I can't say I'm surprised the courts in Burma convicted Aung San Suu Kyi and extended her house arrest another 18 months.
An election is scheduled to take place in Burma in 2010 and the authorities do not want her free so she can participate in the election and win the country's presidency as she did nearly two decades ago. If the military junta didn't let Suu Kyi become President in 1990 they certainly won't allow it in 2010.
After all only two weeks before she was to be released she was arrested when an American named John Yettaw swam on her property. The timing of that whole episode seemed all too convenient for the military junta. For her part, Suu Kyi wanted nothing to do with Yettaw who has been sentenced to seven years in prison with four years of hard labor.
Today, during her visit in Congo, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for Suu Kyi's release. This is one of the few foreign policy stances where the Obama Administration has got it right. Unfortunately, it probably won't do Suu Kyi and the Burmese people a whole lot of good.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Luis Tiant: Lost Son of Havana
Last night, ESPN broadcast a documentary on former Boston Red Sox pitcher Luis Tiant called Lost Son of Havana.
The film, produced by the Farrelly Brothers, documents Tiant's return to his native Cuba in 2007 for the first time in 46 years as well as weaving through the ups and downs of his 19-year major league career in a manner as unique as his pitching delivery. It was simultaneously joyful and heartbreaking to watch.
In addition to covering the cigar smoking Tiant's own career there is also careful attention paid to his father, Luis "Lefty" Tiant, Sr's journey through the Negro Leagues. Although some Cubans had played in the majors, the elder Tiant was considered to dark skinned to pass Major League Baseball's color line. Ironically, when Jackie Robinson broke into the bigs in 1947, it effectively dismantled the Negro Leagues and also ended his career.
Tiant is reunited with his elderly aunts and also meets scores of cousins for the very first time. Life is very difficult in Cuba. Basic needs are not met. Food shortages are rampant. Tiant supplies his relatives with everything from money, toothpaste, medicines and chewing gum. Despite living in an abundance of squalor and an absence of freedom there is a proud spirit amongst the Cuban people. A strong sense of family is conveyed and it is made clear to Tiant that his countrymen have not forgotten him.
Another interesting segment took place in Havana's Central Park. There is a section of the park called the Hot Corner. In baseball parlance, the Hot Corner refers to third base. But the Hot Corner is to Havana's Central Park what Speaker's Corner is to London's Hyde Park. Of course, Cubans are not free to discuss politics. But they are free to discuss baseball and boy do they talk baseball. The assembled crowd is asked who they considered the best Cuban pitcher to play in the major leagues. Then the argument begins. Some say Jose Contreras. Others say "El Duque" Orlando Hernandez while others say his brother, Livan Hernandez. Then one young man says Luis Tiant. The young men are then introduced to El Tiante.
For his part, Tiant is apolitical unlike current Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell, whose parents fled Cuba while some of his other relatives paid with their lives. When Fidel fell ill in 2006, Lowell said he hoped Castro would die.
I suspect Tiant has mixed emotions towards Castro. Tiant was pitching in a tournament in the U.S. when the Bay of Pigs invasion occurred in 1961. Castro gave an ultimatum to Cuban baseball players outside of Cuba - return or never come home. When his father told him not to come back he stayed away. Tiant did not see his parents for 14 years until Castro granted them permission to travel to Boston to stay with him after Senator George McGovern delivered a letter to Castro written by Massachusetts Republican Senator Edward Brooke pleading Tiant's case. Tiant's parents got to see him pitch in the 1975 World Series and would stay with him until their deaths within 24 hours of each other the following year.
If ESPN re-broadcasts Lost Son of Havana please watch it. It offers Americans a rare glimpse into the everyday lives of Cubans. If you are not a baseball fan by the end of this film you will be. If you are not an opponent of communism by the end of this film you will be.
The film, produced by the Farrelly Brothers, documents Tiant's return to his native Cuba in 2007 for the first time in 46 years as well as weaving through the ups and downs of his 19-year major league career in a manner as unique as his pitching delivery. It was simultaneously joyful and heartbreaking to watch.
In addition to covering the cigar smoking Tiant's own career there is also careful attention paid to his father, Luis "Lefty" Tiant, Sr's journey through the Negro Leagues. Although some Cubans had played in the majors, the elder Tiant was considered to dark skinned to pass Major League Baseball's color line. Ironically, when Jackie Robinson broke into the bigs in 1947, it effectively dismantled the Negro Leagues and also ended his career.
Tiant is reunited with his elderly aunts and also meets scores of cousins for the very first time. Life is very difficult in Cuba. Basic needs are not met. Food shortages are rampant. Tiant supplies his relatives with everything from money, toothpaste, medicines and chewing gum. Despite living in an abundance of squalor and an absence of freedom there is a proud spirit amongst the Cuban people. A strong sense of family is conveyed and it is made clear to Tiant that his countrymen have not forgotten him.
Another interesting segment took place in Havana's Central Park. There is a section of the park called the Hot Corner. In baseball parlance, the Hot Corner refers to third base. But the Hot Corner is to Havana's Central Park what Speaker's Corner is to London's Hyde Park. Of course, Cubans are not free to discuss politics. But they are free to discuss baseball and boy do they talk baseball. The assembled crowd is asked who they considered the best Cuban pitcher to play in the major leagues. Then the argument begins. Some say Jose Contreras. Others say "El Duque" Orlando Hernandez while others say his brother, Livan Hernandez. Then one young man says Luis Tiant. The young men are then introduced to El Tiante.
For his part, Tiant is apolitical unlike current Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell, whose parents fled Cuba while some of his other relatives paid with their lives. When Fidel fell ill in 2006, Lowell said he hoped Castro would die.
I suspect Tiant has mixed emotions towards Castro. Tiant was pitching in a tournament in the U.S. when the Bay of Pigs invasion occurred in 1961. Castro gave an ultimatum to Cuban baseball players outside of Cuba - return or never come home. When his father told him not to come back he stayed away. Tiant did not see his parents for 14 years until Castro granted them permission to travel to Boston to stay with him after Senator George McGovern delivered a letter to Castro written by Massachusetts Republican Senator Edward Brooke pleading Tiant's case. Tiant's parents got to see him pitch in the 1975 World Series and would stay with him until their deaths within 24 hours of each other the following year.
If ESPN re-broadcasts Lost Son of Havana please watch it. It offers Americans a rare glimpse into the everyday lives of Cubans. If you are not a baseball fan by the end of this film you will be. If you are not an opponent of communism by the end of this film you will be.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 1921-2009. R.I.P.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver died this morning. She was 88.
Shriver was the fifth of the nine Kennedy children; the younger sister of future President John F. Kennedy. She would marry Sargent Shriver who would become George McGovern's running mate in 1972. Her daughter Maria would become a reporter for NBC News before marrying actor now California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Yet Shriver made her mark as well. She was the driving force behind the Special Olympics and was an advocate for persons with disabilities. I can't imagine she would have been particularly amused with President Obama's Special Olympics/bowling joke last March. Perhaps because of this sensitivity towards people with disabilities she was that dying breed of Democrat who was staunchly pro-life and supported organizations like Feminists for Life of America and Democrats for Life of America.
Shriver's passing leaves Jean Kennedy Smith and Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy as the last surviving Kennedy children.
Shriver was the fifth of the nine Kennedy children; the younger sister of future President John F. Kennedy. She would marry Sargent Shriver who would become George McGovern's running mate in 1972. Her daughter Maria would become a reporter for NBC News before marrying actor now California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Yet Shriver made her mark as well. She was the driving force behind the Special Olympics and was an advocate for persons with disabilities. I can't imagine she would have been particularly amused with President Obama's Special Olympics/bowling joke last March. Perhaps because of this sensitivity towards people with disabilities she was that dying breed of Democrat who was staunchly pro-life and supported organizations like Feminists for Life of America and Democrats for Life of America.
Shriver's passing leaves Jean Kennedy Smith and Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy as the last surviving Kennedy children.
Monday, August 10, 2009
A Response to Comments on My Buckley/Beatles Article
Normally, I do not reply to comments left on my articles. But I thought I would make an exception here with regard to my most recent column on the late William F. Buckley's attitude towards The Beatles.
Specifically, I wish to reply to Bob Stapler and Steve Laib who are also contributors to IC.
