First, Joe the Plumber asks a question of Obama and his life is turned upside down.
Then Joe Biden gets asked some tough questions by a TV reporter in Orlando and Obama ostracizes the TV station.
Now, Obama has removed three reporters from The Dallas Morning-News, The New York Post and The Washington Times. Why? Their editorial boards have endorsed John McCain. An unpardonable sin in Obama World. In their place are additional reporters from The Chicago Tribune and scribes for Essence and Jet magazines. A symphony of sycophants.
If this is the behavior of Obama the Candidate do we really want to know how Obama the President will brook dissenting views, impure thoughts and honest scrutiny?
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Dear Mr. Obama YouTube Video
I must admit I had not seen this video on YouTube until just a few minutes ago. But more than 11 million people have. I can see why. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9G|WS8)
The video was recorded last August by Joe Cook. I guess you could call him Joe the Soldier. He states amongst other things:
I've seen many men sacrifice their lives for the Iraqi people. They died for a purpose not a mistake. They died giving hope. They died promoting freedom.
When you call the Iraqi War a mistake you disrespect the service and the sacrifice of everyone whose died promoting freedom. Freedom carries with it a price.
Because you do not understand or appreciate these principles, sir, I am supporting Senator John McCain for President.
He, too, made a huge sacrifice promoting freedom because he understands the fundamental truth. Freedom is always worth the price.
With that, Cook turns around and walks away revealing a prosthetic where his left leg used to be.
When Mr. Cook says freedom is always worth the price we can take him at his word.
While Joe the Plumber and Tito the Builder have spoken out on behalf of McCain I think both of them would agree that no one has spoken out more eloquently for McCain and perhaps our mission in Iraq than Joe Cook.
Mr. Cook, thank you for your sacrifice and for your words of wisdom.
The video was recorded last August by Joe Cook. I guess you could call him Joe the Soldier. He states amongst other things:
I've seen many men sacrifice their lives for the Iraqi people. They died for a purpose not a mistake. They died giving hope. They died promoting freedom.
When you call the Iraqi War a mistake you disrespect the service and the sacrifice of everyone whose died promoting freedom. Freedom carries with it a price.
Because you do not understand or appreciate these principles, sir, I am supporting Senator John McCain for President.
He, too, made a huge sacrifice promoting freedom because he understands the fundamental truth. Freedom is always worth the price.
With that, Cook turns around and walks away revealing a prosthetic where his left leg used to be.
When Mr. Cook says freedom is always worth the price we can take him at his word.
While Joe the Plumber and Tito the Builder have spoken out on behalf of McCain I think both of them would agree that no one has spoken out more eloquently for McCain and perhaps our mission in Iraq than Joe Cook.
Mr. Cook, thank you for your sacrifice and for your words of wisdom.
Old Dutch Relaunches Ketchup Potato Chips in U.S.
IC readers might be familiar with my fondness for ketchup potato chips. I wrote about this fondness in the summer of 2007. (http://www.intellectualconservative.com/2007/07/31/are-ketchup-flavored-potato-chips-what-makes-canadians-different-from-americans/)
The very first ketchup chip I tasted was Old Dutch which is one of its top sellers in Canada. At the time I wrote the article, Old Dutch did not offer ketchup chips in the U.S. although not for lack of effort. Old Dutch introduced ketchup chips to the U.S. market on two occasions - once in the early 1980s and once in the early 1990s - without success.
Perhaps the third time will be a charm.
Last week, Old Dutch relaunched Ketchup Potato Chips. (http://www.olddutchfoods.com/home.php) They are available for sale in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. If you live outside these Midwest states you need not squeeze your Heinz or Hunts on just any potato chips. You can buy them online at www.bobsproduce.com or phone them at 1-800-685-0315.
I ordered six large bags. It cost me $37 including S&H. But they are big bags and I'm going to enjoy each and every one of them. I'm even sharing a few with my roommate.
The very first ketchup chip I tasted was Old Dutch which is one of its top sellers in Canada. At the time I wrote the article, Old Dutch did not offer ketchup chips in the U.S. although not for lack of effort. Old Dutch introduced ketchup chips to the U.S. market on two occasions - once in the early 1980s and once in the early 1990s - without success.
Perhaps the third time will be a charm.
Last week, Old Dutch relaunched Ketchup Potato Chips. (http://www.olddutchfoods.com/home.php) They are available for sale in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. If you live outside these Midwest states you need not squeeze your Heinz or Hunts on just any potato chips. You can buy them online at www.bobsproduce.com or phone them at 1-800-685-0315.
I ordered six large bags. It cost me $37 including S&H. But they are big bags and I'm going to enjoy each and every one of them. I'm even sharing a few with my roommate.
Brewers Name Macha New Manager
O.K., I know the season is over but I will make some occasional baseball posts such as when the Rookie of the Year, Cy Young and MVPs are announced in each league, significant trades or free agent signings and, of course, changes in managerial personnel.
With respect to the latter, the Milwaukee Brewers have named Ken Macha as their manager for the 2009 season. In 2008, the Brewers reached the postseason for the first time since 1982. On September 15th, after losing 11 of 15 games and falling out of the lead for the NL Wild Card, the Brewers fired manager Ned Yost and third base coach Dale Sveum was named interim manager. The Brewers went 7-5 under Sveum. Not earth shattering but good enough to win the NL Wild Card. The Brewers were eliminated by the Philadelphia Phillies in the best of five NLDS, 3-1. As we know, the Phillies went on to win the World Series.
I'm surprised the Brewers didn't stick with Sveum given that they reached the postseason. But Brewers GM Doug Melvin told Sveum shortly after the NLDS elimination that he wanted a more experienced manager. Melvin came close to hiring Macha prior to the 2003 season but opted for Yost. Macha instead became manager of the Oakland Athletics in 2003 where he served for four seasons. The Athletics won the AL West under his tutelage in 2003 and 2006. However, the Athletics were eliminated in the ALDS in 2003 by the Boston Red Sox after leading 2-0 and were swept by the Detroit Tigers in the 2006 ALCS. The latter defeat cost Macha his job in Oakland. For the past two seasons, Macha has been an occasional pre-game and post-game studio analyst for NESN's Red Sox TV broadcasts.
Macha is generally considered calm and even tempered compared to the volatile disposition of Ned Yost. For a relatively young ball club and one that often reflected Yost's volatility (i.e. when Prince Fielder accosted Manny Parra in the dugout during a Brewers-Reds game) Macha might be just what the Brewers need. On the other hand, it might also help if they can re-sign C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets.
With respect to the latter, the Milwaukee Brewers have named Ken Macha as their manager for the 2009 season. In 2008, the Brewers reached the postseason for the first time since 1982. On September 15th, after losing 11 of 15 games and falling out of the lead for the NL Wild Card, the Brewers fired manager Ned Yost and third base coach Dale Sveum was named interim manager. The Brewers went 7-5 under Sveum. Not earth shattering but good enough to win the NL Wild Card. The Brewers were eliminated by the Philadelphia Phillies in the best of five NLDS, 3-1. As we know, the Phillies went on to win the World Series.
I'm surprised the Brewers didn't stick with Sveum given that they reached the postseason. But Brewers GM Doug Melvin told Sveum shortly after the NLDS elimination that he wanted a more experienced manager. Melvin came close to hiring Macha prior to the 2003 season but opted for Yost. Macha instead became manager of the Oakland Athletics in 2003 where he served for four seasons. The Athletics won the AL West under his tutelage in 2003 and 2006. However, the Athletics were eliminated in the ALDS in 2003 by the Boston Red Sox after leading 2-0 and were swept by the Detroit Tigers in the 2006 ALCS. The latter defeat cost Macha his job in Oakland. For the past two seasons, Macha has been an occasional pre-game and post-game studio analyst for NESN's Red Sox TV broadcasts.
Macha is generally considered calm and even tempered compared to the volatile disposition of Ned Yost. For a relatively young ball club and one that often reflected Yost's volatility (i.e. when Prince Fielder accosted Manny Parra in the dugout during a Brewers-Reds game) Macha might be just what the Brewers need. On the other hand, it might also help if they can re-sign C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets.
McCain & Obama to Appear on Monday Night Football
The night before the election both John McCain and Barack Obama will appear in pre-recorded interviews on ESPN's Monday Night Football during half time of the Pittsburgh Steelers-Washington Redskins game. Both interviews will be conducted by longtime ESPN analyst Chris Berman.
Frankly, I think most people will be watching football to get away from politics. Methinks a lot of people will be heading for the refrigerator at the end of the second quarter.
On the other hand, it is fitting the Steelers should be playing this night of all nights. You can bet all of Pittsburgh and much of western Pennsylvania will be tuned into the game and if there are some undecided amongst them they'll be watching. One must also consider that the most recent Monday night game between the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots attracted almost 11 million viewers. (http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/10/30/arts/Cable-Nielsens.php) So if there's an opportunity for McCain to intercept the ball from Obama this is surely it. O.K., that analysis might be a Hail Mary on my part but McCain...could...go...all...the...way!
