As many of you know, I am a huge Pink Floyd fan and am saddened to learn that Pink Floyd co-founder Syd Barrett died yesterday at the age of 60. I include here a snippet to think about "and did you exchange a walk-on part in the war for a lead role in the cage?" My favorite line from my favorite Pink Floyd song, a song that I feel lyrically is in the top 5 all time. And even though that song was written by mostly Roger Watters with David Gilmore for Syd, it is a metaphor for life like no other and sums up in many ways the life of Barrett. Another great and obvious choice of a song to quote as a tribute would be "Shine on you crazy diamond."
A quote from the band, “Syd was the guiding light of the early band lineup and leaves a legacy which continues to inspire.”
Hao Wu was released, according to his sister. Ethan ZuckermanYou can learn about the release of Hao Wu here. It would be nice to think that those of us who got involved in trying to pressure China to release him had some effect, but we'll never know why he was released.
Do you want to talk about the viability of Danica Patrick having success in Nascar, as it's rumored she will be "heading south" next year? Is she the one to prove that women can succeed at the highest levels of auto racing? I believe a woman can but I'm not sure it's her. Since I'm much more a Nascar fan than other racing series, I'd prefer a woman come to Nascar with a proven record of success. As of yet, that's not Danica.
MSNBC The President of FIFA is quoted as saying that Zinedine Zidane could be stripped of his MVP trophy.“The winner of the award is not decided by FIFA, but by an international commission of journalists,” Blatter said in Wednesday’s La Repubblica. “That said, FIFA’s executive committee has the right, and the duty, to intervene when faced with behavior contrary to the ethic of the sport.” Let's hope they do the right thing here.
MSNBC A suspect in the India train bombings yesterday has ties to al-Qaida. Dawood Ibrahim apparently tops the list of suspects responsible for the bombings that took place along many points of the commuter rail line in Mumbai, formerly Bombay, bombings which killed 183.
We've always known terrorists like to target trains. Have we done nearly enough or as much as can be done in this country to prevent attacks like that here?
Hao Wu Syd Barrett Pink Floyd India Global Voices Mumbai Ibrahim al Qaida bombings terrorism Zidane FIFA Blatter Danica
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Open mic night, Zinedine Zidane
Since this incident happened on the world's biggest sports stage, I feel this is a social issue. How on earth can you award an MVP trophy, in this case the World Cup Gold Ball, to a player who head butted another player during the championship game between his team, France, and Italy, ultimately won by Italy on penalty kicks?
If we were talking about an incident that had nothing to do with the game or at least didn't happen on the playing field, perhaps there could be some varied opinions. But as I said, this incident occurred during overtime of a tie game, the championship game no less. Many people feel this cost his team the victory. That's debatable. But the argument can be made that France was outplaying Italy during the final minutes of the game when this happened. Instead of scoring the winning goal, they had to play the rest of the way a man down because Zidane was given a red card for this stupidity, which also meant he wouldn't be available for penalty kicks; and the game was ultimately won by Italy on penalty kicks.
What kind of message does it send to the youth of the world that you can do something like that in front of millions and still be awarded for it? Does it really matter what Marco Materazzi might have said to possibly instigate such a deplorable reaction? So this is how the soccer community punishes these kinds of actions?
I'll be spending the day out at camp with the family. So you folks take it from here.
soccer World Cup France Zidane Italy gold ball red card MVP Zizou Materazzi
If we were talking about an incident that had nothing to do with the game or at least didn't happen on the playing field, perhaps there could be some varied opinions. But as I said, this incident occurred during overtime of a tie game, the championship game no less. Many people feel this cost his team the victory. That's debatable. But the argument can be made that France was outplaying Italy during the final minutes of the game when this happened. Instead of scoring the winning goal, they had to play the rest of the way a man down because Zidane was given a red card for this stupidity, which also meant he wouldn't be available for penalty kicks; and the game was ultimately won by Italy on penalty kicks.
What kind of message does it send to the youth of the world that you can do something like that in front of millions and still be awarded for it? Does it really matter what Marco Materazzi might have said to possibly instigate such a deplorable reaction? So this is how the soccer community punishes these kinds of actions?
I'll be spending the day out at camp with the family. So you folks take it from here.
soccer World Cup France Zidane Italy gold ball red card MVP Zizou Materazzi
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Lt. Ehren Watada
Lt. Ehren Watada
I would ask that people look at this situation with an open mind. It is a provocative issue, a polarizing issue in many ways. Neither side should be discounted out of hand, which is why I'm including his statement, encourage people to discuss it and will try to lay out my feelings on this as a liberal, a patriotic American and Marine (there is no such thing as former Marine).
It is a very brave thing he is doing. He must know how it will end. We are a country of laws but he must understand and should understand that when you sign up for duty in the US Armed Forces, you relinquish some of those rights.
He signed up for duty after we invaded Iraq. This is an all-volunteer force. So any sympathy I would have had had he been on active duty before we went to Iraq don't count in this situation. Be that as it may, once you sign up, your duty is to do your duty. You can be a participant in a so-called illegal war, do your duty and not commit war crimes, as he alleges he would be doing.
He should have chosen to be a conscientious objector as a civilian, not as an active duty member of the military. He can call it a breech of American law, but not while he's on duty, especially an officer, a leader of men.
Joining the military takes a lot of soul searching; and again, given that we were already involved in Iraq before he joined, he had plenty of information with which to search his soul. This kind of second guessing by officers is what gets those who are supposed to follow him innocently killed.
