Writer Larry Gelbart has died after a long battle with cancer. He was 81.
Gelbart was a successful writer on Broadway, film and television. He cut his teeth writing for Danny Thomas and Sid Caesar (if writing for Thomas and Caesar didn't make your teeth sharp then nothing would.) Gelbart is, of course, best known for bringing M*A*S*H to television in 1972 and would remain with the show until 1976.
After leaving M*A*S*H, Gelbart co-wrote screenplays for movies like Oh God! starring George Burns, Tootsie starring Dustin Hoffman as well as the far less heralded Blame It On Rio starring Michael Caine, a very young Demi Moore and an even younger Michelle Johnson.
In recent years, Gelbart blogged on The Huffington Post.
Friday, September 11, 2009
James Pouillon, 194?-2009. R.I.P.
James Pouillon, an anti-abortion activist, was shot and killed this morning as he exercised his right to peacefully protest outside a high school in Owosso, Michigan. He was 63.
It is interesting that The Flint Journal saw fit to publish his arrest record between 1994 and 2003. Somehow I doubt The Flint Journal did the same when Dr. George Tiller was murdered last May.
It is worth noting Pouillon condemned Tiller's murder. Indeed, most of the pro-life movement did the same including the National Right to Life Committee. Contrast the response of the NRLC to Tiller's murder to NARAL Pro-Choice America's response to Pouillon's murder.
Now it is true that Pouillon wasn't the only victim in Owosso. Mike Fuoss, a local businessman, was also murdered this morning. Authorities have arrested Harlan Drake and he has been charged with two counts of first degree murder. It also appears that Drake was planning on killing another Owosso resident but taken into custody before he could carry out his plans.
It is possible Drake might have motivated to kill Pouillon for reasons other than his anti-abortion activism. But the fact Pouillon was killed while he was protesting should give one pause.
It is interesting that The Flint Journal saw fit to publish his arrest record between 1994 and 2003. Somehow I doubt The Flint Journal did the same when Dr. George Tiller was murdered last May.
It is worth noting Pouillon condemned Tiller's murder. Indeed, most of the pro-life movement did the same including the National Right to Life Committee. Contrast the response of the NRLC to Tiller's murder to NARAL Pro-Choice America's response to Pouillon's murder.
Now it is true that Pouillon wasn't the only victim in Owosso. Mike Fuoss, a local businessman, was also murdered this morning. Authorities have arrested Harlan Drake and he has been charged with two counts of first degree murder. It also appears that Drake was planning on killing another Owosso resident but taken into custody before he could carry out his plans.
It is possible Drake might have motivated to kill Pouillon for reasons other than his anti-abortion activism. But the fact Pouillon was killed while he was protesting should give one pause.
Thoughts on President Obama's 9/11 Remarks at the Pentagon Memorial
This morning President Obama gave a short speech during the wreath laying ceremony at the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.
I was struck by this passage in particular:
Let us renew our resolve against those who perpetrated this barbaric act and who plot against us still. In defense of our nation we will never waver; in pursuit of al Qaeda and its extremist allies, we will never falter.
Let us renew our commitment to all those who serve in our defense -- our courageous men and women in uniform and their families and all those who protect us here at home. Mindful that the work of protecting America is never finished, we will do everything in our power to keep America safe.
Unfortunately, President Obama's words ring hollow. He has certainly waivered in defense of our nation by apologizing for it whenever he goes abroad. Let us recall when he said last June in Cairo:
And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter or forget our principles. Nine-eleven was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our traditions and our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year.
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the architect of September 11, 2001, is currently housed at Guantanamo Bay, has been subject to enhanced interrogation techniques and as a result of said techniques revealed information that thwarted other planned terrorist attacks inside the United States and abroad.
Yet Attorney General Eric Holder is proceeding with plans that may result in the prosecution of those in the CIA who employed these enhanced interrogation tactics against Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. In so doing the Obama Administration is demonstrating a greater resolve against our own intelligence community than it is against al Qaeda.
So, Mr. President, can you tell us where Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is going when you close Guantanamo?
I was struck by this passage in particular:
Let us renew our resolve against those who perpetrated this barbaric act and who plot against us still. In defense of our nation we will never waver; in pursuit of al Qaeda and its extremist allies, we will never falter.
Let us renew our commitment to all those who serve in our defense -- our courageous men and women in uniform and their families and all those who protect us here at home. Mindful that the work of protecting America is never finished, we will do everything in our power to keep America safe.
Unfortunately, President Obama's words ring hollow. He has certainly waivered in defense of our nation by apologizing for it whenever he goes abroad. Let us recall when he said last June in Cairo:
And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter or forget our principles. Nine-eleven was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our traditions and our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year.
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the architect of September 11, 2001, is currently housed at Guantanamo Bay, has been subject to enhanced interrogation techniques and as a result of said techniques revealed information that thwarted other planned terrorist attacks inside the United States and abroad.
Yet Attorney General Eric Holder is proceeding with plans that may result in the prosecution of those in the CIA who employed these enhanced interrogation tactics against Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. In so doing the Obama Administration is demonstrating a greater resolve against our own intelligence community than it is against al Qaeda.
So, Mr. President, can you tell us where Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is going when you close Guantanamo?
My Visit to the 9/11 Memorial in the Boston Public Garden
It is not unusual for me to walk in the Boston Public Garden during my lunch hour. Normally, I walk either around the perimeter of the park or around the duck pond.
Today, however, I visited the small 9/11 memorial Garden of Remembrance located at the foot of the park. The memorial is in honor of the 206 people from Massachusetts who died on September 11, 2001. Most perished aboard American Airlines Flight 11 or United Airlines Flight 175 both of which departed Boston's Logan International Airport that morning and crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center. Others perished on the ground at the World Trade Center whether as civilians or as members of the FDNY or the Port Authority of New Jersey & New York.
There was a small crowd gathered around the memorial. Fortunately, unlike last year, there was no anti-Bush outburst. This year I saw only quiet reflection accompanied by flowers, notes and photographs of the deceased leaning up against the memorial.
While most of the carnage took place in New York City part of the journey which led to the carnage began in Boston. The attacks of September 11, 2001 were also an assault upon people living here. This is, unfortunately, one of the many things that has been forgotten about September 11, 2001 in the intervening eight years.
Today, however, I visited the small 9/11 memorial Garden of Remembrance located at the foot of the park. The memorial is in honor of the 206 people from Massachusetts who died on September 11, 2001. Most perished aboard American Airlines Flight 11 or United Airlines Flight 175 both of which departed Boston's Logan International Airport that morning and crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center. Others perished on the ground at the World Trade Center whether as civilians or as members of the FDNY or the Port Authority of New Jersey & New York.
There was a small crowd gathered around the memorial. Fortunately, unlike last year, there was no anti-Bush outburst. This year I saw only quiet reflection accompanied by flowers, notes and photographs of the deceased leaning up against the memorial.
