I came across this article in The New York Times by Douglas Rogers titled "Zimbabwe's Accidental Triumph".
How often have Zimbabwe and triumph been used in the same sentence in the past decade? I had to read on.
Rogers is a journalist who was born and raised in Zimbabwe who now resides in Brooklyn while his parents remain in Zimbabwe. Last year he came out with a book titled The Last Resort: A Memoir of Zimbabwe. Without the benefit of having read his book, Rogers reminds me a great deal of Peter Godwin. He's also a Zimbabwean born journalist living in New York whose parents still live in Zimbabwe. Godwin came out with a book titled When a Crocodile Eats The Sun which I reviewed on the IC main page in September 2007. I described it as perhaps "the most heartbreaking book I had ever read."
This is perhaps where Godwin and Rogers diverge. Rogers has seeingly found the silver lining in the dark clouds that have hung over Zimbabwe over the past decade:
But in 2000, within weeks of losing a constitutional referendum to entrench his power, Mr. Mugabe began the catastrophic land invasions that resulted in the eviction of almost all the country’s 4,500 white farmers and the ruin of what was once a model post-colonial African country. Ever since, the narrative of Zimbabwe has been one of race. Rare is the speech in which Mr. Mugabe does not rail against whites, colonialists, imperialists or the West. Members of his ZANU-PF party have spoken of a “Rwandan solution” for Zimbabwe’s whites.
Westerners have simply accepted this narrative of blacks and whites pitted against one another. But, in doing so, they have missed the inspiring story of what has actually been happening in Zimbabwe over the past decade. After years of mass unemployment, mutant inflation, chronic shortages and state violence, Zimbabweans simply don’t care about skin color. In fact, Mr. Mugabe has managed to achieve the exact opposite of what he set out to do in 2000: the forging of a postracial state.
Rogers goes on to write about the rise of white politicians supported by overwhelmingly by black constituents such as Roy Bennett (who is a part of Godwin's book as well) and Brian Jones, the mayor of Mutare which is Zimbabwe's third largest city. Black and white unite. Well, with the silence of the rest of the African continent and the inaction of the West towards Mugabe, what other choice did they have?
The 30th anniversary of Zimbabwean independence will take place this weekend. One can only hope that by 2040 the postracial Zimbabwe that Rogers writes about will be fully realized.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
What Planet is Obama On?
President Obama unveiled his plans for NASA today at the Kennedy Space Center.
Obama is jettisoning President Bush's goal of returning to the Moon by 2020. Instead, Obama wants to orbit Mars by the mid-2030s.
But here is what really struck me:
So today, I’d like to talk about the next chapter in this story. The challenges facing our space program are different, and our imperatives for this program are different, than in decades past. We’re no longer racing against an adversary. We’re no longer competing to achieve a singular goal like reaching the Moon. In fact, what was once a global competition has long since become a global collaboration. But while the measure of our achievements has changed a great deal over the past 50 years, what we do -- or fail to do -- in seeking new frontiers is no less consequential for our future in space and here on Earth.
What planet is Obama is on?
The idea we're no longer racing against an adversary in space is remarkable in its naivete. If Obama thinks China or Russia is without its ambitions in space then it appears he has a large space between his ears. In fact, China & Russia are scheduled to embark on a joint unmanned mission to Mars in August 2010. Perhaps Obama doesn't appreciate the gravity of the situation.
It is also worth noting there is a schism amongst the ranks of Apollo 11. Buzz Aldrin, fresh from his stint on Dancing With The Stars, is an enthusiastic supporter of Obama's plan and was present for the President's remarks. Neil Armstrong, on the other hand, has co-written an open letter criticizing Obama's approach.
All of which makes me wonder what Michael Collins, the third member of the Apollo 11 crew, thinks of President Obama's plans? He's the tiebreaking vote.
Obama is jettisoning President Bush's goal of returning to the Moon by 2020. Instead, Obama wants to orbit Mars by the mid-2030s.
But here is what really struck me:
So today, I’d like to talk about the next chapter in this story. The challenges facing our space program are different, and our imperatives for this program are different, than in decades past. We’re no longer racing against an adversary. We’re no longer competing to achieve a singular goal like reaching the Moon. In fact, what was once a global competition has long since become a global collaboration. But while the measure of our achievements has changed a great deal over the past 50 years, what we do -- or fail to do -- in seeking new frontiers is no less consequential for our future in space and here on Earth.
What planet is Obama is on?
The idea we're no longer racing against an adversary in space is remarkable in its naivete. If Obama thinks China or Russia is without its ambitions in space then it appears he has a large space between his ears. In fact, China & Russia are scheduled to embark on a joint unmanned mission to Mars in August 2010. Perhaps Obama doesn't appreciate the gravity of the situation.
It is also worth noting there is a schism amongst the ranks of Apollo 11. Buzz Aldrin, fresh from his stint on Dancing With The Stars, is an enthusiastic supporter of Obama's plan and was present for the President's remarks. Neil Armstrong, on the other hand, has co-written an open letter criticizing Obama's approach.
All of which makes me wonder what Michael Collins, the third member of the Apollo 11 crew, thinks of President Obama's plans? He's the tiebreaking vote.
Benjamin Hooks, 1925-2010. R.I.P.
Benjamin Hooks, best known for his tenure as Executive Director of the NAACP from 1977 to 1992, died today after a long illness. He was 85.
Hooks became a civil rights activists after his experiences serving in Europe during WWII. Given the task of guarding Italian prisoners of war, the POWs were allowed to eat in restaurants but these restaurants were off limits to Hooks and other black soldiers.
Prior to his stewardship of the NAACP, Hooks had a varied career in his native Memphis - minister, entrepreneur, lawyer, criminal court judge (the first African-American to sit on the bench in Tennessee). Whatever his occupation, Hooks was a major player in the civil rights movement.
It is also worth noting that Hooks was a Republican. After supporting Richard Nixon in 1972, Nixon appointed Hooks to the Federal Communications Commission.
However, Hooks soured on the GOP once he led the NAACP. Towards the end of his tenure with the NAACP Hooks commented on Republican administrations:
I’ve had the misfortune of serving eight years under Reagan and three under Bush. It makes a great deal of difference about your expectations. We’ve had to get rid of a lot of programs we had hoped for, so we could fight to save what we already had.
Needless to say, President Reagan saw things differently. Consider an excerpt from this letter he wrote to Hooks in January 1983 (which can be found in the book Reagan: A Life in Letters edited by Kiron Skinner, Annelise Graebner Anderson and Martin Anderson). Reagan was responding to Hooks' assertion his administration was attempting to "roll back hard-won gains of black Americans":
Ben if only it were possible to look into each other's hearts and minds, you would find no trace of prejudice or bigotry in mine. I know that's hard for you to believe and that's too bad because together we could do more for the people you represent than either of us can do alone.
