (And, if it's just lighter fare for which we're looking, couldn't we just get that from a Harlequin romance novel?) Or, is there something about reading books like "Twilight" and "Harry Potter" that takes us back to our own youths? A time in which we read, "Sweet Valley High", "The Babysitters Club", "The Saddle Club", and books by R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike. (The "Twilight" series and the "Harry Potter series both being, in my opinion anyway, much better written that any of the geared-for-adolescents books that I remember pleasure-reading, as a kid/teenager.) Perhaps that's it...are the younger person books of today, better written than that used to be, making them more enjoyable to read for people of all ages? Or, with the internet, an increase in cable channels, video games, parenting changes, and societal changes, overall, that children are growing up faster than they did, 15 to 20 years ago? (And, at 31, I suddenly feel like a fossil, having pondered that..."These kids today, with the hair and the music....".) What I do know, is that every time I login to that website that was initially intended as a way for high school and college students to keep up with their friends, facebook, a site in which everytime I check, there are friends of mine, my age and older, who have joined the world of social networking, there are more and more status updates from people who are reading the, "Twilight" series, have gone to see the fim version of the first book, joining "groups" to demonstrate their devotion, and becoming "fans". Or, perhaps, it has nothing to do with the quality of the writing, being able to read and enjoy something of a lighter fare, or being transported back to the days of our own youth...perhaps we all just want to be wizards, witches, vampires, and werewolves.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Loser Tour
When, oh, when is Sarah Palin going to end her Loser Tour? Seriously, if I wanted to keep seeing this woman, I would have voted for her. Can she find any more people to blame for the fact that she wasn't taken seriously as a Vice Presidential candidate and the for the fact that the McCain/Palin ticket lost the election? She is blaming the McCain campaign staff, she is blaming the media (actually stating yesterday that if she were a Democrat, if she were Obama's running mate, she would have been treated better. Yeah, because no one in the media has ever accused Joe Biden of being a loose cannon...no, he's always treated really well), blaming Katie Couric, blaming Tina Fey...blaming everyone but herself. Not that she needs to "blame" herself, per se, but maybe acknowledging the fact that she was in no way ready to be a Vice Presidential candidate, that there are too many issues on which she knows...ummm...nothing, would be a good idea. Right now, Sarah Palin is coming off like that ball player who screams at the umpire because he doesn't like the call at the plate, and no one votes for that guy again. And, really, as a Democrat, I would love to see her in a position to be nominated to run again...a poll a couple of months ago apparently showed that something like over 60% of Republicans want her to run in 2012...yeah, and 100% of Democrats want her to run in 2012. I don't doubt that there were missteps taken by the McCain camp, regarding how she was "handled", but blaming Tina Fey? Really? I love "Saturday Night Live", but really, what kind of political influence does she think a late-night sketch comedy show has on the minds of voters? And, if there are those people who really do get their political news from "SNL" then maybe we don't need those people participating in the political process, anyway. At some point, Governor Palin, there is something to be said for being a gracious loser, and not being dragged off the campaign trail, kicking and screaming. You lost, and there are many, many, many, MANY reasons...some of which, believe it or not, you lipstick-wearing hockey mom pitbull, don't have anything to do with you. Or John McCain. So, it's time to end your Loser Tour, go back to Alaska and come back in 2012...so you can lose to better Democrats again.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
A Huge Stimulous?
So, I'm watching CNN last night, and what do I discover? That Larry Flynt is asking the federal government to bail out the porn industry. Seriously?? This is an industry over which I personally, have very conflicted feelings...one the one hand, as a woman, a graduate of a woman's college, someone who has worked in the field of domestic violence and sexual assault, a feminist, I feel that this is a business that only serves to exploit women and perpetuate various racial and ethnic stereotypes as it pertains to female sexuality. Additionally, there have been plenty of studies that demonstrate that boys and men, especially if exposed to pornography at a younger age, and watch it excessively, end up having violent sexual tendencies, and unhealthy sexual relationships with their partners. But, on the other hand, as a liberal Democrat, I am all for freedom of speech, and love the First Ammendment. I may not, personally, like what people like Larry Flynt do, but I can appreciate their legal rights to do it. However, that doesn't mean that I want my tax-payer dollars to go to bailing them out. I didn't love the idea of the federal government bailing out Wall Street or the auto industry, either, but a great more people were being hurt, economically (and the strain on the economy, overall), in those two examples, and therefore, perhaps a bit more in need or deserving of a government bailout, than the number of people who will be hurt by the collapse of the porn industry. Remember when there was a collapse in the tech industry and computer programmers were losing jobs left and right? No one bailed out the computer companies. No one bailed out the dot coms that went under, when there was a downturn in that industry, either. But, where do we draw the line? It's okay to bailout Wall Street, the auto industry, and at various point, the airlines, but it's not okay to bailout the tech sector. And, what about all of the nonprofits that are (or, probably will be, given the downturn, currently, in the economy) closing their doors, due to lack of funding? At least the npo's are doing something to give back to their communities, and providing services to those who need them? (Does anyone really NEED to see a gang bang produced by Larry Flynt? And, if you do 1) you may be in need of therapy and 2) get HBO.) At point do the bailouts end? And, should they? Where is the line between helping an industry that is suffering from a downturn in the economy and helping a company who is being hurt by their own business practices? (ie...the American auto industry not doing more to make fuel efficient cars...perhaps the auto industry should have been bailed out by the oil industry.) And, who has the moral authority to make that judgement, on any level? "We're not going to bail you out, because you just ran a poor business...we're not going to bail you out, because we don't like your business." But, as an American citizen and a tax payer, I certainly don't want to see any more people lose their jobs, their homes, their businesses, as someone who works in the nonprofit sector, I want to see the economy get better, as much as anyone. But, as a woman (and, still a citizen and tax payer), if Larry Flynt's business is suffering, perhaps he should have a business that doesn't promote the exploitation of women.