While most of the carnage took place in New York City part of the journey which led to the carnage began in Boston. The attacks of September 11, 2001 were also an assault upon people living here. This is, unfortunately, one of the many things that has been forgotten about September 11, 2001 in the intervening eight years.
No Mention of September 11th on YouTube
National Review's Jonah Goldberg notes that Google's home page makes no mention of September 11, 2001.
Well, if you look on YouTube today the spotlight is on Michael Jordan's induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
I have no objection to YouTube spotlighting Jordan's achievements but not today. To not acknowledge September 11, 2001 demonstrates a glaring lack of priorities and no sense of history.
Well, if you look on YouTube today the spotlight is on Michael Jordan's induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
I have no objection to YouTube spotlighting Jordan's achievements but not today. To not acknowledge September 11, 2001 demonstrates a glaring lack of priorities and no sense of history.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Thoughts on Rep. Joe Wilson
Congressman Joe Wilson rightly apologized to President Obama for heckling him during last night's health care address. When Obama said his reforms would not provide coverage to illegal immigrants, Wilson retorted, "You lie!"
In truth, Wilson gave the liberal media a gift horse. Instead of focusing their attention on how Obama can possibly spend $900 billion on health care reform without adding a dime to the deficit they are shining their scrutiny on Wilson. Dana Millbank of The Washington Post must have been salivating when he wrote this intro in his column on Obama's speech:
As President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress on Wednesday night, the nation's rapidly deteriorating discourse hit yet another low.
Yet moments before Wilson's intemperate outburst, President Obama himself used the word "lie.":
Some of people's concerns have grown out of bogus claims spread by those whose only agenda is to kill reform at any cost. The best example is the claim made not just by radio and cable talk show hosts, but by prominent politicians, that we plan to set up panels of bureaucrats with the power to kill off senior citizens. Now, such a charge would be laughable if it weren't so cynical and irresponsible. It is a lie, plain and simple.
Well, there is some disagreement about that. So who exactly is being uncivil?
President Obama, of course, was referring to Sarah Palin. Yet Obama was smart enough not to mention her by name. Wilson, on the other hand, directly addressed Obama and in doing so may have given Obama the opening he needs to win over the public on Obamacare.
In truth, Wilson gave the liberal media a gift horse. Instead of focusing their attention on how Obama can possibly spend $900 billion on health care reform without adding a dime to the deficit they are shining their scrutiny on Wilson. Dana Millbank of The Washington Post must have been salivating when he wrote this intro in his column on Obama's speech:
As President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress on Wednesday night, the nation's rapidly deteriorating discourse hit yet another low.
Yet moments before Wilson's intemperate outburst, President Obama himself used the word "lie.":
Some of people's concerns have grown out of bogus claims spread by those whose only agenda is to kill reform at any cost. The best example is the claim made not just by radio and cable talk show hosts, but by prominent politicians, that we plan to set up panels of bureaucrats with the power to kill off senior citizens. Now, such a charge would be laughable if it weren't so cynical and irresponsible. It is a lie, plain and simple.
Well, there is some disagreement about that. So who exactly is being uncivil?
President Obama, of course, was referring to Sarah Palin. Yet Obama was smart enough not to mention her by name. Wilson, on the other hand, directly addressed Obama and in doing so may have given Obama the opening he needs to win over the public on Obamacare.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Thoughts on Obama's Health Care Speech
I watched the rerun of President Obama's health care speech tonight.
When the President says his plan will cost $900 billion without adding a dime to the deficit he is basically telling us we can all go to heaven without dying. Let us remember that it was only a couple of weeks ago the White House revised its long term deficit projections by more than $2 billion. If Obama can't get deficit projections right why should I believe he can properly project health care spending? The notion that health care costs can be contained and savings can be achieved by eliminating fraud and waste in Medicare and Medicaid is, to quote Hillary Clinton, a willing suspension of disbelief.
What I was looking for from Obama tonight was how the new system would be an improvement over the present one. Well, I'm still waiting. He blasted health insurance companies for cherry picking by insuring healthy consumers while rejecting or dropping sick policy holders. That's all well and good yet the same sort of thing happens under public health care systems that when they ration care. The patient is denied coverage for health care just the same.
President Obama repeated the claim that if you like your present health insurance you can keep it. But how can he make such a promise? Private companies change insurance providers all the time. There's nothing to prevent companies from opting to change insurance providers nor should there be if a company is better served by a competitor.
It's a little ripe for the President to lack of civility in the health care debate at the conclusion of his remarks when during the body of his remarks he accused those who disagreed with him of using scare tactics and telling tall tales. He all but called Sarah Palin a liar (but at least she's getting under his thin skin.) Yet it is not helpful when Obama says, "If you misrepresent what is in this plan we will call you out." In other words it is a sin to disagree with The Anointed One. It is also not constructive to bring the War in Iraq or President Bush's tax cuts into the mix. If I were a Republican lawmaker statements like that would not lead me to believe that he is open to suggestion notwithstanding the bone he threw them on tort reform.
My reservations notwithstanding I understand the appeal of a public option to some. It does to some extent alleviate the anxiety involved in the high costs of health care. The fact is few people could afford to pay for most medical procedures out of their own pocket. If President Obama convinces people his plan will prevent them from going bankrupt when a catastrophic health problem arises then he will have turned the corner. However, President Obama insults our intelligence if he seriously believes his plans for health care will not add a dime to the deficit. So at the moment the jury is still out.
Of course, if the American public still doesn't buy into Obamacare we might end up getting it whether we want it or not. In which case, voters will likely turn on Democrats en masse in November 2010. Yet that might be precisely what Obama wants. Obama would love to run against a Republican controlled Congress in 2012. It worked for Bill Clinton. Hillarycare failed. The GOP gains control of both Houses in midterm elections and two years later Clinton is re-elected in a landslide.
But what good does it do our health care system if the President is in while the doctor is out.
When the President says his plan will cost $900 billion without adding a dime to the deficit he is basically telling us we can all go to heaven without dying. Let us remember that it was only a couple of weeks ago the White House revised its long term deficit projections by more than $2 billion. If Obama can't get deficit projections right why should I believe he can properly project health care spending? The notion that health care costs can be contained and savings can be achieved by eliminating fraud and waste in Medicare and Medicaid is, to quote Hillary Clinton, a willing suspension of disbelief.
What I was looking for from Obama tonight was how the new system would be an improvement over the present one. Well, I'm still waiting. He blasted health insurance companies for cherry picking by insuring healthy consumers while rejecting or dropping sick policy holders. That's all well and good yet the same sort of thing happens under public health care systems that when they ration care. The patient is denied coverage for health care just the same.
