Those who trumpet U.S. engagement with brutal regimes are undoubtedly singing its merits after the Burmese military junta agreed to release John Yettaw tomorrow following a meeting between General Than Shwe and Virginia Democratic Senator Jim Webb.
Yettaw had recently been sentenced to seven years of hard labor after he swam unto Aung San Suu Kyi's property last May. His unwanted presence, just two weeks before Suu Kyi was due to be released from house arrest, gave the military junta grounds to extend her captivity for another 18 months.
While I am pleased that Yettaw will be returning home I don't think for a minute that he was released either out of the kindness of General Shwe's heart or because Senator Webb is particularly persuasive. General Shwe wasn't going to let go of Yettaw without getting something in return. What exactly the military junta got isn't clear but you can be sure they got something. But whatever that something was it wasn't sufficient to secure Suu Kyi's release.
We here at IC aren't huge fans of the BBC. But the Beeb, nonetheless, does have an analysis of Webb's visit as well as the ongoing political situation there that is worth reading. For instance, I was not aware that as part of the so-called constitutional reforms last year there is a new provision banning those who are or were married to foreigners from seeking public office. It just so happens that Suu Kyi was married to a Briton who has been dead for more than a decade.
I'm sure if Suu Kyi owned a collection of Beatles albums the military junta could see to it that the constitution be amended to include a provision banning those who own a copy of Yellow Submarine from participating in next year's "elections."
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Pics of Arizona contingent at RightOnline conference
With TV host Rachel Campos and Timothy Lee (ok, so we're missing Tom Jenney, not sure where he was), we're all one degree of separation from Rachel's bro Pat.
Krikorian Blasts Woodstock
In light of my article on Max Yasgur, the man upon whose farm the Woodstock Music & Arts Fair took place 40 years ago, I am well aware that I'm in a minority amongst conservatives who think Woodstock was a good thing. Mark Krikorian, who is a regular contributor at National Review Online's The Corner, blasted the aquarian exposition as "four days of drug-addled idiocy."
Krikorian also notes 109 American servicemen died in Vietnam during the proceedings on Max Yasgur's farm and asks, "Can anyone seriously doubt that America would be better off having been governed by those 109 unsung young men than by any 109 attendees of the festival, who, together with the other members of their "Woodstock Generation," have marched through our institutions and left them a shambles?"
This question, of course, assumes that all 500,000 attendees think in precisely the same way. I remember when NBC did a retrospective of Woodstock on its 15th anniversary in 1984 and interviewed several attendees. As I recall nearly all of the attendees said they had voted for Ronald Reagan in 1980 and were planning to vote for him again in that fall's Presidential election.
Former Minnesota Republican Senator Norm Coleman was in attendance. His family had a summer home near Yasgur's farm. Coleman had also worked as a roadie for Alvin Lee's band Ten Years After who played a set at Woodstock. As it happened, Woodstock coincided with Coleman's 20th birthday (which means he turns 60 this weekend) and decided to attend with a friend.
Although Coleman did vote against the $1 million in federal funding for the Bethel Woods Museum that now stands on Yasgur's farm he did speak about his attendance at Woodstock a couple of years ago. He spoke of his experience in positive terms. "It was a great gathering of folks — no violence, no strife. But 38 years later, you see it through a somewhat different lens. It was the last of the joyful protests, before the anger set in.” Can you say the Altamont Speedway? The Isle of Wight?
So does Krikorian think Coleman left the Senate in a shambles?
Krikorian also notes 109 American servicemen died in Vietnam during the proceedings on Max Yasgur's farm and asks, "Can anyone seriously doubt that America would be better off having been governed by those 109 unsung young men than by any 109 attendees of the festival, who, together with the other members of their "Woodstock Generation," have marched through our institutions and left them a shambles?"
This question, of course, assumes that all 500,000 attendees think in precisely the same way. I remember when NBC did a retrospective of Woodstock on its 15th anniversary in 1984 and interviewed several attendees. As I recall nearly all of the attendees said they had voted for Ronald Reagan in 1980 and were planning to vote for him again in that fall's Presidential election.
Former Minnesota Republican Senator Norm Coleman was in attendance. His family had a summer home near Yasgur's farm. Coleman had also worked as a roadie for Alvin Lee's band Ten Years After who played a set at Woodstock. As it happened, Woodstock coincided with Coleman's 20th birthday (which means he turns 60 this weekend) and decided to attend with a friend.
Although Coleman did vote against the $1 million in federal funding for the Bethel Woods Museum that now stands on Yasgur's farm he did speak about his attendance at Woodstock a couple of years ago. He spoke of his experience in positive terms. "It was a great gathering of folks — no violence, no strife. But 38 years later, you see it through a somewhat different lens. It was the last of the joyful protests, before the anger set in.” Can you say the Altamont Speedway? The Isle of Wight?
So does Krikorian think Coleman left the Senate in a shambles?
Obama Interviewed by 11-Year-Old Boy
I think it's quite fitting that President Obama should be interviewed by an 11-year-old boy.
After all, the President is accustomed to being treated with kid gloves.
After all, the President is accustomed to being treated with kid gloves.
Hillary Compares 2000 Presidential Election to Nigerian Political Corruption
First, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton blows up at a student in the Congo.
Now, she likens the 2000 Presidential election to political corruption in Nigeria. While addressing Nigeria's political problems she said:
Our democracy is still evolving. You know we had some problems in some of our presidential elections. As you may remember, in 2000 our presidential election came down to one state where the brother of one of the men running for president was governor of the state. So we have our problems too.
Is this Hillary's way of contributing to Obama's apology tour? To quote the late Jeanne Kirkpatrick, liberal Democrats love to "blame America first." If the Obama Administration is so concerned about America's image in the world how does it help America when he and his officials consistently put America down? You don't promote something but telling people it's no good.
Or is she deliberately trying to cause headaches for President Obama? As Charles Krauthammer said the other day, "She was supposed to be the president of the United States at this point. She was going to be queen of the world. Instead, Obama bestrides the world. He gives speeches in the great capitals, in Cairo — and she is in the Congo! You'd be upset, also." I'm sure she would have also rather spoken at Normandy than in Nigeria.
Either way, I don't think what occurred in Florida almost nine years ago is analagous to the violence in the Niger Delta. I don't seem to recall foreign hostages being seized during the recount. To compare what happened in the 2000 Presidential election to the political violence in Nigeria would take a willing suspension of disbelief.
Now, she likens the 2000 Presidential election to political corruption in Nigeria. While addressing Nigeria's political problems she said:
Our democracy is still evolving. You know we had some problems in some of our presidential elections. As you may remember, in 2000 our presidential election came down to one state where the brother of one of the men running for president was governor of the state. So we have our problems too.
Is this Hillary's way of contributing to Obama's apology tour? To quote the late Jeanne Kirkpatrick, liberal Democrats love to "blame America first." If the Obama Administration is so concerned about America's image in the world how does it help America when he and his officials consistently put America down? You don't promote something but telling people it's no good.
Or is she deliberately trying to cause headaches for President Obama? As Charles Krauthammer said the other day, "She was supposed to be the president of the United States at this point. She was going to be queen of the world. Instead, Obama bestrides the world. He gives speeches in the great capitals, in Cairo — and she is in the Congo! You'd be upset, also." I'm sure she would have also rather spoken at Normandy than in Nigeria.