Prejudice is not a failing peculiar to one race, it can and does exist in people of every race and ethnic background. It takes individual effort to root it ou of one's heart. In my case my father and mother saw that it never got a start. I shall be forever grateful to them.
Sincerely,
Ron
Unfortunately, Reagan's letter was in vain and Hooks would not have a change of heart.
However, this did not stop then President George W. Bush for bestowing Hooks with the Presidential Medal of Freedom back in 2007 for his contributions to the civil rights movement. Bush said, "Dr. Hooks was a calm yet forceful voice for fairness, opportunity and personal responsibility. He never tired or faltered in demanding that our nation live up to its founding ideals of liberty and equality."
Hooks became a civil rights activists after his experiences serving in Europe during WWII. Given the task of guarding Italian prisoners of war, the POWs were allowed to eat in restaurants but these restaurants were off limits to Hooks and other black soldiers.
Prior to his stewardship of the NAACP, Hooks had a varied career in his native Memphis - minister, entrepreneur, lawyer, criminal court judge (the first African-American to sit on the bench in Tennessee). Whatever his occupation, Hooks was a major player in the civil rights movement.
It is also worth noting that Hooks was a Republican. After supporting Richard Nixon in 1972, Nixon appointed Hooks to the Federal Communications Commission.
However, Hooks soured on the GOP once he led the NAACP. Towards the end of his tenure with the NAACP Hooks commented on Republican administrations:
I’ve had the misfortune of serving eight years under Reagan and three under Bush. It makes a great deal of difference about your expectations. We’ve had to get rid of a lot of programs we had hoped for, so we could fight to save what we already had.
Needless to say, President Reagan saw things differently. Consider an excerpt from this letter he wrote to Hooks in January 1983 (which can be found in the book Reagan: A Life in Letters edited by Kiron Skinner, Annelise Graebner Anderson and Martin Anderson). Reagan was responding to Hooks' assertion his administration was attempting to "roll back hard-won gains of black Americans":
Ben if only it were possible to look into each other's hearts and minds, you would find no trace of prejudice or bigotry in mine. I know that's hard for you to believe and that's too bad because together we could do more for the people you represent than either of us can do alone.
Prejudice is not a failing peculiar to one race, it can and does exist in people of every race and ethnic background. It takes individual effort to root it ou of one's heart. In my case my father and mother saw that it never got a start. I shall be forever grateful to them.
Sincerely,
Ron
Unfortunately, Reagan's letter was in vain and Hooks would not have a change of heart.
However, this did not stop then President George W. Bush for bestowing Hooks with the Presidential Medal of Freedom back in 2007 for his contributions to the civil rights movement. Bush said, "Dr. Hooks was a calm yet forceful voice for fairness, opportunity and personal responsibility. He never tired or faltered in demanding that our nation live up to its founding ideals of liberty and equality."
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Roach McKrackin: Punk Rock Tea Party Activist
Last week, I mentioned an interview I did with an Emerson journalism student named Barry Thompson. He profiled several conservative activists in Jamaica Plain.
One of those interviewed was a fellow named Roach McKrackin, a punk rock musician who is in a local band called The Murder.
Here's his blog. McKrackin has been getting attention for his Tea Party activism from both CBS News and The New York Times.
One of those interviewed was a fellow named Roach McKrackin, a punk rock musician who is in a local band called The Murder.
Here's his blog. McKrackin has been getting attention for his Tea Party activism from both CBS News and The New York Times.
NY Times Changes Its Tune on Tea Party Protesters
The New York Times is changing its tune about Tea Party activists.
Last month they were a bunch of less educated, racist good old boys.
This month they are wealthy and educated.
Well, I guess you could call that progress.
Let's see what they are calling Tea Party activists next month.
Last month they were a bunch of less educated, racist good old boys.
This month they are wealthy and educated.
Well, I guess you could call that progress.
Let's see what they are calling Tea Party activists next month.
Boston Globe Downplays Palin's Address to Tea Party
I think you'll get a kick out of this headline from The Boston Globe:
Hundreds gather to hear Sarah Palin on Boston Common
Hundreds?
The Globe might as well write a headline like "Hundreds gather at Fenway to see Red Sox beat the Yankees".
Yeah, there'll be hundreds alright. Hundreds of hundreds more like it.
Hundreds gather to hear Sarah Palin on Boston Common
Hundreds?
The Globe might as well write a headline like "Hundreds gather at Fenway to see Red Sox beat the Yankees".
Yeah, there'll be hundreds alright. Hundreds of hundreds more like it.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Conan's New Show to Air on TBS in November
Here's hoping Conan wipes the floor with Jon Stewart & Stephen Colbert.
Is Poland Becoming Pro-Putin?
On Saturday, I wrote that Russia stood to gain from the Polish air tragedy which claimed the life of Polish President Lech Kaczysnki and 96 other passengers mostly from Poland's civil, military and religious establishment:
Yes, I am aware that Putin is personally heading up the investigation into the crash. Yet I can't see Putin concluding anything other than pilot error. I think he wants to give the appearance of being a friend to Poland while working behind the scenes to ensure to increase Russian influence there.
Now I'm sure many in Poland will not welcome Putin's involvement in the investigation and there will be strong anti-Russian sentiment expressed during the elections which could manifest into outbreaks of violence against Russians living in Poland as was the case when the teenaged children of Russian diplomats were attacked in July 2005.
Well, it would appear that I'm half-right. Putin is giving the appearance of being a friend towards Poland but instead of an outbreak of anti-Russian sentiment the Polish populace appears to be embracing the Russian Prime Minister as as a result of his embrace of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. So does this mean Poland will elect a government that is more pro-Moscow?
On the other hand, maybe it's the BBC that is pro-Moscow. Here is another BBC news item suggesting the pilot and crew were under pressure to land from the passengers on board and that Kaczynski himself ordered the pilot to land. If the Russians try to blame the crash on Kaczynski then Putin can kill Polish goodwill goodbye.
Yes, I am aware that Putin is personally heading up the investigation into the crash. Yet I can't see Putin concluding anything other than pilot error. I think he wants to give the appearance of being a friend to Poland while working behind the scenes to ensure to increase Russian influence there.
Now I'm sure many in Poland will not welcome Putin's involvement in the investigation and there will be strong anti-Russian sentiment expressed during the elections which could manifest into outbreaks of violence against Russians living in Poland as was the case when the teenaged children of Russian diplomats were attacked in July 2005.
Well, it would appear that I'm half-right. Putin is giving the appearance of being a friend towards Poland but instead of an outbreak of anti-Russian sentiment the Polish populace appears to be embracing the Russian Prime Minister as as a result of his embrace of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. So does this mean Poland will elect a government that is more pro-Moscow?
On the other hand, maybe it's the BBC that is pro-Moscow. Here is another BBC news item suggesting the pilot and crew were under pressure to land from the passengers on board and that Kaczynski himself ordered the pilot to land. If the Russians try to blame the crash on Kaczynski then Putin can kill Polish goodwill goodbye.
