President-elect Obama is set to introduce Larry Summers as his new Director of the National Economic Council.
I guess Obama's seal of approval means Larry Summers has been forgiven.
You will remember that early in 2005, Summers was at the eye of the storm as he was forced out as President of Harvard University. Summer suggested one of the reasons women weren't represented in tenured positions in science and engineering at top universities and research institutions because their might be innate differences between men and women. Never mind Summers stated he did not believe this argument but that it nonetheless merited discussion.
In February 2005, I penned an article, "Where Do Women Live in Greater Fear? At Harvard or In Iran?" (http://www.intellectualconservative.com/2005/02/28/where-do-women-live-in-greater-fear-at-harvard-or-iran/) I lambaste the National Organization of Women and its President Kim Gandy not only for pillorying Summers but for arguing that women in Iraq were better off under Saddam. I also took NOW to task for not speaking out on behalf of women in Iran who were being punished under Shari'a law for being the victims of rape.
Well, I looked at the NOW website today and I don't see any hue and cry over Obama's appointment of Summers. Obama hath forgiven. Summers has been welcomed back into the sisterhood. It is amazing how Colin Powell was decried by the Left over his presentation to the UN Security Council. But once he endorsed Obama it was, "Presentation to the UN? What presentation?" If Obama should keep Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense the same process will happen - Iraq War or no Iraq War.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Thoughts on the JFK Assassination @ 45
It was 45 years ago today President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas. Whatever the circumstances of his assassination America lost an extraordinary leader.
Naturally when someone with extraordinary charisma like Obama comes along (whatever the merits of his policies) people will liken him to JFK, FDR and Lincoln.
The assassination took place nearly nine years before I was born. However, my parents like millions of people the world over remember where they were when it happened. They were both students at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. My Dad was in a stats class when someone came into the room and blurted out that Kennedy had been shot. Most people, my father included, thought it was a sick joke. It, of course, turned out to be no joke.
That night my paternal grandmother lit a candle for Kennedy. This is a Jewish tradition to honor the dead. The fact that my grandmother lit the candle in honor of a Catholic was a testimony to his idealism and his personal impact on Americans from every social strata.
I began to be fascinated by Kennedy in 1983 as the 20th anniversary of the assassination approached and tried to read Profiles in Courage though an 11-year-old boy could only get so much out of it. What was more easily understood was a visit to the JFK Memorial Park in Israel in the summer of 1988. The JFK Memorial is shaped like a tree stump. The stump consists of 50 parts representing the 50 states. Our guide asked us the symbolism of the stump. After a momentary pause I said, "It means he was cut down in the prime of his life." Then others understood as well.
There are memorials honoring him the world over. When I lived at the International Students House in London in 1995 there was a bust of President Kennedy outside the building on Marylebone Road. I have lived in Boston since 2000 and have visited the JFK Presidential Library and Museum on several occasions. I have also visited the home where he was born on 85 Beals Street in Brookline.
It is tempting to wonder what would our country been like had he served his full term and been re-elected in 1964. Most people would like to think things would have been far better and perhaps they would have been. How would things have been different if at all? Would JFK had been consumed by Vietnam the way it consumed LBJ? Would students have turned against him? Would RFK have turned against him politically? Would Nixon have been elected in 1968 just the same? Needless to say that will never be known. Although it says a great deal that Americans still have great reverence for a man who served in our highest elected office for less than three years nearly half a century later.
Naturally when someone with extraordinary charisma like Obama comes along (whatever the merits of his policies) people will liken him to JFK, FDR and Lincoln.
The assassination took place nearly nine years before I was born. However, my parents like millions of people the world over remember where they were when it happened. They were both students at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. My Dad was in a stats class when someone came into the room and blurted out that Kennedy had been shot. Most people, my father included, thought it was a sick joke. It, of course, turned out to be no joke.
That night my paternal grandmother lit a candle for Kennedy. This is a Jewish tradition to honor the dead. The fact that my grandmother lit the candle in honor of a Catholic was a testimony to his idealism and his personal impact on Americans from every social strata.
I began to be fascinated by Kennedy in 1983 as the 20th anniversary of the assassination approached and tried to read Profiles in Courage though an 11-year-old boy could only get so much out of it. What was more easily understood was a visit to the JFK Memorial Park in Israel in the summer of 1988. The JFK Memorial is shaped like a tree stump. The stump consists of 50 parts representing the 50 states. Our guide asked us the symbolism of the stump. After a momentary pause I said, "It means he was cut down in the prime of his life." Then others understood as well.
There are memorials honoring him the world over. When I lived at the International Students House in London in 1995 there was a bust of President Kennedy outside the building on Marylebone Road. I have lived in Boston since 2000 and have visited the JFK Presidential Library and Museum on several occasions. I have also visited the home where he was born on 85 Beals Street in Brookline.
It is tempting to wonder what would our country been like had he served his full term and been re-elected in 1964. Most people would like to think things would have been far better and perhaps they would have been. How would things have been different if at all? Would JFK had been consumed by Vietnam the way it consumed LBJ? Would students have turned against him? Would RFK have turned against him politically? Would Nixon have been elected in 1968 just the same? Needless to say that will never be known. Although it says a great deal that Americans still have great reverence for a man who served in our highest elected office for less than three years nearly half a century later.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Burmese Military Junta Sentences Comedian to 45 Years in Prison
Zarganar, Burma's most popular comedian and democracy activist, has been sentenced to 45 years in prison. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7741653.stm)
I wish I were kidding.
Zarganar was arrested after he criticized the military junta's slow response to Cyclone Nargis this spring.
More charges are pending. The military junta is seeing to it that Zarganar spends the rest of his life in jail.
The only joke here is Burma's military rulers.
I wish I were kidding.
Zarganar was arrested after he criticized the military junta's slow response to Cyclone Nargis this spring.
More charges are pending. The military junta is seeing to it that Zarganar spends the rest of his life in jail.