Frankly, I think most people will be watching football to get away from politics. Methinks a lot of people will be heading for the refrigerator at the end of the second quarter.
On the other hand, it is fitting the Steelers should be playing this night of all nights. You can bet all of Pittsburgh and much of western Pennsylvania will be tuned into the game and if there are some undecided amongst them they'll be watching. One must also consider that the most recent Monday night game between the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots attracted almost 11 million viewers. (http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/10/30/arts/Cable-Nielsens.php) So if there's an opportunity for McCain to intercept the ball from Obama this is surely it. O.K., that analysis might be a Hail Mary on my part but McCain...could...go...all...the...way!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Phillies Win World Series
It took two days but the Philadelphia Phillies won Game 5 of the World Series and with it their first championship since 1980.
This World Series would have been largely uneventful if not for the events of two nights ago. On Monday night, it was raining cats, dogs and other assorted barnyard animals and yet the game went onward. Rays manager Joe Maddon looked like he was on a fishing boat at sea.
The game was delayed in the middle of the 6th inning tied at 2-2. The rain continued in Philadelphia yesterday so it was postponed until tonight.
The proceedings this evening were delayed not by rain but by hot air. Barack Obama's infomercial to be exact.
(No, I did not see the infomercial. I was too busy writing my article on Obama that just went up. I came home just in time for the resumption of the game.)
Well, it was only three and a half innings but it was a fun packed three and a half innings.
Geoff Jenkins, who pinch hit for starting pitcher Cole Hamels, resumed the game with a double off Grant Balfour. Jimmy Rollins put down a sacrifice bunt to to advance Jenkins to third. Jayson Werth singled home Jenkins to give the Phillies a 3-2 lead.
No sooner than the Phillies took the lead than the Rays tied it at 3-3 on a solo homerun by Rocco Baldelli off Phillies reliever Ryan Madson. Jason Barlett then hit a single. After Bartlett was advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Rays reliever J.P. Howell, Madson was removed in favor of J.C. Romero. Akinori Iwamura hit a ball up the middle which Chase Utley got to but appeared unable to throw it to first. That's because he threw it home and Carlos Ruiz tagged out Bartlett at the plate. The game remained tied at 3-3.
Pat Burrell just missed hitting a homerun but settled for a double. He was removed for pinch runner Eric Bruntlett. That might represent Burrell's last appearance in a Phillies uniform as he is now a free agent. Burrell has spent his entire nine year career with the Phillies. If he does leave Philadelphia for other pastures he leaves with a World Series ring.
I've always been a fan of Pedro Feliz. Not a superstar but he can hit, has some power and can play a variety of positions. A good role player. Feliz singled in the go-ahead with a base hit up the middle plating Bruntlett. Phillies lead 4-3.
Karl Rove told Bill O'Reilly that Barack Obama is a lousy closer. Perhaps he should hire Brad Lidge who did not blow a save opportunity in 2008. Lidge struck out pinch hitter Eric Hinske to give the Phillies their second World Series title in franchise history which began in 1883.
The Phillies triumph also represented the first time a pro sports team in Philly has won a championship since the 76ers won the NBA Title in 1983.
My father thought the Rays underperformed and that the Rays beat themselves rather than actually being beat by the Phillies There's no question the Rays performance was subpar but the Phillies had to take advantage of that opportunity. With the exception of the 10-2 blowout in Game 4, the Phillies won all their other games by one run. Their offense was not sterling but their hits were timely. Chase Utley's two run homerun in the 1st inning of Game 1; Carlos Ruiz' 8th inning single in Game 3 and Shane Victorino's two run single in the 1st inning of Game 5 two days ago.
It also didn't hurt the Phillies to have Cole Hamels on their side. Although Hamels got a no decision in the clinching game he did win Game 1 that set the tone of this Series. Hamels added the 2008 World Series MVP to his 2008 NLCS MVP trophy. Nice work if you can get it.
Yes, it would have been a nice Cinderella story for the Rays to have won the World Series. All the more so given my infamous prediction they would win it all two years ago. But Philly fans are as passionate as Red Sox fans. The Phillies have a long history with sporadic success. So it is nice to see them triumph. Phillies manager Charley Manuel might not have any new age 9=8 formulas a la Joe Maddon but Manuel has survived cancer, quadruple bypass surgery and earlier this postseason lost his mother. If he could persevere so could the Phillies. They overcame the Mets in the NL East, the Brewers in the NLDS, Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers in the NLCS and now the heavily favored Rays in the World Series. The Philadelphia Phillies earned every bit of their success and Philadelphians can enjoy the fruits of that success. A hearty congratulations.
Now onto five months of baseball withdrawal.
This World Series would have been largely uneventful if not for the events of two nights ago. On Monday night, it was raining cats, dogs and other assorted barnyard animals and yet the game went onward. Rays manager Joe Maddon looked like he was on a fishing boat at sea.
The game was delayed in the middle of the 6th inning tied at 2-2. The rain continued in Philadelphia yesterday so it was postponed until tonight.
The proceedings this evening were delayed not by rain but by hot air. Barack Obama's infomercial to be exact.
(No, I did not see the infomercial. I was too busy writing my article on Obama that just went up. I came home just in time for the resumption of the game.)
Well, it was only three and a half innings but it was a fun packed three and a half innings.
Geoff Jenkins, who pinch hit for starting pitcher Cole Hamels, resumed the game with a double off Grant Balfour. Jimmy Rollins put down a sacrifice bunt to to advance Jenkins to third. Jayson Werth singled home Jenkins to give the Phillies a 3-2 lead.
No sooner than the Phillies took the lead than the Rays tied it at 3-3 on a solo homerun by Rocco Baldelli off Phillies reliever Ryan Madson. Jason Barlett then hit a single. After Bartlett was advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Rays reliever J.P. Howell, Madson was removed in favor of J.C. Romero. Akinori Iwamura hit a ball up the middle which Chase Utley got to but appeared unable to throw it to first. That's because he threw it home and Carlos Ruiz tagged out Bartlett at the plate. The game remained tied at 3-3.
Pat Burrell just missed hitting a homerun but settled for a double. He was removed for pinch runner Eric Bruntlett. That might represent Burrell's last appearance in a Phillies uniform as he is now a free agent. Burrell has spent his entire nine year career with the Phillies. If he does leave Philadelphia for other pastures he leaves with a World Series ring.
I've always been a fan of Pedro Feliz. Not a superstar but he can hit, has some power and can play a variety of positions. A good role player. Feliz singled in the go-ahead with a base hit up the middle plating Bruntlett. Phillies lead 4-3.
Karl Rove told Bill O'Reilly that Barack Obama is a lousy closer. Perhaps he should hire Brad Lidge who did not blow a save opportunity in 2008. Lidge struck out pinch hitter Eric Hinske to give the Phillies their second World Series title in franchise history which began in 1883.
The Phillies triumph also represented the first time a pro sports team in Philly has won a championship since the 76ers won the NBA Title in 1983.
My father thought the Rays underperformed and that the Rays beat themselves rather than actually being beat by the Phillies There's no question the Rays performance was subpar but the Phillies had to take advantage of that opportunity. With the exception of the 10-2 blowout in Game 4, the Phillies won all their other games by one run. Their offense was not sterling but their hits were timely. Chase Utley's two run homerun in the 1st inning of Game 1; Carlos Ruiz' 8th inning single in Game 3 and Shane Victorino's two run single in the 1st inning of Game 5 two days ago.
It also didn't hurt the Phillies to have Cole Hamels on their side. Although Hamels got a no decision in the clinching game he did win Game 1 that set the tone of this Series. Hamels added the 2008 World Series MVP to his 2008 NLCS MVP trophy. Nice work if you can get it.
Yes, it would have been a nice Cinderella story for the Rays to have won the World Series. All the more so given my infamous prediction they would win it all two years ago. But Philly fans are as passionate as Red Sox fans. The Phillies have a long history with sporadic success. So it is nice to see them triumph. Phillies manager Charley Manuel might not have any new age 9=8 formulas a la Joe Maddon but Manuel has survived cancer, quadruple bypass surgery and earlier this postseason lost his mother. If he could persevere so could the Phillies. They overcame the Mets in the NL East, the Brewers in the NLDS, Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers in the NLCS and now the heavily favored Rays in the World Series. The Philadelphia Phillies earned every bit of their success and Philadelphians can enjoy the fruits of that success. A hearty congratulations.
Now onto five months of baseball withdrawal.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
McCain: "No One Will Delay The World Series With An Infomercial When I'm President."
While speaking in Pennsylvania, John McCain said, "No one will the delay the World Series with an infomercial while I'm President."