President Obama repeated the claim that if you like your present health insurance you can keep it. But how can he make such a promise? Private companies change insurance providers all the time. There's nothing to prevent companies from opting to change insurance providers nor should there be if a company is better served by a competitor.
It's a little ripe for the President to lack of civility in the health care debate at the conclusion of his remarks when during the body of his remarks he accused those who disagreed with him of using scare tactics and telling tall tales. He all but called Sarah Palin a liar (but at least she's getting under his thin skin.) Yet it is not helpful when Obama says, "If you misrepresent what is in this plan we will call you out." In other words it is a sin to disagree with The Anointed One. It is also not constructive to bring the War in Iraq or President Bush's tax cuts into the mix. If I were a Republican lawmaker statements like that would not lead me to believe that he is open to suggestion notwithstanding the bone he threw them on tort reform.
My reservations notwithstanding I understand the appeal of a public option to some. It does to some extent alleviate the anxiety involved in the high costs of health care. The fact is few people could afford to pay for most medical procedures out of their own pocket. If President Obama convinces people his plan will prevent them from going bankrupt when a catastrophic health problem arises then he will have turned the corner. However, President Obama insults our intelligence if he seriously believes his plans for health care will not add a dime to the deficit. So at the moment the jury is still out.
Of course, if the American public still doesn't buy into Obamacare we might end up getting it whether we want it or not. In which case, voters will likely turn on Democrats en masse in November 2010. Yet that might be precisely what Obama wants. Obama would love to run against a Republican controlled Congress in 2012. It worked for Bill Clinton. Hillarycare failed. The GOP gains control of both Houses in midterm elections and two years later Clinton is re-elected in a landslide.
But what good does it do our health care system if the President is in while the doctor is out.
Thoughts on Obama's Speech to Schoolchildren
The headline of this morning's Metro newspaper (which appears in various cities with subway lines such as Boston) reads:
Obama speech gets schoolkids thinking
That might be wishful thinking on the part of the person who wrote that caption.
I can understand the reservations of some parents who thought the President might engage in indoctrination. But even if he did how many kids are really paying attention?
I'm sure most of those kids were waiting for recess or lunch. Obama might be bringing change to America but kids haven't changed that much.
Obama speech gets schoolkids thinking
That might be wishful thinking on the part of the person who wrote that caption.
I can understand the reservations of some parents who thought the President might engage in indoctrination. But even if he did how many kids are really paying attention?
I'm sure most of those kids were waiting for recess or lunch. Obama might be bringing change to America but kids haven't changed that much.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Hugo Chavez Flies Red Flag on Red Carpet
Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez made an appearance at the Venice Film Festival yesterday for the premiere of Oliver Stone's South of the Border, a documentary about Hugo Chavez's favorite subject - Hugo Chavez.
The film was written by noted British Trotskyite Tariq Ali.
Chavez traveled to Venice after spending a couple of days in Iran with his BFF, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and agreed to sell him 20,000 barrels of oil a day. He also spent some time in Syria where he described Israel as a nation that "annihilates" people.
I wonder how long it will be before Stone makes fawning documentaries about Ahmadinejad and Assad.
The film was written by noted British Trotskyite Tariq Ali.
Chavez traveled to Venice after spending a couple of days in Iran with his BFF, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and agreed to sell him 20,000 barrels of oil a day. He also spent some time in Syria where he described Israel as a nation that "annihilates" people.
I wonder how long it will be before Stone makes fawning documentaries about Ahmadinejad and Assad.
Massachusetts Next Senator Won't Be a Kennedy
Well, Massachusetts next Senator won't be a Kennedy.
Today, former Congressman Joe Kennedy announced he would not make a bid for the Democratic Party nomination to succeed his uncle. He will remain with Citizens Energy, the organization he founded thirty years ago and is best known for buying oil from Hugo Chavez.
Needless to say this makes the Democratic primary wide open. Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has already declared but look for her to have company very soon from current and former members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation. Ed Markey, Michael Capuano and Stephen Lynch are expected to make bids as is Marty Meehan, a former Congressman who is now the President of the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.
But if Curt Schilling decides to seek the Republican nomination one must wonder if Massachusetts next Senator will be a Democrat.
Today, former Congressman Joe Kennedy announced he would not make a bid for the Democratic Party nomination to succeed his uncle. He will remain with Citizens Energy, the organization he founded thirty years ago and is best known for buying oil from Hugo Chavez.
Needless to say this makes the Democratic primary wide open. Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has already declared but look for her to have company very soon from current and former members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation. Ed Markey, Michael Capuano and Stephen Lynch are expected to make bids as is Marty Meehan, a former Congressman who is now the President of the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.
But if Curt Schilling decides to seek the Republican nomination one must wonder if Massachusetts next Senator will be a Democrat.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Anti-Israel Letter Sent to Toronto International Film Festival
I spoke with my mother on the phone earlier today. She told me the 34th Annual Toronto International Film Festival is being targeted by anti-Israel protesters because the festival is spotlighting films from Tel Aviv in honor of the city's 100th anniversary.
An open letter was submitted to festival organizers that was signed by, amongst others, Jane Fonda, Danny Glover, David Byrne of The Talking Heads, writer Alice Walker and Eve Ensler of The Vagina Monologues fame. The letter itself was drafted by, amongst others, anti-globalization activist Naomi Klein and Canadian filmmaker John Greyson.
My mother told me that Greyson withdrew his short film Covered from the festival and will instead organize a screening at the Toronto Palestinian Film Festival which begins later this month. This is precious when you consider that Greyson is openly gay and his films deal with homosexuality. The Palestinian Authority isn't exactly known for its gay friendly attitude. Greyson would be wise to read an article written by Yossi Klein Halevi for The New Republic in August 2002 that described the plight of gay Palestinians. If he did he would discover that if you are gay in the Palestinian territories and want to live you go to Israel.
The letter accuses organizers of being "complicit in the Israeli propaganda machine." It describes Tel Aviv as having been "built on destroyed Palestinian villages" also absurdly evokes imagery of South Africa during the Apartheid era:
Looking at modern, sophisticated Tel Aviv without also considering the city’s past and the realities of Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza strip, would be like rhapsodizing about the beauty and elegant lifestyles in white-only Cape Town or Johannesburg during apartheid without acknowledging the corresponding black townships of Khayelitsha and Soweto.
Yet there is a film about Jaffa playing during the festival titled (what else?) Jaffa.
It is clear that Israeli filmmakers are being judged by their nationality not by the content of their works.
The Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 1o-19.
An open letter was submitted to festival organizers that was signed by, amongst others, Jane Fonda, Danny Glover, David Byrne of The Talking Heads, writer Alice Walker and Eve Ensler of The Vagina Monologues fame. The letter itself was drafted by, amongst others, anti-globalization activist Naomi Klein and Canadian filmmaker John Greyson.