Either way, I don't think what occurred in Florida almost nine years ago is analagous to the violence in the Niger Delta. I don't seem to recall foreign hostages being seized during the recount. To compare what happened in the 2000 Presidential election to the political violence in Nigeria would take a willing suspension of disbelief.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Will Bronson Arroyo Retire?
After having cleared waivers, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo had a lot of things to say.
Specifically, he commented on his use of supplements. Some of these supplements are not approved by Major League Baseball. "But I haven't failed any tests, so I figured I'm good," said Arroyo. He also admitted to taking androstenedione and amphetamines beginning in 1998 when he was still a minor league pitcher in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and did not stop taking those substances until 2004 and 2006, respectively.
After it came to light his former Boston Red Sox teammate David Ortiz was evidently on the list of 104 players who tested positive for PEDs, Arroyo opined that he too was probably on the list. But Arroyo made no apologies. As he told USA Today:
I do what I want to do and say what I want to say. But society has made this such a tainted thing. The media has made it where people look at it in such a super-negative light. I've always been honest. I'm not going to stop now.
People can think what they want of me," he says. I don't give a f—-.
Given that Arroyo would pitch while wearing cornrows in his hair it doesn't surprise me that he doesn't give a f---.
I was also struck by the observation Arroyo made about another former Red Sox teammate Manny Ramirez:
I can see where guys like Hank Aaron and some of the old-timers have a beef with it. But as far as looking at Manny Ramirez like he's (serial killer) Ted Bundy, you're out of your mind. At the end of the day, you think anybody really (cares) whether Manny Ramirez's kidneys fail and he dies at 50? You were happy if the Red Sox won 95 games. You'd go home, have a cookout with your family. No big deal.
Well, needless to say, the MLB Commissioner's office wants to chat with Arroyo.
Somehow I don't he cares much. In fact, I think he probably wanted to get it off his chest for quite some time.
Indeed, today Arroyo arguably pitched the best game of his major league career. Arroyo pitched a complete game two-hit shutout against the Washington Nationals to give the Reds a 7-0 victory. It is the third complete game shutout of his decade long big league career.
In addition to playing baseball, Arroyo is an accomplished musician. I wonder if Arroyo is being this candid so as to get out of baseball and into music full time. Despite the supplements, Arroyo's career won loss record is 82-81. I've often thought Arroyo should shelve his music projects until the end of his big league career because that would probably do more to improve his pitching than any supplement he's taking.
Although Arroyo is 32 and could probably pitch another three to five seasons it would not surprise me if he were to walk away from baseball. Unless Arroyo is prepared for the inevitable ridicule and scorn of the press I think he would rather be known for his rock n' roll than rocking the baseball world to its very foundation by becoming a spokesperson for the new over the counterculture. So I say he hangs up his spikes and picks up his guitar.
Specifically, he commented on his use of supplements. Some of these supplements are not approved by Major League Baseball. "But I haven't failed any tests, so I figured I'm good," said Arroyo. He also admitted to taking androstenedione and amphetamines beginning in 1998 when he was still a minor league pitcher in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and did not stop taking those substances until 2004 and 2006, respectively.
After it came to light his former Boston Red Sox teammate David Ortiz was evidently on the list of 104 players who tested positive for PEDs, Arroyo opined that he too was probably on the list. But Arroyo made no apologies. As he told USA Today:
I do what I want to do and say what I want to say. But society has made this such a tainted thing. The media has made it where people look at it in such a super-negative light. I've always been honest. I'm not going to stop now.
People can think what they want of me," he says. I don't give a f—-.
Given that Arroyo would pitch while wearing cornrows in his hair it doesn't surprise me that he doesn't give a f---.
I was also struck by the observation Arroyo made about another former Red Sox teammate Manny Ramirez:
I can see where guys like Hank Aaron and some of the old-timers have a beef with it. But as far as looking at Manny Ramirez like he's (serial killer) Ted Bundy, you're out of your mind. At the end of the day, you think anybody really (cares) whether Manny Ramirez's kidneys fail and he dies at 50? You were happy if the Red Sox won 95 games. You'd go home, have a cookout with your family. No big deal.
Well, needless to say, the MLB Commissioner's office wants to chat with Arroyo.
Somehow I don't he cares much. In fact, I think he probably wanted to get it off his chest for quite some time.
Indeed, today Arroyo arguably pitched the best game of his major league career. Arroyo pitched a complete game two-hit shutout against the Washington Nationals to give the Reds a 7-0 victory. It is the third complete game shutout of his decade long big league career.
In addition to playing baseball, Arroyo is an accomplished musician. I wonder if Arroyo is being this candid so as to get out of baseball and into music full time. Despite the supplements, Arroyo's career won loss record is 82-81. I've often thought Arroyo should shelve his music projects until the end of his big league career because that would probably do more to improve his pitching than any supplement he's taking.
Although Arroyo is 32 and could probably pitch another three to five seasons it would not surprise me if he were to walk away from baseball. Unless Arroyo is prepared for the inevitable ridicule and scorn of the press I think he would rather be known for his rock n' roll than rocking the baseball world to its very foundation by becoming a spokesperson for the new over the counterculture. So I say he hangs up his spikes and picks up his guitar.
NPR Claims Palin "Debunked" on Death Panels
Take a look this piece on NPR's website concerning Sarah Palin's assertion that Obamacare would result in the rationing of health care up to and including "death panels." Their liberal bias shines through as clear as a cloudless sky. The opening sentence stands out in particular:
Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin refused to retreat from her debunked claim that a proposed health care overhaul would create "death panels", as the growing furor over end-of-life consultations forced a key group of senators to abandon the idea in their bill.
Refused to retreat from her debunked claim?
While NPR noted the objections of Republican Senators Johnny Isaakson from Georgia and fellow Alaskan Lisa Murkowski they didn't mention that former House Speaker Newt Gingrich agrees with Palin.
Nor did NPR mention that feminist academic and Obama supporter Camille Paglia thought Palin's comments had merit. Paglia described the "death panels" as a "shrewdly timed metaphor."
And if Palin's assessment was wholly without merit then why would the Senate drop the provision from the bill altogether? As Iowa Republican Senator Charles Grassley said the provision "could be misinterpreted and implemented incorrectly." That line of reasoning would tend to validate Palin's concerns rather than debunk them.
If NPR believes Palin's claim has been debunked it should state that position in an editorial not in a straight news item. That kind of reporting gives one the impression that the publicly funded NPR is becoming little more than a propaganda arm of the Obama Administration.
Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin refused to retreat from her debunked claim that a proposed health care overhaul would create "death panels", as the growing furor over end-of-life consultations forced a key group of senators to abandon the idea in their bill.
Refused to retreat from her debunked claim?
While NPR noted the objections of Republican Senators Johnny Isaakson from Georgia and fellow Alaskan Lisa Murkowski they didn't mention that former House Speaker Newt Gingrich agrees with Palin.
Nor did NPR mention that feminist academic and Obama supporter Camille Paglia thought Palin's comments had merit. Paglia described the "death panels" as a "shrewdly timed metaphor."
And if Palin's assessment was wholly without merit then why would the Senate drop the provision from the bill altogether? As Iowa Republican Senator Charles Grassley said the provision "could be misinterpreted and implemented incorrectly." That line of reasoning would tend to validate Palin's concerns rather than debunk them.