This was, of course, in reference to Barack Obama's 30 minute ad that will air tomorrow night on NBC, CBS and FOX which is covering the 2008 World Series. Game 5 of the World Series, which was suspended last night in the middle of the 6th inning due to inclement weather, will be resumed on Wednesday night but the start of the game will be delayed to accomodate Obama. The game is scheduled to resume at 8:37 p.m.
Does Obama really want to alienate Phillies and Rays fans who are based in key states Obama must win? Evidently so. Despite his occasional reminders to his supporters about the New Hampshire Primary he seems to think he can't wear out his welcome and can do no wrong.
The liberal media makes the weak case that NBC accomodated John McCain during his acceptance speech at the RNC last month. Because of the RNC, the NFL moved its kick off game between the New York Giants and Washington Redskins up 90 minutes earlier. (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/10/28/mccain_mocks_obama_infomercial.html)
But there's a problem with that line of reasoning like most left-wing arguments. The RNC was scheduled more than two years ahead of time. Far sooner than the NFL set up its schedule for the 2008 season. By contrast, twelve days ago the Obama campaign decides that it is buying half an hour of airtime with the knowledge it could conflict with the World Series. If the schedule had played out the Obama infomercial would have conflicted with Game 6 in Tampa Bay. But given the weather problems alluded to earlier it will now interfere with the resumption of Game 5.
I can't emphasize this enough. If I'm a Phillies fan and haven't seen my team win a World Series in 28 years, I don't want to see Obama, McCain or anybody else. The games start late enough as it is. If I'm a Rays fan who has never seen my team win a World Series and are on the brink of elimination, I don't want to see Obama, McCain or anybody else. I would just want baseball and save politics for another night.
But Obama is so full of himself. If he's willing to put the World Series on hold what is there to stop him from delaying the proceedings on Superbowl Sunday?
This was, of course, in reference to Barack Obama's 30 minute ad that will air tomorrow night on NBC, CBS and FOX which is covering the 2008 World Series. Game 5 of the World Series, which was suspended last night in the middle of the 6th inning due to inclement weather, will be resumed on Wednesday night but the start of the game will be delayed to accomodate Obama. The game is scheduled to resume at 8:37 p.m.
Does Obama really want to alienate Phillies and Rays fans who are based in key states Obama must win? Evidently so. Despite his occasional reminders to his supporters about the New Hampshire Primary he seems to think he can't wear out his welcome and can do no wrong.
The liberal media makes the weak case that NBC accomodated John McCain during his acceptance speech at the RNC last month. Because of the RNC, the NFL moved its kick off game between the New York Giants and Washington Redskins up 90 minutes earlier. (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/10/28/mccain_mocks_obama_infomercial.html)
But there's a problem with that line of reasoning like most left-wing arguments. The RNC was scheduled more than two years ahead of time. Far sooner than the NFL set up its schedule for the 2008 season. By contrast, twelve days ago the Obama campaign decides that it is buying half an hour of airtime with the knowledge it could conflict with the World Series. If the schedule had played out the Obama infomercial would have conflicted with Game 6 in Tampa Bay. But given the weather problems alluded to earlier it will now interfere with the resumption of Game 5.
I can't emphasize this enough. If I'm a Phillies fan and haven't seen my team win a World Series in 28 years, I don't want to see Obama, McCain or anybody else. The games start late enough as it is. If I'm a Rays fan who has never seen my team win a World Series and are on the brink of elimination, I don't want to see Obama, McCain or anybody else. I would just want baseball and save politics for another night.
But Obama is so full of himself. If he's willing to put the World Series on hold what is there to stop him from delaying the proceedings on Superbowl Sunday?
Crittenden's Cretinist Remarks About Palin
Danielle Crittenden has become the latest in a line of conservatives who have come to publicly view Sarah Palin with derision and disdain. In her latest article on The Huntington Post, that bastion of conservative thought, Crittenden writes:
It's as plain as day - glaringly obvious! - that she's unfit for the job she's running for.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/danielle-crittenden/taint-elitist-to-be-anti_b_138433.html
Well, it's not obvious to me. Nor is it obvious to the thousands upon thousands of everyday Americans, many of whom have never attended a political rally in their lives, to come hear her speak.
If Crittenden objects to Palin so be it. But I need more than a declaration that she's unfit for the job. Why is she unfit? Why is it glaringly obvious that's she unfit when many others disagree? Has she talked with either Frank Murkowski or Tony Knowles about their impressions of Palin?Crittenden doesn't see fit to answer those questions. Instead, she sees fit to call those who counterargue Obama's lack of experience as nothing more than "an argument you can make without having graduated elementary school." Given Crittenden's cretinist arguments I cannot help but think that she speaks from personal experience.
It's as plain as day - glaringly obvious! - that she's unfit for the job she's running for.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/danielle-crittenden/taint-elitist-to-be-anti_b_138433.html
Well, it's not obvious to me. Nor is it obvious to the thousands upon thousands of everyday Americans, many of whom have never attended a political rally in their lives, to come hear her speak.
If Crittenden objects to Palin so be it. But I need more than a declaration that she's unfit for the job. Why is she unfit? Why is it glaringly obvious that's she unfit when many others disagree? Has she talked with either Frank Murkowski or Tony Knowles about their impressions of Palin?Crittenden doesn't see fit to answer those questions. Instead, she sees fit to call those who counterargue Obama's lack of experience as nothing more than "an argument you can make without having graduated elementary school." Given Crittenden's cretinist arguments I cannot help but think that she speaks from personal experience.
McCain & Palin Call on Stevens to Resign
Both John McCain and Sarah Palin have called on Alaska Senator Ted Stevens to resign in light of his conviction yesterday on seven counts of failing to properly report gifts.
Now some might say to McCain and Palin, "Yeah, now you call for him to resign."
But the last time I checked everyone, including Republican Senators, are innocent until proven guilty. It would have been improper for McCain, Palin or anyone else to call on Stevens to step down until the jury spoke. Suppose McCain and Palin had called on Stevens to resign and he had been acquitted?
Stevens has stated at this point that he has no intention of abandoning his eighth election to the Senate. Of course, if he is re-elected he could be the only thing that separates the country from a Democratic super majority. Unlike other states, Governor Palin cannot make a temporary appointment as a result of a 2004 ballot initiative. (http://www.elections.alaska.gov/initbal.php)
A special election would have to be held between 60 to 90 days of the vacancy unless the vacancy occurs within 60 days of the primary election for that seat. The primary took place on August 26th. Guess what? The 60 days have already elapsed as of last Saturday. Had he resigned before Saturday then the 60 to 90 day provision would have been waived. Either way, if Stevens resigns then Palin cannot fill the seat with another Republican and if he does resign the advantage goes to the Democrats in the special election given all the negative attention Alaska Republicans have received fair or not.
Of course, Stevens will appeal his conviction. Given all the troubles that occurred with the jury I am surprised it didn't end in a mistrial. No doubt his lawyers will focus their attention on the jury deliberations. Nonetheless, given the jury's verdict McCain and Palin could not do any other than call on Stevens to resign.
Now some might say to McCain and Palin, "Yeah, now you call for him to resign."
But the last time I checked everyone, including Republican Senators, are innocent until proven guilty. It would have been improper for McCain, Palin or anyone else to call on Stevens to step down until the jury spoke. Suppose McCain and Palin had called on Stevens to resign and he had been acquitted?
Stevens has stated at this point that he has no intention of abandoning his eighth election to the Senate. Of course, if he is re-elected he could be the only thing that separates the country from a Democratic super majority. Unlike other states, Governor Palin cannot make a temporary appointment as a result of a 2004 ballot initiative. (http://www.elections.alaska.gov/initbal.php)
A special election would have to be held between 60 to 90 days of the vacancy unless the vacancy occurs within 60 days of the primary election for that seat. The primary took place on August 26th. Guess what? The 60 days have already elapsed as of last Saturday. Had he resigned before Saturday then the 60 to 90 day provision would have been waived. Either way, if Stevens resigns then Palin cannot fill the seat with another Republican and if he does resign the advantage goes to the Democrats in the special election given all the negative attention Alaska Republicans have received fair or not.
Of course, Stevens will appeal his conviction. Given all the troubles that occurred with the jury I am surprised it didn't end in a mistrial. No doubt his lawyers will focus their attention on the jury deliberations. Nonetheless, given the jury's verdict McCain and Palin could not do any other than call on Stevens to resign.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Biden Blasts Florida News Anchor
At a rally in North Carolina, Joe Biden attacked Orlando TV news anchor Barbara West:
I was on a television station the other day doing a satellite feed to a major network in Florida, and the anchor quotes Karl Marx, and says in a sense, "Isn't Barack Obama Karl Marx?" You know, I mean, folks, this stuff you're hearing in this campaign, some of it's pretty ugly. And some of the innuendo is pretty ugly." (http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/27/biden-compares-obama-lincoln-jefferson-marx/)
How is asking a question pretty ugly? Where's the innuendo? West wasn't comparing Obama to Marx on a personal level but on a political and economic one. West asked about Obama's policy of "spreading the wealth." Those were Obama's words to Joe the Plumber. Those wee Obama's words when he spoke with Chicago Public Radio in 2001. Redistribution is a key tenet of socialism. Why not ask about Marx? Perhaps Biden would have been preferred West to compare Obama's policies to that of former British Labour Party leader Neil Kinnock.