My article addressed the merits of Beatles music and why I thought Buckley's comments 45 years ago missed the mark. Now both Stapler and Laib tend to agree with Buckley's assessment that the Beatles music was "awful" at least in their early years. Like Buckley, both have a preference for classical music. So perhaps they didn't like it when the Beatles sang "Roll Over Beethoven." Of course, I made no comment concerning classical music in the article other than to mention it formed a significant part of Buckley's musical education. I do like some classical music. I like jazz better. But in all honestly on most occasions I prefer 1960s and 1970s rock n' roll although some of it does owe its inspiration to classical music. Of course, '60s and '70s rock encompasses a great deal of music. The Ozark Mountain Daredevils and Nick Drake have little in common but I enjoy both just the same. We all have our preferences.
I also found it interesting that John Williams came up in the commentary. Williams, of course, was the conductor for the Boston Pops for many years. His predecessor, Arthur Fiedler, conducted the Boston Pops for nearly half a century. One of the many albums Fiedler and the Boston Pops recorded was Arthur Fiedler and The Boston Pops Play The Beatles. Fiedler embraced The Beatles with the same enthusiasm he embraced Brahms.
Stapler, at least, acknowledged the Beatles were fun. However, Laib writes, "Meanwhile, the fact that a lot of people enjoy things is of little validity. A lot of people enjoy drugs, but it certainly isn't good for them." Would Beethoven's music have endured nearly two centuries after his death if people didn't enjoy the Ninth? Moreover, I'm not sure how parents and their children singing "Let It Be" at a Paul McCartney concert is analogous to snorting cocaine. Or put another way, Laib's comment isn't up to snuff.
Specifically, I wish to reply to Bob Stapler and Steve Laib who are also contributors to IC.
My article addressed the merits of Beatles music and why I thought Buckley's comments 45 years ago missed the mark. Now both Stapler and Laib tend to agree with Buckley's assessment that the Beatles music was "awful" at least in their early years. Like Buckley, both have a preference for classical music. So perhaps they didn't like it when the Beatles sang "Roll Over Beethoven." Of course, I made no comment concerning classical music in the article other than to mention it formed a significant part of Buckley's musical education. I do like some classical music. I like jazz better. But in all honestly on most occasions I prefer 1960s and 1970s rock n' roll although some of it does owe its inspiration to classical music. Of course, '60s and '70s rock encompasses a great deal of music. The Ozark Mountain Daredevils and Nick Drake have little in common but I enjoy both just the same. We all have our preferences.
I also found it interesting that John Williams came up in the commentary. Williams, of course, was the conductor for the Boston Pops for many years. His predecessor, Arthur Fiedler, conducted the Boston Pops for nearly half a century. One of the many albums Fiedler and the Boston Pops recorded was Arthur Fiedler and The Boston Pops Play The Beatles. Fiedler embraced The Beatles with the same enthusiasm he embraced Brahms.
Stapler, at least, acknowledged the Beatles were fun. However, Laib writes, "Meanwhile, the fact that a lot of people enjoy things is of little validity. A lot of people enjoy drugs, but it certainly isn't good for them." Would Beethoven's music have endured nearly two centuries after his death if people didn't enjoy the Ninth? Moreover, I'm not sure how parents and their children singing "Let It Be" at a Paul McCartney concert is analogous to snorting cocaine. Or put another way, Laib's comment isn't up to snuff.
Obama Launches Website to Debunk "Rumors" on Health Care Reform
President Obama has launched a website called "Reality Check" which is designed to debunk "rumors" about health care reform. This is quite similar to the "Fight The Smears" website the Obama campaign launched during the presidential election last year.
Politically, the Obama Administration defends itself in a way the Bush Administration never would. Too often the Bush Administration would ignore their critics and unfortunately by staying silent the critics defined much of his agenda. So in this way the Obama Administration is far more vigorous in defending their own agenda.
But, of course, the Obama Administration might have gone to the well once too often. President Obama has proven he can fool some of the people some of the time. It remains to be seen if he can fool all of the people all the time.
Politically, the Obama Administration defends itself in a way the Bush Administration never would. Too often the Bush Administration would ignore their critics and unfortunately by staying silent the critics defined much of his agenda. So in this way the Obama Administration is far more vigorous in defending their own agenda.
But, of course, the Obama Administration might have gone to the well once too often. President Obama has proven he can fool some of the people some of the time. It remains to be seen if he can fool all of the people all the time.
Pelosi & Hoyer Call Those Who Disagree With Health Care Reform "Un-American"
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer pulled no punches in a jointly written editorial in USA Today.
They called who disagreed with President Obama's health care reforms "unAmerican."
To be precise, Pelosi and Hoyer wrote, "These disruptions are occurring because opponents are afraid not just of differing views — but of the facts themselves. Drowning out opposing views is simply un-American. Drowning out the facts is how we failed at this task for decades."
Nonsense.
It is Pelosi and Hoyer who are, in fact, attempting to disrupt those who would dare think for themselves. Stifling dissent is simply un-American.
Of course, imagine what would have happened had Newt Gingrich and Tom DeLay had co-authored an editorial calling those who disagreed with Republican initiatives "unAmerican." Pelosi and Hoyer would have condemned such remarks vigorously. Their friends in the liberal media would be declaring America under the siege of fascism.
Well, let me say this to Pelosi and Hoyer. Keep on calling your constituents unAmerican. If you do you might yourselves no longer in charge of Congress after the mid-term elections.
They called who disagreed with President Obama's health care reforms "unAmerican."
To be precise, Pelosi and Hoyer wrote, "These disruptions are occurring because opponents are afraid not just of differing views — but of the facts themselves. Drowning out opposing views is simply un-American. Drowning out the facts is how we failed at this task for decades."
Nonsense.
It is Pelosi and Hoyer who are, in fact, attempting to disrupt those who would dare think for themselves. Stifling dissent is simply un-American.
Of course, imagine what would have happened had Newt Gingrich and Tom DeLay had co-authored an editorial calling those who disagreed with Republican initiatives "unAmerican." Pelosi and Hoyer would have condemned such remarks vigorously. Their friends in the liberal media would be declaring America under the siege of fascism.
Well, let me say this to Pelosi and Hoyer. Keep on calling your constituents unAmerican. If you do you might yourselves no longer in charge of Congress after the mid-term elections.
Even The Christian Science Monitor is Second Guessing the Red Sox
The Christian Science Monitor of all places has an interesting, if flawed take on the Yankees sweep of the Red Sox.
Then again, the CSM is based here in Boston so I suppose I shouldn't be that surprised.
Mark Sappenfield argues the Red Sox are relying too heavily on prospects with limited big league experience and should have pursued Mark Teixeira more vigorously in the offseason. He writes:
But what the Yankees have driven home is that big money and big moves – done wisely – still matter. Little more than a week ago, the Red Sox had the opportunity to make a blockbuster deal for the Toronto Blue Jays' Roy Halladay, one of the top pitchers in the major leagues. The Blue Jays wanted Buchholz and Bard, according to reports. So the Sox walked away.
It was a sign, Blue Jays general manager J.P Ricciardi said, of changing times. "Teams value the kid you have in [the minor leagues] who has never done it more than the guy who has shown something in the big leagues," he told The Boston Globe. "That's what the thinking is now," That was the Red Sox' thinking. In the future, when Buchholz and Bard are cornerstones of the reborn Red Sox, it will perhaps be seen as a wise move. This weekend, however, the Yankees claimed the present.
This is typical second guessing. Let us remember that prior to this weekend series, the Red Sox and Yankees had met nine times and had won all nine games. Was Mark Teixeira a dumb investment for the Yankees when they lost all those games earlier this season.
Well, I'm not sure Ricciardi was going to trade Halladay anyway. Just ask the Philadelphia Phillies. But let's also suppose the Sox had traded for Halladay and given up Bard and Buchholz. Let's also suppose Halladay had pitched against the Yankees during this series and lost (as he did last week still wearing a Blue Jays uniform.) I'm sure Sappenfield would be criticizing the Sox for giving up two blue chip prospects and taking on Halladay's contract.
The point here is that Major League Baseball, especially when it comes the Red Sox-Yankees, is a results oriented business. You are only as good as your last victory and the Sox haven't won a game in a week.
But a week in baseball, as in politics, is a lifetime. When the Yankees visit Fenway Park from August 21-23 things in the AL East could be very different than they are now. We'll see.
Then again, the CSM is based here in Boston so I suppose I shouldn't be that surprised.