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The non-existence of bi-partisanship
http://crooksandliars.com/node/25048
See, this is why, even though I am a self-described political junkie, who watches CNN, like it's the only thing only television, I also become incredibly frustrated with the elected officials who work in the hallowed halls of Washington, D.C. The simple fact that we even have to ask ourselves if the Republicans will work with President Obama to fix the economy is ludicrous. They better damn well be willing to work with President Obama and the Democrats on the Hill, as it's in the best interest of the American public, you know, their constituents, a group of people to whom they should have some alleigance, as opposed to playing bi-partisan "Gotcha" and offering up inside-the Beltway-bitch slaps. And, what is particularly unfortunate is the number of voting Americans who don't always seem to realize that the President does not have absolute power, and there is this little nagging thing, called Congress. (Okay, current President, not withstanding...Bushy Boy seems to have done a fine job of ignoring the US Constitution.) And, as such, there will probably be a great number of people out there, who ignore any of the possible and probable, irresponsible behaviors by member of Congress, and place the entirety of the blame on Obama, if and when things don't go smoothly. It might not be such a bad idea for the American public to enroll, collectively, in a Civics class. And, perhaps, while we're doing that, it wouldn't be such a bad idea for various members of Congress to enroll in an Ethics class.
See, this is why, even though I am a self-described political junkie, who watches CNN, like it's the only thing only television, I also become incredibly frustrated with the elected officials who work in the hallowed halls of Washington, D.C. The simple fact that we even have to ask ourselves if the Republicans will work with President Obama to fix the economy is ludicrous. They better damn well be willing to work with President Obama and the Democrats on the Hill, as it's in the best interest of the American public, you know, their constituents, a group of people to whom they should have some alleigance, as opposed to playing bi-partisan "Gotcha" and offering up inside-the Beltway-bitch slaps. And, what is particularly unfortunate is the number of voting Americans who don't always seem to realize that the President does not have absolute power, and there is this little nagging thing, called Congress. (Okay, current President, not withstanding...Bushy Boy seems to have done a fine job of ignoring the US Constitution.) And, as such, there will probably be a great number of people out there, who ignore any of the possible and probable, irresponsible behaviors by member of Congress, and place the entirety of the blame on Obama, if and when things don't go smoothly. It might not be such a bad idea for the American public to enroll, collectively, in a Civics class. And, perhaps, while we're doing that, it wouldn't be such a bad idea for various members of Congress to enroll in an Ethics class.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Raising Kaine
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/05/us/politics/05dnc.html
As a Democrat and a Virginia Resident, I have mixed feelings about the naming of Tim Kaine as the new Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. One the one hand, I think it's great that both Virginia's previous Governor, Mark Warner (soon to be Senator Warner) and current Governor are both Democrats, and I applaud Gov. Kaine for his support of President Elect Obama and heightening the profile of Virginia Democrats, during the recent election. But, with that said, Gov. Kaine isn't necessarily a terrific governor. He's a decent governor, but Mark Warner was better. (As evident in the fact that he won his Senate seat in a landslide victory.) And, Virginia is no different from the rest of the country, as we feel the effects of the current state of the economy...people losing their jobs, losing their homes, the cost of living rising, businesses closing...so the idea of Gov. Kaine having to split his focus for the next year, until his term as governor expires, s a bit nerve-wracking.
But, at the same time, it is nice to see that Democrats, on a national level, can no longer write off Virginia as a red state...two recent governors have been Democrats, both of our US Senators are now Democrats, and President Elect Obama won Virginia. And, Tim Kaine certainly did a play a part in that.
As for comic relief, though...Tim Kaine isn't as funny as Howard Dean.
As a Democrat and a Virginia Resident, I have mixed feelings about the naming of Tim Kaine as the new Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. One the one hand, I think it's great that both Virginia's previous Governor, Mark Warner (soon to be Senator Warner) and current Governor are both Democrats, and I applaud Gov. Kaine for his support of President Elect Obama and heightening the profile of Virginia Democrats, during the recent election. But, with that said, Gov. Kaine isn't necessarily a terrific governor. He's a decent governor, but Mark Warner was better. (As evident in the fact that he won his Senate seat in a landslide victory.) And, Virginia is no different from the rest of the country, as we feel the effects of the current state of the economy...people losing their jobs, losing their homes, the cost of living rising, businesses closing...so the idea of Gov. Kaine having to split his focus for the next year, until his term as governor expires, s a bit nerve-wracking.