Heaven help anyone who dare speaketh frankly with an Obama-Biden Administration be they reporters or plumbers.
I was on a television station the other day doing a satellite feed to a major network in Florida, and the anchor quotes Karl Marx, and says in a sense, "Isn't Barack Obama Karl Marx?" You know, I mean, folks, this stuff you're hearing in this campaign, some of it's pretty ugly. And some of the innuendo is pretty ugly." (http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/27/biden-compares-obama-lincoln-jefferson-marx/)
How is asking a question pretty ugly? Where's the innuendo? West wasn't comparing Obama to Marx on a personal level but on a political and economic one. West asked about Obama's policy of "spreading the wealth." Those were Obama's words to Joe the Plumber. Those wee Obama's words when he spoke with Chicago Public Radio in 2001. Redistribution is a key tenet of socialism. Why not ask about Marx? Perhaps Biden would have been preferred West to compare Obama's policies to that of former British Labour Party leader Neil Kinnock.
Heaven help anyone who dare speaketh frankly with an Obama-Biden Administration be they reporters or plumbers.
Hudson's Seven-Year-Old Nephew Found Dead
This is simply awful.
http://www.foxnews.com/story.0,2933,444192,oo.html
The killer is lucky that Illinois has a moratorium on the death penalty.
http://www.foxnews.com/story.0,2933,444192,oo.html
The killer is lucky that Illinois has a moratorium on the death penalty.
Dean Barnett, 1967-2008. R.I.P.
I have just read that fellow conservative blogger Dean Barnett has died today of complications from Cystic Fibrosis. He was 41-years-old.
Our paths never crossed but I did read his stuff on occasion and liked the clarity with which he utilized his powers of persuasion. In fact, on at least one occasion, I quoted him when I reviewed Dinesh D'Souza's The Enemy At Home (www.intellectualconservative.com/2007/02/08/dinesh-d'souza-gets-september-11th-wrong/)
I regret that we did not meet because I suspect we would have had a great deal to discuss about politics and baseball. He was as avid a Red Sox fan. Before he went to work for Hugh Hewitt, his blog was titled Sox Blog http://dbsoxblog.blogspot.com/.
If there is a silver lining in all this is that the prognosis for people afflicted with CF is much better than it was a quarter century ago. I remember while going to grade school in Thunder Bay we would have presentations by this woman whose daughter had CF and her daughter would usually accompany her. I don't know if she's still alive. But back then a CF patient could expect to live into their 20s and some occasionally made it past 30. In the present, CF patients can survive into their 40s as was the case with Barnett. Some even make it to 50. So there is something to be said for medical research that has made treatments more effective.
Still, Dean Barnett had a lot more to give this world.
Our paths never crossed but I did read his stuff on occasion and liked the clarity with which he utilized his powers of persuasion. In fact, on at least one occasion, I quoted him when I reviewed Dinesh D'Souza's The Enemy At Home (www.intellectualconservative.com/2007/02/08/dinesh-d'souza-gets-september-11th-wrong/)
I regret that we did not meet because I suspect we would have had a great deal to discuss about politics and baseball. He was as avid a Red Sox fan. Before he went to work for Hugh Hewitt, his blog was titled Sox Blog http://dbsoxblog.blogspot.com/.
If there is a silver lining in all this is that the prognosis for people afflicted with CF is much better than it was a quarter century ago. I remember while going to grade school in Thunder Bay we would have presentations by this woman whose daughter had CF and her daughter would usually accompany her. I don't know if she's still alive. But back then a CF patient could expect to live into their 20s and some occasionally made it past 30. In the present, CF patients can survive into their 40s as was the case with Barnett. Some even make it to 50. So there is something to be said for medical research that has made treatments more effective.
Still, Dean Barnett had a lot more to give this world.
Does Obama Think the Supreme Court Should Redistribute Wealth?
An interview Barack Obama did with Chicago Public Radio in 2001 while an Illinois State Senator and Professor of Constitutional Law discussing the U.S. Supreme Court under Earl Warren during the Civil Rights Era. Obama states:
But the Supreme Court never ventured into the issues of redistribution of wealth and sort of more basic issues of political and economic justice in this society. And to that extent as radical as people tried to characterize the Warren court, it wasn't that radical. It didn't break free from the essential constraints that were placed by the founding fathers in the Constitution, at least as it's been interpreted, and the Warren court interpreted it in the same way that generally the Constitution is a charter of negative liberties. It says what the states can't do to you, it says what the federal government can't do to you, but it doesn't say what the federal government or the state government must do on your behalf. And that hasn't shifted. (http://newsbusters.org/blogs/mark-finkelstein/2008/10/27/broadcast-morning-shows-bury-obama-redistributionist-radio-interview/)
This begs several questions.
Would Obama strive to change the character of the Constitution from "a charter of negative liberties" to one of positive rights?
If so, does he want a "radical court"? That, of course, would not be limited to the Supreme Court but the Federal Court of Appeals and the district courts.
Is it the job of the Supreme Court and the federal judiciary to redistribute wealth?
As my late maternal grandfather would tell me, "The world doesn't owe you a living."
But under Obama that very well might happen. My grandfather, who started working in a coal mine at the age of 15, would have been aghast.
One would like to think this would give voters second thoughts about Obama. It might. But the world is a different place than it was during the Great Depression when my grandfather was fortunate to have been employed. I bet there are a lot of people out there, some of whom are hurting very badly, who find the idea of getting free money from the federal government very, very appealing and will pull the lever for Obama in eight days time and don't care what he does to give what they think is owed to them.
But the Supreme Court never ventured into the issues of redistribution of wealth and sort of more basic issues of political and economic justice in this society. And to that extent as radical as people tried to characterize the Warren court, it wasn't that radical. It didn't break free from the essential constraints that were placed by the founding fathers in the Constitution, at least as it's been interpreted, and the Warren court interpreted it in the same way that generally the Constitution is a charter of negative liberties. It says what the states can't do to you, it says what the federal government can't do to you, but it doesn't say what the federal government or the state government must do on your behalf. And that hasn't shifted. (http://newsbusters.org/blogs/mark-finkelstein/2008/10/27/broadcast-morning-shows-bury-obama-redistributionist-radio-interview/)
This begs several questions.
Would Obama strive to change the character of the Constitution from "a charter of negative liberties" to one of positive rights?
If so, does he want a "radical court"? That, of course, would not be limited to the Supreme Court but the Federal Court of Appeals and the district courts.
Is it the job of the Supreme Court and the federal judiciary to redistribute wealth?
As my late maternal grandfather would tell me, "The world doesn't owe you a living."
But under Obama that very well might happen. My grandfather, who started working in a coal mine at the age of 15, would have been aghast.
One would like to think this would give voters second thoughts about Obama. It might. But the world is a different place than it was during the Great Depression when my grandfather was fortunate to have been employed. I bet there are a lot of people out there, some of whom are hurting very badly, who find the idea of getting free money from the federal government very, very appealing and will pull the lever for Obama in eight days time and don't care what he does to give what they think is owed to them.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Obama Campaign Boycotts Florida TV Station
If you see any interview with Barack Obama, Joe Biden or anyone else affiliated with their campaign in Florida, it won't be on WFTV, an ABC affiliate in Orlando.
Senator Biden became testy in an interview done last Thursday with WFTV reporter Barbara West when she asked Biden if "spreading the wealth" wasn't Marxist and if America was no longer the world's leading superpower since he believed Obama would be tested by foreign powers in his first six months in office. Biden said, "I don't know who's writing your questions," quipped Biden. http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/25/obama-campaign-cuts-interviews-florida-tv-station/
After the interview, the Obama Campaign cancelled an interview WFTV had planned to do with Jill Biden. A spokesperson for Obama called the cancellation "non-negotiable."
If Obama is elected is his Administration going to cancel interviews with every TV station, radio station and newspaper that asks them questions they don't like? It's one thing if WFTV had uttered something it knew to be false or made an incorrect statement and did not acknowledge the error. But all Barbara West was doing was asking questions. Just like Joe the Plumber.
Well, the liberal media better not be kvetching about Sarah Palin and press conferences anymore. One can criticize Palin's interview with Katie Couric but Palin never cut off the interview or asked Couric from where she was getting her questions. Did you see the McCain Campaign boycott CBS? Instead, McCain and Palin went on with Couric to do another interview.
Perhaps Obama believes his own hype and is expecting synchophantic behavior from the media. It is likely the liberal media will get a collective shiver up its leg and idol worship Obama from Inauguration Day onwards. If that is the case when someone gets out of the line the reaction of an Obama Administration will be swift and harsh. It will not be an Administration that brooks dissent from the media or for that matter plumbers, be they licensed or not.