Tina Fey Isn't Funny
At the risk of being sacrilege, I'm going to write something I've been wanting to get off my chest for a long time.
Tina Fey isn't funny.
It's not because of the Sarah Palin impersonation. Frankly, Fey's Palin looks slightly emaciated and could use a nice helping of Alaskan moose meat. Besides, Palin has been a good sport about the whole thing.
My roomie Christopher and I made the mistake of watching SNL or at least the first half hour of it. Not only did I not laugh at anything Fey said I did not so much as crack a smile. Christopher was initially more receptive to her. But when it came to the skit where Fey portrayed a teacher fantasizing about her student (played by musical guest Justin Bieber) it was just too much for the both of us. I can't imagine the parents of boys who have been molested by their female teachers could have been too amused by it.
Now, I can't dispute the fact that Tina Fey is a huge success. She has a hit show with 30 Rock and the number one movie in the country with Date Night co-starring Steve Carell (who is funny). Yet I just don't get it. I don't get what passes for humor these days. Tina Fey is not in Gilda Radner's league and never will be.
Tina Fey isn't funny.
It's not because of the Sarah Palin impersonation. Frankly, Fey's Palin looks slightly emaciated and could use a nice helping of Alaskan moose meat. Besides, Palin has been a good sport about the whole thing.
My roomie Christopher and I made the mistake of watching SNL or at least the first half hour of it. Not only did I not laugh at anything Fey said I did not so much as crack a smile. Christopher was initially more receptive to her. But when it came to the skit where Fey portrayed a teacher fantasizing about her student (played by musical guest Justin Bieber) it was just too much for the both of us. I can't imagine the parents of boys who have been molested by their female teachers could have been too amused by it.
Now, I can't dispute the fact that Tina Fey is a huge success. She has a hit show with 30 Rock and the number one movie in the country with Date Night co-starring Steve Carell (who is funny). Yet I just don't get it. I don't get what passes for humor these days. Tina Fey is not in Gilda Radner's league and never will be.
Re: Romney's N.O. Victory is Not a Good Sign
Ron, I think you might be reading a little bit much into Mitt Romney's one vote straw poll victory.
You might want to check out Ben Smith and Jonathan Martin's piece at Politico.com.
It is worth remembering that Romney handily won the Iowa straw poll in August 2007. Fat lot of good it did him the following January against Mike Huckabee.
Now, I am not discounting Romney. He could end up as the nominee. I'm just making the point we are a very long way from the 2012 Iowa Caucuses. If a week in politics is a lifetime then 20 months is an eternity.
Romney has not wrested the GOP nomination. At this point, the only thing Romney has grasped is straws.
You might want to check out Ben Smith and Jonathan Martin's piece at Politico.com.
It is worth remembering that Romney handily won the Iowa straw poll in August 2007. Fat lot of good it did him the following January against Mike Huckabee.
Now, I am not discounting Romney. He could end up as the nominee. I'm just making the point we are a very long way from the 2012 Iowa Caucuses. If a week in politics is a lifetime then 20 months is an eternity.
Romney has not wrested the GOP nomination. At this point, the only thing Romney has grasped is straws.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Romney's N.O. Victory is Not a Good Sign
Mitt Romney is to 2012 what John McCain was in 2008, what Bob Dole was in 1996 and what George H.W. Bush was in 1988. Namely, it's his turn. Republicans have a sorry history of nominating for President the person who is perceived to be "next in line." Little consideration is given to the candidate's conservative credentials, to his electability, or to whether his rivals are more qualified or would make a better president.
Each instance of this phenomenon has resulted in disaster. Dole's turn perpetuated the debauched, liberal presidency of Bill Clinton. McCain's turn resulted in the most radical, left-wing presidency in American history. And although Bush the elder won his race, he proceeded to betray the conservative legacy of Ronald Reagan and set the country anew on the road to a bipartisan ruin that is bearing fruit today.
Romney, if not a RINO, is certainly no heir to Ronald Reagan. All one has to say is "Massachusetts Health Care." Why in heaven's name would the Republican Party want to have him as its standard bearer when there are truly conservative, exciting alternatives who might be able to reverse the horrendous course our country is on? I am thinking of Mike Pence, Paul Ryan or Rick Perry.
But no, it's Mitt's turn. If he gets the nod, either he will crash and burn like Dole or McCain, giving Obama another four years to further encase America in the socialist box that he is constructing for us; or Mitt will somehow win and then govern like the Bushes -- a big government Republican who will do nothing to reverse America's slide toward Euro-socialism. On the contrary, I fear that, as he did in Massachusetts, he will foster the slide.
What can I say: I am having a fit about Mitt!
Each instance of this phenomenon has resulted in disaster. Dole's turn perpetuated the debauched, liberal presidency of Bill Clinton. McCain's turn resulted in the most radical, left-wing presidency in American history. And although Bush the elder won his race, he proceeded to betray the conservative legacy of Ronald Reagan and set the country anew on the road to a bipartisan ruin that is bearing fruit today.
Romney, if not a RINO, is certainly no heir to Ronald Reagan. All one has to say is "Massachusetts Health Care." Why in heaven's name would the Republican Party want to have him as its standard bearer when there are truly conservative, exciting alternatives who might be able to reverse the horrendous course our country is on? I am thinking of Mike Pence, Paul Ryan or Rick Perry.
But no, it's Mitt's turn. If he gets the nod, either he will crash and burn like Dole or McCain, giving Obama another four years to further encase America in the socialist box that he is constructing for us; or Mitt will somehow win and then govern like the Bushes -- a big government Republican who will do nothing to reverse America's slide toward Euro-socialism. On the contrary, I fear that, as he did in Massachusetts, he will foster the slide.
What can I say: I am having a fit about Mitt!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Dixie Carter, 1939-2010. R.I.P.
Actress Dixie Carter has passed away. Her cause of death is unknown. She was 70.
Carter is best remembered for her tenure on the hit CBS comedy Designing Women which ran from 1986 to 1993. My first memory of her was from her stint on Diff'rent Strokes where she played Conrad Bain's wife. She would leave after one season and was replaced by former Miss America Mary Ann Mobley.
In real life, Carter was married to fellow actor Hal Holbrook. Last year, she and Holbrook co-starred in an indie film called That Evening Sun.
Carter was also one of the few actresses in Hollywood who was overt about her support for the Republican Party. It was ironic to some given that her character on Designing Women was an unabashed liberal. But art doesn't always imitate life.
Unfortunately, I guess being a Republican is grounds for some to speak ill of the dead. Here is what was written about Carter by one DrDivo on The Daily Kos:
I'm sorry she's gone for the loss of her talent, and I know the pain of those who loved her as a person. However, she used her platform to spread hate and violence and for that I have no shame in saying "Good Riddance".
As both Charlie Brown and Bill O'Reilly would say, "Good grief".