I felt very strongly before we went to Iraq that we shouldn't have gone to Iraq; that the reasons the American public were given for going were deceiptful at best. But I can tell you this: Had I still be on active duty at the time we went, I would have done my duty, followed those orders that were legal (which would've been 99.999999% of them); and honored my commitment and my country, and then came home and done a much better job and honorable job of objecting to this war.
That's as even handed as I can be about it.
conscientious objector Iraq war Watada officer war crimes duty
I would ask that people look at this situation with an open mind. It is a provocative issue, a polarizing issue in many ways. Neither side should be discounted out of hand, which is why I'm including his statement, encourage people to discuss it and will try to lay out my feelings on this as a liberal, a patriotic American and Marine (there is no such thing as former Marine).
It is a very brave thing he is doing. He must know how it will end. We are a country of laws but he must understand and should understand that when you sign up for duty in the US Armed Forces, you relinquish some of those rights.
He signed up for duty after we invaded Iraq. This is an all-volunteer force. So any sympathy I would have had had he been on active duty before we went to Iraq don't count in this situation. Be that as it may, once you sign up, your duty is to do your duty. You can be a participant in a so-called illegal war, do your duty and not commit war crimes, as he alleges he would be doing.
He should have chosen to be a conscientious objector as a civilian, not as an active duty member of the military. He can call it a breech of American law, but not while he's on duty, especially an officer, a leader of men.
Joining the military takes a lot of soul searching; and again, given that we were already involved in Iraq before he joined, he had plenty of information with which to search his soul. This kind of second guessing by officers is what gets those who are supposed to follow him innocently killed.
I felt very strongly before we went to Iraq that we shouldn't have gone to Iraq; that the reasons the American public were given for going were deceiptful at best. But I can tell you this: Had I still be on active duty at the time we went, I would have done my duty, followed those orders that were legal (which would've been 99.999999% of them); and honored my commitment and my country, and then came home and done a much better job and honorable job of objecting to this war.
That's as even handed as I can be about it.
conscientious objector Iraq war Watada officer war crimes duty
Friday, July 07, 2006
My early travels in the blogosphere
Having just read a fascinating blog at Global Voices about the recent elections in Bolivia, I was initially struck by what a fascinating and wonderful site that is; that someone in Maine can within a click or two of a mouse be essentially transported to another part of the world, learning about that area through the eyes of someone who lives there and lives what they're writing about. On the front page of that site today you're within a click of learning about refugees in Kazakhstan or monsoons in India...again, from people who are there, people like us.
Soon thereafter, it occurred to me how much I've gotten out of blogging and reading blogs in just a short time. It is a place, the blogosphere, where you can write about what interests you; and there are people who will read it who are as interested in it as you. It is a very good tool as well to hone your writing skills and bring out the creativity even in someone with very little. Maybe this endeavor will lead to work in a field I'm finding I should have pursued years ago. (I still need a job!)
I've had a similar but narrower experience with the internet, as I wrote about recently in All Things Zebster about my 10 year relationship with Nascar friends I've made on message boards.
But this is much larger. I've started to make some new friends like Robbie and Ingrid; I've found a community of like-minded political independents, such as Nancy The Hankster. I have been in touch with some of them and will soon hopefully meet someone here in Maine who is active in independent politics through the Committee for a Unified Independent Party. So that's very exciting. I've started a blog with my brother, my cousin and a friend where we talk about our beloved Red Sox at BoSox Tavern. As my map shows, I've had people "visit" from many parts of the world. And I've found some very clever and interesting blogs, such as Useless Advice From Useless Men.
I've learned much about myself, the world and the people in it in a relatively short period of time. I highly recommend it. The more that people in this world learn about each other and the world they live in, the greater the likelihood we'll someday learn to get along.
The smilie's for you, Dog!
Bolivia Kazakhstan India blogosphere blogging friends writing Maine
Soon thereafter, it occurred to me how much I've gotten out of blogging and reading blogs in just a short time. It is a place, the blogosphere, where you can write about what interests you; and there are people who will read it who are as interested in it as you. It is a very good tool as well to hone your writing skills and bring out the creativity even in someone with very little. Maybe this endeavor will lead to work in a field I'm finding I should have pursued years ago. (I still need a job!)
I've had a similar but narrower experience with the internet, as I wrote about recently in All Things Zebster about my 10 year relationship with Nascar friends I've made on message boards.
But this is much larger. I've started to make some new friends like Robbie and Ingrid; I've found a community of like-minded political independents, such as Nancy The Hankster. I have been in touch with some of them and will soon hopefully meet someone here in Maine who is active in independent politics through the Committee for a Unified Independent Party. So that's very exciting. I've started a blog with my brother, my cousin and a friend where we talk about our beloved Red Sox at BoSox Tavern. As my map shows, I've had people "visit" from many parts of the world. And I've found some very clever and interesting blogs, such as Useless Advice From Useless Men.
I've learned much about myself, the world and the people in it in a relatively short period of time. I highly recommend it. The more that people in this world learn about each other and the world they live in, the greater the likelihood we'll someday learn to get along.
The smilie's for you, Dog!Bolivia Kazakhstan India blogosphere blogging friends writing Maine
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
A momentary lean to the right
Though this wouldn't be the smartest thing to do given our worldwide lack of popularity right now, part of me wants to say to that whackjob in North Korea, "Hey, do you remember what happened in the past when a much less powerful country threatened a powerful country?" "Yeah, that's right, your country wasn't yours anymore, KIM Jong Il!"
Threatening your neighbors by sending missiles into the Sea of Japan and attempting to produce missiles that threaten us will not get us to the bargaining table, quite the opposite. I'd be tempted to give President Bush permission to pull a Crocodile Dundee on their asses by saying "No, this is a missile" and fly one armed with a non-nuclear warhead right into an unpopulated part of North Korea. And say, "There's more where that came from and they're aimed right at you."