Senator Biden became testy in an interview done last Thursday with WFTV reporter Barbara West when she asked Biden if "spreading the wealth" wasn't Marxist and if America was no longer the world's leading superpower since he believed Obama would be tested by foreign powers in his first six months in office. Biden said, "I don't know who's writing your questions," quipped Biden. http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/25/obama-campaign-cuts-interviews-florida-tv-station/
After the interview, the Obama Campaign cancelled an interview WFTV had planned to do with Jill Biden. A spokesperson for Obama called the cancellation "non-negotiable."
If Obama is elected is his Administration going to cancel interviews with every TV station, radio station and newspaper that asks them questions they don't like? It's one thing if WFTV had uttered something it knew to be false or made an incorrect statement and did not acknowledge the error. But all Barbara West was doing was asking questions. Just like Joe the Plumber.
Well, the liberal media better not be kvetching about Sarah Palin and press conferences anymore. One can criticize Palin's interview with Katie Couric but Palin never cut off the interview or asked Couric from where she was getting her questions. Did you see the McCain Campaign boycott CBS? Instead, McCain and Palin went on with Couric to do another interview.
Perhaps Obama believes his own hype and is expecting synchophantic behavior from the media. It is likely the liberal media will get a collective shiver up its leg and idol worship Obama from Inauguration Day onwards. If that is the case when someone gets out of the line the reaction of an Obama Administration will be swift and harsh. It will not be an Administration that brooks dissent from the media or for that matter plumbers, be they licensed or not.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Murder in Jamaica Plain (But For the Grace of G-d)
My previous two posts have concerned the murder of Little Rock TV news anchor Anne Pressly and the murder of the mother and brother of singer/actress Jennifer Hudson.
Crime occurs everyday in this country and in every other country. It is a part of human existence that we know lurks around us and hope it does not touch us.
This afternoon it nearly touched me. Although I did not know at the time.
At about 2:30, I walked from my apartment to the laundromat on the corner of Rossmore Road and Washington Street in Jamaica Plain, a neighborhood in Boston where I recently moved.
During my time at the laundromat, I heard loud ambulance sirens go off for a couple of minutes. The neighborhood police station is nearby so other than the sound being loud and going on longer than usual I took little notice.
I left the laundromat after 4 p.m. and walked back on Rossmore Road towards Forest Hills Street. I was listening to music on my phone and I put my bag down for a moment. A man approached me and asked where I was going. It was then that I noticed the yellow police tape blocking the street. I asked if the street was blocked off and he replied in the affirmative. I walked down a side street and took an alternate route home.
I later learned that a young man had been shot and killed in the driveway of his home on the very street that I had walked not a half hour earlier. The victim has not been identified but he was installing a car seat when another man got out of a car, approached the victim and shot him three times before running back into the car. http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2008_10_26_Jamaica_Plain_27_slain_in_daylight_shooting/
Given the description of the incident it doesn't appear to be a random killing. But then again had I been walking there a short time later the gunman might have saw fit to fire at a potential witness. But for the Grace of G-d go I.
Something like this happened to me once before. It was on a Sunday afternoon in the spring of 1994 when I was living in Ottawa. I remember taking a walk late that afternoon on Elgin Street, a stretch of road filled with restaurants. About an hour after I had walked on Elgin Street, a young man from Britain named Nicholas Battersby was walking there when some teenagers taking a joyride gunned him down in front of a club called The Penguin (the place where I had seen Bo Diddley play). This was truly a random act. Some suburban kids decided they wanted to know what it was like to kill a person and acted on it.
Once again but for the Grace of G-d. Those kids weren't specifically after Battersby. They were looking for a target, any target. If they had been out there an hour earlier perhaps Nick Battersby would be alive and perhaps might be blogging about the random shooting death of Aaron Goldstein.
The point here is that no one is immune from losing their life at a moment's notice. Those are the chances we take when we go to work, go to the corner store, take a leisurely walk or are going back home. Of course, one cannot convince oneself life will end imminently but on the other hand I am consciously aware that each day I wake up might be my last. It's not an easy way to live but it does enhance one's appreciation of the beauty that we occasionally find in the midst of the ugliness that often characterizes life.
Crime occurs everyday in this country and in every other country. It is a part of human existence that we know lurks around us and hope it does not touch us.
This afternoon it nearly touched me. Although I did not know at the time.
At about 2:30, I walked from my apartment to the laundromat on the corner of Rossmore Road and Washington Street in Jamaica Plain, a neighborhood in Boston where I recently moved.
During my time at the laundromat, I heard loud ambulance sirens go off for a couple of minutes. The neighborhood police station is nearby so other than the sound being loud and going on longer than usual I took little notice.
I left the laundromat after 4 p.m. and walked back on Rossmore Road towards Forest Hills Street. I was listening to music on my phone and I put my bag down for a moment. A man approached me and asked where I was going. It was then that I noticed the yellow police tape blocking the street. I asked if the street was blocked off and he replied in the affirmative. I walked down a side street and took an alternate route home.
I later learned that a young man had been shot and killed in the driveway of his home on the very street that I had walked not a half hour earlier. The victim has not been identified but he was installing a car seat when another man got out of a car, approached the victim and shot him three times before running back into the car. http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2008_10_26_Jamaica_Plain_27_slain_in_daylight_shooting/
Given the description of the incident it doesn't appear to be a random killing. But then again had I been walking there a short time later the gunman might have saw fit to fire at a potential witness. But for the Grace of G-d go I.
Something like this happened to me once before. It was on a Sunday afternoon in the spring of 1994 when I was living in Ottawa. I remember taking a walk late that afternoon on Elgin Street, a stretch of road filled with restaurants. About an hour after I had walked on Elgin Street, a young man from Britain named Nicholas Battersby was walking there when some teenagers taking a joyride gunned him down in front of a club called The Penguin (the place where I had seen Bo Diddley play). This was truly a random act. Some suburban kids decided they wanted to know what it was like to kill a person and acted on it.
Once again but for the Grace of G-d. Those kids weren't specifically after Battersby. They were looking for a target, any target. If they had been out there an hour earlier perhaps Nick Battersby would be alive and perhaps might be blogging about the random shooting death of Aaron Goldstein.
The point here is that no one is immune from losing their life at a moment's notice. Those are the chances we take when we go to work, go to the corner store, take a leisurely walk or are going back home. Of course, one cannot convince oneself life will end imminently but on the other hand I am consciously aware that each day I wake up might be my last. It's not an easy way to live but it does enhance one's appreciation of the beauty that we occasionally find in the midst of the ugliness that often characterizes life.
Mother & Brother of Jennifer Hudson Shot to Death; 7-Year-Old Nephew Missing
Singer and actress Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother were found shot to death in their Chicago home yesterday afternoon. Darnell Donerson and Jason Hudson were found by a relative and Hudson's 7-year-old nephew, Julian is missing and an Amber Alert has been issued. Police have arrested William Balfour although he has not been charged with any crime. Balfour was once married to Hudson's older sister and has a long criminal record. He was paroled after spending seven years in prison for attempted murder and carjacking.
Hudson first came to public attention as a contestant on American Idol. Although she was eliminated she has gone on to enjoy both a singing and acting career. Hudson won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in the 2006 film Dreamgirls. Hudson has also appeared in the film version of Sex & The City as well as The Secret Life of Bees. If that weren't enough she currently has a number one song on the Billboard R&B Charts and recently became engaged.
However, in light of this horrific event, all of that seems very far away right now. Not only with losing two relatives with whom she was close but that an innocent little boy is also in peril. I cannot begin to imagine what she is going through not to mention the rest of her family. At this point, we can only hope the boy hasn't been harmed.
Hudson first came to public attention as a contestant on American Idol. Although she was eliminated she has gone on to enjoy both a singing and acting career. Hudson won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in the 2006 film Dreamgirls. Hudson has also appeared in the film version of Sex & The City as well as The Secret Life of Bees. If that weren't enough she currently has a number one song on the Billboard R&B Charts and recently became engaged.
However, in light of this horrific event, all of that seems very far away right now. Not only with losing two relatives with whom she was close but that an innocent little boy is also in peril. I cannot begin to imagine what she is going through not to mention the rest of her family. At this point, we can only hope the boy hasn't been harmed.
Anne Pressly, 1982-2008. R.I.P.
Anne Pressly, the TV news anchor from Little Rock who was found beaten in her home last Monday, succumbed to her injuries today. She was only 26 years old.
Pressly also had a cameo in the Oliver Stone movie W. which I saw last night.
She was found by her mother when Pressly didn't answer her wake up call. Pressly was found beaten beyond recognition about her head, face and neck. She was never able to talk to authorities or anyone else about what had happened.