If NPR believes Palin's claim has been debunked it should state that position in an editorial not in a straight news item. That kind of reporting gives one the impression that the publicly funded NPR is becoming little more than a propaganda arm of the Obama Administration.
Baseball Excluded From 2016 Summer Olympics
The International Olympic Committee voted to exclude baseball from the 2016 Summer Olympics. However, the 2016 games will feature golf and rugby.
Of course, if the games are held in Chicago, baseball fans still have the Cubs and White Sox from which to choose.
Baseball was a demonstration sport in 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles before becoming a medal sport at the 1998 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. It has been a medal sport in every subsequent Summer Olympics including last year in Beijing.
However, the IOC voted to drop baseball from the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and have now chosen to extend it to 2016.
Baseball is pretty much the only reason I bother to watch the Summer Olympics.
Well, OK, I guess I don't mind the Russian Women's Volleyball Team circa 2004.
Chris Ruddick thinks it's probably just as well. He argues that the exclusion of baseball from Olympic competition will enhance the prestige of the World Baseball Classic and I am inclined to agree.
Of course, if the games are held in Chicago, baseball fans still have the Cubs and White Sox from which to choose.
Baseball was a demonstration sport in 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles before becoming a medal sport at the 1998 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. It has been a medal sport in every subsequent Summer Olympics including last year in Beijing.
However, the IOC voted to drop baseball from the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and have now chosen to extend it to 2016.
Baseball is pretty much the only reason I bother to watch the Summer Olympics.
Well, OK, I guess I don't mind the Russian Women's Volleyball Team circa 2004.
Chris Ruddick thinks it's probably just as well. He argues that the exclusion of baseball from Olympic competition will enhance the prestige of the World Baseball Classic and I am inclined to agree.
NY Times Chastises Palin For Not Letting "Death Panel" Comment Die a Natural Death
The New York Times today blasted Sarah Palin for her continued insistence that Obamacare would result in the creation of "death panels":
Former Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, refusing to let her recent remarks about overhauling the health care system die a natural death, said on Thursday that Democratic proposals would indeed lead to “health care rationing,” and that sick, elderly and disabled people would suffer the most under such a system run by “government bureaucrats.”
Yet as Glenn Thrush noted yesterday on Politico.com, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is soliciting donations by repeating the "death panel" comment.
President Obama also commented on Palin's "death panel" comment during the health care town hall meeting in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
So who exactly is refusing to let Palin's comment die a natural death?
Former Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, refusing to let her recent remarks about overhauling the health care system die a natural death, said on Thursday that Democratic proposals would indeed lead to “health care rationing,” and that sick, elderly and disabled people would suffer the most under such a system run by “government bureaucrats.”
Yet as Glenn Thrush noted yesterday on Politico.com, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is soliciting donations by repeating the "death panel" comment.
President Obama also commented on Palin's "death panel" comment during the health care town hall meeting in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
So who exactly is refusing to let Palin's comment die a natural death?
Les Paul, 1915-2009. R.I.P.
Guitar legend Les Paul died today after a bout with pneumonia. He was 94.
Just the other day I was on the phone with a friend of mine discussing plans to go to New York next month for my birthday. One of the things I was planning to put on my itinerary was going to see Les Paul play. Despite his advanced age, for the past several years, Paul had a standing gig at the Iridium Jazz Clubin Midtown Manhattan.
Well, it just wasn't meant to be.
Les Paul was the leader of the Les Paul Trio but he is perhaps best known for the work he did with Mary Ford to whom he was married from 1949 to 1964. In the 1950s, Paul and Ford had a string of hits but were best known for the song "Vaya Con Dios." Paul was also responsible for innovations in the studio like eight-track recording and overdubbing.
It is impossible how many guitar players cut their teeth, or more accurately developed callouses on their fingers, playing a Gibson Les Paul. Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton and Robbie Krieger of The Doors have all emplyed various models of the Gibson Les Paul. For that matter, Paul McCartney used a Les Paul Standard during his concert last week at Fenway Park and has played with various Gibson Les Paul models for virtually his entire career.
Anyone who has ever played with a Gibson should play an extra note for Les Paul tonight.
Just the other day I was on the phone with a friend of mine discussing plans to go to New York next month for my birthday. One of the things I was planning to put on my itinerary was going to see Les Paul play. Despite his advanced age, for the past several years, Paul had a standing gig at the Iridium Jazz Clubin Midtown Manhattan.
Well, it just wasn't meant to be.
Les Paul was the leader of the Les Paul Trio but he is perhaps best known for the work he did with Mary Ford to whom he was married from 1949 to 1964. In the 1950s, Paul and Ford had a string of hits but were best known for the song "Vaya Con Dios." Paul was also responsible for innovations in the studio like eight-track recording and overdubbing.
It is impossible how many guitar players cut their teeth, or more accurately developed callouses on their fingers, playing a Gibson Les Paul. Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton and Robbie Krieger of The Doors have all emplyed various models of the Gibson Les Paul. For that matter, Paul McCartney used a Les Paul Standard during his concert last week at Fenway Park and has played with various Gibson Les Paul models for virtually his entire career.
Anyone who has ever played with a Gibson should play an extra note for Les Paul tonight.
Webb Walks Into a Tangled Web in Burma
Virginia Democratic Senator Jim Webb is planning to visit Burma to meet with the military junta.
I suppose if the Obama Administration is going to have engagement with Iran then why not Burma?
During the Bush Administration, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice deemed the Burmese military junta was considered "an outpost of tyranny." However, current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said the release Aung San Suu Kyi "would open up opportunities at least for my country to expand our relationship with Burma, including investments in Burma."
Burma is like North Korea only without a nuclear weapon. The only way Suu Kyi is going to be released is if the military junta gets money beforehand not after the fact. It would essentially be little more than a ransom and a handsome one at that. Even if Suu Kyi were to be released don't think for a moment that it would stop the military junta from jailing her again. Remember she was released from house arrest in May 2002 only to be re-arrested a year later.
The Times article notes:
Opponents of sanctions point out that decades of isolation and denunciation by the West have brought about no obvious improvement to the lives of ordinary Burmese, and may arguably have deprived them of opportunities for employment and education afforded by foreign investment.
Yet it is worth noting the comments of Burton Levin, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Burma from 1987 to 1990. In fact, Levin was Ambassador when the 1990 general election took place that saw Suu Kyi elected President only for the military junta to nullify the results. In 1995, Levin said, "Foreign investment in most countries acts as a catalyst for change, but the (Burmese) regime is so single-minded that whatever money they obtain from foreign sources, they pour straight into the army."
During the 1990s there was an international boycott of Pepsico because of its ongoing relationship with the Burmese military junta. Pepsico would eventually cease operations there in 1997. It is also worth noting that when Levi Strauss opted to cease operations in Burma it stated "under current circumstances, it is impossible to do business in (Burma) without directly supporting the military government and its pervasive violations of human rights."
So if the U.S. government and by extension U.S. businesses engage Burma today how would anything be different than it was in the 1990s?
Senator Webb, and perhaps the Obama Administration, are walking into a tangled web if they choose to engage Burma's military junta.
I suppose if the Obama Administration is going to have engagement with Iran then why not Burma?
During the Bush Administration, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice deemed the Burmese military junta was considered "an outpost of tyranny." However, current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said the release Aung San Suu Kyi "would open up opportunities at least for my country to expand our relationship with Burma, including investments in Burma."