Mark Sappenfield argues the Red Sox are relying too heavily on prospects with limited big league experience and should have pursued Mark Teixeira more vigorously in the offseason. He writes:
But what the Yankees have driven home is that big money and big moves – done wisely – still matter. Little more than a week ago, the Red Sox had the opportunity to make a blockbuster deal for the Toronto Blue Jays' Roy Halladay, one of the top pitchers in the major leagues. The Blue Jays wanted Buchholz and Bard, according to reports. So the Sox walked away.
It was a sign, Blue Jays general manager J.P Ricciardi said, of changing times. "Teams value the kid you have in [the minor leagues] who has never done it more than the guy who has shown something in the big leagues," he told The Boston Globe. "That's what the thinking is now," That was the Red Sox' thinking. In the future, when Buchholz and Bard are cornerstones of the reborn Red Sox, it will perhaps be seen as a wise move. This weekend, however, the Yankees claimed the present.
This is typical second guessing. Let us remember that prior to this weekend series, the Red Sox and Yankees had met nine times and had won all nine games. Was Mark Teixeira a dumb investment for the Yankees when they lost all those games earlier this season.
Well, I'm not sure Ricciardi was going to trade Halladay anyway. Just ask the Philadelphia Phillies. But let's also suppose the Sox had traded for Halladay and given up Bard and Buchholz. Let's also suppose Halladay had pitched against the Yankees during this series and lost (as he did last week still wearing a Blue Jays uniform.) I'm sure Sappenfield would be criticizing the Sox for giving up two blue chip prospects and taking on Halladay's contract.
The point here is that Major League Baseball, especially when it comes the Red Sox-Yankees, is a results oriented business. You are only as good as your last victory and the Sox haven't won a game in a week.
But a week in baseball, as in politics, is a lifetime. When the Yankees visit Fenway Park from August 21-23 things in the AL East could be very different than they are now. We'll see.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Yankees Sweep Red Sox
Not a headline I like to write. But facts are facts.
The Sox got clobbered 13-6 on Thursday night thus very probably ending the career of John Smoltz.
On Friday, the game went scoreless for 15 innings before Alex Rodriguez hit a two run home run off Junichi Tazawa, possibly ending a career before it really started.
Yesterday, C.C. Sabathia pitched seven and two thirds innings of shutout ball en route to a 5-0 victory. It was the first time the Sox had been shutout in back to back games since 2002.
Tonight was reminiscent of Friday. Jon Lester and Andy Pettitte were doing their best Josh Beckett and A.J. Burnett impressions. The game was scoreless until the bottom of the 7th when Rodriguez hit a solo homerun off Lester. It was A-Rod's 574th career homerun. He passed Harmon Killebrew for the 9th on the all-time list.
But the Red Sox did come to life albeit briefly in the top of the 8th when newly acquired Victor Martinez slammed a two run homerun off Yankees reliever Phil Coke. I guess you could say Coke's fastball lost its fizz. The homerun gave the Sox a 2-1 lead and were the first runs the Sox had scored in 31 innings.
However, ten minutes later the Yankees retook the lead. After retiring the first two batters in the bottom of the 8th, Sox reliever Daniel Bard gave up back to back homeruns to Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira. The Yankees now led 3-2. Bard continued to pitch tragically when he walked A-Rod. Bard was then lifted in favor of Hideki Okajima. But he faired no better giving up a double to Jorge Posada and a two run single to Nick Swisher. The Yankees now led 5-2.
The game did get interesting in the top of the 9th when David Ortiz was sent up to pinch hit for Nick Green against Mariano Rivera. Big Papi managed to work a walk which brought up the tying run in Jacoby Ellsbury. However, Ellsbury would meekly tap out to Teixeira at first to end the game.
The Boston Red Sox were not only swept by the New York Yankees but have lost six consecutive games having also been swept by the Tampa Bay Rays. The Sox are now 6½ games out of first place in the AL East. They are also now in a tie for the AL Wild Card with the Texas Rangers. After the Red Sox play the AL Central Division leading Detroit Tigers they travel to Arlington to face the Rangers next weekend. The Rays are only 1½ games out of the AL Wild Card spot.
One can only hope that the Sox have a bad case of the flu and that the worst of it is over.
The Sox got clobbered 13-6 on Thursday night thus very probably ending the career of John Smoltz.
On Friday, the game went scoreless for 15 innings before Alex Rodriguez hit a two run home run off Junichi Tazawa, possibly ending a career before it really started.
Yesterday, C.C. Sabathia pitched seven and two thirds innings of shutout ball en route to a 5-0 victory. It was the first time the Sox had been shutout in back to back games since 2002.
Tonight was reminiscent of Friday. Jon Lester and Andy Pettitte were doing their best Josh Beckett and A.J. Burnett impressions. The game was scoreless until the bottom of the 7th when Rodriguez hit a solo homerun off Lester. It was A-Rod's 574th career homerun. He passed Harmon Killebrew for the 9th on the all-time list.
But the Red Sox did come to life albeit briefly in the top of the 8th when newly acquired Victor Martinez slammed a two run homerun off Yankees reliever Phil Coke. I guess you could say Coke's fastball lost its fizz. The homerun gave the Sox a 2-1 lead and were the first runs the Sox had scored in 31 innings.
However, ten minutes later the Yankees retook the lead. After retiring the first two batters in the bottom of the 8th, Sox reliever Daniel Bard gave up back to back homeruns to Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira. The Yankees now led 3-2. Bard continued to pitch tragically when he walked A-Rod. Bard was then lifted in favor of Hideki Okajima. But he faired no better giving up a double to Jorge Posada and a two run single to Nick Swisher. The Yankees now led 5-2.
The game did get interesting in the top of the 9th when David Ortiz was sent up to pinch hit for Nick Green against Mariano Rivera. Big Papi managed to work a walk which brought up the tying run in Jacoby Ellsbury. However, Ellsbury would meekly tap out to Teixeira at first to end the game.
The Boston Red Sox were not only swept by the New York Yankees but have lost six consecutive games having also been swept by the Tampa Bay Rays. The Sox are now 6½ games out of first place in the AL East. They are also now in a tie for the AL Wild Card with the Texas Rangers. After the Red Sox play the AL Central Division leading Detroit Tigers they travel to Arlington to face the Rangers next weekend. The Rays are only 1½ games out of the AL Wild Card spot.
One can only hope that the Sox have a bad case of the flu and that the worst of it is over.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Thoughts on Sotomayor's Confirmation
In many ways, today's confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court is anti-climatic.
Her confirmation was a fait d'accompli. Whether you like President Obama or not, he can appoint whoever he wants to the bench and more likely than not that person will be a liberal as was the case with Sotomayor.
Her condescension towards white males whether in her "wise Latina" remarks and her ruling in the Ricci case are still cause for concern. However, her presence does not alter the current ideological balance on the Supreme Court.
All of which means that we pray for the continued good health of Chief Justice John Roberts, Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, Anton Scalia and Anthony Kennedy. It is worth noting that Scalia and Kennedy are both 73 years old.
Her confirmation was a fait d'accompli. Whether you like President Obama or not, he can appoint whoever he wants to the bench and more likely than not that person will be a liberal as was the case with Sotomayor.
Her condescension towards white males whether in her "wise Latina" remarks and her ruling in the Ricci case are still cause for concern. However, her presence does not alter the current ideological balance on the Supreme Court.
All of which means that we pray for the continued good health of Chief Justice John Roberts, Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, Anton Scalia and Anthony Kennedy. It is worth noting that Scalia and Kennedy are both 73 years old.
Big Papi Denies Using Steroids
In a press conference earlier this afternoon, Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz denied he had used steroids or bought steroids. He did cede that he had been "careless" as to supplements he purchased over the counter.
However, what is most interesting is that Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players' Association released separate statements indicating the 104 names on the list exceeded the actual number of players who tested positive for PEDs. MLB and MLBPA state that number is actually 96.
Well, either one believes Big Papi or one doesn't. If you believe him chances are you part of Red Sox Nation. If you don't believe him chances are you root for the Evil Empire.
Whatever the case, this news has definitely affected Ortiz's performance. Going into Saturday afternoon's game against the Yankees, in the month of August, Ortiz is 2 for 25 with a single RBI.
With that I would recommend fellow IC contributor Lisa Fabrizio's insights into PEDs in MLB.
However, what is most interesting is that Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players' Association released separate statements indicating the 104 names on the list exceeded the actual number of players who tested positive for PEDs. MLB and MLBPA state that number is actually 96.
Well, either one believes Big Papi or one doesn't. If you believe him chances are you part of Red Sox Nation. If you don't believe him chances are you root for the Evil Empire.