Phew, now that's off my chest. Diplomacy is always the best way to proceed but their threats should not get them anything.
My wife will kill me when she reads this. Though I think she'd agree with its sentiment but not its implementation (nor do I), her son, my stepson is stationed in Korea right now and she's mighty nervous about that.
Some background info CIA.gov
North Korea KIM Jong Il KIM Bush Taepodong Kittaeryong Japan Sea
Threatening your neighbors by sending missiles into the Sea of Japan and attempting to produce missiles that threaten us will not get us to the bargaining table, quite the opposite. I'd be tempted to give President Bush permission to pull a Crocodile Dundee on their asses by saying "No, this is a missile" and fly one armed with a non-nuclear warhead right into an unpopulated part of North Korea. And say, "There's more where that came from and they're aimed right at you."
Phew, now that's off my chest. Diplomacy is always the best way to proceed but their threats should not get them anything.
My wife will kill me when she reads this. Though I think she'd agree with its sentiment but not its implementation (nor do I), her son, my stepson is stationed in Korea right now and she's mighty nervous about that.
Some background info CIA.gov
North Korea KIM Jong Il KIM Bush Taepodong Kittaeryong Japan Sea
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Hao Wu
The plight of Hao Wu, a Chinese editor and blogger at Global Voices Online, came to my attention through Ingrid at Blogger Roundtable, in which she encouraged others to do like she and many others did and write the Wall Street Journal to plea for the release of Hao Wu, who has been imprisoned for "state secrets" by the government of Mao Zedong.
So on our Independence Day I would ask others to join us in writing a letter to the editor of the WSJ, which has done much in publicizing this issue, asking for the release of Hao Wu. Below is the letter that I wrote. Feel free to copy it.
Also read Ethan Zuckerman's blog regarding the situation with Hao wu.
Hao Wu Wall street Journal WSJ China Global Voices Mao Zedong Chinese
So on our Independence Day I would ask others to join us in writing a letter to the editor of the WSJ, which has done much in publicizing this issue, asking for the release of Hao Wu. Below is the letter that I wrote. Feel free to copy it.
"To the Editor:
The Government of China needs to understand that this is a small world, that taking away the freedom of one without due cause and due process threatens us all. If we in our comfortable country can take notice of the plight of a man who loves his country but stands for making it better, then perhaps the Chinese Government will realize that nothing will go unnoticed.
If China wants to be viewed as a world power, then they must care about their reputation within the most powerful and influential nation on earth. If they want to grow their economy, then they must care about their reputation within the most powerful economic nation on earth.
So on this day, Independence Day in the United States, I am appealing to the Chinese Government through the efforts of the Wall Street Journal to release Hao Wu or to at the very least make public the charges against him and try him on those charges.
About which we will watch as well.
I will also post this letter on my blog and request my readers, few that they are, to do the same."
Also read Ethan Zuckerman's blog regarding the situation with Hao wu.
Hao Wu Wall street Journal WSJ China Global Voices Mao Zedong Chinese
Monday, July 03, 2006
On this Independence Day
I thought I'd take a few minutes to express my thoughts regarding what Independence Day means to me in 2006. Despite the fact that I've been out of work for far too long and the prospects for a good job look bleak, this is still the Land of Opportunity and it is that fact that produces much of my ongoing optimism. Despite the fact that the divide between the haves and have-nots continues to grow, we are all in the category of haves compared to most of the rest of the world.
This is the country of open and free debate, where you don't have to look over your shoulder when expressing your views; where the freedom to express your views and disagree openly with the policies of your government has changed little in over 200 years. This is a country where having a far left and a far right truly produces a working, successful center; and it is this open and ongoing tug of war that makes this country continue to grow and excel.
I realize we have Memorial Day, but we should always remember on Independence Day the sacrifices of those in the past and ongoing that have made and continue to make us free and independent.
On this Independence Day though I think we should also resolve as a country and a people to temper our arrogance and that big chip on our shoulder. We are a better country when we see our flaws and are willing to consider how we are truly viewed by other countries. Being the best and strongest is a great thing; but if we are never willing to see the chinks in our armour, then our chinks can grow and we cannot continue to grow as a nation. That also is good advice for us as individuals. We need to recognize that the biggest strength this country has is its diversity of its people and its diversity of ideas and ideals.Let us have a safe and happy but reflective Independence Day...reflect on what has made this country great but resolve to not sit on our laurels. There is plenty of room for improvement. Those who do not grow will stagnate and eventually weaken and perhaps die.
So let's be vigilent and do our part, each and every one of us, to see to it that the sacrifices of so many is never wasted.
I would encourage anyone who reads this blog to leave a comment and better yet to backlink to it and write your own thoughts on what this Independence Day means to you...almost like a blogger chain letter. Remember, whoever breaks the chain will have 10 years of bad luck or something dumb like that. And please don't blow your hand off playing with fireworks!
Independence Day
This is the country of open and free debate, where you don't have to look over your shoulder when expressing your views; where the freedom to express your views and disagree openly with the policies of your government has changed little in over 200 years. This is a country where having a far left and a far right truly produces a working, successful center; and it is this open and ongoing tug of war that makes this country continue to grow and excel.
I realize we have Memorial Day, but we should always remember on Independence Day the sacrifices of those in the past and ongoing that have made and continue to make us free and independent.