My advice to DrDivo is that if you can't say anything nice then you shouldn't say anything at all.
Carter is best remembered for her tenure on the hit CBS comedy Designing Women which ran from 1986 to 1993. My first memory of her was from her stint on Diff'rent Strokes where she played Conrad Bain's wife. She would leave after one season and was replaced by former Miss America Mary Ann Mobley.
In real life, Carter was married to fellow actor Hal Holbrook. Last year, she and Holbrook co-starred in an indie film called That Evening Sun.
Carter was also one of the few actresses in Hollywood who was overt about her support for the Republican Party. It was ironic to some given that her character on Designing Women was an unabashed liberal. But art doesn't always imitate life.
Unfortunately, I guess being a Republican is grounds for some to speak ill of the dead. Here is what was written about Carter by one DrDivo on The Daily Kos:
I'm sorry she's gone for the loss of her talent, and I know the pain of those who loved her as a person. However, she used her platform to spread hate and violence and for that I have no shame in saying "Good Riddance".
As both Charlie Brown and Bill O'Reilly would say, "Good grief".
My advice to DrDivo is that if you can't say anything nice then you shouldn't say anything at all.
Russia Stands to Gain From Polish Air Crash
The first thought that ran through my mind when I read about the plane crash in Russia which claimed the lives of 97 people including Polish President Lech Kaczynski, his wife as well as prominent members of Poland's political, military and religious establishment was how Russia stands to gain from a now destablized Poland.
Now I am not claiming Russia was involved in any kind of foul play. It is quite possible this crash was as a result of pilot error as the plane had encountered thick fog.
Yet it is worth noting that Kaczynski and his fellow passengers were en route to commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre in which nearly 22,000 Polish prisoners of war were murdered by Soviet NKVD (the forerunner to the KGB). I am sure it's something Russians don't like being reminded about.
When Poland signed an agreement with the Bush Administration in August 2008 to build a missile defense shield on Polish soil the Russians went, well, ballistic. General Anatoly Nogovitsyn, the Russian armed forces' deputy chief of staff, said that by agreeing to host the shield was "exposing itself to a strike -100 per cent." General Nogovitsyn meant a nuclear strike.
Well, as we all know, President Obama pushed the reset button and cancelled the missile shield program much to the delight of the Russians and much to the dismay of Poland.
Tensions between Russia and Poland have arisen in recent years due to, amongst other things, Polish plans to remove Soviet memorials comemorating the actions of the Red Army during WWII.
However, to be fair, only three days ago Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk appeared with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at the Katyn memorial at the request of Putin. On the other hand, Putin did not extend an invitation to President Kaczynski nor did Russian President Dmitry Medvedev:
Kaczynski said he would be going to Katyn anyway.
'I am happy that the premier will be (in Katyn),' Kaczynski said in February. 'But the highest representative of the Republic of Poland is the president and I will be (in Katyn) also.'
'I hope I get a visa,' he added.
Kaczynski later announced he would be leading a ceremony in the Katyn forest on April 10, along with veterans organizations and some 300 family members of Katyn victims.
Kaczynski said he was not going to Katyn to 'inflame relations with Russia,' but instead to pay tribute to the victims, reported the Polish Press Agency.
A special train has been set up to take some 400 people to the ceremony, including the families of victims, scouts, volunteers and Polish soldiers. The ceremony is to include a holy mass and a speech by Kaczynski.
Kaczynski was up for re-election this fall. However, due to his death, the elections have to be moved up and can be held no later than June 20th. Kaczynski was staunchly anti-Communist and unabashedly pro-American. Clearly, there was no love lost between Kaczynski and the Russians. You can't tell me the Russians aren't delighted he is out of the picture.
Yes, I am aware that Putin is personally heading up the investigation into the crash. Yet I can't see Putin concluding anything other than pilot error. I think he wants to give the appearance of being a friend to Poland while working behind the scenes to ensure to increase Russian influence there.
Now I'm sure many in Poland will not welcome Putin's involvement in the investigation and there will be strong anti-Russian sentiment expressed during the elections which could manifest into outbreaks of violence against Russians living in Poland as was the case when the teenaged children of Russian diplomats were attacked in July 2005.
It would come as no surprise if Poland elected an even more anti-Russian President than Kaczynski. Let's suppose that President were to embark on a program of removing Soviet era memorials and other acts the Russians considered unfriendly. In which case the Russians would cut oil and gas supplies to Poland as they have in the past. But if Poland were to retaliate in some manner it is not inconceivable to me that Russia would view it as an act of provocation and do to Poland what it did to Georgia in 2008. Who is going to stop Russia from invading Poland if it wanted to do so? President Obama? Why that would be meddling.
The bottom line is that even if today's plane crash was as a result of pilot error it opens up an opportunity for Russia, by hook or by crook, to have the void filled by an administration friendlier to Moscow.
Now I am not claiming Russia was involved in any kind of foul play. It is quite possible this crash was as a result of pilot error as the plane had encountered thick fog.
Yet it is worth noting that Kaczynski and his fellow passengers were en route to commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre in which nearly 22,000 Polish prisoners of war were murdered by Soviet NKVD (the forerunner to the KGB). I am sure it's something Russians don't like being reminded about.
When Poland signed an agreement with the Bush Administration in August 2008 to build a missile defense shield on Polish soil the Russians went, well, ballistic. General Anatoly Nogovitsyn, the Russian armed forces' deputy chief of staff, said that by agreeing to host the shield was "exposing itself to a strike -100 per cent." General Nogovitsyn meant a nuclear strike.
Well, as we all know, President Obama pushed the reset button and cancelled the missile shield program much to the delight of the Russians and much to the dismay of Poland.
Tensions between Russia and Poland have arisen in recent years due to, amongst other things, Polish plans to remove Soviet memorials comemorating the actions of the Red Army during WWII.
However, to be fair, only three days ago Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk appeared with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at the Katyn memorial at the request of Putin. On the other hand, Putin did not extend an invitation to President Kaczynski nor did Russian President Dmitry Medvedev:
Kaczynski said he would be going to Katyn anyway.
'I am happy that the premier will be (in Katyn),' Kaczynski said in February. 'But the highest representative of the Republic of Poland is the president and I will be (in Katyn) also.'
'I hope I get a visa,' he added.
Kaczynski later announced he would be leading a ceremony in the Katyn forest on April 10, along with veterans organizations and some 300 family members of Katyn victims.
Kaczynski said he was not going to Katyn to 'inflame relations with Russia,' but instead to pay tribute to the victims, reported the Polish Press Agency.
A special train has been set up to take some 400 people to the ceremony, including the families of victims, scouts, volunteers and Polish soldiers. The ceremony is to include a holy mass and a speech by Kaczynski.