My mother told me that Greyson withdrew his short film Covered from the festival and will instead organize a screening at the Toronto Palestinian Film Festival which begins later this month. This is precious when you consider that Greyson is openly gay and his films deal with homosexuality. The Palestinian Authority isn't exactly known for its gay friendly attitude. Greyson would be wise to read an article written by Yossi Klein Halevi for The New Republic in August 2002 that described the plight of gay Palestinians. If he did he would discover that if you are gay in the Palestinian territories and want to live you go to Israel.
The letter accuses organizers of being "complicit in the Israeli propaganda machine." It describes Tel Aviv as having been "built on destroyed Palestinian villages" also absurdly evokes imagery of South Africa during the Apartheid era:
Looking at modern, sophisticated Tel Aviv without also considering the city’s past and the realities of Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza strip, would be like rhapsodizing about the beauty and elegant lifestyles in white-only Cape Town or Johannesburg during apartheid without acknowledging the corresponding black townships of Khayelitsha and Soweto.
Yet there is a film about Jaffa playing during the festival titled (what else?) Jaffa.
It is clear that Israeli filmmakers are being judged by their nationality not by the content of their works.
The Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 1o-19.
Tips on how to use the new social online media most effectively
“Grassroots activists are the new reporters”
FACEBOOK
Everyone is on facebook now, which has become the new blogs, so if you're not, you're missing out on half the political dialogue and the best place to politically organize. Conservatives are adding as many friends as possible; although it may seem overwhelming, it will become a powerful forum for you to promote activism and recruit others - it's like suddenly having your own nationally trafficked website. Once you've added a couple hundred people as friends, other conservatives will automatically start sending you friend requests. Set up groups on facebook to promote your causes.
There are also conservative social networking sites similar to facebook, like rootshq.com, run by a partner of American Liberty Alliance, and republicanville.com, run by Arizona's Politics on the Rocks. Ping.fm lets you update multiple social networking sites simultaneously.
TWITTER
Download the free tweetdeck.com to make twitter more user-friendly. It lets you set up permanent searches in separate columns for words you choose, and permanent columns for groups you follow.
Join the group #tcot (Top Conservatives on Twitter), and send your twitter updates to #tcot. The #tcot website is tcotreport.com and is updated regularly with the latest news on conservatives using the new media.
Set up tweetlater.com to automatically follow others who follow you. This will save you a lot of time finding friends.
BLOGS
Start your own blog using blogger.com, which is the easiest blog program out there, plus it's free, easy, no ads, and can do almost anything. Put facebook, twitter, and youtube icons up front on the top of your blog,and include your twitter feed on the sidebar. Or, contribute to an existing blog in Arizona like SonoranAlliance.com, which is always accepting new writers, named or anonymous. Check out blognetnews.com/arizona regularly to keep updated on Arizona's political blogs.
The left has a coordinated effort in place to control the blogosphere by lurking on conservative blogs and posting negative comments, in order to demoralize them. Help our conservative blogs like sonoranalliance.com by refuting these troublemakers in the comments.
Set up multiple and anonymous email accounts at gmail.com to use for various activism.
YOUTUBE
Most cameras and phones come with video recording ability. When at an event, especially if something controversial is happening involving the left, take a short video clip of it and upload it to YouTube. Pictures are compelling and almost everyone watches TV.
“The new internet is Web 2.0 – 99% listening and 1% talking”
-Ralph Benko,The Websters'Dictionary
Dean Calls Jones' Resignation "A Loss For The Country"
I have not written anything about the controversy surrounding Van Jones, the Green Jobs Czar who resigned from the Obama Administration. Others have done so superbly.
Former DNC Chair Howard Dean thinks Jones' resignation is "a loss for the country."
So what about Jones signing a petition claiming the September 11th attacks were an inside job?
Dean claims Jones didn't know what he was signing at the time echoing Jones own statements on the matter.
I guess Jones just signs his name to any old petition.
I know that when I'm asked to sign a petition I make sure I'm not signing something that says I support Hezbollah. It's called due diligence.
Former DNC Chair Howard Dean thinks Jones' resignation is "a loss for the country."
So what about Jones signing a petition claiming the September 11th attacks were an inside job?
Dean claims Jones didn't know what he was signing at the time echoing Jones own statements on the matter.
I guess Jones just signs his name to any old petition.
I know that when I'm asked to sign a petition I make sure I'm not signing something that says I support Hezbollah. It's called due diligence.
Former Swedish PM Cancels Trip to Israel
Tensions between Israel and Sweden continue to rise as Sweden's Foreign Minister Carl Bildt has cancelled a trip to Israel that was scheduled to take place on September 11th.
Last month, a Swedish newspaper printed a story that accused Israeli soldiers of harvesting the organs of Palestinians. Israelis were further angered when the Swedish government refused to condemn the article citing free speech. Yet the Swedish government sent a letter of protest to Denmark at the height of the Muhammad cartoon controversy in 2006.
A spokesperson claims Bildt's cancellation is due to "timing" and has nothing to do with the diplomatic row. Which means that it has everything to do it.
Yet it is worth noting that there is no love lost between Bildt and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Bildt raised the ire of Israel in April 2008 when he compared Netanyahu, then leader of the opposition, to Hamas. In an interview conducted on Swedish radio, Bildt said, "It is possible to make peace without Hamas the same way it is possible to make peace without Netanyahu on the Israeli side."
One would think that Netanyahu and Bildt would have common cause on the surface. After all, Bildt was the long time leader of Sweden's Moderate Party which is the conservative party in that country. It is also worth noting that Bildt was Sweden's Prime Minister between 1991 and 1994. But, of course, European conservatism or Christian democracy is a very different creature from conservatism in the United States or Canada.
Indeed, the gulf between conservatives and socialists in Sweden on the question of Israel and the Palestinians is virtually non-existent. Anna Lindh, who was Sweden's Foreign Minister when the Social Democrats were in power, was also considered vehemently anti-Israel. Lindt continued to claim the IDF had massacred Palestinians civilians in the Jenin refugee camp even after the UN concluded there was no massacre in August 2002. Tragically, Lindh was assassinated in Stockholm in September 2003.
Zvi Mazel, who was Israel's Ambassador to Sweden from 2002 to 2004, offers some interesting insights into Swedish attitudes towards Israel and Jews in general.
So relations between Israel and Sweden have been strained for some time but perhaps have reached a breaking point.
Last month, a Swedish newspaper printed a story that accused Israeli soldiers of harvesting the organs of Palestinians. Israelis were further angered when the Swedish government refused to condemn the article citing free speech. Yet the Swedish government sent a letter of protest to Denmark at the height of the Muhammad cartoon controversy in 2006.
A spokesperson claims Bildt's cancellation is due to "timing" and has nothing to do with the diplomatic row. Which means that it has everything to do it.