Burma is like North Korea only without a nuclear weapon. The only way Suu Kyi is going to be released is if the military junta gets money beforehand not after the fact. It would essentially be little more than a ransom and a handsome one at that. Even if Suu Kyi were to be released don't think for a moment that it would stop the military junta from jailing her again. Remember she was released from house arrest in May 2002 only to be re-arrested a year later.
The Times article notes:
Opponents of sanctions point out that decades of isolation and denunciation by the West have brought about no obvious improvement to the lives of ordinary Burmese, and may arguably have deprived them of opportunities for employment and education afforded by foreign investment.
Yet it is worth noting the comments of Burton Levin, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Burma from 1987 to 1990. In fact, Levin was Ambassador when the 1990 general election took place that saw Suu Kyi elected President only for the military junta to nullify the results. In 1995, Levin said, "Foreign investment in most countries acts as a catalyst for change, but the (Burmese) regime is so single-minded that whatever money they obtain from foreign sources, they pour straight into the army."
During the 1990s there was an international boycott of Pepsico because of its ongoing relationship with the Burmese military junta. Pepsico would eventually cease operations there in 1997. It is also worth noting that when Levi Strauss opted to cease operations in Burma it stated "under current circumstances, it is impossible to do business in (Burma) without directly supporting the military government and its pervasive violations of human rights."
So if the U.S. government and by extension U.S. businesses engage Burma today how would anything be different than it was in the 1990s?
Senator Webb, and perhaps the Obama Administration, are walking into a tangled web if they choose to engage Burma's military junta.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Rendell Dismisses Obamacare Opponents as Birthers
During the same show where Chris Matthews accused opponents of Obamacare of being upset because we have a black President, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell dismissed some Obamacare opponents as "birthers."
Governor Rendell, who is normally amongst the more sensible Democrats, said to fellow guest Stephen Moore, "Stephen, let's begin with the fact that many of these people are "birthers." The birthers are absolutely nuts. They won't believe the clear and credible evidence that President Obama was born in Hawaii. Hawaii is part of the United States of America."
That's the sort of talk that gets an incumbent politician defeated at the polls. The worst thing a politician can do is dismiss the sincerity of his opponents no matter how misguided he thinks they might be. Rendell is up for re-election next year.
Rendell also said in reference the protests against Obamacare at the townhalls, "I have never seen ugliness and rage like this in the 32 years that I have been in politics. I have never seen never anything close to it."
Moore reminded Rendell of the "rage against George W. Bush." Rendell didn't comment.
The same could be said for Sarah Palin.
Governor Rendell, who is normally amongst the more sensible Democrats, said to fellow guest Stephen Moore, "Stephen, let's begin with the fact that many of these people are "birthers." The birthers are absolutely nuts. They won't believe the clear and credible evidence that President Obama was born in Hawaii. Hawaii is part of the United States of America."
That's the sort of talk that gets an incumbent politician defeated at the polls. The worst thing a politician can do is dismiss the sincerity of his opponents no matter how misguided he thinks they might be. Rendell is up for re-election next year.
Rendell also said in reference the protests against Obamacare at the townhalls, "I have never seen ugliness and rage like this in the 32 years that I have been in politics. I have never seen never anything close to it."
Moore reminded Rendell of the "rage against George W. Bush." Rendell didn't comment.
The same could be said for Sarah Palin.
Chris Matthews Channels Janeane Garofalo
Calling someone a racist is about the worst thing you can say about a person.
Calling someone a racist when you know they harbor no such feelings is not only slander but is increasingly becoming the first refuge of scroundrels.
Exhibit A: Chris Matthews.
Geoffery Dickens of News Max has a good piece about what happened on MSNBC's Hardball last night between Matthews and his guest Stephen Moore, the former President of the Club For Growth.
Matthews asserted that some of those who opposed Obamacare "are upset because we have a black president."
To his credit, Moore called Matthews observation "an absurd comment."
Matthews supplied no evidence to back up his claim.
All Matthews really did was to channel Janeane Garofalo. During an appearance with fellow MSNBC colleague Keith Olbermann last April, Garofalo made a similar charge about the Tea Party protests. Garofalo said, "It's about hating a black man in the White House. That is racism straight up."
Like Garofalo, Matthews has got to do better than that. Barack Obama is the President of the United States. Criticism, whether fair or not, comes with the territory. People have every right to be concerned about his policy proposals and what they will mean for them, their families and our country. Thus neither President Obama nor his policies are above criticism.
If Obama's apologists are going to insist that every criticism constitutes an act of racism they cheapen the meaning of racism and in the process cheapen themselves. President Obama ought to tell Matthews and his other acolytes to stop with the racism accusations because they will ultimately not help him in the long run.
Calling someone a racist when you know they harbor no such feelings is not only slander but is increasingly becoming the first refuge of scroundrels.
Exhibit A: Chris Matthews.
Geoffery Dickens of News Max has a good piece about what happened on MSNBC's Hardball last night between Matthews and his guest Stephen Moore, the former President of the Club For Growth.
Matthews asserted that some of those who opposed Obamacare "are upset because we have a black president."
To his credit, Moore called Matthews observation "an absurd comment."
Matthews supplied no evidence to back up his claim.
All Matthews really did was to channel Janeane Garofalo. During an appearance with fellow MSNBC colleague Keith Olbermann last April, Garofalo made a similar charge about the Tea Party protests. Garofalo said, "It's about hating a black man in the White House. That is racism straight up."
Like Garofalo, Matthews has got to do better than that. Barack Obama is the President of the United States. Criticism, whether fair or not, comes with the territory. People have every right to be concerned about his policy proposals and what they will mean for them, their families and our country. Thus neither President Obama nor his policies are above criticism.
If Obama's apologists are going to insist that every criticism constitutes an act of racism they cheapen the meaning of racism and in the process cheapen themselves. President Obama ought to tell Matthews and his other acolytes to stop with the racism accusations because they will ultimately not help him in the long run.
Ted Kennedy Won't Attend Presidential Medal of Freedom Ceremony
Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy will not be in attendance at the White House to receive his Presidential Medal of Freedom today. The honor will instead by accepted by his eldest child, Kara Kennedy.
When someone is unable to attend a ceremony that is being held in their honor there's usually a very good reason for it. I suspect Ted Kennedy's condition has become worse. The passing of his older sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, yesterday certainly doesn't help matters. I cannot help but think that Ted Kennedy doesn't have a lot of time left.
When someone is unable to attend a ceremony that is being held in their honor there's usually a very good reason for it. I suspect Ted Kennedy's condition has become worse. The passing of his older sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, yesterday certainly doesn't help matters. I cannot help but think that Ted Kennedy doesn't have a lot of time left.
Mary Robinson to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
Mary Robinson, the former President of Ireland who would later become the UN High Commissioner on Refugees, will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House today despite strong criticism from Jewish groups.
Robinson played a central role as the Chairwoman at the notorious Durban Conference in 2001 which became a cesspool of vitriolic anti-Semitism prompting the U.S. and Israel to walk out of the meeting. Yet Robinson is proud of her role as the hostess inside this international house of hatred. In today's New York Daily News, Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Simon Wiesenthal Center wrote that Robinson "allowed the conference to be hijacked by extremist groups."