Kaczynski was up for re-election this fall. However, due to his death, the elections have to be moved up and can be held no later than June 20th. Kaczynski was staunchly anti-Communist and unabashedly pro-American. Clearly, there was no love lost between Kaczynski and the Russians. You can't tell me the Russians aren't delighted he is out of the picture.
Yes, I am aware that Putin is personally heading up the investigation into the crash. Yet I can't see Putin concluding anything other than pilot error. I think he wants to give the appearance of being a friend to Poland while working behind the scenes to ensure to increase Russian influence there.
Now I'm sure many in Poland will not welcome Putin's involvement in the investigation and there will be strong anti-Russian sentiment expressed during the elections which could manifest into outbreaks of violence against Russians living in Poland as was the case when the teenaged children of Russian diplomats were attacked in July 2005.
It would come as no surprise if Poland elected an even more anti-Russian President than Kaczynski. Let's suppose that President were to embark on a program of removing Soviet era memorials and other acts the Russians considered unfriendly. In which case the Russians would cut oil and gas supplies to Poland as they have in the past. But if Poland were to retaliate in some manner it is not inconceivable to me that Russia would view it as an act of provocation and do to Poland what it did to Georgia in 2008. Who is going to stop Russia from invading Poland if it wanted to do so? President Obama? Why that would be meddling.
The bottom line is that even if today's plane crash was as a result of pilot error it opens up an opportunity for Russia, by hook or by crook, to have the void filled by an administration friendlier to Moscow.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Stevens' Retirement Doesn't Change Much
Here are some thoughts on the implications of Justice John Paul Stevens' impending retirement from the U.S. Supreme Court after nearly 35 years of service.
1. President Obama is going to nominate a liberal to the bench.
2. Conservatives are not going to be pleased with President Obama's nominee (with perhaps the possible exception of current Solicitor General Elena Kagan).
3. Regardless of who Obama appoints it will not change the current ideological balance on the Court.
4. Which brings me to this final point. While I don't think Stevens retirement changes much there is one development that is worth noting. With the departure of Stevens, Anton Scalia will become the longest serving justice on the Supreme Court having been appointed by President Reagan in 1986.
Scalia turned 74 last month (Stevens turns 90 on April 20th). What are the odds that Scalia serves on the bench until he's 90? Would he last through (heaven forbid) a second Obama term? If Scalia retires or passes on while Obama is in the Oval Office then that would be a watershed event in American jurisprudence. It would mean a liberal majority on the Supreme Court.
Come to think of it, Anthony Kennedy (the other Reagan appointee) is only three months younger than Scalia. At 55, Chief Justice Roberts is the youngest member of the Court. However, let us also not forget his history of seizures the most recent of which came in the summer of 2007. Clarence Thomas is in his early 60s while Samuel Alito turned 60 earlier this month. So, in the name of justice, let us pray for their continued good health.
1. President Obama is going to nominate a liberal to the bench.
2. Conservatives are not going to be pleased with President Obama's nominee (with perhaps the possible exception of current Solicitor General Elena Kagan).
3. Regardless of who Obama appoints it will not change the current ideological balance on the Court.
4. Which brings me to this final point. While I don't think Stevens retirement changes much there is one development that is worth noting. With the departure of Stevens, Anton Scalia will become the longest serving justice on the Supreme Court having been appointed by President Reagan in 1986.
Scalia turned 74 last month (Stevens turns 90 on April 20th). What are the odds that Scalia serves on the bench until he's 90? Would he last through (heaven forbid) a second Obama term? If Scalia retires or passes on while Obama is in the Oval Office then that would be a watershed event in American jurisprudence. It would mean a liberal majority on the Supreme Court.
Come to think of it, Anthony Kennedy (the other Reagan appointee) is only three months younger than Scalia. At 55, Chief Justice Roberts is the youngest member of the Court. However, let us also not forget his history of seizures the most recent of which came in the summer of 2007. Clarence Thomas is in his early 60s while Samuel Alito turned 60 earlier this month. So, in the name of justice, let us pray for their continued good health.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Me Talking About Obamacare; Being a Conservative in JP
A couple of weeks ago I did an interview with Barry Thompson, a journalism student at Emerson College in Boston.
Barry profiled conservative activists in Jamaica Plain. In addition to myself, he also interviewed Edward Wagner, who is the Chair of the Jamaica Plain Republicans and Roach McCrackin, lead singer of the conservative punk rock band Murder.
You can check out Barry's piece here. It clocks in at a little over three minutes.
Barry profiled conservative activists in Jamaica Plain. In addition to myself, he also interviewed Edward Wagner, who is the Chair of the Jamaica Plain Republicans and Roach McCrackin, lead singer of the conservative punk rock band Murder.
You can check out Barry's piece here. It clocks in at a little over three minutes.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
U.S.-Russia Arms Control Treaty Off to a Bad START
We are less than 24 hours away from President Obama signing a new START treaty with Russian President Medvedev and the Russians are already publicly talking about opting out of the agreement.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, "Russia will have the right to abandon the Start treaty if a quantitative and qualitative build-up of the US strategic anti-missile potential begins to significantly affect the efficiency of Russia's strategic forces."
This tells me the Russians don't think the treaty is worth the paper on which it is printed.
By abandoning ballistic missile defense in Poland and in the Czech Republic last year President Obama has tied our hands behind our back. Obama has given the Russians the power to draw a line in the sand they know he won't dare cross.
I don't care how many pens President Obama uses to sign this arms control agreement because it is already off to a bad START.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, "Russia will have the right to abandon the Start treaty if a quantitative and qualitative build-up of the US strategic anti-missile potential begins to significantly affect the efficiency of Russia's strategic forces."
This tells me the Russians don't think the treaty is worth the paper on which it is printed.
By abandoning ballistic missile defense in Poland and in the Czech Republic last year President Obama has tied our hands behind our back. Obama has given the Russians the power to draw a line in the sand they know he won't dare cross.
I don't care how many pens President Obama uses to sign this arms control agreement because it is already off to a bad START.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
U.K. General Election on May 6th
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has asked the Queen to dissolve Parliament and an election has been called for May 6th, one month from now.
Although the Labour Party has managed to narrow the gap in the public opinion polls somewhat the Conservative Party led by David Cameron is expected to end 13 years of Labour rule.
At the risk of trotting out a tired cliche these aren't your father's Tories. Cameron is no Thatcher. Maggie Thatcher would have never led a Conservative Party whose election manifesto called for the hiring of 5,000 professional community organizers much less state:
This plan is directly based on the successful community organising movement established by Saul Alinsky in the United States and has successfully trained generations of community organisers, including President Obama.
Frankly, I think Cameron's efforts to ingratiate himself with President Obama will be all for naught. If President Obama refuses to meet with Gordon Brown, a fellow socialist, on five separate occaisons why would he give a Tory like Cameron the time of day?
Whether Britain has a Labour government or a Conservative government so long as President Obama is in office the Anglo-American alliance is on hold. Obama's cold shoulder towards Britain is light years away from the days when President Bush and Prime Minister Blair stood shoulder to shoulder.