But, at the same time, it is nice to see that Democrats, on a national level, can no longer write off Virginia as a red state...two recent governors have been Democrats, both of our US Senators are now Democrats, and President Elect Obama won Virginia. And, Tim Kaine certainly did a play a part in that.
As for comic relief, though...Tim Kaine isn't as funny as Howard Dean.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Bush Sr.: Just Google all of my son's failures | Crooks and Liars
Bush Sr.: Just Google all of my son's failures Crooks and Liars
When you're own father won't even offer up a strong defense of your actions for the past eight years, that's when you know you have really screwed up.
As a Democrat, it's hardly surprsing that I would feel that Bush is an idiot and will remembered in the annals of history as one of the worst Presidents we have ever had...someone who makes Herbert Hoover look competent...eight years of illegal wire taps, two wars, using the tactics of fear to win an election (after stealing the first one), outing CIA agents, sending the economy down the tubes...I don't think I need to go on...we all know what he has (and hasn't) done...but, when your father, a former President himself, won't come to your defense, you know you have reached a new low, regarding your prowess in your current job.
When you're own father won't even offer up a strong defense of your actions for the past eight years, that's when you know you have really screwed up.
As a Democrat, it's hardly surprsing that I would feel that Bush is an idiot and will remembered in the annals of history as one of the worst Presidents we have ever had...someone who makes Herbert Hoover look competent...eight years of illegal wire taps, two wars, using the tactics of fear to win an election (after stealing the first one), outing CIA agents, sending the economy down the tubes...I don't think I need to go on...we all know what he has (and hasn't) done...but, when your father, a former President himself, won't come to your defense, you know you have reached a new low, regarding your prowess in your current job.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Constantly Connected
BlackBerry, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Blogs, Friend Feed, Google Reader, Google Chat, Yahoo Instant Messenger, AIM, Windows Live Messenger, BlackBerry Messenger…I am in a constant state of connection with pretty much every person I have ever met throughout the course of my life. And, I have yet to determine if this is really condusive to a healthy lifestyle. Obviously, it’s wonderful to get back into contact with those people whom I have lost touch, over the years, and modern-day technology certainly makes it easier to not only get back into touch, but to remain in touch, once the contact has been made. But, honestly, my BlackBerry goes off ALL DAY! As I am typing, this, I have someone sending my instant messages on Yahoo, via my BlackBerry. Could I just log-off? Of course I could. Could I turn off the BlackBerry? Of course I could. But, for anyone who has found themselves the slave to this piece of technology, you know that it’s just too hard! Turning off the BlackBerry would mean that I wouldn’t be able to see people’s status updates on facebook, at the push of a button, I wouldn’t be able to get instant messages via every IM service that exists, all day long…I would be so out of touch, for….oh, I don’t know…a couple of HOURS, possibly!!!! Yes, for all the whining and complaining I (and anyone who has found themselves in the position of being ridiculously easy to get in touch with), the idea of suddenly being without, once the dye has been cast, is almost scary. Going to the theatre, going to the movies, becomes an escape from reality in a way that was only imagined, several years ago, as it’s now the only time that our phones don’t ring, beep, chirp, or make any other type of sound, alerting us that somehow, somewhere, someone may be trying to get in contact with us. For two hours, in a dark theatre, the world continues to revolve on it’s axis, even though we’re technologically disconnected from it, at the time. I know, shocking, isn’t it?
It is really necessary to be in such a constant state of contact with everyone around us? Will our lives fall apart, will relationships come to a crashing halt, if we’re not glued to our cell phones, BlackBerry’s, iPhones, iTouches, computers, on a constant basis? In reality, the answer is no…but, the new hyper-reality, the cyber-reality, is yes…we just wouldn’t know what to do with ourselves! Because at the end of the day, we love our computers, because our friends live inside them. We love our cell phones, because we never have to miss a beat, or feel left out, like we did, when we were picked last for the kickball team in 4th grade. Who cares that we suddenly can’t spell anymore, because we have become to accustomed to abbreviating everything to fit the character limits of text messages, or to ensure that we don’t sprain our thumbs on the tiny keyboards on our cell phones. Who cares that we don’t know how to speak anymore, because we communicate solely through instant messages and text messages. And, who cares that you know everything about the person on whom you had a crush in 6th grade, but haven’t actually spoken to in 15 years, because you can read the status updates on facebook, like some sort of crazed cyber-aged Romeo. It’s all about feeling connected to those around us, isn’t it? Even if the constant state of connection is bordering on compulsion. We just want to feel close to others…even if that person is hundreds of miles away. However, sometimes, it really is okay to NOT be that accessible to everyone. Sometimes, as hard as it may be, it really is okay to turn off the BlackBerry. As I’m sure I’ll learn, if I ever actually do it.
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