Earlier this month, Tevi Troy suggested on The Corner that Robinson had not been properly vetted by the Obama Administration.
If this is the case then the Obama Administration is both ignorant and incompetent. Robinson is not only a public figure but an international one at that. Yet I find it hard to believe that no one at the White House was aware of Robinson's role at Durban given that the Obama Administration was faced with the decision earlier this year whether or not to attend Durban II in Geneva. To their credit they did not attend.
But I cannot help but think the Obama Administration made a point of honoring Robinson as a way to stick it to Israel. Let's face it. Obama is not on the best of terms with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. American-Israeli relations got a whole lot worse once George W. Bush left office. Bestowing this honor upon Robinson won't win Obama friends in Israel.
Robinson played a central role as the Chairwoman at the notorious Durban Conference in 2001 which became a cesspool of vitriolic anti-Semitism prompting the U.S. and Israel to walk out of the meeting. Yet Robinson is proud of her role as the hostess inside this international house of hatred. In today's New York Daily News, Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Simon Wiesenthal Center wrote that Robinson "allowed the conference to be hijacked by extremist groups."
Earlier this month, Tevi Troy suggested on The Corner that Robinson had not been properly vetted by the Obama Administration.
If this is the case then the Obama Administration is both ignorant and incompetent. Robinson is not only a public figure but an international one at that. Yet I find it hard to believe that no one at the White House was aware of Robinson's role at Durban given that the Obama Administration was faced with the decision earlier this year whether or not to attend Durban II in Geneva. To their credit they did not attend.
But I cannot help but think the Obama Administration made a point of honoring Robinson as a way to stick it to Israel. Let's face it. Obama is not on the best of terms with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. American-Israeli relations got a whole lot worse once George W. Bush left office. Bestowing this honor upon Robinson won't win Obama friends in Israel.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
ADL Condemns Limbaugh But Not Pelosi Over Use of Nazi Imagery
I find it interesting the Anti-Defamation League condemns Rush Limbaugh for utilizing Nazi imagery but will not do the same with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Limbaugh said, "They accuse us of being Nazis, and Obama's got a healthcare logo that's right out of Adolf Hitler's playbook." ADL National Director Abraham Foxman called Limbaugh's remarks "outrageous, offensive and inappropriate."
Now I happen to partially agree with Foxman. For Limbaugh to liken Obamacare to Nazi Germany makes him look irrational and stupid and plays right into Obama's hands.
Yet Foxman and the ADL never acknowledged what prompted Limbaugh to make his comments in the first place however ill advised. Limbaugh was responding to Nancy Pelosi who said of those who showed up at town hall meetings opposing Obamacare, "They're carrying swastikas and symbols like that to a townhall meeting on health care."
Not only did Foxman and the ADL not condemn Pelosi's remarks they seemed to be echoing her sentiments:
In recent days, street protests against President Obama's health care plan have gotten ugly, with some protestors appearing in photographs wearing swastika and SS symbols.
Rubbish. There have been a few people who have signs of the swastika with a slash through it. One might not like such a form of protest but it is hardly the same thing as wearing swastikas and SS symbols or otherwise expressing support for Nazism.
Here in Boston you see some of Lyndon LaRouche's people with posters of President Obama with a Hitler mustache. It's dumb stuff and people here wisely ignore their stupidity.
The bottom line here is I don't have a problem with the ADL taking Limbaugh to task for invoking Nazi imagery. But I do have a problem when the ADL completely ignores Pelosi, the second in line to the White House, for doing the same thing. At best it's a double standard. At worst the ADL reduces itself to nothing more than another liberal interest group that is selective in its admonishments. If the ADL had issued a press release condemning both Pelosi and Limbaugh I would have written in support of it.
Limbaugh said, "They accuse us of being Nazis, and Obama's got a healthcare logo that's right out of Adolf Hitler's playbook." ADL National Director Abraham Foxman called Limbaugh's remarks "outrageous, offensive and inappropriate."
Now I happen to partially agree with Foxman. For Limbaugh to liken Obamacare to Nazi Germany makes him look irrational and stupid and plays right into Obama's hands.
Yet Foxman and the ADL never acknowledged what prompted Limbaugh to make his comments in the first place however ill advised. Limbaugh was responding to Nancy Pelosi who said of those who showed up at town hall meetings opposing Obamacare, "They're carrying swastikas and symbols like that to a townhall meeting on health care."
Not only did Foxman and the ADL not condemn Pelosi's remarks they seemed to be echoing her sentiments:
In recent days, street protests against President Obama's health care plan have gotten ugly, with some protestors appearing in photographs wearing swastika and SS symbols.
Rubbish. There have been a few people who have signs of the swastika with a slash through it. One might not like such a form of protest but it is hardly the same thing as wearing swastikas and SS symbols or otherwise expressing support for Nazism.
Here in Boston you see some of Lyndon LaRouche's people with posters of President Obama with a Hitler mustache. It's dumb stuff and people here wisely ignore their stupidity.
The bottom line here is I don't have a problem with the ADL taking Limbaugh to task for invoking Nazi imagery. But I do have a problem when the ADL completely ignores Pelosi, the second in line to the White House, for doing the same thing. At best it's a double standard. At worst the ADL reduces itself to nothing more than another liberal interest group that is selective in its admonishments. If the ADL had issued a press release condemning both Pelosi and Limbaugh I would have written in support of it.
Suu Kyi Sentenced to Another 18 Months of House Arrest
I can't say I'm surprised the courts in Burma convicted Aung San Suu Kyi and extended her house arrest another 18 months.
An election is scheduled to take place in Burma in 2010 and the authorities do not want her free so she can participate in the election and win the country's presidency as she did nearly two decades ago. If the military junta didn't let Suu Kyi become President in 1990 they certainly won't allow it in 2010.
After all only two weeks before she was to be released she was arrested when an American named John Yettaw swam on her property. The timing of that whole episode seemed all too convenient for the military junta. For her part, Suu Kyi wanted nothing to do with Yettaw who has been sentenced to seven years in prison with four years of hard labor.
Today, during her visit in Congo, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for Suu Kyi's release. This is one of the few foreign policy stances where the Obama Administration has got it right. Unfortunately, it probably won't do Suu Kyi and the Burmese people a whole lot of good.
An election is scheduled to take place in Burma in 2010 and the authorities do not want her free so she can participate in the election and win the country's presidency as she did nearly two decades ago. If the military junta didn't let Suu Kyi become President in 1990 they certainly won't allow it in 2010.
After all only two weeks before she was to be released she was arrested when an American named John Yettaw swam on her property. The timing of that whole episode seemed all too convenient for the military junta. For her part, Suu Kyi wanted nothing to do with Yettaw who has been sentenced to seven years in prison with four years of hard labor.
Today, during her visit in Congo, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for Suu Kyi's release. This is one of the few foreign policy stances where the Obama Administration has got it right. Unfortunately, it probably won't do Suu Kyi and the Burmese people a whole lot of good.
Luis Tiant: Lost Son of Havana
Last night, ESPN broadcast a documentary on former Boston Red Sox pitcher Luis Tiant called Lost Son of Havana.
The film, produced by the Farrelly Brothers, documents Tiant's return to his native Cuba in 2007 for the first time in 46 years as well as weaving through the ups and downs of his 19-year major league career in a manner as unique as his pitching delivery. It was simultaneously joyful and heartbreaking to watch.