Little Rock Police do not have anyone in custody but at this point suspect robbery was a motive as one of her credit cards was used at a gas station shortly after the attack.
Given the viciousness of the attack it is hard to believe the attack was random. A deranged stalker who was obsessed with Pressly perhaps? Whatever the circumstances though this woman had her whole life ahead of her and some awful excuse of a human being snuffed it out.
Pressly also had a cameo in the Oliver Stone movie W. which I saw last night.
She was found by her mother when Pressly didn't answer her wake up call. Pressly was found beaten beyond recognition about her head, face and neck. She was never able to talk to authorities or anyone else about what had happened.
Little Rock Police do not have anyone in custody but at this point suspect robbery was a motive as one of her credit cards was used at a gas station shortly after the attack.
Given the viciousness of the attack it is hard to believe the attack was random. A deranged stalker who was obsessed with Pressly perhaps? Whatever the circumstances though this woman had her whole life ahead of her and some awful excuse of a human being snuffed it out.
Israel Could Hold Elections in February 2009
Tzipi Livni, the new leader of Israel's Kadima Party, is planning to meet with Israeli President Shimon Peres tomorrow to call early elections. Livni was attempting to put together a coalition government but the ultra-Orthodox Shas Party would not back her. They view her as keen to surrender East Jerusalem to the Palestinians.
So an election would most likely take place in February.
I think this strongly favors Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu. The longer the election campaign the bigger the disadvantage to the incumbent party. Netanyahu did not have a great tenure in office but it's been nearly a decade since he was last PM. Whether Livni likes it or not since she has not shown her chops as PM she will inevitably be linked to the incompetent and corrupt legacy of Ehud Olmert, who remains Israel's Prime Minister. Olmert is only to leave office once Livni either formed a coalition or after an election. Well, if Livni couldn't form a coalition how can she expect to gain the confidence of the Israeli electorate? Meanwhile, Livni carries Olmert around like an albatross.
So an election would most likely take place in February.
I think this strongly favors Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu. The longer the election campaign the bigger the disadvantage to the incumbent party. Netanyahu did not have a great tenure in office but it's been nearly a decade since he was last PM. Whether Livni likes it or not since she has not shown her chops as PM she will inevitably be linked to the incompetent and corrupt legacy of Ehud Olmert, who remains Israel's Prime Minister. Olmert is only to leave office once Livni either formed a coalition or after an election. Well, if Livni couldn't form a coalition how can she expect to gain the confidence of the Israeli electorate? Meanwhile, Livni carries Olmert around like an albatross.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thoughts on W.
Tonight, I went to see the Oliver Stone movie W.
What possessed me to do such a thing?
My roommate invited me. If not for that invitation I would not have bothered. Nevertheless, I was curious to see what the fuss was about although I pretty much knew what was coming. After all, Oliver Stone making a movie about George W. Bush would be like asking Leni Riefenstahl to make a movie about Auschwitz.
A week ago, I saw Charlie Rose interview Stone and Josh Brolin (who plays W.). Stone insisted he had no malice towards Bush. Yet he insisted that if Bush didn't invade Iraq he would have invaded another nation. Meanwhile, Brolin said he prepared for the role by watching mice run through mazes.
I don't doubt he did because nearly everyone in the film was little more than a two dimensional caricature. Brolin mostly portrays Bush with a deer in the headlights look. Richard Dreyfuss does have Dick Cheney's physical mannerisms down but his portrayal of Cheney is reminiscient of his portrayal of Bob Rumson, the fictional Republican Presidential candidate in The American President.
The Bush Administration official who comes off as worse than anyone else is Condi Rice. Thandie Newton's interpretation of Rice in her original capacity as National Security Adviser leaves the viewer with the impression of something little more than an echo of Bush. Newton has the inflection of Rice's voice down but Rice speaks in a soft, smooth manner whereas Newton takes the inflection and makes it staccato and cartoonish.
Not surprisingly, the Bush Administration official who comes off the best is Colin Powell (played by Jeffrey Wright.) Of course, filming took place before Powell endorsed Obama but it was as if Stone was dispensing forgiveness to Powell as if he were anticipating his eventual seal of approval for The Anointed One.
The one other character who was portrayed in three dimensions was Laura Bush. Elizabeth Banks portrayal of the First Lady was the strongest of the film. Brolin's scenes with Banks were the only ones where his character took on human qualities. Otherwise, Stone would have been better off casting Frank Caliendo as Bush.
One genuinely sad note about the film. Towards the end of the movie there is a scene with an Ann Coulter like female commentator. She was played by Anne Pressly, a news anchor in Little Rock, Arkansas. Earlier this week, she was found beaten almost beyond recognition in her home. She is still alive but has not been able to speak and might have brain damage.
Many years ago, I saw Stone's Nixon. Anthony Hopkins portrayal made me feel sympathetic towards the 37th President. I also think that has a lot to do with the fact the film was made two decades after Nixon's resignation and a year following his death. For crying out loud, Bush still has 88 days left in office. Needless to say, there's a tremendous lack of perspective in the film. Who knows what Iraq will be like in 10 to 20 years from now? Perhaps history will be kinder to Bush. That is, unless, Oliver Stone is writing it. What do you expect of a director who casts an actor (Dreyfuss) who has publicly called for Bush to be impeached? There's also very little mention of September 11th. Making a movie about President Bush with few referenes to 9/11 would be like making a film about Lincoln's Presidency with little mention of The Civil War.
Then again it is only a work of fiction.
What possessed me to do such a thing?
My roommate invited me. If not for that invitation I would not have bothered. Nevertheless, I was curious to see what the fuss was about although I pretty much knew what was coming. After all, Oliver Stone making a movie about George W. Bush would be like asking Leni Riefenstahl to make a movie about Auschwitz.
A week ago, I saw Charlie Rose interview Stone and Josh Brolin (who plays W.). Stone insisted he had no malice towards Bush. Yet he insisted that if Bush didn't invade Iraq he would have invaded another nation. Meanwhile, Brolin said he prepared for the role by watching mice run through mazes.
I don't doubt he did because nearly everyone in the film was little more than a two dimensional caricature. Brolin mostly portrays Bush with a deer in the headlights look. Richard Dreyfuss does have Dick Cheney's physical mannerisms down but his portrayal of Cheney is reminiscient of his portrayal of Bob Rumson, the fictional Republican Presidential candidate in The American President.
The Bush Administration official who comes off as worse than anyone else is Condi Rice. Thandie Newton's interpretation of Rice in her original capacity as National Security Adviser leaves the viewer with the impression of something little more than an echo of Bush. Newton has the inflection of Rice's voice down but Rice speaks in a soft, smooth manner whereas Newton takes the inflection and makes it staccato and cartoonish.
Not surprisingly, the Bush Administration official who comes off the best is Colin Powell (played by Jeffrey Wright.) Of course, filming took place before Powell endorsed Obama but it was as if Stone was dispensing forgiveness to Powell as if he were anticipating his eventual seal of approval for The Anointed One.
The one other character who was portrayed in three dimensions was Laura Bush. Elizabeth Banks portrayal of the First Lady was the strongest of the film. Brolin's scenes with Banks were the only ones where his character took on human qualities. Otherwise, Stone would have been better off casting Frank Caliendo as Bush.
One genuinely sad note about the film. Towards the end of the movie there is a scene with an Ann Coulter like female commentator. She was played by Anne Pressly, a news anchor in Little Rock, Arkansas. Earlier this week, she was found beaten almost beyond recognition in her home. She is still alive but has not been able to speak and might have brain damage.
Many years ago, I saw Stone's Nixon. Anthony Hopkins portrayal made me feel sympathetic towards the 37th President. I also think that has a lot to do with the fact the film was made two decades after Nixon's resignation and a year following his death. For crying out loud, Bush still has 88 days left in office. Needless to say, there's a tremendous lack of perspective in the film. Who knows what Iraq will be like in 10 to 20 years from now? Perhaps history will be kinder to Bush. That is, unless, Oliver Stone is writing it. What do you expect of a director who casts an actor (Dreyfuss) who has publicly called for Bush to be impeached? There's also very little mention of September 11th. Making a movie about President Bush with few referenes to 9/11 would be like making a film about Lincoln's Presidency with little mention of The Civil War.
Then again it is only a work of fiction.
Bloomberg to Seek Third Term as NYC Mayor; NYC Council Overturns Term Limits
Yesterday, New York City Council gave Michael Bloomberg its blessing for him to seek a third term. By a 29-22 vote, Bloomberg will once again seek election as New York City Mayor in November 2009.
In so doing, New York City Council gave the electorate the middle finger. Twice in the 1990s, New York City voters said they wanted term limits on their Mayor.
Funny, when it was even hinted that Rudy Giuliani might want to seek a third term after the September 11th attacks, the liberal media was aghast. But with Bloomberg it barely registers a yawn.