Although the Labour Party has managed to narrow the gap in the public opinion polls somewhat the Conservative Party led by David Cameron is expected to end 13 years of Labour rule.
At the risk of trotting out a tired cliche these aren't your father's Tories. Cameron is no Thatcher. Maggie Thatcher would have never led a Conservative Party whose election manifesto called for the hiring of 5,000 professional community organizers much less state:
This plan is directly based on the successful community organising movement established by Saul Alinsky in the United States and has successfully trained generations of community organisers, including President Obama.
Frankly, I think Cameron's efforts to ingratiate himself with President Obama will be all for naught. If President Obama refuses to meet with Gordon Brown, a fellow socialist, on five separate occaisons why would he give a Tory like Cameron the time of day?
Whether Britain has a Labour government or a Conservative government so long as President Obama is in office the Anglo-American alliance is on hold. Obama's cold shoulder towards Britain is light years away from the days when President Bush and Prime Minister Blair stood shoulder to shoulder.
Thoughts on Obama's Unilateral Disarmament
At a time when Iran is developing a nuclear weapon, North Korea is threatening "unpredictable strikes" while Russia & China are going on the offensive with regard to their own global ambitions, President Obama decrees we will have a policy of unilateral disarmament.
To be precise, the Obama Administration is pledging not to use nuclear weapons against supposedly non-nuclear countries even if they should attack us with biological and chemical weapons although Iran & North Korea are purportedly exempt from this policy.
Does President Obama honestly think that just because he's made this pledge that nations like Russia will follow suit? Nations like Russia would rightly view this as a retreat and an opportunity to escalate their nuclear programs.
Of course, Obama doesn't see it like that:
The greatest threat to U.S. and global security is no longer a nuclear exchange between nations, but nuclear terrorism by violent extremists and nuclear proliferation to an increasing number of states. For the first time, preventing nuclear proliferation and nuclear terrorism is now at the top of America's nuclear agenda.
The effect of this policy is that terrorists need only to launch a nuclear, biological or chemical strike from a "non-nuclear state" and President Obama has effectively tied our hands.
This announcement strikes me as little more than a futile effort to be liked by parts of the world that will never like us. Niccolo Machiavelli had it right. It is better to be feared than it is to be loved if you cannot have both. He was also right to declare, "Before all else, be armed."
To be precise, the Obama Administration is pledging not to use nuclear weapons against supposedly non-nuclear countries even if they should attack us with biological and chemical weapons although Iran & North Korea are purportedly exempt from this policy.
Does President Obama honestly think that just because he's made this pledge that nations like Russia will follow suit? Nations like Russia would rightly view this as a retreat and an opportunity to escalate their nuclear programs.
Of course, Obama doesn't see it like that:
The greatest threat to U.S. and global security is no longer a nuclear exchange between nations, but nuclear terrorism by violent extremists and nuclear proliferation to an increasing number of states. For the first time, preventing nuclear proliferation and nuclear terrorism is now at the top of America's nuclear agenda.
The effect of this policy is that terrorists need only to launch a nuclear, biological or chemical strike from a "non-nuclear state" and President Obama has effectively tied our hands.
This announcement strikes me as little more than a futile effort to be liked by parts of the world that will never like us. Niccolo Machiavelli had it right. It is better to be feared than it is to be loved if you cannot have both. He was also right to declare, "Before all else, be armed."
Monday, April 5, 2010
Steven Weber Wings It
It's astonishing what passes for incisive, insightful political commentary in the liberal blogosphere.
Case in point: An article "written" by actor Steven Weber on The Huffington Post.
What? Steven Weber isn't ringing a bell? He was on the sitcom Wings which aired on NBC in the 1990s. Yeah, I haven't given him much thought over the past decade either.
Well, now Weber is taking a stab at liberal political commentary. Here are his "thoughts" on Republicans:
The proof that they will never, ever let this president -- this Democratic president -- tell them what's what is that no matter what he posits in terms of fixing all the things Bush broke, things which always could have been improved upon, things which would benefit less fortunate Americans, things which would restore our prestige abroad, which would restore the warmth to the nation's character, the Republicans look at him (and by extension the majority of America) with dead eyes, crossed arms and do absolutely nothing.
No alternative plans, suggestions, advice. No involvement, curiosity, no moments of introspection. Allowing violently disposed fringe elements to steer policy when that job used to be the bailiwick of legislators and operatives schooled in poly-sci. It's an approach that begs the question:
Do Republicans actually like Democracy?
Well, where was Weber was when Paul Ryan was making mincemeat out of President Obama's arguments on health care reform? Where was Weber when Republicans were introduced over 70 pieces of health care legislation since President Obama took office?
Weber was probably too busy contemplating this original piece of liberal thought:
Even after realizing that Obama, master of many things they aren't, is also demonstrating a centrist rather than a dreaded leftist approach to governance, in many ways incorporating aspects which they themselves have favored in the past, to put forward his workable agenda as opposed to the armageddon/fascist/socialist dystopia the frothing Republican mouthpieces warned of, they still refuse to play.
Damn vexing! So, what could it be?
Hmm. Could it... is it because... oh, I don't know... is it because he's...
...black?
Nah. That would be too simplistic, too 19th century. Oh. Wait a minute...
When in doubt just call Republicans racist. Come to think of it Steven Weber is pretty good at this liberal political commentary gig. All he has to do is wing it.
Case in point: An article "written" by actor Steven Weber on The Huffington Post.
What? Steven Weber isn't ringing a bell? He was on the sitcom Wings which aired on NBC in the 1990s. Yeah, I haven't given him much thought over the past decade either.
Well, now Weber is taking a stab at liberal political commentary. Here are his "thoughts" on Republicans:
The proof that they will never, ever let this president -- this Democratic president -- tell them what's what is that no matter what he posits in terms of fixing all the things Bush broke, things which always could have been improved upon, things which would benefit less fortunate Americans, things which would restore our prestige abroad, which would restore the warmth to the nation's character, the Republicans look at him (and by extension the majority of America) with dead eyes, crossed arms and do absolutely nothing.
No alternative plans, suggestions, advice. No involvement, curiosity, no moments of introspection. Allowing violently disposed fringe elements to steer policy when that job used to be the bailiwick of legislators and operatives schooled in poly-sci. It's an approach that begs the question:
Do Republicans actually like Democracy?
Well, where was Weber was when Paul Ryan was making mincemeat out of President Obama's arguments on health care reform? Where was Weber when Republicans were introduced over 70 pieces of health care legislation since President Obama took office?
Weber was probably too busy contemplating this original piece of liberal thought:
Even after realizing that Obama, master of many things they aren't, is also demonstrating a centrist rather than a dreaded leftist approach to governance, in many ways incorporating aspects which they themselves have favored in the past, to put forward his workable agenda as opposed to the armageddon/fascist/socialist dystopia the frothing Republican mouthpieces warned of, they still refuse to play.