On this Independence Day though I think we should also resolve as a country and a people to temper our arrogance and that big chip on our shoulder. We are a better country when we see our flaws and are willing to consider how we are truly viewed by other countries. Being the best and strongest is a great thing; but if we are never willing to see the chinks in our armour, then our chinks can grow and we cannot continue to grow as a nation. That also is good advice for us as individuals. We need to recognize that the biggest strength this country has is its diversity of its people and its diversity of ideas and ideals.Let us have a safe and happy but reflective Independence Day...reflect on what has made this country great but resolve to not sit on our laurels. There is plenty of room for improvement. Those who do not grow will stagnate and eventually weaken and perhaps die.
So let's be vigilent and do our part, each and every one of us, to see to it that the sacrifices of so many is never wasted.
I would encourage anyone who reads this blog to leave a comment and better yet to backlink to it and write your own thoughts on what this Independence Day means to you...almost like a blogger chain letter. Remember, whoever breaks the chain will have 10 years of bad luck or something dumb like that. And please don't blow your hand off playing with fireworks!
Independence Day
Friday, June 30, 2006
All Things Zebster: Boston Sports Update
All Things Zebster: Boston Sports Update
So I've made the decision to have Inside Zebster be my politics and social blog only. I may occasionally post pop culture and sports stuff that's truly socially related but other than that the lighter stuff will now be at All Things Zebster.
After wasting a few hours trying to get Word Press to work for me, I've created my sports and everything else but politics blog here on Blogger.
Give me some time to play with it, but come and see what's going on.
So I've made the decision to have Inside Zebster be my politics and social blog only. I may occasionally post pop culture and sports stuff that's truly socially related but other than that the lighter stuff will now be at All Things Zebster.
After wasting a few hours trying to get Word Press to work for me, I've created my sports and everything else but politics blog here on Blogger.
Give me some time to play with it, but come and see what's going on.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Leakergate
You've certainly heard the Bush Administration's response regarding the NY Times "revealing" the financial database tool they were using. One example, by President Bush, "There can be no excuse for anyone entrusted with vital intelligence to leak it — and no excuse for any newspaper to print it." (Unless your name is Karl Rove)
I would encourage people to read the Original article as well as Bill Keller's Response I have my opinions on this issue, which I will mention briefly, but the reason for this post is that I think it's important for people to understand the reasons used by the Times in deciding to publish that information. Then if you still feel they were wrong, that's fine...at least it's an informed decision. And make no mistake, I agree with Mr. Keller that it was an extremely difficult decision to make for very obvious reasons.
My take in watered down form, as I changed my mind from writing this solely as an emotional, fact-based piece to a plea for people to be informed. This administration does not believe in the Fourth Estate as part of the oversight of government (I think they barely believe in the Second Estate, when you examine the measures taken to weaken congressional power and strengthen presidential power). The Fourth Estate is the eyes and mouth of the people; and in this time where we have a very secretive administration, a congress that's been unable and unwilling to stand up for us, who do we then rely on for oversight, information and most importantly a counter-balance? The toothless, ineffective, follow-the-breeze Democrats? Negative. The Republicans who hold a majority in both houses of congress? No reply necessary. The Bush Administration themselves? Just look at the abusive use of signing statements for your answer.
The Administration's premise regarding its position on this issue is a good one, but this program is not and has not been a secret. In the NYT todayThe President on several occasions has referred to it. Swift has taken no measures to keep it a secret, quite the opposite. And when you have an administration who leaks secret information when it suits them (see Karl Rove vis a vis Valerie Plame), they have no leg to stand on, except the leg of fear-based patriotism.
You should also refresh your memory regarding the NY Times reporting of the Clinton Administration before you rally around the liberal media flag, as well as the fact that many people in this country feel the "liberal" press and the NY Times generally did not do their job of oversight for many months after 9/11. We'll call it the 9/11 honeymoon. This was certainly not a liberal press that questioned every move of a conservative government.
Given the constant string of mistakes, miscalculations, secrets, arrogance, lack of planning, ineptitude, deceptions and deceipts, I for one am thankful to know that someone is paying attention and willing to make difficult decisions that are intentioned in our best interest.
Fourth Estate NY Times Bush Keller Leakergate Plame Rove
I would encourage people to read the Original article as well as Bill Keller's Response I have my opinions on this issue, which I will mention briefly, but the reason for this post is that I think it's important for people to understand the reasons used by the Times in deciding to publish that information. Then if you still feel they were wrong, that's fine...at least it's an informed decision. And make no mistake, I agree with Mr. Keller that it was an extremely difficult decision to make for very obvious reasons.
My take in watered down form, as I changed my mind from writing this solely as an emotional, fact-based piece to a plea for people to be informed. This administration does not believe in the Fourth Estate as part of the oversight of government (I think they barely believe in the Second Estate, when you examine the measures taken to weaken congressional power and strengthen presidential power). The Fourth Estate is the eyes and mouth of the people; and in this time where we have a very secretive administration, a congress that's been unable and unwilling to stand up for us, who do we then rely on for oversight, information and most importantly a counter-balance? The toothless, ineffective, follow-the-breeze Democrats? Negative. The Republicans who hold a majority in both houses of congress? No reply necessary. The Bush Administration themselves? Just look at the abusive use of signing statements for your answer.
The Administration's premise regarding its position on this issue is a good one, but this program is not and has not been a secret. In the NYT todayThe President on several occasions has referred to it. Swift has taken no measures to keep it a secret, quite the opposite. And when you have an administration who leaks secret information when it suits them (see Karl Rove vis a vis Valerie Plame), they have no leg to stand on, except the leg of fear-based patriotism.