Yes, Bloomberg was elected as a Republican in 2001 and 2005 but he was a RINO. Bloomberg only ran as a Republican because he would never won the Democratic Primary in NYC despite his billions. Bloomberg quit the Republican Party in 2007. It briefly fuelled speculation he might become a Presidential candidate.
Bloomberg has some admirable qualities. After one suicide bomb attack on a bus in Israel, he flew there the next day to ride the bus route in solidarity with the victims of that act of terrorism.
However, Bloomberg should abide by the rules. After all, let's say he is re-elected next year. What's to prevent Bloomberg from seeking a fourth term in 2013, a fifth term and beyond.
If New York voters wanted to rescind term limits that would be one thing. If the people of New York wanted to elect their Mayor indefinitely so be it. But the people of New York have clearly stated they want term limits. The arrogance of Bloomberg and the defiance of the will of the people by the 29 New York City Councillors is contemptible. They behave this way at their own peril.
The best way for New Yorkers to show their contempt for this illegitimacy is for them to not to re-elect Bloomberg next year.
Of course, in order to do that there will have to be someone brave enough to run against him and have the gravitas to beat him.
Can you say Rudy?
In so doing, New York City Council gave the electorate the middle finger. Twice in the 1990s, New York City voters said they wanted term limits on their Mayor.
Funny, when it was even hinted that Rudy Giuliani might want to seek a third term after the September 11th attacks, the liberal media was aghast. But with Bloomberg it barely registers a yawn.
Yes, Bloomberg was elected as a Republican in 2001 and 2005 but he was a RINO. Bloomberg only ran as a Republican because he would never won the Democratic Primary in NYC despite his billions. Bloomberg quit the Republican Party in 2007. It briefly fuelled speculation he might become a Presidential candidate.
Bloomberg has some admirable qualities. After one suicide bomb attack on a bus in Israel, he flew there the next day to ride the bus route in solidarity with the victims of that act of terrorism.
However, Bloomberg should abide by the rules. After all, let's say he is re-elected next year. What's to prevent Bloomberg from seeking a fourth term in 2013, a fifth term and beyond.
If New York voters wanted to rescind term limits that would be one thing. If the people of New York wanted to elect their Mayor indefinitely so be it. But the people of New York have clearly stated they want term limits. The arrogance of Bloomberg and the defiance of the will of the people by the 29 New York City Councillors is contemptible. They behave this way at their own peril.
The best way for New Yorkers to show their contempt for this illegitimacy is for them to not to re-elect Bloomberg next year.
Of course, in order to do that there will have to be someone brave enough to run against him and have the gravitas to beat him.
Can you say Rudy?
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The Dressing Down of Sarah Palin
What can one say? If the liberal media is prepared to attack Sarah Palin's children why not go after the clothes on her back? Would they prefer she wear a Republican cloth coat?
But this is the game folks. They hate her because she is a conservative and wasn't part of the Ivy League. Let's face it. She's also better looking than most; Neiman Marcus or not. All the more reason she is resented with such a furor. If Sarah Palin were a liberal Democrat and a graduate of Harvard or Yale they would already be erecting statues in her honor.
The flip side of it is that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Sarah Palin was plenty strong before McCain selected her. She will be even stronger after the election whether she goes back to Juneau or whether she comes to Washington to serve as Vice-President.
But this is the game folks. They hate her because she is a conservative and wasn't part of the Ivy League. Let's face it. She's also better looking than most; Neiman Marcus or not. All the more reason she is resented with such a furor. If Sarah Palin were a liberal Democrat and a graduate of Harvard or Yale they would already be erecting statues in her honor.
The flip side of it is that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Sarah Palin was plenty strong before McCain selected her. She will be even stronger after the election whether she goes back to Juneau or whether she comes to Washington to serve as Vice-President.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Dion Steps Down as Canada's Liberal Leader
Less than a week after leading the Liberal Party to its worst electoral showing in nearly a quarter century, Stephane Dion has announced he will step down as party leader. He will remain until the party chooses a new leader in May 2009.
Dion was surprisingly elected Liberal leader in December 2006. He came up the middle between Bob Rae and Michael Ignatieff when Gerard Kennedy threw his support to Dion. The Liberals went from 95 to 76 seats last week and garnered only 26% of the popular vote. A carbon tax wasn't exactly a big hit with Canadians. Even after the economy imploded, Dion steadfastly refused to change course and continued to promote a Green Shift with the carbon tax as its fulcrum. While Stephen Harper and the Conservatives did not win a majority government they increased their seat total mostly at the expense of Dion and the Liberals. The writing was on the wall before the election results were tallied.
Rae and Ignatieff are expected to be the top two candidates in the race. But why? They'll simply cancel each other out again. They both represent Toronto constituencies and appeal to the left wing of the party. Hey, they were even college roommates at University of Toronto's Trinity College in the 1960's. Kennedy also represents a Toronto constituency as does Ken Dryden, the NHL Hall of Fame goalie who also ran for the leadership in 2006.
It makes me wonder if the new Liberal leader will come from outside of Toronto, if not Ontario altogether. Former New Brunswick Premier Frank McKenna has been mentioned when Jean Chretien and Paul Martin left the helm but the former Ambassador to the United States has resisted the temptation to re-enter electoral politics. Ralph Goodale, the former Minister of Finance who hails from Saskatchewan, is another possibility. However, Goodale does not speak French which is essential for any political figure to be a leader of a national political party. Goodale supported Rae in 2006.
The Liberals best bet is if Rae and Ignatieff join forces. Rae is the more experienced politician and would be better suited as a party leader (he was leader of the Ontario NDP for 14 years and served as Premier of Ontario from 1990 to 1995; albeit incompetently but that's a whole other story.) Despite his weak record in Ontario, Rae is well-spoken, devastatingly intelligent and witty and would give Harper a run for his money. Meanwhile, Ignatieff has spent most of his professional life outside of Canada and I'm not sure he could handle the rough and tumble of being a party leader any better than Dion. Like Dion, Ignatieff is an academic and relates to the world in that way. He would be best suited as Deputy Leader and Minister of Foreign Affairs should the Liberals regain power. But politics is weighed down by egos. Both men want to be top dog and who could blame them.
Dion was surprisingly elected Liberal leader in December 2006. He came up the middle between Bob Rae and Michael Ignatieff when Gerard Kennedy threw his support to Dion. The Liberals went from 95 to 76 seats last week and garnered only 26% of the popular vote. A carbon tax wasn't exactly a big hit with Canadians. Even after the economy imploded, Dion steadfastly refused to change course and continued to promote a Green Shift with the carbon tax as its fulcrum. While Stephen Harper and the Conservatives did not win a majority government they increased their seat total mostly at the expense of Dion and the Liberals. The writing was on the wall before the election results were tallied.
Rae and Ignatieff are expected to be the top two candidates in the race. But why? They'll simply cancel each other out again. They both represent Toronto constituencies and appeal to the left wing of the party. Hey, they were even college roommates at University of Toronto's Trinity College in the 1960's. Kennedy also represents a Toronto constituency as does Ken Dryden, the NHL Hall of Fame goalie who also ran for the leadership in 2006.
It makes me wonder if the new Liberal leader will come from outside of Toronto, if not Ontario altogether. Former New Brunswick Premier Frank McKenna has been mentioned when Jean Chretien and Paul Martin left the helm but the former Ambassador to the United States has resisted the temptation to re-enter electoral politics. Ralph Goodale, the former Minister of Finance who hails from Saskatchewan, is another possibility. However, Goodale does not speak French which is essential for any political figure to be a leader of a national political party. Goodale supported Rae in 2006.
The Liberals best bet is if Rae and Ignatieff join forces. Rae is the more experienced politician and would be better suited as a party leader (he was leader of the Ontario NDP for 14 years and served as Premier of Ontario from 1990 to 1995; albeit incompetently but that's a whole other story.) Despite his weak record in Ontario, Rae is well-spoken, devastatingly intelligent and witty and would give Harper a run for his money. Meanwhile, Ignatieff has spent most of his professional life outside of Canada and I'm not sure he could handle the rough and tumble of being a party leader any better than Dion. Like Dion, Ignatieff is an academic and relates to the world in that way. He would be best suited as Deputy Leader and Minister of Foreign Affairs should the Liberals regain power. But politics is weighed down by egos. Both men want to be top dog and who could blame them.
Biden on Obama: "We're Gonna Have An International Crisis."
At a Democratic fundraiser, V-P running mate Joe Biden cast doubt on an Obama Presidency:
Mark my words. It will not be six months before the world tests Barack Obama like they did John Kennedy. The world is looking. We're about to elect a brilliant 47-year-old senator president of the United States of America. Remember I said it standing here if you don't remember anything else I said. Watch, we're gonna have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the mettle of this guy.