In addition to covering the cigar smoking Tiant's own career there is also careful attention paid to his father, Luis "Lefty" Tiant, Sr's journey through the Negro Leagues. Although some Cubans had played in the majors, the elder Tiant was considered to dark skinned to pass Major League Baseball's color line. Ironically, when Jackie Robinson broke into the bigs in 1947, it effectively dismantled the Negro Leagues and also ended his career.
Tiant is reunited with his elderly aunts and also meets scores of cousins for the very first time. Life is very difficult in Cuba. Basic needs are not met. Food shortages are rampant. Tiant supplies his relatives with everything from money, toothpaste, medicines and chewing gum. Despite living in an abundance of squalor and an absence of freedom there is a proud spirit amongst the Cuban people. A strong sense of family is conveyed and it is made clear to Tiant that his countrymen have not forgotten him.
Another interesting segment took place in Havana's Central Park. There is a section of the park called the Hot Corner. In baseball parlance, the Hot Corner refers to third base. But the Hot Corner is to Havana's Central Park what Speaker's Corner is to London's Hyde Park. Of course, Cubans are not free to discuss politics. But they are free to discuss baseball and boy do they talk baseball. The assembled crowd is asked who they considered the best Cuban pitcher to play in the major leagues. Then the argument begins. Some say Jose Contreras. Others say "El Duque" Orlando Hernandez while others say his brother, Livan Hernandez. Then one young man says Luis Tiant. The young men are then introduced to El Tiante.
For his part, Tiant is apolitical unlike current Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell, whose parents fled Cuba while some of his other relatives paid with their lives. When Fidel fell ill in 2006, Lowell said he hoped Castro would die.
I suspect Tiant has mixed emotions towards Castro. Tiant was pitching in a tournament in the U.S. when the Bay of Pigs invasion occurred in 1961. Castro gave an ultimatum to Cuban baseball players outside of Cuba - return or never come home. When his father told him not to come back he stayed away. Tiant did not see his parents for 14 years until Castro granted them permission to travel to Boston to stay with him after Senator George McGovern delivered a letter to Castro written by Massachusetts Republican Senator Edward Brooke pleading Tiant's case. Tiant's parents got to see him pitch in the 1975 World Series and would stay with him until their deaths within 24 hours of each other the following year.
If ESPN re-broadcasts Lost Son of Havana please watch it. It offers Americans a rare glimpse into the everyday lives of Cubans. If you are not a baseball fan by the end of this film you will be. If you are not an opponent of communism by the end of this film you will be.
The film, produced by the Farrelly Brothers, documents Tiant's return to his native Cuba in 2007 for the first time in 46 years as well as weaving through the ups and downs of his 19-year major league career in a manner as unique as his pitching delivery. It was simultaneously joyful and heartbreaking to watch.
In addition to covering the cigar smoking Tiant's own career there is also careful attention paid to his father, Luis "Lefty" Tiant, Sr's journey through the Negro Leagues. Although some Cubans had played in the majors, the elder Tiant was considered to dark skinned to pass Major League Baseball's color line. Ironically, when Jackie Robinson broke into the bigs in 1947, it effectively dismantled the Negro Leagues and also ended his career.
Tiant is reunited with his elderly aunts and also meets scores of cousins for the very first time. Life is very difficult in Cuba. Basic needs are not met. Food shortages are rampant. Tiant supplies his relatives with everything from money, toothpaste, medicines and chewing gum. Despite living in an abundance of squalor and an absence of freedom there is a proud spirit amongst the Cuban people. A strong sense of family is conveyed and it is made clear to Tiant that his countrymen have not forgotten him.
Another interesting segment took place in Havana's Central Park. There is a section of the park called the Hot Corner. In baseball parlance, the Hot Corner refers to third base. But the Hot Corner is to Havana's Central Park what Speaker's Corner is to London's Hyde Park. Of course, Cubans are not free to discuss politics. But they are free to discuss baseball and boy do they talk baseball. The assembled crowd is asked who they considered the best Cuban pitcher to play in the major leagues. Then the argument begins. Some say Jose Contreras. Others say "El Duque" Orlando Hernandez while others say his brother, Livan Hernandez. Then one young man says Luis Tiant. The young men are then introduced to El Tiante.
For his part, Tiant is apolitical unlike current Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell, whose parents fled Cuba while some of his other relatives paid with their lives. When Fidel fell ill in 2006, Lowell said he hoped Castro would die.
I suspect Tiant has mixed emotions towards Castro. Tiant was pitching in a tournament in the U.S. when the Bay of Pigs invasion occurred in 1961. Castro gave an ultimatum to Cuban baseball players outside of Cuba - return or never come home. When his father told him not to come back he stayed away. Tiant did not see his parents for 14 years until Castro granted them permission to travel to Boston to stay with him after Senator George McGovern delivered a letter to Castro written by Massachusetts Republican Senator Edward Brooke pleading Tiant's case. Tiant's parents got to see him pitch in the 1975 World Series and would stay with him until their deaths within 24 hours of each other the following year.
If ESPN re-broadcasts Lost Son of Havana please watch it. It offers Americans a rare glimpse into the everyday lives of Cubans. If you are not a baseball fan by the end of this film you will be. If you are not an opponent of communism by the end of this film you will be.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 1921-2009. R.I.P.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver died this morning. She was 88.
Shriver was the fifth of the nine Kennedy children; the younger sister of future President John F. Kennedy. She would marry Sargent Shriver who would become George McGovern's running mate in 1972. Her daughter Maria would become a reporter for NBC News before marrying actor now California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Yet Shriver made her mark as well. She was the driving force behind the Special Olympics and was an advocate for persons with disabilities. I can't imagine she would have been particularly amused with President Obama's Special Olympics/bowling joke last March. Perhaps because of this sensitivity towards people with disabilities she was that dying breed of Democrat who was staunchly pro-life and supported organizations like Feminists for Life of America and Democrats for Life of America.
Shriver's passing leaves Jean Kennedy Smith and Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy as the last surviving Kennedy children.
Shriver was the fifth of the nine Kennedy children; the younger sister of future President John F. Kennedy. She would marry Sargent Shriver who would become George McGovern's running mate in 1972. Her daughter Maria would become a reporter for NBC News before marrying actor now California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Yet Shriver made her mark as well. She was the driving force behind the Special Olympics and was an advocate for persons with disabilities. I can't imagine she would have been particularly amused with President Obama's Special Olympics/bowling joke last March. Perhaps because of this sensitivity towards people with disabilities she was that dying breed of Democrat who was staunchly pro-life and supported organizations like Feminists for Life of America and Democrats for Life of America.
Shriver's passing leaves Jean Kennedy Smith and Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy as the last surviving Kennedy children.
Monday, August 10, 2009
A Response to Comments on My Buckley/Beatles Article
Normally, I do not reply to comments left on my articles. But I thought I would make an exception here with regard to my most recent column on the late William F. Buckley's attitude towards The Beatles.
Specifically, I wish to reply to Bob Stapler and Steve Laib who are also contributors to IC.