You should also refresh your memory regarding the NY Times reporting of the Clinton Administration before you rally around the liberal media flag, as well as the fact that many people in this country feel the "liberal" press and the NY Times generally did not do their job of oversight for many months after 9/11. We'll call it the 9/11 honeymoon. This was certainly not a liberal press that questioned every move of a conservative government.
Given the constant string of mistakes, miscalculations, secrets, arrogance, lack of planning, ineptitude, deceptions and deceipts, I for one am thankful to know that someone is paying attention and willing to make difficult decisions that are intentioned in our best interest.
Fourth Estate NY Times Bush Keller Leakergate Plame Rove
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
What do you think?
I had this long blog prepared regarding the NY Times issue but it needs more editing. So I'll turn to something much lighter today.
Part of me feels as though I need to start another blog for personal diary, sports, pop culture, as Inside Zebster has become about politics and social issues...things that I'm obviously passionate about but I don't want to write just about those things. Do you who read regularly read because of the variety or more the social stuff? Would this blog suffer without the variety or, conversely, would the folks who are interested in what I have to say from a social standpoint be turned off if I'm blogging about my daughter's wisdom teeth, sports from a nonsocial standpoint or the job search? In essence, I'm trying to make it a professional blog and, therefore, am probably answering my own question. But honestly, that variety was what I had in mind for Inside Zebster. So please pipe in.
Enjoyable political comedy night last night with Helen Thomas on the Daily Show and Chris Matthews on the Colbert Report. Count me among the legions who find these shows very entertaining, especially the Colbert Report's originality. No, I don't get my information from these shows, though at times their odd perspective on a subject can be somewhat enlightening. Steve Colbert is afraid of Helen Thomas. So at the end of the Daily Show where they "introduce" the Colbert Report, Steve asks John who is guest was. "...Helen Thomas." And Colbert looks panicked and they replay part of a previous skit where she's stalking Colbert. Hysterical. If you've never seen the Colbert Report, try this website and watch The Word. The Colbert Report
And I rarely miss Hardball because I like Chris Matthews. I think he's fair, holds Democrats to a much higher standard than most Democrats, informed and tough. So seeing him taking on neo-con Colbert was pretty funny. Your take on these three shows?
Colbert Colbert Report Daily Show John Stewart Hardball Chris Matthews Helen Thomas
Part of me feels as though I need to start another blog for personal diary, sports, pop culture, as Inside Zebster has become about politics and social issues...things that I'm obviously passionate about but I don't want to write just about those things. Do you who read regularly read because of the variety or more the social stuff? Would this blog suffer without the variety or, conversely, would the folks who are interested in what I have to say from a social standpoint be turned off if I'm blogging about my daughter's wisdom teeth, sports from a nonsocial standpoint or the job search? In essence, I'm trying to make it a professional blog and, therefore, am probably answering my own question. But honestly, that variety was what I had in mind for Inside Zebster. So please pipe in.
Enjoyable political comedy night last night with Helen Thomas on the Daily Show and Chris Matthews on the Colbert Report. Count me among the legions who find these shows very entertaining, especially the Colbert Report's originality. No, I don't get my information from these shows, though at times their odd perspective on a subject can be somewhat enlightening. Steve Colbert is afraid of Helen Thomas. So at the end of the Daily Show where they "introduce" the Colbert Report, Steve asks John who is guest was. "...Helen Thomas." And Colbert looks panicked and they replay part of a previous skit where she's stalking Colbert. Hysterical. If you've never seen the Colbert Report, try this website and watch The Word. The Colbert Report
And I rarely miss Hardball because I like Chris Matthews. I think he's fair, holds Democrats to a much higher standard than most Democrats, informed and tough. So seeing him taking on neo-con Colbert was pretty funny. Your take on these three shows?
Colbert Colbert Report Daily Show John Stewart Hardball Chris Matthews Helen Thomas
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
What's in it for Indies?
Obviously that will depend on who you ask, and therein lies the rub for Independent organizers. Indies are disenfranchised Republicans who are dissatisfied with the economic, or lack thereof, control of the current administration, and who are not dead-set on always voting far-right "moral" issues at the expense of policy.
They are disgruntled far-right Republicans who feel this administration used them to get elected and have now seen, until recently, their issues ignored. Most of these folks will return to the Republicans leading up to the election because the Carl Roves of the world know their vote can be bought by promising moral compass changes they can't deliver.
They are liberal Democrats who recognize the Democratic party has no leadership, no viable Presidential candidates, no moral compass strong enough to support the issues they feel most strongly about.
Insert other narrow factions as you please.
Then probably the largest group are those moderate liberals (me) and moderate conservaties who largely have never wanted to be a member of a party...pure free thinkers who are allergic to cheese. Centrists they are called by many, though that's a misnomer because they all lean one way or another; and that can change depending on the issue.
I dare say they are all joined regarding the war in Iraq; but unfortunately for those who want a third party, they are upset about the war for varying reasons. Lack of planning, lack of exit strategy, anti-war, anti-nation building, feel misled...insert your own reason here. But the point is: The spectrum of these reasons run from far left all the way across to the far right. A large group of these indies are, thus, swing voters and can be brought back into the fold of the left or right with the right piece of cheese.
They are all of these groups together when it comes to political reform, a desire to at least drastically lessen the stranglehold of special interest groups on their governmental processes. But from this disparate group can a third party be formed? There is certainly an opportunity now that wasn't taken full advantage of in 1992. But many, perhaps most, don't want a third party. They are true independents who worry a third party will eventually, maybe sooner than later, have the same trappings of the other two, just trapped in a different place.
A third party can satisfy the concerns of many of these folks but whether that party has any real power would remain to be seen.