Whatever the case, this news has definitely affected Ortiz's performance. Going into Saturday afternoon's game against the Yankees, in the month of August, Ortiz is 2 for 25 with a single RBI.
With that I would recommend fellow IC contributor Lisa Fabrizio's insights into PEDs in MLB.
Thoughts on the Red Sox-Yankees So Far
It's been tough to be a Red Sox fan the past couple of days.
Prior to yesterday, the Red Sox had been 9-0 against the New York Yankees. But you knew that wouldn't last forever. Nor would John Smoltz's tenure with the Bosox.
Smoltz was designated for assignment after giving up 8 runs on 9 hits over three and one third innings en route to a 13-6 whupping. In eight starts, Smoltz was 2-5 with an 8.33 ERA. It was a lot to ask the 42-year-old Smoltz to pitch like he was 32. It is possible that Smoltz could be sent to the minors but it is more likely that he will be traded or simply released.
Tonight was even more heartbreaking. As mentioned earlier I did not watch the entire game because I opted to see Love in concert in Cambridge. But I got a good seat at the bar and was in a position to both watch the game and listen to the music. I arrived at the Middle East Downstairs in the 8th inning. Love had finished its set by the 14th and I left in the 15th.
Perhaps I upset the balance of the universe. Because in the bottom of the 15th, Alex Rodriguez hit a two run homerun to give the Yankees a 2-0 victory. As the guy who runs the laundromat likes to say, "An A-bomb for A-Rod." Rodriguez hit the homerun off Junichi Tazawa who was making his major league debut. Well, welcome to the big leagues, kid.
Things are likely to get worse before they get better. "Big Papi" David Ortiz is expected to address the media tomorrow in light of the disclosure that he tested positive for PEDs in 2003.
Meanwhile, with four straight losses (two to the Yankees and two previous to the Tampa Bay Rays), the Red Sox are now 4½ games out of first place in the AL East. They now have the last third of the regular season to straighten themselves out which is, of course, far easier said than done.
Prior to yesterday, the Red Sox had been 9-0 against the New York Yankees. But you knew that wouldn't last forever. Nor would John Smoltz's tenure with the Bosox.
Smoltz was designated for assignment after giving up 8 runs on 9 hits over three and one third innings en route to a 13-6 whupping. In eight starts, Smoltz was 2-5 with an 8.33 ERA. It was a lot to ask the 42-year-old Smoltz to pitch like he was 32. It is possible that Smoltz could be sent to the minors but it is more likely that he will be traded or simply released.
Tonight was even more heartbreaking. As mentioned earlier I did not watch the entire game because I opted to see Love in concert in Cambridge. But I got a good seat at the bar and was in a position to both watch the game and listen to the music. I arrived at the Middle East Downstairs in the 8th inning. Love had finished its set by the 14th and I left in the 15th.
Perhaps I upset the balance of the universe. Because in the bottom of the 15th, Alex Rodriguez hit a two run homerun to give the Yankees a 2-0 victory. As the guy who runs the laundromat likes to say, "An A-bomb for A-Rod." Rodriguez hit the homerun off Junichi Tazawa who was making his major league debut. Well, welcome to the big leagues, kid.
Things are likely to get worse before they get better. "Big Papi" David Ortiz is expected to address the media tomorrow in light of the disclosure that he tested positive for PEDs in 2003.
Meanwhile, with four straight losses (two to the Yankees and two previous to the Tampa Bay Rays), the Red Sox are now 4½ games out of first place in the AL East. They now have the last third of the regular season to straighten themselves out which is, of course, far easier said than done.
Friday, August 7, 2009
An Evening With Love
In August 2006, I wrote an article paying tribute to Arthur Lee, the founder and lead singer of the '60s rock group Love, after he died of acute myeloid leukemia.
During Lee's final years he was backed by a group called Baby Lemonade who were to Lee what the Wondermints have been to Brian Wilson. The current lineup features Baby Lemonade (with Rusty Squeezebox on lead vocal and guitar and Mike Randle on guitar) and original Love member Johnny Echols on guitar.
Tonight, I got to see Love play in concert at the Middle East Downstairs in Cambridge. To give you an idea how important it was for me to see this concert I skipped out on tonight's Red Sox-Yankees game (although I would see a good chunk of the game at the bar.) More on the Sox-Yankees in a subsequent post.
All the songs performed tonight were from Love's first three albums (Love, Da Capo and, of course, Forever Changes.) I was surprised no songs from Four Sail were performed, especially "August" given the time of the season. But I have no complaints. I got to hear songs Love seldom performs live like "A Message to Pretty" and "Stephanie Knows Who."
The highlight of the evening though came when I got to meet with Mike Randle. A few months after writing the tribute to Arthur, Randle sent me an e-mail of appreciation. In the six plus years of writing my columns it is amongst the e-mails of which I am most proud. Randle collaborated with Lee musically for nearly a decade. So the fact he took the time to contact me meant what I had written resonated with him even though I never met Arthur. So I was thrilled to finally meet him and he remembered the article.
Randle mentioned he is still working with Arthur's widow, Diane, to put out previously unreleased material recorded in the 1980s and 1990s. We also spoke about Sky Saxon. The frontman for The Seeds was supposed to be on this bill with Love (as were The Electric Prunes) but Saxon died suddenly in June. In fact, he died the same day as Michael Jackson. Randle called Saxon "the last real hippie."
He also took an interest in the Sox-Yankees game and was amazed it was scoreless in the 14th inning (again more on that I promise.) When Arthur was still with the group, Love had performed at the Paradise in Boston and after the gig had watched Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS between the Sox and the Yankees which was won by the Yankees on an Aaron Boone homerun. The fact he referred to him as Aaron "#%*@" Boone tells me that he is a Sox fan.
During Lee's final years he was backed by a group called Baby Lemonade who were to Lee what the Wondermints have been to Brian Wilson. The current lineup features Baby Lemonade (with Rusty Squeezebox on lead vocal and guitar and Mike Randle on guitar) and original Love member Johnny Echols on guitar.
Tonight, I got to see Love play in concert at the Middle East Downstairs in Cambridge. To give you an idea how important it was for me to see this concert I skipped out on tonight's Red Sox-Yankees game (although I would see a good chunk of the game at the bar.) More on the Sox-Yankees in a subsequent post.
All the songs performed tonight were from Love's first three albums (Love, Da Capo and, of course, Forever Changes.) I was surprised no songs from Four Sail were performed, especially "August" given the time of the season. But I have no complaints. I got to hear songs Love seldom performs live like "A Message to Pretty" and "Stephanie Knows Who."
The highlight of the evening though came when I got to meet with Mike Randle. A few months after writing the tribute to Arthur, Randle sent me an e-mail of appreciation. In the six plus years of writing my columns it is amongst the e-mails of which I am most proud. Randle collaborated with Lee musically for nearly a decade. So the fact he took the time to contact me meant what I had written resonated with him even though I never met Arthur. So I was thrilled to finally meet him and he remembered the article.
Randle mentioned he is still working with Arthur's widow, Diane, to put out previously unreleased material recorded in the 1980s and 1990s. We also spoke about Sky Saxon. The frontman for The Seeds was supposed to be on this bill with Love (as were The Electric Prunes) but Saxon died suddenly in June. In fact, he died the same day as Michael Jackson. Randle called Saxon "the last real hippie."
He also took an interest in the Sox-Yankees game and was amazed it was scoreless in the 14th inning (again more on that I promise.) When Arthur was still with the group, Love had performed at the Paradise in Boston and after the gig had watched Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS between the Sox and the Yankees which was won by the Yankees on an Aaron Boone homerun. The fact he referred to him as Aaron "#%*@" Boone tells me that he is a Sox fan.
Giambi Released by Athletics
The Oakland Athletics have released Jason Giambi.
Giambi began his major league career with the Athletics in 1995 and won the AL MVP in 2000.
Prior to the 2002 season, Giambi signed a 7-year, $120 million contract with the New York Yankees. In 2007, Giambi admitted to using steroids and would later discuss his steroid use with former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell.
After his contract expired with the Yankees, Giambi returned to the Athletics for the 2009 season. He and Matt Holliday looked like a promising one-two punch but this never materialized. Holliday was traded last month to the St. Louis Cardinals where he is prospering while Giambi's season never really got going. He hit a career low .193 with 11 home runs and 40 RBI. Giambi injured a quad muscle last month which landed him on the 15-day disabled list. Although he was activated on August 4th, the club elected not to play him. The Athletics, who are currently sitting in last place in the AL West 18 games behind the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, are now concentrating on a youth movement. At 38, Giambi simply does not fit into Oakland's plans.