My article addressed the merits of Beatles music and why I thought Buckley's comments 45 years ago missed the mark. Now both Stapler and Laib tend to agree with Buckley's assessment that the Beatles music was "awful" at least in their early years. Like Buckley, both have a preference for classical music. So perhaps they didn't like it when the Beatles sang "Roll Over Beethoven." Of course, I made no comment concerning classical music in the article other than to mention it formed a significant part of Buckley's musical education. I do like some classical music. I like jazz better. But in all honestly on most occasions I prefer 1960s and 1970s rock n' roll although some of it does owe its inspiration to classical music. Of course, '60s and '70s rock encompasses a great deal of music. The Ozark Mountain Daredevils and Nick Drake have little in common but I enjoy both just the same. We all have our preferences.
I also found it interesting that John Williams came up in the commentary. Williams, of course, was the conductor for the Boston Pops for many years. His predecessor, Arthur Fiedler, conducted the Boston Pops for nearly half a century. One of the many albums Fiedler and the Boston Pops recorded was Arthur Fiedler and The Boston Pops Play The Beatles. Fiedler embraced The Beatles with the same enthusiasm he embraced Brahms.
Stapler, at least, acknowledged the Beatles were fun. However, Laib writes, "Meanwhile, the fact that a lot of people enjoy things is of little validity. A lot of people enjoy drugs, but it certainly isn't good for them." Would Beethoven's music have endured nearly two centuries after his death if people didn't enjoy the Ninth? Moreover, I'm not sure how parents and their children singing "Let It Be" at a Paul McCartney concert is analogous to snorting cocaine. Or put another way, Laib's comment isn't up to snuff.
Specifically, I wish to reply to Bob Stapler and Steve Laib who are also contributors to IC.
My article addressed the merits of Beatles music and why I thought Buckley's comments 45 years ago missed the mark. Now both Stapler and Laib tend to agree with Buckley's assessment that the Beatles music was "awful" at least in their early years. Like Buckley, both have a preference for classical music. So perhaps they didn't like it when the Beatles sang "Roll Over Beethoven." Of course, I made no comment concerning classical music in the article other than to mention it formed a significant part of Buckley's musical education. I do like some classical music. I like jazz better. But in all honestly on most occasions I prefer 1960s and 1970s rock n' roll although some of it does owe its inspiration to classical music. Of course, '60s and '70s rock encompasses a great deal of music. The Ozark Mountain Daredevils and Nick Drake have little in common but I enjoy both just the same. We all have our preferences.
I also found it interesting that John Williams came up in the commentary. Williams, of course, was the conductor for the Boston Pops for many years. His predecessor, Arthur Fiedler, conducted the Boston Pops for nearly half a century. One of the many albums Fiedler and the Boston Pops recorded was Arthur Fiedler and The Boston Pops Play The Beatles. Fiedler embraced The Beatles with the same enthusiasm he embraced Brahms.
Stapler, at least, acknowledged the Beatles were fun. However, Laib writes, "Meanwhile, the fact that a lot of people enjoy things is of little validity. A lot of people enjoy drugs, but it certainly isn't good for them." Would Beethoven's music have endured nearly two centuries after his death if people didn't enjoy the Ninth? Moreover, I'm not sure how parents and their children singing "Let It Be" at a Paul McCartney concert is analogous to snorting cocaine. Or put another way, Laib's comment isn't up to snuff.
Obama Launches Website to Debunk "Rumors" on Health Care Reform
President Obama has launched a website called "Reality Check" which is designed to debunk "rumors" about health care reform. This is quite similar to the "Fight The Smears" website the Obama campaign launched during the presidential election last year.
Politically, the Obama Administration defends itself in a way the Bush Administration never would. Too often the Bush Administration would ignore their critics and unfortunately by staying silent the critics defined much of his agenda. So in this way the Obama Administration is far more vigorous in defending their own agenda.
But, of course, the Obama Administration might have gone to the well once too often. President Obama has proven he can fool some of the people some of the time. It remains to be seen if he can fool all of the people all the time.
Politically, the Obama Administration defends itself in a way the Bush Administration never would. Too often the Bush Administration would ignore their critics and unfortunately by staying silent the critics defined much of his agenda. So in this way the Obama Administration is far more vigorous in defending their own agenda.
But, of course, the Obama Administration might have gone to the well once too often. President Obama has proven he can fool some of the people some of the time. It remains to be seen if he can fool all of the people all the time.
Pelosi & Hoyer Call Those Who Disagree With Health Care Reform "Un-American"
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer pulled no punches in a jointly written editorial in USA Today.
They called who disagreed with President Obama's health care reforms "unAmerican."
To be precise, Pelosi and Hoyer wrote, "These disruptions are occurring because opponents are afraid not just of differing views — but of the facts themselves. Drowning out opposing views is simply un-American. Drowning out the facts is how we failed at this task for decades."
Nonsense.
It is Pelosi and Hoyer who are, in fact, attempting to disrupt those who would dare think for themselves. Stifling dissent is simply un-American.
Of course, imagine what would have happened had Newt Gingrich and Tom DeLay had co-authored an editorial calling those who disagreed with Republican initiatives "unAmerican." Pelosi and Hoyer would have condemned such remarks vigorously. Their friends in the liberal media would be declaring America under the siege of fascism.
Well, let me say this to Pelosi and Hoyer. Keep on calling your constituents unAmerican. If you do you might yourselves no longer in charge of Congress after the mid-term elections.
They called who disagreed with President Obama's health care reforms "unAmerican."
To be precise, Pelosi and Hoyer wrote, "These disruptions are occurring because opponents are afraid not just of differing views — but of the facts themselves. Drowning out opposing views is simply un-American. Drowning out the facts is how we failed at this task for decades."
Nonsense.
It is Pelosi and Hoyer who are, in fact, attempting to disrupt those who would dare think for themselves. Stifling dissent is simply un-American.
Of course, imagine what would have happened had Newt Gingrich and Tom DeLay had co-authored an editorial calling those who disagreed with Republican initiatives "unAmerican." Pelosi and Hoyer would have condemned such remarks vigorously. Their friends in the liberal media would be declaring America under the siege of fascism.
Well, let me say this to Pelosi and Hoyer. Keep on calling your constituents unAmerican. If you do you might yourselves no longer in charge of Congress after the mid-term elections.
Even The Christian Science Monitor is Second Guessing the Red Sox
The Christian Science Monitor of all places has an interesting, if flawed take on the Yankees sweep of the Red Sox.
Then again, the CSM is based here in Boston so I suppose I shouldn't be that surprised.
Mark Sappenfield argues the Red Sox are relying too heavily on prospects with limited big league experience and should have pursued Mark Teixeira more vigorously in the offseason. He writes:
But what the Yankees have driven home is that big money and big moves – done wisely – still matter. Little more than a week ago, the Red Sox had the opportunity to make a blockbuster deal for the Toronto Blue Jays' Roy Halladay, one of the top pitchers in the major leagues. The Blue Jays wanted Buchholz and Bard, according to reports. So the Sox walked away.
It was a sign, Blue Jays general manager J.P Ricciardi said, of changing times. "Teams value the kid you have in [the minor leagues] who has never done it more than the guy who has shown something in the big leagues," he told The Boston Globe. "That's what the thinking is now," That was the Red Sox' thinking. In the future, when Buchholz and Bard are cornerstones of the reborn Red Sox, it will perhaps be seen as a wise move. This weekend, however, the Yankees claimed the present.
This is typical second guessing. Let us remember that prior to this weekend series, the Red Sox and Yankees had met nine times and had won all nine games. Was Mark Teixeira a dumb investment for the Yankees when they lost all those games earlier this season.