Consequently, this is what independents want in my humble opinion: They want an organization, a means, through which real reform can happen, even a viable third option on occasion; but without any allegiances. Is that possible, is that viable, is it even logical for them, us, to want?
indies independents third party Democrats Republicans reform
They are disgruntled far-right Republicans who feel this administration used them to get elected and have now seen, until recently, their issues ignored. Most of these folks will return to the Republicans leading up to the election because the Carl Roves of the world know their vote can be bought by promising moral compass changes they can't deliver.
They are liberal Democrats who recognize the Democratic party has no leadership, no viable Presidential candidates, no moral compass strong enough to support the issues they feel most strongly about.
Insert other narrow factions as you please.
Then probably the largest group are those moderate liberals (me) and moderate conservaties who largely have never wanted to be a member of a party...pure free thinkers who are allergic to cheese. Centrists they are called by many, though that's a misnomer because they all lean one way or another; and that can change depending on the issue.
I dare say they are all joined regarding the war in Iraq; but unfortunately for those who want a third party, they are upset about the war for varying reasons. Lack of planning, lack of exit strategy, anti-war, anti-nation building, feel misled...insert your own reason here. But the point is: The spectrum of these reasons run from far left all the way across to the far right. A large group of these indies are, thus, swing voters and can be brought back into the fold of the left or right with the right piece of cheese.
They are all of these groups together when it comes to political reform, a desire to at least drastically lessen the stranglehold of special interest groups on their governmental processes. But from this disparate group can a third party be formed? There is certainly an opportunity now that wasn't taken full advantage of in 1992. But many, perhaps most, don't want a third party. They are true independents who worry a third party will eventually, maybe sooner than later, have the same trappings of the other two, just trapped in a different place.
A third party can satisfy the concerns of many of these folks but whether that party has any real power would remain to be seen.
Consequently, this is what independents want in my humble opinion: They want an organization, a means, through which real reform can happen, even a viable third option on occasion; but without any allegiances. Is that possible, is that viable, is it even logical for them, us, to want?
indies independents third party Democrats Republicans reform
Monday, June 26, 2006
Barbara Merrill, Independent for Governor of Maine
I intend to use this blog as a tool in deciding whether I want to support Ms. Merrill's run for the Blaine House.
Based on her bio on "BarbaraMerrill.com" her political experience includes her work as an attorney representing nonprofit organizations and businesses before the State Legislature. A quote by her reflecting that experience, "The growing fiscal irresponsibility of state government, the increased partisanship and the destructive synergy between them" is very much in keeping with this writer's feelings expressed in "A Representative Government" just last week. In 2004 she ran for the State Legislature as a Democrat in a mostly-Republican district, taking 60% of the vote.
As an attorney she was honored by the Bar Association for her pro bono work. Reflective of the work ethic of the people of Maine, she quips, "If I was a little better gardener, I might never have found myself up to my elbows in state government. At least if you garden in Maine, you learn how to deal with adversity."
A very intriguing quote from her candidacy announcement at the Charles Butler Army Reserve Center (named in honor of her father who was killed in Viet Nam), "We need leaders with the courage to trust the voters with the whole truth and we need leaders with the courage to offer a new independent Maine vision." From that very same announcement in regard to the gender factor and that no woman independent has ever been elected in any state, "As Maine's first woman Governor I will be held to a higher standard and I welcome it. Not as a fancy that I can be perfect, but as inspiration to seek the very best people to serve beside me without regard to party affiliation or whether their star may shine brighter than my own. I will set a higher standard not in the conceit that best and brightest will transform Maine, but in the humble understanding that if we can transform state government into a useful tool, Maine people will be enabled to do what needs to be done to secure a bright future for the state we all call home."
She has also penned a book entitled Setting the Maine Course, which can be downloaded from her website.
At first blush these are my thoughts on her candidacy: Having worked as a lobbyist sends up red flags in this day in age, though a more thorough analysis of the work she did as a lobbyist and her position on lobbying would be in order. Certainly having been a lobbyist does not disqualify someone from political office, but we want to ensure we elect someone who will represent the citizens of Maine first and foremost.
Can a woman successfully govern this state? I certainly see no reason why not. This really never should be an issue. The larger questions would more likely be: Can an independent governor succeed? Absolutely, this state has had two two-term independent governors. Would the people of Maine elect a woman governor? Based on the legacies of Margaret Chase Smith (this writer interned at the MCS Library) and Olympia Snowe, they certainly would.
Is her relative lack of experience a positive or negative? That would certainly depend upon your perspective. My position is that I would take fresh ideas, which this candidate seems to have plenty of, over someone with connections but no idea what to do any different than anyone else.
At first blush, based on her philosophy and approach to government, this is someone I could support. Obviously a look into her voting record and her views on more substantive legislative issues would be in order, something I plan to do in my next blog, as well as a review of her book.
Maine Merrill legislature Blaine House governor women
Based on her bio on "BarbaraMerrill.com" her political experience includes her work as an attorney representing nonprofit organizations and businesses before the State Legislature. A quote by her reflecting that experience, "The growing fiscal irresponsibility of state government, the increased partisanship and the destructive synergy between them" is very much in keeping with this writer's feelings expressed in "A Representative Government" just last week. In 2004 she ran for the State Legislature as a Democrat in a mostly-Republican district, taking 60% of the vote.
As an attorney she was honored by the Bar Association for her pro bono work. Reflective of the work ethic of the people of Maine, she quips, "If I was a little better gardener, I might never have found myself up to my elbows in state government. At least if you garden in Maine, you learn how to deal with adversity."