Damn vexing! So, what could it be?
Hmm. Could it... is it because... oh, I don't know... is it because he's...
...black?
Nah. That would be too simplistic, too 19th century. Oh. Wait a minute...
When in doubt just call Republicans racist. Come to think of it Steven Weber is pretty good at this liberal political commentary gig. All he has to do is wing it.
President Obama Throws Like a Girl
What an absolutely awful first pitch President Obama uncorked before the Washington Nationals home opener against the NL champion Philadelphia Phillies.
The panelists on the MLB Network were giving Obama props for wearing his Chicago White Sox cap.
Big freaking deal.
If President Obama wears a White Sox cap at Wrigley Field then I'll be impressed.
Now when I say President Obama throws like a girl I don't mean girls like softball great Jennie Finch. I mean girls like Mariah Carey.
The panelists on the MLB Network were giving Obama props for wearing his Chicago White Sox cap.
Big freaking deal.
If President Obama wears a White Sox cap at Wrigley Field then I'll be impressed.
Now when I say President Obama throws like a girl I don't mean girls like softball great Jennie Finch. I mean girls like Mariah Carey.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Eagles Trade Donovan McNabb to the Redskins
The Philadelphia Eagles have traded longtime quarterback Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins for a 2010 NFL second round draft pick and a 2011 NFL third round draft pick.
Speculation has been running rampant for weeks about an impending trade of quarterback Donovan McNabb in recent days. However, it was thought McNabb was headed to the Oakland Raiders.
McNabb has been the Eagles starting quarterback since 1999. He has been named to the NFC Pro Bowl team six times, most recently in 2009. He led the Eagles to an NFC Championship in 2004 but fell short to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX.
Since their Super Bowl loss, the Eagles have made the NFL post-season three of the last five years but have not returned to the big game. In fact, last year the Eagles were decisively defeated by the Dallas Cowboys 34-14 in the first round of the 2009 NFL playoffs.
I think McNabb went as far as he was going to go in Philadelphia. He needed a change of scenery. The Eagles are also ready to hand the QB reins to Kevin Kolb.
Naturally, I wonder what Jim Antle, my editor at The American Spectator thinks about this development. Jim is also a big Washington Redskins fan. Sadly, Redskins fans have had little to cheer about. Since 1999, the Redskins have made the NFL post-season only thrice and in 2009 were an anemic 4-12. I am inclined to think Jim would be happy. Consider what he wrote about the Redskins after the passage of Obamacare:
The Democrats own this debacle. But the Republicans are, in football terms, like the Washington Redskins. They have an excellent defense and no offense.
On the other hand, as we all know, Rush Limbaugh is no fan of McNabb. I like Rush but he's dead wrong about McNabb and always has been.
Yet couple McNabb with ex-Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan and the Redskins are bound to be better in 2010. With that I await Jim's thoughts on the state of football in D.C.
UPDATE: Jim has posted his thoughts on the McNabb deal at the AmSpec blog. While he thinks McNabb got a raw deal in Philly he also believes "it is hard not to conclude that McNabb lost his last, best chance for a Super Bowl ring." Well, the NFC East is going to be a lot more interesting this fall.
Speculation has been running rampant for weeks about an impending trade of quarterback Donovan McNabb in recent days. However, it was thought McNabb was headed to the Oakland Raiders.
McNabb has been the Eagles starting quarterback since 1999. He has been named to the NFC Pro Bowl team six times, most recently in 2009. He led the Eagles to an NFC Championship in 2004 but fell short to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX.
Since their Super Bowl loss, the Eagles have made the NFL post-season three of the last five years but have not returned to the big game. In fact, last year the Eagles were decisively defeated by the Dallas Cowboys 34-14 in the first round of the 2009 NFL playoffs.
I think McNabb went as far as he was going to go in Philadelphia. He needed a change of scenery. The Eagles are also ready to hand the QB reins to Kevin Kolb.
Naturally, I wonder what Jim Antle, my editor at The American Spectator thinks about this development. Jim is also a big Washington Redskins fan. Sadly, Redskins fans have had little to cheer about. Since 1999, the Redskins have made the NFL post-season only thrice and in 2009 were an anemic 4-12. I am inclined to think Jim would be happy. Consider what he wrote about the Redskins after the passage of Obamacare:
The Democrats own this debacle. But the Republicans are, in football terms, like the Washington Redskins. They have an excellent defense and no offense.
On the other hand, as we all know, Rush Limbaugh is no fan of McNabb. I like Rush but he's dead wrong about McNabb and always has been.
Yet couple McNabb with ex-Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan and the Redskins are bound to be better in 2010. With that I await Jim's thoughts on the state of football in D.C.
UPDATE: Jim has posted his thoughts on the McNabb deal at the AmSpec blog. While he thinks McNabb got a raw deal in Philly he also believes "it is hard not to conclude that McNabb lost his last, best chance for a Super Bowl ring." Well, the NFC East is going to be a lot more interesting this fall.
Red Sox Beat Yankees 9-7 in 2010 Season Opener
Anticipation has been building for tonight's 2010 MLB season opener at Fenway Park between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees for several days now.
There were some people who objected the game being played on Easter Sunday but it couldn't have been played on a better day. The thermometer hit the low 80s on April 4th. It might as well have been June 4th.
Pedro Martinez threw out the first pitch. Who knows? Maybe Pedro will be back in a Sox uniform for real by August because Josh Beckett couldn't get out of the 5th inning. The Yankees were up 5-1 when Terry Francona pulled Beckett from the game. But the Sox would score one run in the 5th and three runs in the 6th to knot the game at 5-5.
The Yankees would answer with two runs in the top of the 7th to take a 7-5 lead. Now the Sox looked for inspiration from Aerosmith's Steven Tyler singing God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch. There was a young woman standing beside him. My father and I were debating whether she was his daughter or his girlfriend. Turns out the young woman is his 21-year -old daughter Chelsea Tallarico.
Well, Red Sox Nation dared to dream on as Dustin Pedroia would tie the game again with a two run home run in the bottom of the 7th. The Red Sox would finally take the lead later in the inning courtesy of two wild pitches from Yankee reliever Damaso Marte which scored Kevin Youkilis. The Sox added an insurance run in the 8th on a single by Pedroia to give them a 9-7 lead after Neil Diamond sang "Sweet Caroline" in person. So good!!! So good!!! So good!!!
Jonathan Papelbon, who spent the winter watching his meltdown in Game 3 of the 2009 ALDS against the Angels over and over again, recorded his first save of the 2010 season.
The game lasted nearly four hours as Red Sox-Yankees games often do. The fans got their money's worth and so did the North American TV audience. If Opening Night is any indication this is going to be great season of baseball. How great it is to be alive.
There were some people who objected the game being played on Easter Sunday but it couldn't have been played on a better day. The thermometer hit the low 80s on April 4th. It might as well have been June 4th.