The only joke here is Burma's military rulers.
Obama Has School Named After Him on Long Island
The school board in Hempstead, New York on Long Island voted to rename Ludlum Elementary as Barack Obama Elementary. The change will take effect at a ceremony next month. (www.newsday.com/news/local/suffolk/ny.liobama1122,0,1900634.story)
So I wonder if this means the children will be required to sing "The Star of Hope" after the Star Spangled Banner and the Pledge of Allegiance each morning? Afterwards, they can learn all about America's 57 states.
So I wonder if this means the children will be required to sing "The Star of Hope" after the Star Spangled Banner and the Pledge of Allegiance each morning? Afterwards, they can learn all about America's 57 states.
Press Goes For Palin's Jugular
You would think the euphoria of Obamamania would be sufficient.
But the Left needs it dose of Palin.
Today, after Palin pardoned a Thanksgiving turkey in Wasilla she conducted a press conference. In the background was a farmer beheading turkeys. According to the Huffington Post, "After the pardon Palin proceeded to do an interview with a local TV station while the turkeys were being SLAUGHTERED (caps theirs) in the background!!! Seemingly oblivious to the gruesomeness going over her shoulder, she carries on talking for over three minutes." (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/20/palin-holds-news-co_n_145375.html)
Stop the presses!!! The turkeys we eat on Thanksgiving are killed.
I think Palin knew exactly what was going on in back of her. It's Alaska. Frontier country. If Palin has spent her life shooting moose why would the beheading of a couple of turkeys phase her? Of course, if you're from the Northeast, enjoy Tofurky from Whole Foods and see this you too might be out of your element.
So why not recover your composure and have yet another chance to call Palin "oblivious"?
Of course, if Palin didn't get under their skin why would they have a bone to pick with her?
But the Left needs it dose of Palin.
Today, after Palin pardoned a Thanksgiving turkey in Wasilla she conducted a press conference. In the background was a farmer beheading turkeys. According to the Huffington Post, "After the pardon Palin proceeded to do an interview with a local TV station while the turkeys were being SLAUGHTERED (caps theirs) in the background!!! Seemingly oblivious to the gruesomeness going over her shoulder, she carries on talking for over three minutes." (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/20/palin-holds-news-co_n_145375.html)
Stop the presses!!! The turkeys we eat on Thanksgiving are killed.
I think Palin knew exactly what was going on in back of her. It's Alaska. Frontier country. If Palin has spent her life shooting moose why would the beheading of a couple of turkeys phase her? Of course, if you're from the Northeast, enjoy Tofurky from Whole Foods and see this you too might be out of your element.
So why not recover your composure and have yet another chance to call Palin "oblivious"?
Of course, if Palin didn't get under their skin why would they have a bone to pick with her?
Geithner, Richardson Reportedly Offered Treasury & Commerce
Lost in the shadow of Hillary reportedly accepting the Secretary of State position are the possible of appointments of Federal Reserve Bank of New York President Timothy Geithner as Secretary of the Treasury and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson as Secretary of Commerce.
The NYSE rallied nearly 500 points when it was learned Geithner would be Obama's pick. Although I wouldn't read too much into that as it will probably tumble 500 points by the time we get to Thanksgiving.
Somehow I think Richardson is wishing he could stay in Santa Fe. After all, he was a former Secretary of Energy and an Ambassador to the UN. Richardson wanted to be Secretary of State but once Hillary was in the running all bets were off. I'm not saying the Commerce portfolio is penny ante. But this is being offered to Richardson as a consolation prize only because the person Obama wanted for the position turned him down. Yesterday, it had been speculated Pritzker would be Obama's pick for Commerce but publicly declined interest in the cabinet post.
I'm sure Richardson is muttering to himself, "Gee thanks a lot."
The NYSE rallied nearly 500 points when it was learned Geithner would be Obama's pick. Although I wouldn't read too much into that as it will probably tumble 500 points by the time we get to Thanksgiving.
Somehow I think Richardson is wishing he could stay in Santa Fe. After all, he was a former Secretary of Energy and an Ambassador to the UN. Richardson wanted to be Secretary of State but once Hillary was in the running all bets were off. I'm not saying the Commerce portfolio is penny ante. But this is being offered to Richardson as a consolation prize only because the person Obama wanted for the position turned him down. Yesterday, it had been speculated Pritzker would be Obama's pick for Commerce but publicly declined interest in the cabinet post.
I'm sure Richardson is muttering to himself, "Gee thanks a lot."
Hillary To Accept Secretary of State App't
Fox News is reporting that Hillary Clinton will accept Barack Obama's offer to become Secretary of State and that a formal announcement would be made after Thanksgiving.
Considering that Obama argued his childhood experiences in Indonesia outweighed Senator Clinton's foreign policy experience this appointment takes a certain amount of chutzpah. Or dare I say audacity.
One could argue, as I have, that this is a "keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer" appointment. Can Obama and Hillary work together? Can Hillary play second fiddle to Obama? I am sure Obama appointed her to neutralize the possibility of her challenging him in 2012. But these are two massive egos we are talking about. Three when you add in Bill.
I predict there will be a rift between Obama and Hillary and that a) Obama will ask for her resignation or b) Hillary will leave on her own. What the rift will be about is immaterial. It probably wouldn't be one significant issue but rather a series of differences on a multitude of issues. Throw in a clash of personalities and you've all the ingredients for a political uprising. If she leaves then others will follow. It would inevitably mean a challenge to Obama for the Party nomination in 2012. Which means if this would come to pass it would happen sometime in 2011. Even if Hillary isn't successful in challenging him it would do enough damage to him to lose the next Presidential election.
Of course, assuming neither Obama or Hillary change their mind between now and the beginning of December.
Considering that Obama argued his childhood experiences in Indonesia outweighed Senator Clinton's foreign policy experience this appointment takes a certain amount of chutzpah. Or dare I say audacity.