Yet it is worth noting that there is no love lost between Bildt and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Bildt raised the ire of Israel in April 2008 when he compared Netanyahu, then leader of the opposition, to Hamas. In an interview conducted on Swedish radio, Bildt said, "It is possible to make peace without Hamas the same way it is possible to make peace without Netanyahu on the Israeli side."
One would think that Netanyahu and Bildt would have common cause on the surface. After all, Bildt was the long time leader of Sweden's Moderate Party which is the conservative party in that country. It is also worth noting that Bildt was Sweden's Prime Minister between 1991 and 1994. But, of course, European conservatism or Christian democracy is a very different creature from conservatism in the United States or Canada.
Indeed, the gulf between conservatives and socialists in Sweden on the question of Israel and the Palestinians is virtually non-existent. Anna Lindh, who was Sweden's Foreign Minister when the Social Democrats were in power, was also considered vehemently anti-Israel. Lindt continued to claim the IDF had massacred Palestinians civilians in the Jenin refugee camp even after the UN concluded there was no massacre in August 2002. Tragically, Lindh was assassinated in Stockholm in September 2003.
Zvi Mazel, who was Israel's Ambassador to Sweden from 2002 to 2004, offers some interesting insights into Swedish attitudes towards Israel and Jews in general.
So relations between Israel and Sweden have been strained for some time but perhaps have reached a breaking point.
Friday, September 4, 2009
U.S. Unemployment Rate Hits 9.7%
The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed the national unemployment rate for August 2009 was 9.7% - the highest in more than 26 years.
It represents an increase of 0.3% from last month. In fairness, there were actually fewer job losses than expected last month but the unemployment rate rose because more people were actively seeking work.
I remember when I would write articles in praise of President Bush and would receive negative feedback for it I would be told about 3 million unemployed under Bush. In the months leading up to President Bush's re-election the unemployment rate was hovering around 5.5%. To put things into further perspective in August 2008 the national unemployment rate was 6.1%. So in the space of one year the national unemployment rate has risen 3.6%.
Of course, some of that rise happened during the final months of the Bush Administration. By the time Bush left office the national unemployment rate was at 7.6%. Since President Obama took office the national unemployment rate has risen more than 2%.
So while the U.S. economy lost 216,000 jobs in August the Canadian economy actually gained more than 27,000 jobs. The Canadian unemployment rate last month is exactly one percent lower than ours at 8.7%. What both economies have in common though is that more people are looking for work. So Canada's unemployment rate actually climbed 0.1% last month. But it is worth noting that economists were projecting a loss of 15,000 jobs in August.
This is good news for Stephen Harper and Canada's Conservative government. If Michael Ignatieff and the Liberals are bent on bringing down the government and force an election this fall all Harper has to do is point to these numbers, say Canada is on the road to recovery and ask why change horses in midstream.
It also makes one wonder about the effectiveness of President Obama's economic policies when Canada is making a quicker recovery than we are.
It represents an increase of 0.3% from last month. In fairness, there were actually fewer job losses than expected last month but the unemployment rate rose because more people were actively seeking work.
I remember when I would write articles in praise of President Bush and would receive negative feedback for it I would be told about 3 million unemployed under Bush. In the months leading up to President Bush's re-election the unemployment rate was hovering around 5.5%. To put things into further perspective in August 2008 the national unemployment rate was 6.1%. So in the space of one year the national unemployment rate has risen 3.6%.
Of course, some of that rise happened during the final months of the Bush Administration. By the time Bush left office the national unemployment rate was at 7.6%. Since President Obama took office the national unemployment rate has risen more than 2%.
So while the U.S. economy lost 216,000 jobs in August the Canadian economy actually gained more than 27,000 jobs. The Canadian unemployment rate last month is exactly one percent lower than ours at 8.7%. What both economies have in common though is that more people are looking for work. So Canada's unemployment rate actually climbed 0.1% last month. But it is worth noting that economists were projecting a loss of 15,000 jobs in August.
This is good news for Stephen Harper and Canada's Conservative government. If Michael Ignatieff and the Liberals are bent on bringing down the government and force an election this fall all Harper has to do is point to these numbers, say Canada is on the road to recovery and ask why change horses in midstream.
It also makes one wonder about the effectiveness of President Obama's economic policies when Canada is making a quicker recovery than we are.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Inexcusable Ted Kennedy
On September 14th, Ted Kennedy's memoirs will be posthumously released. A copy was obtained by The New York Times.
Kennedy called his actions at Chappaquiddick "inexcusable."
Yet Ed Klein, who has also written a biography of Kennedy, said that Kennedy liked to joke about Chappaquiddick.
If Kennedy could joke about an incident in which the life of another human being was lost due in no small part to his inactions then how sorry can he really be? Ted Kennedy joking about Chappaquiddick is inexcusable.
It is worth remembering that George W. Bush was arrested for drunk driving in Maine in 1976. Imagine if he had seriously injured or killed someone. Imagine also if Bush had joked about such an incident. The left-wing would be appalled and justifiably so. But because Kennedy supported a specific set of policies the same left-wing turns a blind eye. For them Chappaquiddick is water under the bridge.
Kennedy called his actions at Chappaquiddick "inexcusable."
Yet Ed Klein, who has also written a biography of Kennedy, said that Kennedy liked to joke about Chappaquiddick.
If Kennedy could joke about an incident in which the life of another human being was lost due in no small part to his inactions then how sorry can he really be? Ted Kennedy joking about Chappaquiddick is inexcusable.
It is worth remembering that George W. Bush was arrested for drunk driving in Maine in 1976. Imagine if he had seriously injured or killed someone. Imagine also if Bush had joked about such an incident. The left-wing would be appalled and justifiably so. But because Kennedy supported a specific set of policies the same left-wing turns a blind eye. For them Chappaquiddick is water under the bridge.
Thoughts on Obama's Health Care Speech Before Congress
President Obama is going to make his case for health care reform in a speech before a joint session of Congress on September 9th.
I have a feeling we are going to have a return to the soaring rhetoric that helped Obama get elected ten months ago. If that is the case then he will need to tell Congress and Americans at large how a new health care system will be an improvement on the existing system rather than accusing those who disagree with his proposals of bearing false witness.
I am sure those at MSNBC and The New York Times will once again experience leg tingling sensations. Nonetheless, if Obama doesn't hit a homerun with this speech then health care reform is dead. That said I will not make the mistake of underestimating him.
I have a feeling we are going to have a return to the soaring rhetoric that helped Obama get elected ten months ago. If that is the case then he will need to tell Congress and Americans at large how a new health care system will be an improvement on the existing system rather than accusing those who disagree with his proposals of bearing false witness.
I am sure those at MSNBC and The New York Times will once again experience leg tingling sensations. Nonetheless, if Obama doesn't hit a homerun with this speech then health care reform is dead. That said I will not make the mistake of underestimating him.