A very intriguing quote from her candidacy announcement at the Charles Butler Army Reserve Center (named in honor of her father who was killed in Viet Nam), "We need leaders with the courage to trust the voters with the whole truth and we need leaders with the courage to offer a new independent Maine vision." From that very same announcement in regard to the gender factor and that no woman independent has ever been elected in any state, "As Maine's first woman Governor I will be held to a higher standard and I welcome it. Not as a fancy that I can be perfect, but as inspiration to seek the very best people to serve beside me without regard to party affiliation or whether their star may shine brighter than my own. I will set a higher standard not in the conceit that best and brightest will transform Maine, but in the humble understanding that if we can transform state government into a useful tool, Maine people will be enabled to do what needs to be done to secure a bright future for the state we all call home."
She has also penned a book entitled Setting the Maine Course, which can be downloaded from her website.
At first blush these are my thoughts on her candidacy: Having worked as a lobbyist sends up red flags in this day in age, though a more thorough analysis of the work she did as a lobbyist and her position on lobbying would be in order. Certainly having been a lobbyist does not disqualify someone from political office, but we want to ensure we elect someone who will represent the citizens of Maine first and foremost.
Can a woman successfully govern this state? I certainly see no reason why not. This really never should be an issue. The larger questions would more likely be: Can an independent governor succeed? Absolutely, this state has had two two-term independent governors. Would the people of Maine elect a woman governor? Based on the legacies of Margaret Chase Smith (this writer interned at the MCS Library) and Olympia Snowe, they certainly would.
Is her relative lack of experience a positive or negative? That would certainly depend upon your perspective. My position is that I would take fresh ideas, which this candidate seems to have plenty of, over someone with connections but no idea what to do any different than anyone else.
At first blush, based on her philosophy and approach to government, this is someone I could support. Obviously a look into her voting record and her views on more substantive legislative issues would be in order, something I plan to do in my next blog, as well as a review of her book.
Maine Merrill legislature Blaine House governor women
On courtesy, kindness and respect
What is to blame for a society seemingly slipping rapidly toward total crassness...where being punked is entertainment, where the busiest websites are those that show people fighting, where somebody's need is always seen as brought on themselves and never your duty to help (unless it's your need), where kindess is a sign of weakness, where entertainment is videos in which women degrade themselves or it's peaking into the lives of others, where someone met is analyzed for their weaknesses to exploit versus their strength of character?
Whatever happened to smiling at strangers instead of glaring at them to make sure they understand you're not to be messed with? To those of you who try to be kind to everyone, you know what I'm talking about. How many times a day when you're walking down a sidewalk or an aisle in the grocery store do you make way for someone who makes no effort to do the same for you? How often do you get a wave of thanks for letting someone merge in front of you in traffic?
I'm not talking about the phoney yes, sir and yes, ma'am of the over-aggressive service industry. You know when someone is genuinely kind and respectful, especially in this day in age when it's become so rare.
Do we blame a society that's sole measure of success is the accumulation of wealth or is it that we no longer look inward to resolve problems but look outward to blame instead? There have always been mean kids at school but it seems more and more every day meanness is the rule instead of the exception.
Frankly, it's a parenting issue; and therefore, we can turn this around. We as parents and adults need to make sure our children understand what we really value. We value a society where people care about one another, where others walking on the sidewalk are potential friends, not the obstacles of an overly self-absorbed life; that we value a society in which people respect one another, rather than degrade or disrespect others for our amusement. We need to ensure that kindess is repaid with kindness, a genuine thank-you. Every person you interact with is a human being with real feelings. Doesn't it appear that everyone acts as though they're playing a video game in which they're the only human being in it?
So before we've slipped beyond any hope of return into a total instant gratification, self-absorbed society, start turning it around with an act of kindess. Help a friend, be courteous to a stranger and respect everyone. Better yet, go out of your way to help someone and see how great it makes you feel.
The true measure of a rich society is not the number of millionaires, it is the happiness and wellbeing of the whole.
courtesy kindness respect society
Whatever happened to smiling at strangers instead of glaring at them to make sure they understand you're not to be messed with? To those of you who try to be kind to everyone, you know what I'm talking about. How many times a day when you're walking down a sidewalk or an aisle in the grocery store do you make way for someone who makes no effort to do the same for you? How often do you get a wave of thanks for letting someone merge in front of you in traffic?
I'm not talking about the phoney yes, sir and yes, ma'am of the over-aggressive service industry. You know when someone is genuinely kind and respectful, especially in this day in age when it's become so rare.
Do we blame a society that's sole measure of success is the accumulation of wealth or is it that we no longer look inward to resolve problems but look outward to blame instead? There have always been mean kids at school but it seems more and more every day meanness is the rule instead of the exception.
Frankly, it's a parenting issue; and therefore, we can turn this around. We as parents and adults need to make sure our children understand what we really value. We value a society where people care about one another, where others walking on the sidewalk are potential friends, not the obstacles of an overly self-absorbed life; that we value a society in which people respect one another, rather than degrade or disrespect others for our amusement. We need to ensure that kindess is repaid with kindness, a genuine thank-you. Every person you interact with is a human being with real feelings. Doesn't it appear that everyone acts as though they're playing a video game in which they're the only human being in it?
So before we've slipped beyond any hope of return into a total instant gratification, self-absorbed society, start turning it around with an act of kindess. Help a friend, be courteous to a stranger and respect everyone. Better yet, go out of your way to help someone and see how great it makes you feel.
The true measure of a rich society is not the number of millionaires, it is the happiness and wellbeing of the whole.
courtesy kindness respect society
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Famous Quotes
Just a few quotes to make you think, as I endeavor to ensure I always think for myself and have something intelligent to say.