One could argue, as I have, that this is a "keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer" appointment. Can Obama and Hillary work together? Can Hillary play second fiddle to Obama? I am sure Obama appointed her to neutralize the possibility of her challenging him in 2012. But these are two massive egos we are talking about. Three when you add in Bill.
I predict there will be a rift between Obama and Hillary and that a) Obama will ask for her resignation or b) Hillary will leave on her own. What the rift will be about is immaterial. It probably wouldn't be one significant issue but rather a series of differences on a multitude of issues. Throw in a clash of personalities and you've all the ingredients for a political uprising. If she leaves then others will follow. It would inevitably mean a challenge to Obama for the Party nomination in 2012. Which means if this would come to pass it would happen sometime in 2011. Even if Hillary isn't successful in challenging him it would do enough damage to him to lose the next Presidential election.
Of course, assuming neither Obama or Hillary change their mind between now and the beginning of December.
Mukasey Released From Hospital
Attorney General Michael Mukasey was released from hospital less than 24 hours after collapsing during a speech before the Federalist Society in Washington.
It hasn't been said what precisely happened to him but thank goodness it wasn't a stroke or a heart attack.
It hasn't been said what precisely happened to him but thank goodness it wasn't a stroke or a heart attack.
Putin To Be President Again?
The lower house of Russia's parliament passed a constitutional amendment expanding a presidential term from four to six years. However, this will not apply to President Medvedev but his successor...who else but Vladimir Putin?
Not that it makes much of a difference. If Putin wanted to be President tomorrow he could. He could be President and Prime Minister at the same time if he wanted. If Putin wanted to be President, Prime Minister and Grand Poobah simultaneously he could. The Duma is nothing more than the House of Putin.
I admire President Bush for many things but he missed the boat where it concerned Putin's soul. Of course, Obama didn't exactly inspire confidence when Russia rolled its tanks into Georgia. What if Russia decides to make an excursion into Ukraine? What will Obama do over ballistic missile defense? We could have another missile crisis. Only this one would be in Eastern Europe near the Polish-Czech Republic border off the Baltic Sea. Perhaps this is the test to which Joe Biden was referring.
Not that it makes much of a difference. If Putin wanted to be President tomorrow he could. He could be President and Prime Minister at the same time if he wanted. If Putin wanted to be President, Prime Minister and Grand Poobah simultaneously he could. The Duma is nothing more than the House of Putin.
I admire President Bush for many things but he missed the boat where it concerned Putin's soul. Of course, Obama didn't exactly inspire confidence when Russia rolled its tanks into Georgia. What if Russia decides to make an excursion into Ukraine? What will Obama do over ballistic missile defense? We could have another missile crisis. Only this one would be in Eastern Europe near the Polish-Czech Republic border off the Baltic Sea. Perhaps this is the test to which Joe Biden was referring.
Boston City Councillor Turner Arrested for Accepting Bribes
Longtime Boston City Councillor Chuck Turner was arrested this morning by the FBI for accepting bribes from undercover agents in a sting operation similar to what brought down former Massachusetts State Senator Dianne Wilkerson.
Even though America has elected an African-American President, Turner points the finger at the man calling the FBI "an organization that seems to focus on trying to take black politicians down." Yes, that's right Chuck. That's why the FBI is in business. To take down black politicians.
Of course, Turner is the fellow who in May 2004 held a press conference showing sexually explicit photos of American soldiers raping Iraqi women. These photos were published by The Boston Globe. The only problem was that the photos were taken from a European porno website. The Globe came off far worse than Turner over that one. Yet as with Wilkerson, the people keep electing Turner.
As always, Turner is innocent until proven guilty but given his embarrassing behavior and now possibly illegal conduct Boston would be better off if he were no longer a member of our City Council.
Even though America has elected an African-American President, Turner points the finger at the man calling the FBI "an organization that seems to focus on trying to take black politicians down." Yes, that's right Chuck. That's why the FBI is in business. To take down black politicians.
Of course, Turner is the fellow who in May 2004 held a press conference showing sexually explicit photos of American soldiers raping Iraqi women. These photos were published by The Boston Globe. The only problem was that the photos were taken from a European porno website. The Globe came off far worse than Turner over that one. Yet as with Wilkerson, the people keep electing Turner.
As always, Turner is innocent until proven guilty but given his embarrassing behavior and now possibly illegal conduct Boston would be better off if he were no longer a member of our City Council.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Mukasey Collapses During Speech to Federalist Society
I just saw the video of Attorney General Mike Mukasey collapsing during a speech this evening to the Federalist Society in Washington.
He appeared to be slurring his words right before he collapsed. I hope he didn't have a stroke as slurring is one of the telltale signs of a stroke. So far he is reported to be conscious and alert. Perhaps he just had a sudden drop in blood pressure and just fainted. That just happened to my roomie a couple of weeks ago while he was in church. Although one wonders if he will be able to carry out his duties in the final 60 days of the Bush Administration. Could Deputy Attorney General Mark Filip be asked to serve out the final two months? Hopefully, it doesn't come to that but it might.
Mukasey, a former Chief Justice of the U.S. District Court in Southern New York, replaced Alberto Gonzales as AG just over a year ago.
He appeared to be slurring his words right before he collapsed. I hope he didn't have a stroke as slurring is one of the telltale signs of a stroke. So far he is reported to be conscious and alert. Perhaps he just had a sudden drop in blood pressure and just fainted. That just happened to my roomie a couple of weeks ago while he was in church. Although one wonders if he will be able to carry out his duties in the final 60 days of the Bush Administration. Could Deputy Attorney General Mark Filip be asked to serve out the final two months? Hopefully, it doesn't come to that but it might.
Mukasey, a former Chief Justice of the U.S. District Court in Southern New York, replaced Alberto Gonzales as AG just over a year ago.