Ignatieff Says Liberals Won't Raise Taxes
Canada's Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff said yesterday a Liberal government would eliminate the federal deficit without raising taxes.
I now await Ignatieff's pledge to sell the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge which connects Ottawa with Hull, Quebec.
It must be remembered that back in December, Ignatieff would not rule out tax increases. Of course, at that time, he was not prepared to go to the polls.
While one might scoff at Ignatieff's promise the fact that he's making this promise clearly means he is in election mode on all eight cylinders and intends to bring down the Tory government of Stephen Harper.
The Tories should not count on support from either the NDP or the Bloc Quebecois.
Looks like Canada is headed for a fall election.
Canadians re-elected Stephen Harper to a second consecutive minority government in October 2008.
I now await Ignatieff's pledge to sell the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge which connects Ottawa with Hull, Quebec.
It must be remembered that back in December, Ignatieff would not rule out tax increases. Of course, at that time, he was not prepared to go to the polls.
While one might scoff at Ignatieff's promise the fact that he's making this promise clearly means he is in election mode on all eight cylinders and intends to bring down the Tory government of Stephen Harper.
The Tories should not count on support from either the NDP or the Bloc Quebecois.
Looks like Canada is headed for a fall election.
Canadians re-elected Stephen Harper to a second consecutive minority government in October 2008.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Schilling For Senate?
Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling has not ruled out a possibility that he will seek the Republican nomination for Massachusetts' open Senate seat vacated due to the death of Ted Kennedy last week.
Of course, politics is not unfamilar terrain for Schilling.
After the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series, Schilling campaigned for President Bush's re-election. During the 2004 ALCS against the New York Yankees, Schilling was asked by then ESPN radio host Dan Patrick if Alex Rodriguez's slap of Bronson Arroyo's glove during Game 6 was "Bush league." Schilling replied, "No, it was Kerry league."
Speaking of John Kerry, Schilling was touted as a potential rival to Kerry's re-election bid in 2008 but opted to play another year with the Red Sox. As it turned out, a shoulder injury kept Schilling from pitching and he would subsequently retire never throwing another major league pitch. Instead of running for office he campaigned for John McCain. Schilling and McCain were acquainted while Schilling pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
I hope Schilling does it because he's the best chance the GOP has here in Massachusetts. A Schilling victory would deny the Democrats their 60 seat fillibuster proof Senate.
However, it won't be easy for Schilling even with two World Series rings. Red Sox Nation is deep in the heart of a Blue State.
Of course, politics is not unfamilar terrain for Schilling.
After the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series, Schilling campaigned for President Bush's re-election. During the 2004 ALCS against the New York Yankees, Schilling was asked by then ESPN radio host Dan Patrick if Alex Rodriguez's slap of Bronson Arroyo's glove during Game 6 was "Bush league." Schilling replied, "No, it was Kerry league."
Speaking of John Kerry, Schilling was touted as a potential rival to Kerry's re-election bid in 2008 but opted to play another year with the Red Sox. As it turned out, a shoulder injury kept Schilling from pitching and he would subsequently retire never throwing another major league pitch. Instead of running for office he campaigned for John McCain. Schilling and McCain were acquainted while Schilling pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
I hope Schilling does it because he's the best chance the GOP has here in Massachusetts. A Schilling victory would deny the Democrats their 60 seat fillibuster proof Senate.
However, it won't be easy for Schilling even with two World Series rings. Red Sox Nation is deep in the heart of a Blue State.
Aaron Boone Has a Lot of Heart
Aaron Boone is not a beloved figure in Boston.
In fact, in these parts he is known as Aaron "F#%&^n" Boone after he hit this homerun off Tim Wakefield in Game 7 of the 2003 American League Championship Series to send the New York Yankees to the World Series. The morning after the Red Sox came within five outs of going to the World Series was the quietest ride I've ever experienced on the T.
Well, the Red Sox did get even the following year.
As for Boone, since that homerun, he has bounced around playing with the Cleveland Indians, the Florida Marlins, the Washington Nationals before signing a contract with the Houston Astros this past off season.
However, during spring training, a routine medical exam revealed he had a defect in his aortic valve and required open heart surgery. Many thought he had played his last major league game. Today, only five months after the surgery, Boone returned to major league action starting at first base for the Astros during an afternoon game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
At the risk of offending Red Sox Nation, I am happy for Aaron Boone today.
Besides we Aarons have to stick together.
Not only do we share the same name we are both 36 years old. I cannot imagine having to face not only the prospect of not being able to do what I love but to have my life end prematurely. Oh, I can understand it intellectually but unless I actually face it I can never truly know it in my heart. Well, it looks like Aaron Boone is getting a second chance.
But for the grace of G-d go I.
In fact, in these parts he is known as Aaron "F#%&^n" Boone after he hit this homerun off Tim Wakefield in Game 7 of the 2003 American League Championship Series to send the New York Yankees to the World Series. The morning after the Red Sox came within five outs of going to the World Series was the quietest ride I've ever experienced on the T.
Well, the Red Sox did get even the following year.
As for Boone, since that homerun, he has bounced around playing with the Cleveland Indians, the Florida Marlins, the Washington Nationals before signing a contract with the Houston Astros this past off season.
However, during spring training, a routine medical exam revealed he had a defect in his aortic valve and required open heart surgery. Many thought he had played his last major league game. Today, only five months after the surgery, Boone returned to major league action starting at first base for the Astros during an afternoon game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
At the risk of offending Red Sox Nation, I am happy for Aaron Boone today.
Besides we Aarons have to stick together.
Not only do we share the same name we are both 36 years old. I cannot imagine having to face not only the prospect of not being able to do what I love but to have my life end prematurely. Oh, I can understand it intellectually but unless I actually face it I can never truly know it in my heart. Well, it looks like Aaron Boone is getting a second chance.
But for the grace of G-d go I.
Does Our Health Care System Cause Divorce?
Does America's health care system cause family breakdown?
Well, Nicholas Kristoff of The New York Times would have you believe that it does. In an article titled, "Until Medical Bills Do Us Part," Kristoff writes about an anonymous female friend who was compelled for financial reasons to divorce her husband after he was diagnosed with early onset dementia:
M. still helps her husband and, quietly, continues to live with him and care for him. But she worries that the authorities will come after her if they realize that they divorced not because of irreconcilable differences but because of irreconcilable medical bills. There were awkward questions from friends who saw the divorce announcement in the newspaper.
“It’s just crazy,” she said. “It twists people like pretzels.”
It is a heartbreaking situation without a doubt. I am curious though how wide spread it actually is. If there are a critical mass of married couples divorcing because of health care costs then something should be done because it is not the sort of choice families in need of long term health care ought not have to make.
Yet I am not sure how instituting a national health care system addresses this problem.