The fact that Giambi was released indicates no one wanted him in a trade. More precisely, no team wanted to give up prospects for a slugger at the tail end of his career. However, I am sure some AL team is in need of a bat. With Nelson Cruz having seriously injured his ankle earlier this week could Giambi be a candidate to fill in the power void for him in the short term? If the Texas Rangers could resurrect Andruw Jones then why not Giambi?
Giambi began his major league career with the Athletics in 1995 and won the AL MVP in 2000.
Prior to the 2002 season, Giambi signed a 7-year, $120 million contract with the New York Yankees. In 2007, Giambi admitted to using steroids and would later discuss his steroid use with former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell.
After his contract expired with the Yankees, Giambi returned to the Athletics for the 2009 season. He and Matt Holliday looked like a promising one-two punch but this never materialized. Holliday was traded last month to the St. Louis Cardinals where he is prospering while Giambi's season never really got going. He hit a career low .193 with 11 home runs and 40 RBI. Giambi injured a quad muscle last month which landed him on the 15-day disabled list. Although he was activated on August 4th, the club elected not to play him. The Athletics, who are currently sitting in last place in the AL West 18 games behind the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, are now concentrating on a youth movement. At 38, Giambi simply does not fit into Oakland's plans.
The fact that Giambi was released indicates no one wanted him in a trade. More precisely, no team wanted to give up prospects for a slugger at the tail end of his career. However, I am sure some AL team is in need of a bat. With Nelson Cruz having seriously injured his ankle earlier this week could Giambi be a candidate to fill in the power void for him in the short term? If the Texas Rangers could resurrect Andruw Jones then why not Giambi?
Thursday, August 6, 2009
John Hughes, 1950-2009. R.I.P.
John Hughes, writer/producer/director, died suddenly today while jogging in New York's Central Park. He was only 59 years old.
Hughes is best known as a director even though he only directed eight films. But if you grew up in the 1980s, chances are you saw films like Sixteen Candles (1984), The Breakfast Club (1985) Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986), Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987) and Uncle Buck (1989). Those last two movies starred John Candy, another comic genius who died too young.
Hughes also produced a number of films including Some Kind of Wonderful (1987), Home Alone (1990) and Only The Lonely (1991), another movie that starred Candy. He also had a small role in Home Alone.
Home Alone resonated with me when it came out for this simple reason. When my family moved from Thunder Bay to Victoria, British Columbia (and back) and did so by car I had this fear that I would be left behind and forgotten at one of our stops. Of course, such a fear was irrational. But isn't most fear? Yet moving causes uncertainty especially if you don't know where you stand in the grand scheme of things. Home Alone tapped into those feelings in a humorous yet poignant way. After watching that movie I knew that I wasn't the first child to experience that anxiety and that I wouldn't be the last.
John Hughes made people into household names. Ben Stein would have had a brilliant career as a lawyer, economist, academic and political speechwriter. But he would not have been a household name had he not been cast as a monotone high school economics teacher in Ferris Bueller. To be candid, I was never a fan of that movie but Stein was the best part of it. Stein had an opportunity to pay tribute to Hughes in an interview he did over the phone with Neil Cavuto. Stein described Hughes "as the poet of the youth of post-war America, he was to them what Shakespeare was to the Elizabethean age." Now that is a tribute.
Hughes is best known as a director even though he only directed eight films. But if you grew up in the 1980s, chances are you saw films like Sixteen Candles (1984), The Breakfast Club (1985) Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986), Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987) and Uncle Buck (1989). Those last two movies starred John Candy, another comic genius who died too young.
Hughes also produced a number of films including Some Kind of Wonderful (1987), Home Alone (1990) and Only The Lonely (1991), another movie that starred Candy. He also had a small role in Home Alone.
Home Alone resonated with me when it came out for this simple reason. When my family moved from Thunder Bay to Victoria, British Columbia (and back) and did so by car I had this fear that I would be left behind and forgotten at one of our stops. Of course, such a fear was irrational. But isn't most fear? Yet moving causes uncertainty especially if you don't know where you stand in the grand scheme of things. Home Alone tapped into those feelings in a humorous yet poignant way. After watching that movie I knew that I wasn't the first child to experience that anxiety and that I wouldn't be the last.
John Hughes made people into household names. Ben Stein would have had a brilliant career as a lawyer, economist, academic and political speechwriter. But he would not have been a household name had he not been cast as a monotone high school economics teacher in Ferris Bueller. To be candid, I was never a fan of that movie but Stein was the best part of it. Stein had an opportunity to pay tribute to Hughes in an interview he did over the phone with Neil Cavuto. Stein described Hughes "as the poet of the youth of post-war America, he was to them what Shakespeare was to the Elizabethean age." Now that is a tribute.
Is John Brennan Trying To Suck Up To Andrew Sullivan?
John O. Brennan, the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, gave a speech repudiating the Bush Administration's War on Terror.
Brennan denied the United States was involved in a global war against terrorism nor Islamic fundamentalism and instead said terrorism was driven by "root causes" that were best addressed by global co-operation:
Brennan used that insight to explain the basis for the Obama administration’s approach to global governance, stability and development assistance. “Any comprehensive approach has to also address the upstream factors — the conditions that help fuel violent extremism,” Brennan said. Military, intelligence or law-enforcement actions are unable to confront those conditions, which he said include the “basic needs and legitimate grievances of ordinary people” for prosperity, education, “dignity and worth,” and security. “If we fail to confront the broader political, economic, and social conditions in which extremists thrive, then there will always be another recruit in the pipeline, another attack coming downstream,” Brennan said.
Yet many of the 9/11 hijackers came from middle-class backgrounds and were not deprived of educational opportunities. Mohammed Atta studied architecture in Germany. Satam al-Suqami studied law in Saudi Arabia as did Majed Moqed. Ziad Jarrah grew up in a wealthy family in Lebanon. So Brennan's analysis is simply wrong.
But one must remember that Brennan was due to be pegged as Obama's CIA Director but was forced to withdraw when the Left squawked. The only thing left to ask is if Brennan has finally succeeded in pleasing Andrew Sullivan?
Brennan denied the United States was involved in a global war against terrorism nor Islamic fundamentalism and instead said terrorism was driven by "root causes" that were best addressed by global co-operation:
Brennan used that insight to explain the basis for the Obama administration’s approach to global governance, stability and development assistance. “Any comprehensive approach has to also address the upstream factors — the conditions that help fuel violent extremism,” Brennan said. Military, intelligence or law-enforcement actions are unable to confront those conditions, which he said include the “basic needs and legitimate grievances of ordinary people” for prosperity, education, “dignity and worth,” and security. “If we fail to confront the broader political, economic, and social conditions in which extremists thrive, then there will always be another recruit in the pipeline, another attack coming downstream,” Brennan said.
Yet many of the 9/11 hijackers came from middle-class backgrounds and were not deprived of educational opportunities. Mohammed Atta studied architecture in Germany. Satam al-Suqami studied law in Saudi Arabia as did Majed Moqed. Ziad Jarrah grew up in a wealthy family in Lebanon. So Brennan's analysis is simply wrong.
But one must remember that Brennan was due to be pegged as Obama's CIA Director but was forced to withdraw when the Left squawked. The only thing left to ask is if Brennan has finally succeeded in pleasing Andrew Sullivan?
Fatah Calls For Probe Into Arafat's Death
For the first time in two decades, Fatah has convened a political convention. And what do they do to seize this moment?
Establish a committee to probe PLO founder Yasser Arafat's death for which they already hold Israel responsible.
Remember it is Fatah, headed up by Mahmoud Abbas, who the Obama Administration (and for that matter the Bush Administration before it) declared as Israel's partner in peace. These are the people who are held up as the moderate elements in Palestinian civil society.
As the late Israeli statesman Abba Eban put it, "The Palestinians never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity." Except when it comes to blaming all of its ills on Israel.
Establish a committee to probe PLO founder Yasser Arafat's death for which they already hold Israel responsible.
Remember it is Fatah, headed up by Mahmoud Abbas, who the Obama Administration (and for that matter the Bush Administration before it) declared as Israel's partner in peace. These are the people who are held up as the moderate elements in Palestinian civil society.
As the late Israeli statesman Abba Eban put it, "The Palestinians never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity." Except when it comes to blaming all of its ills on Israel.
Donald Marshall, Jr. 1953-2009. R.I.P.