Wilkerson Resigns from Massachusetts Senate
Dianne Wilkerson, the longtime State Senator from my electoral district in Massachusetts, yesterday resigned after 15 years of holding that office. Had she not resigned there would have been a vote to expel her from the Senate. The day before Wilkerson had been indicted on eight counts of bribery after being arrested late last month accepting bribes from undercover FBI agents. These videos were shown on local TV newscasts here in Boston with the embarrassing spectacle of Wilkerson stuffing cash into her bra. Ted Stevens has nothing on this woman.
Granted she is innocent until proven guilty. However, Wilkerson, the first African-American woman to be elected to the Massachusetts State Senate, has a long history of impropriety. She was placed under house arrest in the late 1990s for failing to pay federal income tax; ran afoul of the State Ethics Commission when she failed to disclose a bank she was lobbying for retained her as a consultant for $20,000; was investigated by the State Attorney General for failing to report campaign donations or explain $18,000 worth of personal reimbursements and committed perjury in a criminal trial involving her nephew.
Yet the people of the Second Suffolk District kept re-electing her. In 2006, however, she was challenged for the Democratic nomination by Sonia Chang-Diaz but Wilkerson turned back her challenge. However, Chang-Diaz would not be deterred and challenged Wilkerson again. This time Chang-Diaz won the Democratic primary. Wilkerson did try to launch a write-in campaign but her arrest a week before the election torpedoed her chances.
Yes, Chang-Diaz is a liberal Democrat which is about all you'll get here. She is also the first Hispanic woman to hold a seat in the State Senate. One can only hope she will avoid the potholes her predecessor was so eager to put her foot.
Granted she is innocent until proven guilty. However, Wilkerson, the first African-American woman to be elected to the Massachusetts State Senate, has a long history of impropriety. She was placed under house arrest in the late 1990s for failing to pay federal income tax; ran afoul of the State Ethics Commission when she failed to disclose a bank she was lobbying for retained her as a consultant for $20,000; was investigated by the State Attorney General for failing to report campaign donations or explain $18,000 worth of personal reimbursements and committed perjury in a criminal trial involving her nephew.
Yet the people of the Second Suffolk District kept re-electing her. In 2006, however, she was challenged for the Democratic nomination by Sonia Chang-Diaz but Wilkerson turned back her challenge. However, Chang-Diaz would not be deterred and challenged Wilkerson again. This time Chang-Diaz won the Democratic primary. Wilkerson did try to launch a write-in campaign but her arrest a week before the election torpedoed her chances.
Yes, Chang-Diaz is a liberal Democrat which is about all you'll get here. She is also the first Hispanic woman to hold a seat in the State Senate. One can only hope she will avoid the potholes her predecessor was so eager to put her foot.
Pritzker Won't Accept Nomination for Commerce
Hyatt hotel heiress and longtime Obama confidant Penny Pritzker declined his offer to be nominated as Secretary of Commerce.
She publicly stated that she feared her business dealings might compromise her nomination. But I wonder if it has to do with her involvement with the Chicago Public Education Fund which was a successor to the Bill Ayers inspired Chicago Annenberg Challenge. I wonder if there was a connection to Ayers there and if Pritzker wasn't prepared to answer questions about it. From what little I know about her she is someone who prefers to work behind the scenes. She might not become a member of Obama's cabinet but given her wealth and ability to fundraise she will still be an important player in the Obama Administration.
She publicly stated that she feared her business dealings might compromise her nomination. But I wonder if it has to do with her involvement with the Chicago Public Education Fund which was a successor to the Bill Ayers inspired Chicago Annenberg Challenge. I wonder if there was a connection to Ayers there and if Pritzker wasn't prepared to answer questions about it. From what little I know about her she is someone who prefers to work behind the scenes. She might not become a member of Obama's cabinet but given her wealth and ability to fundraise she will still be an important player in the Obama Administration.
Napolitano as Homeland Security Chief?
Given that Intellectual Conservative has it roots in Arizona I am naturally curious about the statewide reaction about the possibility that Governor Napolitano might accept the Homeland Security cabinet post from Obama. I am also curious about who Napolitano's successor as Governor might be.
Rachel, you are omniscient about all things Arizona. I am sure you have thoughts on the prospect of Napolitano heading for D.C.
Rachel, you are omniscient about all things Arizona. I am sure you have thoughts on the prospect of Napolitano heading for D.C.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Iran Cracking Down on Web Sites & Bloggers
The Islamic Republic of Iran is in the midst of cracking down on Western websites and has also evidently arrested its top blogger.
Iran is now restricting access to websites it deems "unIslamic" such as Facebook, YouTube, Yahoo, Google and, well, for that matter Intellectual Conservative.
Iran's top blogger, Hossein Derakshan, has reportedly been arrested for spying for Israel. In 2007, Derakshan called for the impeachment of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. However, Derakshan has softened his criticism of Ahmadinejad in recent months. A lot of good it's done him.
I still remember when Obama said we needed to talk to Iran in the same way that Reagan talked to the Soviet Union. Reagan talked to Gorbachev because he was a reformer. Ahmadinejad and the Mullahs are no reformers. Obama didn't get it then and I doubt he gets it now.
Iran is now restricting access to websites it deems "unIslamic" such as Facebook, YouTube, Yahoo, Google and, well, for that matter Intellectual Conservative.
Iran's top blogger, Hossein Derakshan, has reportedly been arrested for spying for Israel. In 2007, Derakshan called for the impeachment of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. However, Derakshan has softened his criticism of Ahmadinejad in recent months. A lot of good it's done him.
I still remember when Obama said we needed to talk to Iran in the same way that Reagan talked to the Soviet Union. Reagan talked to Gorbachev because he was a reformer. Ahmadinejad and the Mullahs are no reformers. Obama didn't get it then and I doubt he gets it now.