In Canada, most long term health care facilities are not covered by Medicare. It's paid out of your own pocket. Now Canadians can claim a Medical Expenses tax credit on their federal individual income tax return. (Many years ago, I used to work for the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency when it was known as Revenue Canada and had to assess, amongst other things, eligible medical care expenses.) There is a similar medical expenses tax credit in this country that covers nursing homes and long term health care facilities. Perhaps these existing mechanisms can be improved to ease the financial burden families face in paying for long term health care.
Yet I need more evidence to be convinced our health care system causes or contributes to divorce and family breakdown.
Well, Nicholas Kristoff of The New York Times would have you believe that it does. In an article titled, "Until Medical Bills Do Us Part," Kristoff writes about an anonymous female friend who was compelled for financial reasons to divorce her husband after he was diagnosed with early onset dementia:
M. still helps her husband and, quietly, continues to live with him and care for him. But she worries that the authorities will come after her if they realize that they divorced not because of irreconcilable differences but because of irreconcilable medical bills. There were awkward questions from friends who saw the divorce announcement in the newspaper.
“It’s just crazy,” she said. “It twists people like pretzels.”
It is a heartbreaking situation without a doubt. I am curious though how wide spread it actually is. If there are a critical mass of married couples divorcing because of health care costs then something should be done because it is not the sort of choice families in need of long term health care ought not have to make.
Yet I am not sure how instituting a national health care system addresses this problem.
In Canada, most long term health care facilities are not covered by Medicare. It's paid out of your own pocket. Now Canadians can claim a Medical Expenses tax credit on their federal individual income tax return. (Many years ago, I used to work for the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency when it was known as Revenue Canada and had to assess, amongst other things, eligible medical care expenses.) There is a similar medical expenses tax credit in this country that covers nursing homes and long term health care facilities. Perhaps these existing mechanisms can be improved to ease the financial burden families face in paying for long term health care.
Yet I need more evidence to be convinced our health care system causes or contributes to divorce and family breakdown.
Thoughts on Levi Johnston's Spread in Vanity Fair
Vanity Fair could be described as a ritzier version of The National Enquirer.
How else does one explain giving Levi Johnston, the ex-fiancée of Bristol Palin, a cover story with a photo spread?
While the issue won't be out until September 8th they do have an excerpt on their website.
Johnston claims, amongst other things, that Palin was an absent mother and that it was left to him to cook barbecued chicken or steak on the grill. Oh the humanity.
He also claims that Sarah and Todd Palin were planning to adopt his and Bristol's child.
Of course, this isn't the first Vanity Fair has set its sights on the former Alaska Governor. Earlier this summer, Todd S. Purdum (Dee Dee Myer's husband) wrote a piece on Palin titled, "It Came From Wasilla." You know the piece where Palin was accused of having post-partum depression and narcissistic personality order.
But I guess you can't blame Vanity Fair for knowing its audience of middle-aged, middle to upper class, urban dwelling white liberals who hate Sarah Palin and will believe anything they are told about her.
I think it's worth reading my column, "Sarah Palin is the Israel of American Politics" to gain some insight into this mindset.
How else does one explain giving Levi Johnston, the ex-fiancée of Bristol Palin, a cover story with a photo spread?
While the issue won't be out until September 8th they do have an excerpt on their website.
Johnston claims, amongst other things, that Palin was an absent mother and that it was left to him to cook barbecued chicken or steak on the grill. Oh the humanity.
He also claims that Sarah and Todd Palin were planning to adopt his and Bristol's child.
Of course, this isn't the first Vanity Fair has set its sights on the former Alaska Governor. Earlier this summer, Todd S. Purdum (Dee Dee Myer's husband) wrote a piece on Palin titled, "It Came From Wasilla." You know the piece where Palin was accused of having post-partum depression and narcissistic personality order.
But I guess you can't blame Vanity Fair for knowing its audience of middle-aged, middle to upper class, urban dwelling white liberals who hate Sarah Palin and will believe anything they are told about her.
I think it's worth reading my column, "Sarah Palin is the Israel of American Politics" to gain some insight into this mindset.
Brown Wanted Release of Lockerbie Bomber
It has been revealed that British Prime Minister wanted Libyan terrorist Abdel-Baset al-Megrahi to die a free man.
All I can ask is why? Why would Brown entertain the idea of freeing a man responsible for the deaths of 270 innocent civilians? Now Brown can say that decision was up to the Scots but if the Prime Minister makes his position known on the matter he must surely know the Scots would have taken his point of view into consideration when rendering that decision.
Some of have speculate al-Megrahi's release was motivated by British commercial interests in Libya. One must also consider the possibility of placating the Muslim population in Scotland. Granted they comprised less than 1% of the population in the 2001 Census but it is fastest growing segment of their population and its youngest. It is a constituency they cannot ignore.
Conservative Party leader David Cameron has called for a public inquiry into the matter.
All I can ask is why? Why would Brown entertain the idea of freeing a man responsible for the deaths of 270 innocent civilians? Now Brown can say that decision was up to the Scots but if the Prime Minister makes his position known on the matter he must surely know the Scots would have taken his point of view into consideration when rendering that decision.
Some of have speculate al-Megrahi's release was motivated by British commercial interests in Libya. One must also consider the possibility of placating the Muslim population in Scotland. Granted they comprised less than 1% of the population in the 2001 Census but it is fastest growing segment of their population and its youngest. It is a constituency they cannot ignore.
Conservative Party leader David Cameron has called for a public inquiry into the matter.
Liberal Leader Ignatieff Seeks Fall Election in Canada
Michael Ignatieff, the leader of Canada's Liberal Party, is seeking a fall election.
This strikes me as a monumental error on Ignatieff's part.
If the Liberals compel an election it will be Canada's third since 2006 and fourth since 2004. The last three elections have produced three minority governments (one Liberal and two Conservative.) The last thing Canadians want right now is another vote.
The last election took place in October 2008 which gave Stephen Harper and the Conservatives another minority government. The government nearly fell a month later when Finance Minister Jim Flaherty released an economic statement that offered a bleak picture of Canada's economy and offered little government action. Thoughts of a coalition government were dancing in the heads of the Liberals and the NDP.
But Harper responded by having Governor General Michelle Jean prorogue Parliament. This shifted the focus to Liberal leader Stephane Dion who had just lost the election a month earlier. Dion would remind Canadians why he and the Liberals lost the election with a poor quality video addressing the decision to prorogue Parliament. Within days Dion was out and Ignatieff was in. Any thoughts of a coalition government with the NDP or yet another election were put on hold.
Ignatieff threatened to bring down the Conservative government in June but a meeting with Harper put that threat on ice. Unfortunately for Harper, Ignatieff has him by the gonads. Harper and the Tories have been propped up by the Liberals. If Ignatieff decides to move a vote of non-confidence there's no way Harper is going to persuade either the NDP or the Bloc Quebecois to stand in Ignatieff's way. They've opposed Harper from the outset.