Donald Marshall, Jr. died today of complications from a 2003 lung transplant. He was 55.
The name Donald Marshall, Jr. is unfamiliar to most Americans but he was a household name in Canada.
Marshall, Jr. was a Mi'kmaq Indian who became famous for spending 11 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. He had been sentenced to life in prison for the 1971 murder of his friend Sandy Seale. However, several witnesses came forward later to recant their statements and his conviction was overturned by the Nova Scotia Court of Appeals in 1983.
However, the presiding judge stated that Marshall, Jr. was to blame for his incarceration calling him "the author of his own misfortune." In 1989, the Canadian government launched a Royal Commission looking into his wrongful conviction. It led to changes in rules of evidence regarding disclosure. Marshall, Jr. would also receive compensation for his wrongful conviction. Roy Ebsary, the man who actually stabbed Seale to death, spent only a year in prison on manslaughter before he died.
Unlike the arrest of Henry Louis Gates, Jr., racism certainly played a role in the arrest and wrongful conviction of Donald Marshall, Jr. It is worth noting there have been several Canadians who were not Aboriginal who were the recipient of wrongful murder convictions (i.e. David Milgaard, Guy-Paul Morin.) But based on my own experiences growing up in Canada and those of people like Marshall, Jr., I believe Aboriginal Canadians face far more serious racism than do African-Americans today.
In 1999, Marshall, Jr. would again make Canadian legal history when he was at the center of a fishing rights dispute concerning Treaty Aboriginals (that is Aboriginal Canadians who live on reservations.) This ruling would also apply to Aboriginal hunting and gathering practices for Treaty Aboriginals living in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Of course, the ruling did not please non-Aboriginal hunters and anglers who have long argued everyone should be subject to the same law. I'm not unsympathetic to that position. But there are circumstances under which one must treat people differently in order to treat them fairly. Most non-Aboriginal hunters and anglers are in it for recreational purposes while most Aboriginal hunters and anglers do so to make a living. That is something that must be taken into account.
In recent years, Marshall, Jr. had other brushes with the law. He had been accused of attempted murder when he tried to run over another man with his vehicle. The charge was dropped when two agreed to participate in a native healing circle. Marshall, Jr. had also been accused of domestic violence against his wife.
Donald Marshall, Jr. was by no means an angel. But he had a more than a decade of his life unjustly taken away from him. Yet he tried to make the best of things for himself and his community as a free man and for the most part he succeeded.
The name Donald Marshall, Jr. is unfamiliar to most Americans but he was a household name in Canada.
Marshall, Jr. was a Mi'kmaq Indian who became famous for spending 11 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. He had been sentenced to life in prison for the 1971 murder of his friend Sandy Seale. However, several witnesses came forward later to recant their statements and his conviction was overturned by the Nova Scotia Court of Appeals in 1983.
However, the presiding judge stated that Marshall, Jr. was to blame for his incarceration calling him "the author of his own misfortune." In 1989, the Canadian government launched a Royal Commission looking into his wrongful conviction. It led to changes in rules of evidence regarding disclosure. Marshall, Jr. would also receive compensation for his wrongful conviction. Roy Ebsary, the man who actually stabbed Seale to death, spent only a year in prison on manslaughter before he died.
Unlike the arrest of Henry Louis Gates, Jr., racism certainly played a role in the arrest and wrongful conviction of Donald Marshall, Jr. It is worth noting there have been several Canadians who were not Aboriginal who were the recipient of wrongful murder convictions (i.e. David Milgaard, Guy-Paul Morin.) But based on my own experiences growing up in Canada and those of people like Marshall, Jr., I believe Aboriginal Canadians face far more serious racism than do African-Americans today.
In 1999, Marshall, Jr. would again make Canadian legal history when he was at the center of a fishing rights dispute concerning Treaty Aboriginals (that is Aboriginal Canadians who live on reservations.) This ruling would also apply to Aboriginal hunting and gathering practices for Treaty Aboriginals living in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Of course, the ruling did not please non-Aboriginal hunters and anglers who have long argued everyone should be subject to the same law. I'm not unsympathetic to that position. But there are circumstances under which one must treat people differently in order to treat them fairly. Most non-Aboriginal hunters and anglers are in it for recreational purposes while most Aboriginal hunters and anglers do so to make a living. That is something that must be taken into account.
In recent years, Marshall, Jr. had other brushes with the law. He had been accused of attempted murder when he tried to run over another man with his vehicle. The charge was dropped when two agreed to participate in a native healing circle. Marshall, Jr. had also been accused of domestic violence against his wife.
Donald Marshall, Jr. was by no means an angel. But he had a more than a decade of his life unjustly taken away from him. Yet he tried to make the best of things for himself and his community as a free man and for the most part he succeeded.
Aug. 22 - Healthcare protests nationwide
"I happen to be a proponent of single-payer universal health care plan."
- President Barack Obama
2003 AFL CIO conference
-Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA)
Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee
"A public option will put the private insurance industry out of business and lead to single-payer"
-Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)
House Democratic Leadership Chief Deputy Whip
Washington plans to take away your freedom to choose medical care for you and your family...
What are you going to do about it?
Take Action Now!
The Sam Adams Alliance understands that the key to keeping America safe from government controlled medical care is citizen activism. People must get involved in the political process or one of our most cherished freedoms, the right to make our own medical choices, will be taken away.
1. Last month, the Sam Adams Alliance began educating the public on the frightening realities of government mandated care. The video, Health Rations and You, has been viewed more than 60,000 times and has been featured by the Washington Examiner, National Review Online, Fox Nation and Michelle Malkin. If you haven't already, check out the video below as well as the website, Health Administration Bureau, and use these new media tools to educate your family, friends and neighbors on what the future may look like if they don't take action now.
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2. Next, save the date of August 22, 2009, on your calendar and join the Sam Adams Alliance, best-selling author and Sammies Awards presenter Michelle Malkin, as well as our friends at American Majority, Smart Girl Politics, American Liberty Alliance, Americans for Limited Government, Freedom Works and RedState.com as we speak with a unified voice and demand to keep control of our own lives.
Gather your friends and family and plan on attending a rally outside your representative's office. For more information, go to Recessrally.com and sign up for e-mail updates.
3. Finally, make sure you have the knowledge to defeat advocates of government controlled medical care. Check out the Healthcare Portal on the Sam Adams Alliance website at www.healthcare.samadamsalliance.org. The portal is your one stop shop to get the latest information on the healthcare debate including reports and research materials, important blogs as well as websites produced by some of the finest liberty-minded advocacy groups in the nation.
The battle to protect our health care freedom is just beginning. Get involved today before it's too late.
There's Nothing Fishy Going On In The White House - This Time
The Obama Administration has drawn some fire for this blog post concerning health care.
Here is the offending passage in question:
There is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there, spanning from control of personal finances to end of life care. These rumors often travel just below the surface via chain emails or through casual conversation. Since we can’t keep track of all of them here at the White House, we’re asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov.
GOP Senator John Cornyn accused the Obama Administration of drawing up an "enemies list." Meanwhile, Rush Limbaugh said the White House was looking for "tattletales", "snitches" and "informants."
I don't like being in the position of defending the Obama Administration but I believe Senator Cornyn and Limbaugh are overreacting in this instance. All the White House has asked for is for information via e-mail or the web "about health insurance reform that seems fishy." If the Obama Administration had asked for a broader set of information then I think there might be cause for concern.
Whether we like it or not, the Obama Administration has a particular set of objectives - the reformation of health insurance amongst them. For a variety of reasons Obamacare is not resonating with the public. If I were in Obama's shoes and had a specific policy I wanted to implement that I believed was being unjustly maligned I might take a similar tack. It's politically smart because it is a way to keep his political base mobilized. It is the sort of thing we ought to do if and when Republicans regain power.
There are instances when Obama has acted in a heavyhanded manner (Sgt. Crowley immediately comes to mind.) However, I don't believe this is one of them. The worst thing conservatives can do is come off as irrational and paranoid. If the Obama Administration is drawing up an "enemies list" I need much stronger evidence than this blog post. On the heels of the birthers controversy, it is best for conservatives to stick to the issues rather than accuse the Obama Administration of doing something sinister when they are not. So there's nothing fishy going on in the White House - this time.
Here is the offending passage in question:
There is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there, spanning from control of personal finances to end of life care. These rumors often travel just below the surface via chain emails or through casual conversation. Since we can’t keep track of all of them here at the White House, we’re asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov.