Wakamatsu Named Mariners Manager
The Seattle Mariners have named Don Wakamatsu as their manager for the 2009 season. Wakamatsu becomes the first Asian-American to become a major league manager. In 2008, Wakamatsu was the bench coach for the Oakland Athletics. He was also a member of the Texas Rangers coaching staff from 2003 to 2006. Wakamatsu was a career minor leaguer who played a handful of games with the Chicago White Sox in 1991 trying to catch Charlie Hough's knuckleball. After his playing career ended Wakamatsu managed in the minor leagues.
The Mariners lost 101 games in 2008. It was their worst showing since 1983. The Mariners fired manager John McLaren in the mid-June and was replaced by Jim Riggleman who fared no better. Wakamatsu is an unknown quantity. But that might not be a bad thing since there is little expected of the Mariners in 2009 as they will stick with largely younger players save Ichiro Suzuki. However, some Mariners fans wanted Chicago White Sox third base coach Joey Cora to get the job. Cora played with the Mariners from 1995 through 1998. He was part of Mariner teams that went to the post-season in 1995 and 1997 and he was a huge fan favorite in Seattle. Cora's younger brother, Alex, plays for the Red Sox. It will be interesting to see how Wakamatsu handles Ichiro who has often butted heads with previous managers and was believed to be the driving force behind Mike Hargrove's sudden resignation in the middle of the 2007 season.
The Mariners lost 101 games in 2008. It was their worst showing since 1983. The Mariners fired manager John McLaren in the mid-June and was replaced by Jim Riggleman who fared no better. Wakamatsu is an unknown quantity. But that might not be a bad thing since there is little expected of the Mariners in 2009 as they will stick with largely younger players save Ichiro Suzuki. However, some Mariners fans wanted Chicago White Sox third base coach Joey Cora to get the job. Cora played with the Mariners from 1995 through 1998. He was part of Mariner teams that went to the post-season in 1995 and 1997 and he was a huge fan favorite in Seattle. Cora's younger brother, Alex, plays for the Red Sox. It will be interesting to see how Wakamatsu handles Ichiro who has often butted heads with previous managers and was believed to be the driving force behind Mike Hargrove's sudden resignation in the middle of the 2007 season.
Daschle Tapped as Secretary of H&HS
It appears that President-elect Obama has tapped former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle to be Secretary of Health and Human Services. Daschle will also be the White House's point person on all health care policy. He will be to Obama what Hillary was to Bill in the first Clinton term.
After losing his Senate seat in 2004, Daschle remained in Washington and became an early supporter of Obama's White House bid when he decided not to launch his own. So it is hardly a surprise that Daschle would enjoy a major role in the Obama Administration.
I am not sure how Obama and Daschle can possibly implement any kind of universal health care much less any kind of meaningful health care reform with the economy in its current state. There is no doubt there are tremendous short comings with our health care system not the least of which is not only the lack of access to health care insurance but inadequate health care insurance. One should not be put into a position to file for bankruptcy because of illness and injury to oneself or a family member.
As someone born and raised in Canada and has lived down here for nearly a decade I've experienced both health care systems. They both have their virtues and they both have their faults. My biggest single concern about implementing a universal health care system in the United States is that health care services will be rationed. Canada's health care system has been plagued by waiting lists for surgery and MRIs. There are actually more MRIs here in Boston than there are in all of Canada. That's not good. Some people die while waiting for health care. That is not good either.
What could happen would be what was done here in Massachusetts. When Romney was in office he took measures to bring about mandatory health care insurance. This has been extended and expanded under Governor Patrick. Health insurance companies have geared their policies to individual holders and have lowered their premiums making it more affordable for more people. Of course, there are conservatives who will argue that we shouldn't mandate that people have health care insurance and that such edicts are intrusive.
Health care reform is not a cut and dry matter and will be an immensely complicated undertaking regardless of the approach. But with government run health care comes waiting lists and I fear that if Obama and Daschle take this approach they will end up reducing access to health care. That, of course, assumes they are in a position to do anything at all.
After losing his Senate seat in 2004, Daschle remained in Washington and became an early supporter of Obama's White House bid when he decided not to launch his own. So it is hardly a surprise that Daschle would enjoy a major role in the Obama Administration.
I am not sure how Obama and Daschle can possibly implement any kind of universal health care much less any kind of meaningful health care reform with the economy in its current state. There is no doubt there are tremendous short comings with our health care system not the least of which is not only the lack of access to health care insurance but inadequate health care insurance. One should not be put into a position to file for bankruptcy because of illness and injury to oneself or a family member.
As someone born and raised in Canada and has lived down here for nearly a decade I've experienced both health care systems. They both have their virtues and they both have their faults. My biggest single concern about implementing a universal health care system in the United States is that health care services will be rationed. Canada's health care system has been plagued by waiting lists for surgery and MRIs. There are actually more MRIs here in Boston than there are in all of Canada. That's not good. Some people die while waiting for health care. That is not good either.
What could happen would be what was done here in Massachusetts. When Romney was in office he took measures to bring about mandatory health care insurance. This has been extended and expanded under Governor Patrick. Health insurance companies have geared their policies to individual holders and have lowered their premiums making it more affordable for more people. Of course, there are conservatives who will argue that we shouldn't mandate that people have health care insurance and that such edicts are intrusive.
Health care reform is not a cut and dry matter and will be an immensely complicated undertaking regardless of the approach. But with government run health care comes waiting lists and I fear that if Obama and Daschle take this approach they will end up reducing access to health care. That, of course, assumes they are in a position to do anything at all.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Holder to be Named AG
President-elect Barack Obama has appointed Eric Holder to be the new Attorney General. Holder served as Deputy Attorney General in the Clinton Administration. He was also part of Obama's search committee for his V-P selection.
If approved by the Senate, Holder would become the first African-American to serve as AG. Holder did make the recommendation that Marc Rich be pardoned in the dying days of the Clinton Administration. That will raise some questions in the Senate Judiciary Committee but it won't be enough to block his nomination.