Pedro Martinez threw out the first pitch. Who knows? Maybe Pedro will be back in a Sox uniform for real by August because Josh Beckett couldn't get out of the 5th inning. The Yankees were up 5-1 when Terry Francona pulled Beckett from the game. But the Sox would score one run in the 5th and three runs in the 6th to knot the game at 5-5.
The Yankees would answer with two runs in the top of the 7th to take a 7-5 lead. Now the Sox looked for inspiration from Aerosmith's Steven Tyler singing God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch. There was a young woman standing beside him. My father and I were debating whether she was his daughter or his girlfriend. Turns out the young woman is his 21-year -old daughter Chelsea Tallarico.
Well, Red Sox Nation dared to dream on as Dustin Pedroia would tie the game again with a two run home run in the bottom of the 7th. The Red Sox would finally take the lead later in the inning courtesy of two wild pitches from Yankee reliever Damaso Marte which scored Kevin Youkilis. The Sox added an insurance run in the 8th on a single by Pedroia to give them a 9-7 lead after Neil Diamond sang "Sweet Caroline" in person. So good!!! So good!!! So good!!!
Jonathan Papelbon, who spent the winter watching his meltdown in Game 3 of the 2009 ALDS against the Angels over and over again, recorded his first save of the 2010 season.
The game lasted nearly four hours as Red Sox-Yankees games often do. The fans got their money's worth and so did the North American TV audience. If Opening Night is any indication this is going to be great season of baseball. How great it is to be alive.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Chris Kanyon, 1970-2010. R.I.P.
Former professional wrestler Chris Kanyon was found dead yesterday of an overdose of pills. His death is believed to be a suicide. He was 40.
Kanyon (who was born Chris Klucsaritis) is best remembered for wrestling in the now defunct World Championship Wrestling in the late 1990s and early 2000s before it was taken over by World Wrestling Entertainment. Unfortunately, Kanyon never got much of push in the WWE.
I first remember Kanyon when he wrestled as a masked wrestler named Mortis. At one point Mortis wanted to join Raven's Flock. But he had to defeat Diamond Dallas Page in a match. Mortis failed to do so and was attacked by Raven. For the next several weeks Raven would be attacked by someone in various disguises. It was Kanyon now unmasked. It was one of my favorite storylines from WCW.
Later when Kanyon became a heel character he would ask the fans before each match, "Who better than Kanyon?" The fans would chant in unisom, "Everybody!!!" A flustered Kanyon would reply, "No! No! No! It's nobody!!! Nobody!!!"
Kanyon also worked as a consultant on the movie Ready to Rumble starring Oliver Platt, David Arquette and a multitude of WCW wrestlers. It was one of the worst movies I've ever seen mostly because of Arquette's screeching dialogue. Even Martin Landau couldn't save that movie.
Unfortunately, Kanyon struggled with mental health problems. At one point he claimed Vince McMahon had fired him because he was homosexual. Kanyon later sued the WWE with fellow wrestlers Scott Levy (the aforementioned Raven) and Mike Sanders over health benefits but this suit was dismissed by a Connecticut judge.
Since being released by the WWE in 2004, Kanyon wrestled sporadically in independent shows.
It's a shame because under different circumstances Chris Kanyon could have been a huge star in wrestling and beyond.
Kanyon (who was born Chris Klucsaritis) is best remembered for wrestling in the now defunct World Championship Wrestling in the late 1990s and early 2000s before it was taken over by World Wrestling Entertainment. Unfortunately, Kanyon never got much of push in the WWE.
I first remember Kanyon when he wrestled as a masked wrestler named Mortis. At one point Mortis wanted to join Raven's Flock. But he had to defeat Diamond Dallas Page in a match. Mortis failed to do so and was attacked by Raven. For the next several weeks Raven would be attacked by someone in various disguises. It was Kanyon now unmasked. It was one of my favorite storylines from WCW.
Later when Kanyon became a heel character he would ask the fans before each match, "Who better than Kanyon?" The fans would chant in unisom, "Everybody!!!" A flustered Kanyon would reply, "No! No! No! It's nobody!!! Nobody!!!"
Kanyon also worked as a consultant on the movie Ready to Rumble starring Oliver Platt, David Arquette and a multitude of WCW wrestlers. It was one of the worst movies I've ever seen mostly because of Arquette's screeching dialogue. Even Martin Landau couldn't save that movie.
Unfortunately, Kanyon struggled with mental health problems. At one point he claimed Vince McMahon had fired him because he was homosexual. Kanyon later sued the WWE with fellow wrestlers Scott Levy (the aforementioned Raven) and Mike Sanders over health benefits but this suit was dismissed by a Connecticut judge.
Since being released by the WWE in 2004, Kanyon wrestled sporadically in independent shows.
It's a shame because under different circumstances Chris Kanyon could have been a huge star in wrestling and beyond.
Friday, April 2, 2010
For Once Somebody Out There Likes My MLB Predictions
I came across this post on a blog called The American Culture written by a fellow named Daniel Crandall commenting on my MLB Predictions for 2010 which appear both on the IC main site and online at The American Spectator.
Crandall is intrigued about my prediction that the Seattle Mariners will win the 2010 World Series. As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, Crandall writes:
I have no doubt that Goldstein knows more about this than I, and as a Seattle resident I hope he’s right. Sports fans in the Pacific Northwest need something to cheer about.
Daniel Crandall is a very generous man. After all, I am the same person who only a year ago predicted calamity to fall upon the New York Yankees. When I predicted the Tampa Bay Devil Rays would win the World Series in 2006 my very sanity was called into question. So my track record hasn't been great. But that has never stopped me before.
Frankly, I don't think picking the Mariners is that outlandish given their flurry of off season moves. My most contentious pick this season is the NL Central where I have the Cincinnati Reds winning the division. Now if I had picked the Pittsburgh Pirates to win the NL Central then I think there would have been calls made to Napoleon XIV for some nice young men in clean white coats to come and take me away.
Crandall is intrigued about my prediction that the Seattle Mariners will win the 2010 World Series. As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, Crandall writes:
I have no doubt that Goldstein knows more about this than I, and as a Seattle resident I hope he’s right. Sports fans in the Pacific Northwest need something to cheer about.
Daniel Crandall is a very generous man. After all, I am the same person who only a year ago predicted calamity to fall upon the New York Yankees. When I predicted the Tampa Bay Devil Rays would win the World Series in 2006 my very sanity was called into question. So my track record hasn't been great. But that has never stopped me before.
Frankly, I don't think picking the Mariners is that outlandish given their flurry of off season moves. My most contentious pick this season is the NL Central where I have the Cincinnati Reds winning the division. Now if I had picked the Pittsburgh Pirates to win the NL Central then I think there would have been calls made to Napoleon XIV for some nice young men in clean white coats to come and take me away.
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