"The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry." William F. Buckley
"During the times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." George Orwell
"Dissent is the highest form of patriotism." Thomas Jefferson
"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." Mark Twain
"Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security, will not have, nor do they deserve, either one." Benjamin Franklin
"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." Galileo Galilei
"It could probably be shown by facts and figures that there is no distinctly native American criminal class except Congress." "We have the best government that money can buy." Mark Twain
"Government is either organized benevolence or organized madness; its peculiar magnitude permits no shading." John Updike
"The whole country is one vast insane asylum and they're letting the worst patients run the place." Robert Welch
"A state that denies its citizens their basic rights becomes a danger to its neighbors as well: internal arbitrary rule will be reflected in arbitrary external relations. The suppression of public opinion, the abolition of public competition for power and its public exercise opens the way for the state power to arm itself in any way it sees fit. A state that does not hesitate to lie to its own people will not hesitate to lie to other states." Vaclav Havel
"The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry." William F. Buckley
"During the times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." George Orwell
"Dissent is the highest form of patriotism." Thomas Jefferson
"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." Mark Twain
"Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security, will not have, nor do they deserve, either one." Benjamin Franklin
"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." Galileo Galilei
"It could probably be shown by facts and figures that there is no distinctly native American criminal class except Congress." "We have the best government that money can buy." Mark Twain
"Government is either organized benevolence or organized madness; its peculiar magnitude permits no shading." John Updike
"The whole country is one vast insane asylum and they're letting the worst patients run the place." Robert Welch
"A state that denies its citizens their basic rights becomes a danger to its neighbors as well: internal arbitrary rule will be reflected in arbitrary external relations. The suppression of public opinion, the abolition of public competition for power and its public exercise opens the way for the state power to arm itself in any way it sees fit. A state that does not hesitate to lie to its own people will not hesitate to lie to other states." Vaclav Havel
Friday, June 23, 2006
A Representative Government, Part II
The Hankster: NATIONAL: Independent voters need to demand full debate on the war and US foreign policy This post at The Hankster inspires me to finish what I started in my previous post, http://zebster43.blogspot.com/2006/06/representative-government.html
I am an independent, moderate liberal. I generally don't trust Democrats or Republicans, and I'll explain my feelings on that. Both parties are beholding more and more every day to their individual special interests, and beholding more and more to the corporate dollar. So who do they answer to under these circumstances? It obviously isn't us. Both sides are out of touch, many of them rarely set foot in the districts that elected them (except when they're running for office); so that the only feedback they're getting is from each other, just like two football teams huddled opposite one another, getting ready to battle to win, not to represent us.
Half of all Democrats don't know what they stand for. Another high percentage of them know what they stand for but don't have the guts to stand up and fight for it. So yes, in many ways it's a party of flipfloppers, good intentions or not. Yes, there are those Democrats I don't agree with ideologically.
Half of all Republicans know what they stand for but don't believe in what they stand for...they're just being politically expedient; thus, in my opinion, the ever-increasing shift further right. Most of the rest I simply don't agree with ideologically and feel they're not open minded enough to ever think they could be wrong. Remember the old adage: There's your truth, my truth and the truth.
Both parties are out of touch with mainstream America. They've pushed each other further and further in opposite directions. They also seem more and more intent on telling the American public what the other half thinks and not taking the effort to understand how we all think. So I'll be supporting even more independents than usual. We have to show the two comfortable, entrenched, out-of-touch parties that they can't take our votes for granted any longer. We need politicians who are accountable to us, the citizens, and us only.
Also keep in mind that you should vote for the person who will represent you and your district the best, that Independents with a capital I can be no different than capital D's and R's. Please read a great article on being a true independent http://sdrobbie.wordpress.com/2006/06/13/so-you-want-to-be-an-independent/
So while I think now is the time for independents to seize the day, we must always be informed and vote for the best candidate for US.
government politics citizens independent vote Democrat Republican
I am an independent, moderate liberal. I generally don't trust Democrats or Republicans, and I'll explain my feelings on that. Both parties are beholding more and more every day to their individual special interests, and beholding more and more to the corporate dollar. So who do they answer to under these circumstances? It obviously isn't us. Both sides are out of touch, many of them rarely set foot in the districts that elected them (except when they're running for office); so that the only feedback they're getting is from each other, just like two football teams huddled opposite one another, getting ready to battle to win, not to represent us.
Half of all Democrats don't know what they stand for. Another high percentage of them know what they stand for but don't have the guts to stand up and fight for it. So yes, in many ways it's a party of flipfloppers, good intentions or not. Yes, there are those Democrats I don't agree with ideologically.
Half of all Republicans know what they stand for but don't believe in what they stand for...they're just being politically expedient; thus, in my opinion, the ever-increasing shift further right. Most of the rest I simply don't agree with ideologically and feel they're not open minded enough to ever think they could be wrong. Remember the old adage: There's your truth, my truth and the truth.
Both parties are out of touch with mainstream America. They've pushed each other further and further in opposite directions. They also seem more and more intent on telling the American public what the other half thinks and not taking the effort to understand how we all think. So I'll be supporting even more independents than usual. We have to show the two comfortable, entrenched, out-of-touch parties that they can't take our votes for granted any longer. We need politicians who are accountable to us, the citizens, and us only.
Also keep in mind that you should vote for the person who will represent you and your district the best, that Independents with a capital I can be no different than capital D's and R's. Please read a great article on being a true independent http://sdrobbie.wordpress.com/2006/06/13/so-you-want-to-be-an-independent/
So while I think now is the time for independents to seize the day, we must always be informed and vote for the best candidate for US.
government politics citizens independent vote Democrat Republican
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