GOP Senator John Cornyn accused the Obama Administration of drawing up an "enemies list." Meanwhile, Rush Limbaugh said the White House was looking for "tattletales", "snitches" and "informants."
I don't like being in the position of defending the Obama Administration but I believe Senator Cornyn and Limbaugh are overreacting in this instance. All the White House has asked for is for information via e-mail or the web "about health insurance reform that seems fishy." If the Obama Administration had asked for a broader set of information then I think there might be cause for concern.
Whether we like it or not, the Obama Administration has a particular set of objectives - the reformation of health insurance amongst them. For a variety of reasons Obamacare is not resonating with the public. If I were in Obama's shoes and had a specific policy I wanted to implement that I believed was being unjustly maligned I might take a similar tack. It's politically smart because it is a way to keep his political base mobilized. It is the sort of thing we ought to do if and when Republicans regain power.
There are instances when Obama has acted in a heavyhanded manner (Sgt. Crowley immediately comes to mind.) However, I don't believe this is one of them. The worst thing conservatives can do is come off as irrational and paranoid. If the Obama Administration is drawing up an "enemies list" I need much stronger evidence than this blog post. On the heels of the birthers controversy, it is best for conservatives to stick to the issues rather than accuse the Obama Administration of doing something sinister when they are not. So there's nothing fishy going on in the White House - this time.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
An Evening With Paul McCartney @ Fenway Park
My article on the late William F. Buckley, Jr. and his disdain for The Beatles went up today.
Just in the nick of time for Paul McCartney's concert tonight at Fenway Park in Boston.
This is the first time I've gone to Fenway for anything other than a baseball game. In recent years, Fenway has been hosting concerts with acts such as Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Buffett, the Rolling Stones and Dave Matthews. But this is the first time I've attended any of the Fenway concerts.
The stage was situated in centerfield with the audience in the outfield and in the grandstands. The infield was cordoned off. The logistics involved in putting together a concert like this must be mind boggling. Regardless of the logistics the outfield will look awful when the stage is taken down.
Paul McCartney has a remarkable constitution for a man of 67. He is 30 years older than I am and I probably couldn't keep up with him. The man has enormous energy. I'm sure his vegetarian diet plays a role. But McCartney is a man who usually has a smile on his face and no doubt that helps out too. Rumors of his retirement are greatly exxagerated.
Well, whatever he does it's working. McCartney played a 2½ hour show with two encores. Here are a few highlights.
After playing "Let Me Roll It" from Band on the Run, McCartney and company launched into an impromptu version of "Foxy Lady" by Jimi Hendrix. He then told a story about how Hendrix played songs from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in a concert two days after its release. Hendrix blew out his guitar while playing and asked, "Eric, can you come up and tune the guitar?" The Eric in question was Eric Clapton.
McCartney also told a story about "Blackbird." He said the song was inspired by racial tensions in the U.S. in 1968 and that the "blackbird" represented a black girl. He noted that things in the U.S. have come a very long way. McCartney then played the song solo on his acoustic guitar accompanied only by the singing in the audience.
Naturally, he paid tribute to both John Lennon and George Harrison. His tribute to Lennon came in the form of an acoustic solo rendition of the song "Here Today" which appeared on his 1982 solo album Tug of War. As for Harrison, McCartney replicated something he did when I saw him in concert in 2005 and first did during The Concert for George in November 2002. He played the first part of "Something" on the ukelele before reverting to a more conventional arrangement. Given WFB's affection for the ukelele if he had heard this interpretation of this song perhaps he would have been more receptive to The Beatles.
A surprise addition to the concert was another song off Band on the Run called "Mrs. Vandebilt." If the song title doesn't ring a bell then perhaps the refrain "ho hey ho" might. If that still doesn't ring a bell you can check it out here when he played it in the Ukraine last year.
The special effects utilized during "Live and Let Die" were spectacular.
Of course, there were many songs where people just sang along as was the case with "Yesterday", "Let It Be" and, of course, "Hey Jude." The kids were doing it too. Like I pointed out in the article there are now Beatles fans who were born after George Harrison died. There was one fan at the concert who had sign identifying her as being all of seven years old. If there kids in the audiences who weren't Beatles fans before the show they sure are now.
McCartney plays one more show at Fenway tomorrow night. He will then play shows in Atlanta, Tulsa and Arlington, Texas later this month.
If you have an opportunity to see Paul McCartney in concert, please go. And take your kids or grandkids, if applicable. Not only will a splendid time be had by all but you leave the sports arena with a smile.
Just in the nick of time for Paul McCartney's concert tonight at Fenway Park in Boston.
This is the first time I've gone to Fenway for anything other than a baseball game. In recent years, Fenway has been hosting concerts with acts such as Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Buffett, the Rolling Stones and Dave Matthews. But this is the first time I've attended any of the Fenway concerts.
The stage was situated in centerfield with the audience in the outfield and in the grandstands. The infield was cordoned off. The logistics involved in putting together a concert like this must be mind boggling. Regardless of the logistics the outfield will look awful when the stage is taken down.
Paul McCartney has a remarkable constitution for a man of 67. He is 30 years older than I am and I probably couldn't keep up with him. The man has enormous energy. I'm sure his vegetarian diet plays a role. But McCartney is a man who usually has a smile on his face and no doubt that helps out too. Rumors of his retirement are greatly exxagerated.
Well, whatever he does it's working. McCartney played a 2½ hour show with two encores. Here are a few highlights.
After playing "Let Me Roll It" from Band on the Run, McCartney and company launched into an impromptu version of "Foxy Lady" by Jimi Hendrix. He then told a story about how Hendrix played songs from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in a concert two days after its release. Hendrix blew out his guitar while playing and asked, "Eric, can you come up and tune the guitar?" The Eric in question was Eric Clapton.
McCartney also told a story about "Blackbird." He said the song was inspired by racial tensions in the U.S. in 1968 and that the "blackbird" represented a black girl. He noted that things in the U.S. have come a very long way. McCartney then played the song solo on his acoustic guitar accompanied only by the singing in the audience.
Naturally, he paid tribute to both John Lennon and George Harrison. His tribute to Lennon came in the form of an acoustic solo rendition of the song "Here Today" which appeared on his 1982 solo album Tug of War. As for Harrison, McCartney replicated something he did when I saw him in concert in 2005 and first did during The Concert for George in November 2002. He played the first part of "Something" on the ukelele before reverting to a more conventional arrangement. Given WFB's affection for the ukelele if he had heard this interpretation of this song perhaps he would have been more receptive to The Beatles.
A surprise addition to the concert was another song off Band on the Run called "Mrs. Vandebilt." If the song title doesn't ring a bell then perhaps the refrain "ho hey ho" might. If that still doesn't ring a bell you can check it out here when he played it in the Ukraine last year.
The special effects utilized during "Live and Let Die" were spectacular.
Of course, there were many songs where people just sang along as was the case with "Yesterday", "Let It Be" and, of course, "Hey Jude." The kids were doing it too. Like I pointed out in the article there are now Beatles fans who were born after George Harrison died. There was one fan at the concert who had sign identifying her as being all of seven years old. If there kids in the audiences who weren't Beatles fans before the show they sure are now.
McCartney plays one more show at Fenway tomorrow night. He will then play shows in Atlanta, Tulsa and Arlington, Texas later this month.
If you have an opportunity to see Paul McCartney in concert, please go. And take your kids or grandkids, if applicable. Not only will a splendid time be had by all but you leave the sports arena with a smile.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Gibbs & Reid Question Sincerity of Obamacare Critics
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs is doing his best not to take seriously those who oppose President Obama's health care reforms. Gibbs dismissed the anger that has been expressed at town hall meetings as having been manufactured. This comes on the heels of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid dismissing those who oppose Obamacare as having "loud, shrill voices."
OK, let them dismiss the sincerity of those who disagree with President Obama's health care policies. It is those loud, shrill voices with their manufactured anger who could cost Democratic politicians their jobs in the 2010 mid-term elections.
OK, let them dismiss the sincerity of those who disagree with President Obama's health care policies. It is those loud, shrill voices with their manufactured anger who could cost Democratic politicians their jobs in the 2010 mid-term elections.
Thoughts on the Three Americans Being Held Hostage in Iran
Several days ago, Iran took three Americans into custody.
The three Americans - Shane Bauer, Sara Shourd and Josh Fattal - were hiking in the mountains of Iraq's Kurdish region when they crossed into Iranian territory, most likely unknowingly.
Iran has naturally accused them of being "CIA agents." By all appearances they are anything but.