The Holder appointment is disappointing in one other respect. It means Deval Patrick stays in the Governor's Office here in Massachusetts.
If approved by the Senate, Holder would become the first African-American to serve as AG. Holder did make the recommendation that Marc Rich be pardoned in the dying days of the Clinton Administration. That will raise some questions in the Senate Judiciary Committee but it won't be enough to block his nomination.
The Holder appointment is disappointing in one other respect. It means Deval Patrick stays in the Governor's Office here in Massachusetts.
Stevens Loses Senate Seat
Ted Stevens has lost the Senate seat that he held since 1968. Mark Begich, the mayor of Anchorage, has won the seat and will now become the junior Senator from Alaska. Last month, Stevens was convicted on seven counts of providing false testimony. His loss spares the Republicans the embarrassment of expelling him or asking him to resign. It also quashes any talk of Sarah Palin leaving the Governor's office to run for the Senate. The GOP cannot rebuild if it has convicted felon amongst its ranks. This defeat was for the best.
Senate Democrats Let Lieberman Keep Chairmanship
By a margin of 42 to 13, Senate Democrats have overwhelmingly voted to let Joe Lieberman keep his Chairmanship of the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee despite his support for John McCain and his prominent role at the Republican National Convention in September.
They did so because they need Lieberman on their side not out of the kindness of their bleeding hearts. While things look good for Democrats in Alaska and Minnesota it would be a monumental upset if Saxby Chambliss lost Georgia. The Democrats need 60 seats in order to prevent fillibusters and invoke cloture. If they lose any of those three races they need Lieberman's vote. It is worth remembering that although Lieberman was re-elected in 2006 as an Independent he still caucuses with the Democrats and votes with him most of the time.
However, if the Democrats should prevail in those other three states one wonders if Lieberman will then be deemed expendable and his chairmanship will be revisited by his Democratic Senate colleagues. President-elect Obama has let it be known that he doesn't want Lieberman removed and this also undoubtedly helped him. He also doesn't want Lieberman to become a martyr for the GOP. It will be interesting to see what direction Obama goes if Senate Democrats want to revisit this in the new year.
They did so because they need Lieberman on their side not out of the kindness of their bleeding hearts. While things look good for Democrats in Alaska and Minnesota it would be a monumental upset if Saxby Chambliss lost Georgia. The Democrats need 60 seats in order to prevent fillibusters and invoke cloture. If they lose any of those three races they need Lieberman's vote. It is worth remembering that although Lieberman was re-elected in 2006 as an Independent he still caucuses with the Democrats and votes with him most of the time.
However, if the Democrats should prevail in those other three states one wonders if Lieberman will then be deemed expendable and his chairmanship will be revisited by his Democratic Senate colleagues. President-elect Obama has let it be known that he doesn't want Lieberman removed and this also undoubtedly helped him. He also doesn't want Lieberman to become a martyr for the GOP. It will be interesting to see what direction Obama goes if Senate Democrats want to revisit this in the new year.
Pedroia Wins AL MVP
It doesn't make up for losing the ALCS but it comes close.
Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia won the 2008 AL MVP in only his second full season in the majors. In 2007, Pedroia won AL Rookie of the Year honors. This season Pedroia finished first in the AL in hits, runs scored and doubles. He also finished second in the AL batting race with a .326 average. Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer hit .328. Pedroia also stole 20 bases and won his first Gold Glove for his defensive work at second base.
Although Red Sox fans have been chanting "MVP" when Pedroia came up in the second half they were also doing it for Kevin Youkilis and I thought they would cancel each other out in the balloting. There was no obvious MVP candidate in '08 unlike last season when Alex Rodriguez won it hands down. While players and coaches were impressed by Pedroia's play it wasn't clear whether he had won over the baseball writers. They could have gone with Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim closer Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez who saved a MLB record 62 games (and was my personal pick). They could have also gone with Twins slugger Justin Morneau who won the AL MVP in 2006. Morneau finished as the runner up. He probably would have got more votes had the Twins reached the postseason. Or they could have gone with Texas Rangers hitting sensation Josh Hamilton. However, the Rangers had a sub .500 record and Hamilton faded in the second half. Carlos Quention, who was a find for the White Sox, would have got more votes had he not been injured in September.
Make no mistake. Pedroia earned this award. He stands 5,9 and weighs 180 pounds. That might be generous. In any case, Pedroia is essentially my size. The fact that he can compete with and outshine men over six feet tall and weighing well over 200 pounds is a testament to his hard work and desire.
I first saw Pedroia play in Pawtucket in 2005. He was one of the Red Sox top prospects having been picked by them in the 2nd round of the 2004 MLB Draft. I have to admit that I didn't see anything special. He debuted with the Sox late in the 2006 season and I didn't see it as he hit only .191 in 31 games. I also didn't see it in the first month of the 2007 season. At one point, Pedroia was hitting .172 and there was pressure to send Pedroia back to Pawtucket. But Sox manager Terry Francona stuck with him and his patience paid off. Pedroia simply needed time to adapt to his new surroundings. Pedroia finished 2007 with a .317 average which was good enough to finish in the Top 10 in the AL batting race and would be a major contributor to the Sox second World Series title in four years.
Aside from getting that World Series ring what personifies Pedroia in the minds of many was his diving play to preserve Clay Buchholz's no-hitter on September 1, 2007. Pedroia dove after the ball as if the field would explode if he didn't. Yet he'll do the same thing in an 8-0 game as I personally witnessed when they played the White Sox last August. Dustin Pedroia's on the field hustle has been compared to that of Pete Rose; a guy not blessed with size and power but used his smarts and dedication to become baseball's all-time hits leader. If in a decade from now we can still compare Pedroia to Rose on the field and not off the field then Pedroia might very well be one of the all-time greats MLB has ever produced.
Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia won the 2008 AL MVP in only his second full season in the majors. In 2007, Pedroia won AL Rookie of the Year honors. This season Pedroia finished first in the AL in hits, runs scored and doubles. He also finished second in the AL batting race with a .326 average. Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer hit .328. Pedroia also stole 20 bases and won his first Gold Glove for his defensive work at second base.
Although Red Sox fans have been chanting "MVP" when Pedroia came up in the second half they were also doing it for Kevin Youkilis and I thought they would cancel each other out in the balloting. There was no obvious MVP candidate in '08 unlike last season when Alex Rodriguez won it hands down. While players and coaches were impressed by Pedroia's play it wasn't clear whether he had won over the baseball writers. They could have gone with Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim closer Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez who saved a MLB record 62 games (and was my personal pick). They could have also gone with Twins slugger Justin Morneau who won the AL MVP in 2006. Morneau finished as the runner up. He probably would have got more votes had the Twins reached the postseason. Or they could have gone with Texas Rangers hitting sensation Josh Hamilton. However, the Rangers had a sub .500 record and Hamilton faded in the second half. Carlos Quention, who was a find for the White Sox, would have got more votes had he not been injured in September.
Make no mistake. Pedroia earned this award. He stands 5,9 and weighs 180 pounds. That might be generous. In any case, Pedroia is essentially my size. The fact that he can compete with and outshine men over six feet tall and weighing well over 200 pounds is a testament to his hard work and desire.
I first saw Pedroia play in Pawtucket in 2005. He was one of the Red Sox top prospects having been picked by them in the 2nd round of the 2004 MLB Draft. I have to admit that I didn't see anything special. He debuted with the Sox late in the 2006 season and I didn't see it as he hit only .191 in 31 games. I also didn't see it in the first month of the 2007 season. At one point, Pedroia was hitting .172 and there was pressure to send Pedroia back to Pawtucket. But Sox manager Terry Francona stuck with him and his patience paid off. Pedroia simply needed time to adapt to his new surroundings. Pedroia finished 2007 with a .317 average which was good enough to finish in the Top 10 in the AL batting race and would be a major contributor to the Sox second World Series title in four years.
Aside from getting that World Series ring what personifies Pedroia in the minds of many was his diving play to preserve Clay Buchholz's no-hitter on September 1, 2007. Pedroia dove after the ball as if the field would explode if he didn't. Yet he'll do the same thing in an 8-0 game as I personally witnessed when they played the White Sox last August. Dustin Pedroia's on the field hustle has been compared to that of Pete Rose; a guy not blessed with size and power but used his smarts and dedication to become baseball's all-time hits leader. If in a decade from now we can still compare Pedroia to Rose on the field and not off the field then Pedroia might very well be one of the all-time greats MLB has ever produced.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Could Obama Offer McCain a Cabinet Post?
With President-elect Obama meeting today with John McCain I cannot help but think of Obama confirming to Steve Kroft of 60 Minutes that he will name a Republican to his Cabinet.
Could John McCain be that Republican?
With Obama possibly appointing Hillary as Secretary of State is it a huge stretch of the imagination that Obama could appoint McCain as his Secretary of Defense?
Of course, Obama is already being compared to Lincoln. Not in terms of his achievements but that much of Lincoln's cabinet comprised of his political rivals.
Although I wonder what the Left would think of Obama appointing McCain. How would they react? Many conservatives have a low opinion of McCain in the first place so I don't think there would be a great deal of reaction. But the Left just got through demonizing McCain. Will they feel betrayed if Obama appoints him? Or would Obama appointing McCain be construed as an act of forgiveness and be looked at in the same way as Colin Powell's endorsement of Obama.
However, it is probably more a courtesy call than anything else. If Obama does name a Republican to his Cabinet as Secretary of Defense (and I think there is every reason he will) it would most likely be the just retired Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel who has long opposed the War in Iraq.
Could John McCain be that Republican?
With Obama possibly appointing Hillary as Secretary of State is it a huge stretch of the imagination that Obama could appoint McCain as his Secretary of Defense?
Of course, Obama is already being compared to Lincoln. Not in terms of his achievements but that much of Lincoln's cabinet comprised of his political rivals.
Although I wonder what the Left would think of Obama appointing McCain. How would they react? Many conservatives have a low opinion of McCain in the first place so I don't think there would be a great deal of reaction. But the Left just got through demonizing McCain. Will they feel betrayed if Obama appoints him? Or would Obama appointing McCain be construed as an act of forgiveness and be looked at in the same way as Colin Powell's endorsement of Obama.
However, it is probably more a courtesy call than anything else. If Obama does name a Republican to his Cabinet as Secretary of Defense (and I think there is every reason he will) it would most likely be the just retired Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel who has long opposed the War in Iraq.
Pujols Wins 2nd NL MVP
St. Louis Cardinals superstar Albert Pujols has won his second NL MVP easily beating out Philadelphia Phillies slugger Ryan Howard.
In 2008, Pujols hit .357 with 37 home runs and 116 runs batted in. Pujols finished second in the NL batting race behind Chipper Jones of the Atlanta Braves. His HR and RBI totals were 4th in the NL.
While Howard had better production than Pujols he only hit .251. No National Leaguer has won an MVP with a batting average lower than .267. Marty Marion, another Cardinals legend, pulled off that feat when he won the NL MVP for the 1944 Cardinals who went on to win the World Series against their crosstown rivals the St. Louis Browns. Marion won his MVP because of his defensive prowess at shortstop not because of his offense as many of his teammates put up better offensive numbers.
Pujols won his previous NL MVP in 2005. Since bursting onto the MLB scene in 2001, Pujols has collected more than 1500 hits, slugged more than 300 homeruns and has never failed to drive in 100 runs in a season. Pujols doesn't strike out very often whiffing only 54 times in 665 plate appearances this year. When Pujols won NL Rookie of the Year in 2001 he struck out 93 times. He has never reached 70 strikeouts in any season since.