I can give you at least four or five scenarioes form where it might originate. And he's gonna need help. And the kind of help he's gonna need is, he's gonna need you - not financially to help him - we're gonna need you to use your influence, your influence within the community, to stand with him. Because it's not gonna be apparent initially , it's not gonna be apparent that we're right. (http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/10/mccain-to-hit-o.html)
Hold on here. I thought Obama would restore America's reputation in the world. I thought the world loved Obama. Well, this tells me that Biden seems to think Obama needs on the job training. The kind that Biden thought wasn't conducive to the U.S. Presidency.
Can McCain recover this fumble?
Mark my words. It will not be six months before the world tests Barack Obama like they did John Kennedy. The world is looking. We're about to elect a brilliant 47-year-old senator president of the United States of America. Remember I said it standing here if you don't remember anything else I said. Watch, we're gonna have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the mettle of this guy.
I can give you at least four or five scenarioes form where it might originate. And he's gonna need help. And the kind of help he's gonna need is, he's gonna need you - not financially to help him - we're gonna need you to use your influence, your influence within the community, to stand with him. Because it's not gonna be apparent initially , it's not gonna be apparent that we're right. (http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/10/mccain-to-hit-o.html)
Hold on here. I thought Obama would restore America's reputation in the world. I thought the world loved Obama. Well, this tells me that Biden seems to think Obama needs on the job training. The kind that Biden thought wasn't conducive to the U.S. Presidency.
Can McCain recover this fumble?
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Rays Stop Red Sox in Game 7 of ALCS
There will be a new World Series Champion in 2008. The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Boston Red Sox 3-1 in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. The Rays advance to their first World Series in franchise history and will host the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 on Wednesday night.
This loss is a little hard to take. It would have been easier had the Rays won Game 5 and put the Sox out of their misery. But with the Red Sox overcoming a 7-0 lead on Thursday and then winning Game 6 last night 4-2 there was reason to believe the Sox would triumph in the ALCS as they had against the New York Yankees in 2004 and the Cleveland Indians in 2007.
The Red Sox got off to 1-0 lead in the first on a solo home run by Dustin Pedroia. They never scored again. Matt Garza pitched into the 8th and only surrendered one other hit apart from the Pedroia home run. The Rays tied the game in the 4th on an Evan Longoria double. Rocco Baldelli drove in the go ahead run with a single in the 5th. It is nice to see Baldelli do well. His career has been plagued by injuries which have been complicated by mitochondrial abnormalities which have rendered him exhausted and unable to play more than a few innings at a time. Baldelli also hit a home run in Game 4 in Boston. That was nice because Baldelli grew up in Rhode Island and got to share the moment with his 10-year-old brother who also has medical problems.
Willy Aybar put the icing on the cake with a solo home run in the 7th. The Rays bullpen which had imploded in Game 5 did its job, especially David Price. With two out and the bases loaded, Price struck out Game 5 hero J.D. Drew to end the inning. Price was the Rays first round draft pick in the June 2007 MLB Draft. A little over a year later he saves the game clincher to win the AL pennant. I think the Rays have found their new closer. After walking Jason Bay, Price struck out Mark Kotsay and Jason Varitek. Pinch hitter Jed Lowrie hit the ball softly to Akinori Iwamura who tagged second base and pocketed the ball. Rays won 3-1.
Give the Rays credit. The implosion they endured in Game 5 and the loss last night would have done in most teams, especially a team of 20-somethings. But they beat the defending World Series Champions and are going to the Fall Classic.
Matt Garza was named the ALCS MVP. He won tonight's game as well as Game 3. Earlier in the season, Garza got into a row with catcher Dioner Navarro and was unable to control his emotions let alone his pitches. Garza, who was acquired in an off-season trade with the Twins along with shortstop Jason Bartlett, certainly got both under control in this post-season.
Yes, I am very disappointed. All the more so having been witness to the miracle of Game 5. But let's look at it this way. People in Boston and New England still celebrate Carlton Fisk's 12th inning home run in Game 6 of the 1975 World Series despite the fact the Cincinnati Reds won the World Series in Game 7. Game 5 of the 2008 ALCS will stand on its own in Red Sox Nation in the same way Game 6 is lauded.
Of course, I predicted the Rays to win the World Series - in 2006. But when the Rays hired Joe Maddon I saw a team going into the right direction. It didn't occur as quickly as I thought but it occurred a lot more quickly than almost anyone outside the Rays organization thought possible.
A Rays-Phillies World Series will be a ratings loser for FOX but it should be a good one. The Rays in six.
This loss is a little hard to take. It would have been easier had the Rays won Game 5 and put the Sox out of their misery. But with the Red Sox overcoming a 7-0 lead on Thursday and then winning Game 6 last night 4-2 there was reason to believe the Sox would triumph in the ALCS as they had against the New York Yankees in 2004 and the Cleveland Indians in 2007.
The Red Sox got off to 1-0 lead in the first on a solo home run by Dustin Pedroia. They never scored again. Matt Garza pitched into the 8th and only surrendered one other hit apart from the Pedroia home run. The Rays tied the game in the 4th on an Evan Longoria double. Rocco Baldelli drove in the go ahead run with a single in the 5th. It is nice to see Baldelli do well. His career has been plagued by injuries which have been complicated by mitochondrial abnormalities which have rendered him exhausted and unable to play more than a few innings at a time. Baldelli also hit a home run in Game 4 in Boston. That was nice because Baldelli grew up in Rhode Island and got to share the moment with his 10-year-old brother who also has medical problems.
Willy Aybar put the icing on the cake with a solo home run in the 7th. The Rays bullpen which had imploded in Game 5 did its job, especially David Price. With two out and the bases loaded, Price struck out Game 5 hero J.D. Drew to end the inning. Price was the Rays first round draft pick in the June 2007 MLB Draft. A little over a year later he saves the game clincher to win the AL pennant. I think the Rays have found their new closer. After walking Jason Bay, Price struck out Mark Kotsay and Jason Varitek. Pinch hitter Jed Lowrie hit the ball softly to Akinori Iwamura who tagged second base and pocketed the ball. Rays won 3-1.
Give the Rays credit. The implosion they endured in Game 5 and the loss last night would have done in most teams, especially a team of 20-somethings. But they beat the defending World Series Champions and are going to the Fall Classic.
Matt Garza was named the ALCS MVP. He won tonight's game as well as Game 3. Earlier in the season, Garza got into a row with catcher Dioner Navarro and was unable to control his emotions let alone his pitches. Garza, who was acquired in an off-season trade with the Twins along with shortstop Jason Bartlett, certainly got both under control in this post-season.
Yes, I am very disappointed. All the more so having been witness to the miracle of Game 5. But let's look at it this way. People in Boston and New England still celebrate Carlton Fisk's 12th inning home run in Game 6 of the 1975 World Series despite the fact the Cincinnati Reds won the World Series in Game 7. Game 5 of the 2008 ALCS will stand on its own in Red Sox Nation in the same way Game 6 is lauded.
Of course, I predicted the Rays to win the World Series - in 2006. But when the Rays hired Joe Maddon I saw a team going into the right direction. It didn't occur as quickly as I thought but it occurred a lot more quickly than almost anyone outside the Rays organization thought possible.
A Rays-Phillies World Series will be a ratings loser for FOX but it should be a good one. The Rays in six.
A Thought on Powell's Endorsement of Obama
George has written a nice article on the subject. So my comments will be brief.
First, this comes as no surprise. Bill Kristol speculated about this in the summer. It was even thought that Powell would speak at the Democratic National Convention on Obama's behalf. Now that would have made a fascinating spectacle. I'm not suggesting it's less significant now. Far from it. But it would have attracted more viewers if he had done it in Denver. Still, with Buckley, Hitchens and now Powell endorsing Obama does that mean the electorate will follow suit or are they just following the electorate? If it's the latter then McCain is doomed. If it's the former then I'm apt to think voters in Ohio are more in tune with Joe the Plumber than with Colin Powell. Sure, they respect Powell but they identify more intimately with Joe the Plumber. People don't vote for a candidate just because an elite member of society does so. It might add to Obama's standing but if a voter doesn't have a leg on which to stand it doesn't mean that much.
With that, I suppose the liberal media has now forgiven Powell for his presentation to the UN Security Council.
First, this comes as no surprise. Bill Kristol speculated about this in the summer. It was even thought that Powell would speak at the Democratic National Convention on Obama's behalf. Now that would have made a fascinating spectacle. I'm not suggesting it's less significant now. Far from it. But it would have attracted more viewers if he had done it in Denver. Still, with Buckley, Hitchens and now Powell endorsing Obama does that mean the electorate will follow suit or are they just following the electorate? If it's the latter then McCain is doomed. If it's the former then I'm apt to think voters in Ohio are more in tune with Joe the Plumber than with Colin Powell. Sure, they respect Powell but they identify more intimately with Joe the Plumber. People don't vote for a candidate just because an elite member of society does so. It might add to Obama's standing but if a voter doesn't have a leg on which to stand it doesn't mean that much.
With that, I suppose the liberal media has now forgiven Powell for his presentation to the UN Security Council.
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