In some way, I can understand Ignatieff's thinking. On one hand, it isn't in Ignatieff's interests to trigger an election and win it if he ends up inheriting a bad economy. On the other hand, if he waits for the economy to recover then Harper gets the credit. Ignatieff doesn't want to govern in a recession but he would if economic indicators pointed to a not to distant light at the end of a tunnel.
Of course, all of this assumes Ignatieff can beat Harper. It remains to be seen if Ignatieff will resonate with the Canadian electorate any more than Stephane Dion did. Ignatieff might be able to trigger an election but what if he triggers an election in which he doesn't prevail?
This strikes me as a monumental error on Ignatieff's part.
If the Liberals compel an election it will be Canada's third since 2006 and fourth since 2004. The last three elections have produced three minority governments (one Liberal and two Conservative.) The last thing Canadians want right now is another vote.
The last election took place in October 2008 which gave Stephen Harper and the Conservatives another minority government. The government nearly fell a month later when Finance Minister Jim Flaherty released an economic statement that offered a bleak picture of Canada's economy and offered little government action. Thoughts of a coalition government were dancing in the heads of the Liberals and the NDP.
But Harper responded by having Governor General Michelle Jean prorogue Parliament. This shifted the focus to Liberal leader Stephane Dion who had just lost the election a month earlier. Dion would remind Canadians why he and the Liberals lost the election with a poor quality video addressing the decision to prorogue Parliament. Within days Dion was out and Ignatieff was in. Any thoughts of a coalition government with the NDP or yet another election were put on hold.
Ignatieff threatened to bring down the Conservative government in June but a meeting with Harper put that threat on ice. Unfortunately for Harper, Ignatieff has him by the gonads. Harper and the Tories have been propped up by the Liberals. If Ignatieff decides to move a vote of non-confidence there's no way Harper is going to persuade either the NDP or the Bloc Quebecois to stand in Ignatieff's way. They've opposed Harper from the outset.
In some way, I can understand Ignatieff's thinking. On one hand, it isn't in Ignatieff's interests to trigger an election and win it if he ends up inheriting a bad economy. On the other hand, if he waits for the economy to recover then Harper gets the credit. Ignatieff doesn't want to govern in a recession but he would if economic indicators pointed to a not to distant light at the end of a tunnel.
Of course, all of this assumes Ignatieff can beat Harper. It remains to be seen if Ignatieff will resonate with the Canadian electorate any more than Stephane Dion did. Ignatieff might be able to trigger an election but what if he triggers an election in which he doesn't prevail?
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Thoughts on the NL West
There were several moves made yesterday by three contending teams in the NL West - the division leading Los Angeles Dodgers as well as the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies who are tied for the NL Wild Card entering September.
The Giants signed pitcher Brad Penny who was released by the Boston Red Sox on August 26th at his request. Penny was demoted to the bullpen when Tim Wakefield returned to the starting rotation and Penny made it known he was not happy. However, Penny had been struggling losing his last four decisions with an ERA over 9.00. Overall, Penny was 7-8 with a 5.61 ERA with the Red Sox. Penny should still add some depth to an already strong starting rotation and will be eager to face the Dodgers, a team that let him go at the end of the 2008 season.
The Dodgers made two deals yesterday. First, they acquired slugger Jim Thome from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for minor league infielder Justin Fuller. The Dodgers then added a starting pitcher by obtaining Jon Garland from the division rival Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for a player to be named later.
Thome, who turned 39 on August 27th, has been a DH in recent years and with James Loney enconsed at first base look for Thome to be largely confined to a pinch hitting role. He might not get many at bats but in a 2-2 tie in the bottom of the 9th inning he could make those at bats count. As for Garland, he struggled with the D'Backs going 8-11 with a 4.29 ERA this season. However, suddenly finding himself in a playoff race and being backed by a more potent offense could give him the chance to have a winning record by season's end.
The Colorado Rockies also added a starting pitcher by obtaining Jose Contreras from the Chicago White Sox for minor league pitcher Brandon Hynick. Contreras had an awful year with the Chisox going 5-13 with a 5.42 ERA. However, Contreras might be an interesting fit in Denver. At 37, he could play something of a mentoring role to fellow Latino starting pitchers Ubaldo Jimenez and Jorge de la Rosa. Jimenez, in particular, has pitching mannerisms similar to Contreras.
Trading both Thome and Contreras would seem to indicate the White Sox have thrown in the towel for the 2009 season. The Chisox have lost eight of their last nine games and have fallen six games back of the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central Division which has now become a two team race between the Tigers and the Minnesota Twins.
But getting back to the NL West, it looks like the Dodgers will win the division barring a major collapse which leaves the Wildcard spot. Between the Giants and Rockies, I have to favor the Giants. Yes, I picked the Giants to win the World Series this year.
The Giants signed pitcher Brad Penny who was released by the Boston Red Sox on August 26th at his request. Penny was demoted to the bullpen when Tim Wakefield returned to the starting rotation and Penny made it known he was not happy. However, Penny had been struggling losing his last four decisions with an ERA over 9.00. Overall, Penny was 7-8 with a 5.61 ERA with the Red Sox. Penny should still add some depth to an already strong starting rotation and will be eager to face the Dodgers, a team that let him go at the end of the 2008 season.
The Dodgers made two deals yesterday. First, they acquired slugger Jim Thome from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for minor league infielder Justin Fuller. The Dodgers then added a starting pitcher by obtaining Jon Garland from the division rival Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for a player to be named later.
Thome, who turned 39 on August 27th, has been a DH in recent years and with James Loney enconsed at first base look for Thome to be largely confined to a pinch hitting role. He might not get many at bats but in a 2-2 tie in the bottom of the 9th inning he could make those at bats count. As for Garland, he struggled with the D'Backs going 8-11 with a 4.29 ERA this season. However, suddenly finding himself in a playoff race and being backed by a more potent offense could give him the chance to have a winning record by season's end.
The Colorado Rockies also added a starting pitcher by obtaining Jose Contreras from the Chicago White Sox for minor league pitcher Brandon Hynick. Contreras had an awful year with the Chisox going 5-13 with a 5.42 ERA. However, Contreras might be an interesting fit in Denver. At 37, he could play something of a mentoring role to fellow Latino starting pitchers Ubaldo Jimenez and Jorge de la Rosa. Jimenez, in particular, has pitching mannerisms similar to Contreras.
Trading both Thome and Contreras would seem to indicate the White Sox have thrown in the towel for the 2009 season. The Chisox have lost eight of their last nine games and have fallen six games back of the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central Division which has now become a two team race between the Tigers and the Minnesota Twins.
But getting back to the NL West, it looks like the Dodgers will win the division barring a major collapse which leaves the Wildcard spot. Between the Giants and Rockies, I have to favor the Giants. Yes, I picked the Giants to win the World Series this year.
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