Bauer went to Iraq to cover the Kurdish elections. He is a writer and photographer for the New America Media. The NAM describes its mission as "dedicated to bring the voices of the marginalized - ethnic minorities, immigrants, young people, elderly - into the national discourse." The usual left-wing crunchy granola. For his part, Bauer has written articles such as this one which suggest the Iraq Special Operations Forces could be acting as Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki's death squad.
Well, whatever one might think of Bauer's articles or whatever one might think of the wisdom of Bauer and his comrades in hiking near the Iraq-Iran border, Iran should not be kidnapping our citizens. This is Roxana Saberi all over again. And don't think for a moment the Iranians aren't watching Bill Clinton talking to Kim Jong-Il about obtaining the releases of Euna Lee and Laura Ling from North Korean custody? Wouldn't the Iranians love for Clinton - Bill or Hillary - to come talk to Ahmadinejad to obtain the release of American civilians?
Iran and North Korea are giving the rest of the world the impression that they can kidnap American citizens and be rewarded for it and the Obama Administration isn't doing anything to dissuade that notion. Unless Iran and North Korea learn there is a steep price to be paid for taking Americans hostage then other rogue regimes will soon follow. Can you say Venezuela?
The three Americans - Shane Bauer, Sara Shourd and Josh Fattal - were hiking in the mountains of Iraq's Kurdish region when they crossed into Iranian territory, most likely unknowingly.
Iran has naturally accused them of being "CIA agents." By all appearances they are anything but.
Bauer went to Iraq to cover the Kurdish elections. He is a writer and photographer for the New America Media. The NAM describes its mission as "dedicated to bring the voices of the marginalized - ethnic minorities, immigrants, young people, elderly - into the national discourse." The usual left-wing crunchy granola. For his part, Bauer has written articles such as this one which suggest the Iraq Special Operations Forces could be acting as Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki's death squad.
Well, whatever one might think of Bauer's articles or whatever one might think of the wisdom of Bauer and his comrades in hiking near the Iraq-Iran border, Iran should not be kidnapping our citizens. This is Roxana Saberi all over again. And don't think for a moment the Iranians aren't watching Bill Clinton talking to Kim Jong-Il about obtaining the releases of Euna Lee and Laura Ling from North Korean custody? Wouldn't the Iranians love for Clinton - Bill or Hillary - to come talk to Ahmadinejad to obtain the release of American civilians?
Iran and North Korea are giving the rest of the world the impression that they can kidnap American citizens and be rewarded for it and the Obama Administration isn't doing anything to dissuade that notion. Unless Iran and North Korea learn there is a steep price to be paid for taking Americans hostage then other rogue regimes will soon follow. Can you say Venezuela?
Happy Birthday, Mr. President
Today is President Obama's 48th birthday.
So let me put in my two cents on the controversy surrounding his birth certificate.
I think conservatives should let this one go. We gain nothing by pursuing it. There are far more egregious things the Obama Administration has done that warrant our attention and scrutiny. Those who insist on pursuing the matter of his birth certificate make conservatives vulnerable to charges of nativism and xenophobia.
Besides if there was any substance to it don't you think Hillary would have uncovered it?
President Obama should be judged by what he says and does on August 4, 2009 and beyond.
President Obama should not be judged by where he was in the world on August 4, 1961.
With that I would like to wish the President a happy birthday.
So let me put in my two cents on the controversy surrounding his birth certificate.
I think conservatives should let this one go. We gain nothing by pursuing it. There are far more egregious things the Obama Administration has done that warrant our attention and scrutiny. Those who insist on pursuing the matter of his birth certificate make conservatives vulnerable to charges of nativism and xenophobia.
Besides if there was any substance to it don't you think Hillary would have uncovered it?
President Obama should be judged by what he says and does on August 4, 2009 and beyond.
President Obama should not be judged by where he was in the world on August 4, 1961.
With that I would like to wish the President a happy birthday.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Mr. Clinton Goes to Pyongyang
Former President Bill Clinton has arrived in North Korea to seek the release of American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee.
Ling and Lee were detained by North Korean authorities in March when they were accused of illegally crossing over into North Korea via China. In June, the two were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor for this offense and other "hostile acts."
Obviously, I hope both women are released so they can both go back home. They should not spend another minute in captivity. But Kim Jong-Il and his cadre must be dancing in the streets. First, they kidnap two Americans. Then they launch a series of test missiles to taunt President Obama. We respond to North Korea by sending in a former U.S. President - the same former U.S. President who made a deal with the North Koreans. A deal I might add which they did not honor.
Kim Jong-Il and company are going to get what they want - food and money. They'll keep the food for Communist Party elites and spend the money on their nuclear weapons technology. All of which means more nuclear weapons testing and more hostile acts against American citizens.
Despite all the chaos in Iran, Ahmadinejad and the Mullahs are watching this spectacle with great interest and are counting the days before they become the next North Korea.
Ling and Lee were detained by North Korean authorities in March when they were accused of illegally crossing over into North Korea via China. In June, the two were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor for this offense and other "hostile acts."
Obviously, I hope both women are released so they can both go back home. They should not spend another minute in captivity. But Kim Jong-Il and his cadre must be dancing in the streets. First, they kidnap two Americans. Then they launch a series of test missiles to taunt President Obama. We respond to North Korea by sending in a former U.S. President - the same former U.S. President who made a deal with the North Koreans. A deal I might add which they did not honor.
Kim Jong-Il and company are going to get what they want - food and money. They'll keep the food for Communist Party elites and spend the money on their nuclear weapons technology. All of which means more nuclear weapons testing and more hostile acts against American citizens.
Despite all the chaos in Iran, Ahmadinejad and the Mullahs are watching this spectacle with great interest and are counting the days before they become the next North Korea.
Thoughts on the False Sarah Palin Divorce Rumors
Some quick thoughts on the unsubstantiated Sarah and Todd Palin divorce rumor.
There is a certain tone of high school gossip that is adopted when discussing Sarah Palin. The fact that this tone continues even though she now holds no public office is very telling indeed.
Whether one claims Sarah Palin is baby Trig's grandmother rather than mother; whether one claims Palin answered the door to her hotel room wearing only a towel; whether one claims Palin doesn't know Africa is a continent or whether one now claims the Palins are divorcing there is a segment of the population that believes these claims because they want to believe the worst about Sarah Palin.
As I wrote last November in my article, "Sarah Palin is the Israel of American Politics":
Those who hate Sarah Palin will go to the ends of the earth to destroy her.
If one genuinely disagrees with Palin's point of view or policies then fine. No one is under any obligation to cast a ballot for her should she seek public office again. But why bring her spouse and children into it? Because the more this is done towards Sarah Palin the more this will solidify her existing support.
Such behavior will also draw people to her who might not otherwise agree with everything she says or does. These people will be drawn to her side because they a) are not satisfied with the progress of the Obama Administration b) want something more from Obama supporters than rumor, innuendo and unfair personal attacks and c) like just enough of what Palin has to say to give her a chance.
This final reason is why Sarah Palin is a force with whom to be reckoned. It is also why the Left and a some condescending conservatives are scared to death of her and are willing to go to the ends of the earth to bring about her demise - political or otherwise.
There is a certain tone of high school gossip that is adopted when discussing Sarah Palin. The fact that this tone continues even though she now holds no public office is very telling indeed.
Whether one claims Sarah Palin is baby Trig's grandmother rather than mother; whether one claims Palin answered the door to her hotel room wearing only a towel; whether one claims Palin doesn't know Africa is a continent or whether one now claims the Palins are divorcing there is a segment of the population that believes these claims because they want to believe the worst about Sarah Palin.
As I wrote last November in my article, "Sarah Palin is the Israel of American Politics":
Those who hate Sarah Palin will go to the ends of the earth to destroy her.
If one genuinely disagrees with Palin's point of view or policies then fine. No one is under any obligation to cast a ballot for her should she seek public office again. But why bring her spouse and children into it? Because the more this is done towards Sarah Palin the more this will solidify her existing support.
Such behavior will also draw people to her who might not otherwise agree with everything she says or does. These people will be drawn to her side because they a) are not satisfied with the progress of the Obama Administration b) want something more from Obama supporters than rumor, innuendo and unfair personal attacks and c) like just enough of what Palin has to say to give her a chance.
This final reason is why Sarah Palin is a force with whom to be reckoned. It is also why the Left and a some condescending conservatives are scared to death of her and are willing to go to the ends of the earth to bring about her demise - political or otherwise.
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