Well, I'm not sure Ricciardi was going to trade Halladay anyway. Just ask the Philadelphia Phillies. But let's also suppose the Sox had traded for Halladay and given up Bard and Buchholz. Let's also suppose Halladay had pitched against the Yankees during this series and lost (as he did last week still wearing a Blue Jays uniform.) I'm sure Sappenfield would be criticizing the Sox for giving up two blue chip prospects and taking on Halladay's contract.
The point here is that Major League Baseball, especially when it comes the Red Sox-Yankees, is a results oriented business. You are only as good as your last victory and the Sox haven't won a game in a week.
But a week in baseball, as in politics, is a lifetime. When the Yankees visit Fenway Park from August 21-23 things in the AL East could be very different than they are now. We'll see.
Then again, the CSM is based here in Boston so I suppose I shouldn't be that surprised.
Mark Sappenfield argues the Red Sox are relying too heavily on prospects with limited big league experience and should have pursued Mark Teixeira more vigorously in the offseason. He writes:
But what the Yankees have driven home is that big money and big moves – done wisely – still matter. Little more than a week ago, the Red Sox had the opportunity to make a blockbuster deal for the Toronto Blue Jays' Roy Halladay, one of the top pitchers in the major leagues. The Blue Jays wanted Buchholz and Bard, according to reports. So the Sox walked away.
It was a sign, Blue Jays general manager J.P Ricciardi said, of changing times. "Teams value the kid you have in [the minor leagues] who has never done it more than the guy who has shown something in the big leagues," he told The Boston Globe. "That's what the thinking is now," That was the Red Sox' thinking. In the future, when Buchholz and Bard are cornerstones of the reborn Red Sox, it will perhaps be seen as a wise move. This weekend, however, the Yankees claimed the present.
This is typical second guessing. Let us remember that prior to this weekend series, the Red Sox and Yankees had met nine times and had won all nine games. Was Mark Teixeira a dumb investment for the Yankees when they lost all those games earlier this season.
Well, I'm not sure Ricciardi was going to trade Halladay anyway. Just ask the Philadelphia Phillies. But let's also suppose the Sox had traded for Halladay and given up Bard and Buchholz. Let's also suppose Halladay had pitched against the Yankees during this series and lost (as he did last week still wearing a Blue Jays uniform.) I'm sure Sappenfield would be criticizing the Sox for giving up two blue chip prospects and taking on Halladay's contract.
The point here is that Major League Baseball, especially when it comes the Red Sox-Yankees, is a results oriented business. You are only as good as your last victory and the Sox haven't won a game in a week.
But a week in baseball, as in politics, is a lifetime. When the Yankees visit Fenway Park from August 21-23 things in the AL East could be very different than they are now. We'll see.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Yankees Sweep Red Sox
Not a headline I like to write. But facts are facts.
The Sox got clobbered 13-6 on Thursday night thus very probably ending the career of John Smoltz.
On Friday, the game went scoreless for 15 innings before Alex Rodriguez hit a two run home run off Junichi Tazawa, possibly ending a career before it really started.
Yesterday, C.C. Sabathia pitched seven and two thirds innings of shutout ball en route to a 5-0 victory. It was the first time the Sox had been shutout in back to back games since 2002.
Tonight was reminiscent of Friday. Jon Lester and Andy Pettitte were doing their best Josh Beckett and A.J. Burnett impressions. The game was scoreless until the bottom of the 7th when Rodriguez hit a solo homerun off Lester. It was A-Rod's 574th career homerun. He passed Harmon Killebrew for the 9th on the all-time list.
But the Red Sox did come to life albeit briefly in the top of the 8th when newly acquired Victor Martinez slammed a two run homerun off Yankees reliever Phil Coke. I guess you could say Coke's fastball lost its fizz. The homerun gave the Sox a 2-1 lead and were the first runs the Sox had scored in 31 innings.
However, ten minutes later the Yankees retook the lead. After retiring the first two batters in the bottom of the 8th, Sox reliever Daniel Bard gave up back to back homeruns to Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira. The Yankees now led 3-2. Bard continued to pitch tragically when he walked A-Rod. Bard was then lifted in favor of Hideki Okajima. But he faired no better giving up a double to Jorge Posada and a two run single to Nick Swisher. The Yankees now led 5-2.
The game did get interesting in the top of the 9th when David Ortiz was sent up to pinch hit for Nick Green against Mariano Rivera. Big Papi managed to work a walk which brought up the tying run in Jacoby Ellsbury. However, Ellsbury would meekly tap out to Teixeira at first to end the game.
The Boston Red Sox were not only swept by the New York Yankees but have lost six consecutive games having also been swept by the Tampa Bay Rays. The Sox are now 6½ games out of first place in the AL East. They are also now in a tie for the AL Wild Card with the Texas Rangers. After the Red Sox play the AL Central Division leading Detroit Tigers they travel to Arlington to face the Rangers next weekend. The Rays are only 1½ games out of the AL Wild Card spot.
One can only hope that the Sox have a bad case of the flu and that the worst of it is over.
The Sox got clobbered 13-6 on Thursday night thus very probably ending the career of John Smoltz.
On Friday, the game went scoreless for 15 innings before Alex Rodriguez hit a two run home run off Junichi Tazawa, possibly ending a career before it really started.
Yesterday, C.C. Sabathia pitched seven and two thirds innings of shutout ball en route to a 5-0 victory. It was the first time the Sox had been shutout in back to back games since 2002.
Tonight was reminiscent of Friday. Jon Lester and Andy Pettitte were doing their best Josh Beckett and A.J. Burnett impressions. The game was scoreless until the bottom of the 7th when Rodriguez hit a solo homerun off Lester. It was A-Rod's 574th career homerun. He passed Harmon Killebrew for the 9th on the all-time list.
But the Red Sox did come to life albeit briefly in the top of the 8th when newly acquired Victor Martinez slammed a two run homerun off Yankees reliever Phil Coke. I guess you could say Coke's fastball lost its fizz. The homerun gave the Sox a 2-1 lead and were the first runs the Sox had scored in 31 innings.
However, ten minutes later the Yankees retook the lead. After retiring the first two batters in the bottom of the 8th, Sox reliever Daniel Bard gave up back to back homeruns to Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira. The Yankees now led 3-2. Bard continued to pitch tragically when he walked A-Rod. Bard was then lifted in favor of Hideki Okajima. But he faired no better giving up a double to Jorge Posada and a two run single to Nick Swisher. The Yankees now led 5-2.
The game did get interesting in the top of the 9th when David Ortiz was sent up to pinch hit for Nick Green against Mariano Rivera. Big Papi managed to work a walk which brought up the tying run in Jacoby Ellsbury. However, Ellsbury would meekly tap out to Teixeira at first to end the game.
The Boston Red Sox were not only swept by the New York Yankees but have lost six consecutive games having also been swept by the Tampa Bay Rays. The Sox are now 6½ games out of first place in the AL East. They are also now in a tie for the AL Wild Card with the Texas Rangers. After the Red Sox play the AL Central Division leading Detroit Tigers they travel to Arlington to face the Rangers next weekend. The Rays are only 1½ games out of the AL Wild Card spot.
One can only hope that the Sox have a bad case of the flu and that the worst of it is over.
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