While many argue that New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is the best overall player in MLB there is a case to be made for Pujols. In addition to his 2 NL MVPs, Pujols was runner up in the MVP balloting on three occasions. He finished behind Barry Bonds in 2002 and 2003 and Ryan Howard in 2006. Pujols has been in the top 5 in MVP balloting every year of his career except last season when he finished ninth.
Pujols has also played in two World Series with the Cardinals in 2004 and 2006. Pujols won the NLCS MVP in 2004 although his Cardinals would be swept by the Boston Red Sox in a historical World Series. Pujols earned a World Series ring in 2006 with the Cardinals when they beat the Detroit Tigers in five games.
What is even more remarkable about his season is that he spent time on the DL with an injured left calf. Pujols has also had right elbow trouble since 2003 and had surgery on the elbow last month. He is expected to be ready for spring training in 2009. Pujols turns 29 in January. His elbow is the only thing that might keep him from winning more MVPs, hitting more homeruns than Bonds and possibly A-Rod and perhaps even driving in more runs than Hank Aaron.
Off the field, Pujols is known for his philanthropy. The Pujols Family Foundation assists families of children with Down syndrome. Pujols adopted daughter, Isabella, was born with this condition. Pujols received the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award for his work in this area.
Perhaps the Pujols and the Palins will one day join forces.
In 2008, Pujols hit .357 with 37 home runs and 116 runs batted in. Pujols finished second in the NL batting race behind Chipper Jones of the Atlanta Braves. His HR and RBI totals were 4th in the NL.
While Howard had better production than Pujols he only hit .251. No National Leaguer has won an MVP with a batting average lower than .267. Marty Marion, another Cardinals legend, pulled off that feat when he won the NL MVP for the 1944 Cardinals who went on to win the World Series against their crosstown rivals the St. Louis Browns. Marion won his MVP because of his defensive prowess at shortstop not because of his offense as many of his teammates put up better offensive numbers.
Pujols won his previous NL MVP in 2005. Since bursting onto the MLB scene in 2001, Pujols has collected more than 1500 hits, slugged more than 300 homeruns and has never failed to drive in 100 runs in a season. Pujols doesn't strike out very often whiffing only 54 times in 665 plate appearances this year. When Pujols won NL Rookie of the Year in 2001 he struck out 93 times. He has never reached 70 strikeouts in any season since.
While many argue that New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is the best overall player in MLB there is a case to be made for Pujols. In addition to his 2 NL MVPs, Pujols was runner up in the MVP balloting on three occasions. He finished behind Barry Bonds in 2002 and 2003 and Ryan Howard in 2006. Pujols has been in the top 5 in MVP balloting every year of his career except last season when he finished ninth.
Pujols has also played in two World Series with the Cardinals in 2004 and 2006. Pujols won the NLCS MVP in 2004 although his Cardinals would be swept by the Boston Red Sox in a historical World Series. Pujols earned a World Series ring in 2006 with the Cardinals when they beat the Detroit Tigers in five games.
What is even more remarkable about his season is that he spent time on the DL with an injured left calf. Pujols has also had right elbow trouble since 2003 and had surgery on the elbow last month. He is expected to be ready for spring training in 2009. Pujols turns 29 in January. His elbow is the only thing that might keep him from winning more MVPs, hitting more homeruns than Bonds and possibly A-Rod and perhaps even driving in more runs than Hank Aaron.
Off the field, Pujols is known for his philanthropy. The Pujols Family Foundation assists families of children with Down syndrome. Pujols adopted daughter, Isabella, was born with this condition. Pujols received the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award for his work in this area.
Perhaps the Pujols and the Palins will one day join forces.
Cuban Charged With Insider Trading
The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban with insider trading. The SEC alleges that Cuban benefitted from information not available to the public and sold his shares of an internet start up called mamma.com and avoided an estimated loss of more than $750,000.
Of course, Cuban is innocent until proven guilty. Nonetheless, this should give MLB pause as it is currently considering a bid by an investor group led by Cuban to purchase the Chicago Cubs.
I am not a Mark Cuban fan. His verbal abuse of NBA referees is an embarassment to the sport. His trade of Steve Nash to the Phoenix Suns was one of the most foolish in NBA history. I also don't particularly care for his trashing of American soldiers in the movie Redacted which was distributed by his film company Magnolia Pictures. That same company was also entertaining distributing the 9/11 conspiracy film Loose Change.
Mark Cuban is a successful entrepreneur. But I don't believe he is a force for good in America. I certainly don't think he would be good for the Chicago Cubs.
Of course, Cuban is innocent until proven guilty. Nonetheless, this should give MLB pause as it is currently considering a bid by an investor group led by Cuban to purchase the Chicago Cubs.
I am not a Mark Cuban fan. His verbal abuse of NBA referees is an embarassment to the sport. His trade of Steve Nash to the Phoenix Suns was one of the most foolish in NBA history. I also don't particularly care for his trashing of American soldiers in the movie Redacted which was distributed by his film company Magnolia Pictures. That same company was also entertaining distributing the 9/11 conspiracy film Loose Change.
Mark Cuban is a successful entrepreneur. But I don't believe he is a force for good in America. I certainly don't think he would be good for the Chicago Cubs.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
60 Minutes Interview of the Obamas
I just finished watching the Obamas being interviewed on 60 Minutes by Steve Kroft.
Boy, did Kroft ever grill Obama over such burning issues as household chores, what dog they will get for their children, his mother-in-law and a playoff system for college football.
Well, now I can go to bed with the knowledge Obama has a better relationship with his mother-in-law than Harry Truman did.
If this is the sort of scrutiny we can expect from the media concerning our 44th President then heaven help us.
Boy, did Kroft ever grill Obama over such burning issues as household chores, what dog they will get for their children, his mother-in-law and a playoff system for college football.
Well, now I can go to bed with the knowledge Obama has a better relationship with his mother-in-law than Harry Truman did.
If this is the sort of scrutiny we can expect from the media concerning our 44th President then heaven help us.
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