During the Obama press conference this afternoon he was asked if he had talked with his predecessors.
Obama said, "I've spoken to all of them that are living."
Laughter ensued. Obama then retorted, "I didn't want to get into a Nancy Reagan thing about, you know, doing any seances."
Well, Obama later apologized to the former First Lady.
But it made me wonder given our current economic circumstances if he was considering seeking FDR's advice and counsel.
He wouldn't be the first world leader to seek FDR's advice from beyond the grave.
Mackenzie King was Canada's longest serving Prime Minister. He was also its most eccentric. The scion of the Liberal Party was heavy into spiritualism and would seek to communicate with his deceased mother, brother and even his dog. (Obama take note.)
King also sought advice from FDR after he died in 1944 during the Gouzenko Affair. King and FDR were contemporaries after all and they met with Churchill at an Allied Conference in Quebec City in 1943. http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/king/053201/053201130208_e.html
If Obama summons FDR perhaps FDR will tell him, "Enough. Talk to Truman."
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thoughts on the Obama Press Conference
President-elect Barack Obama had his first press conference in Chicago since his election on Tuesday night. I had a chance to listen to it on cnn.com. I was unable to get a video feed from foxnews.com.
Surrounded by Joe Biden, new White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel and his transition team, Obama spoke briefly about the country's dire economic situation. He said that the country needed "a rescue plan for the middle class." Obama urged Congress to pass an additional stimulus package in the lame duck session and if such a package could not be agreed it would be "the first thing I get done" once he took office. Apart from extending unemployment benefits he did not specify what such a plan would entail.
Obama took ten questions from the media. Most of the questions were of a general, inoffensive nature - how he felt about being invited to the White House by President Bush, who he thought his successor for his Senate seat in Illinois should be and what kind of dog would he get for his children.
However, there was a question about Iran and the letter of congratulations he received from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Obama replied that he would be "reviewing" the letter. What is there to review?
Obama did reiterate that it was unacceptable for Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. What was needed to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon? Obama said we needed to "mount an international effort." So what will be the basis of this international effort? Another UN Security Council Resolution? We've already had three. Will this "international effort" involve China and Russia? For crying out loud the Russians are building the Iranians a nuclear reactor.
Or will this "international effort" involve Obama hopping aboard Air Force One to Tehran for an audience with Ahmadinejad and the Mullahs? This is where Obama would make his pitch about them giving up their efforts to enrich uranium in exchange for membership in the World Trade Organization.
Hey, I know he doesn't take office for another 74 days but I'll be listening to him very, very carefully.
Surrounded by Joe Biden, new White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel and his transition team, Obama spoke briefly about the country's dire economic situation. He said that the country needed "a rescue plan for the middle class." Obama urged Congress to pass an additional stimulus package in the lame duck session and if such a package could not be agreed it would be "the first thing I get done" once he took office. Apart from extending unemployment benefits he did not specify what such a plan would entail.
Obama took ten questions from the media. Most of the questions were of a general, inoffensive nature - how he felt about being invited to the White House by President Bush, who he thought his successor for his Senate seat in Illinois should be and what kind of dog would he get for his children.
However, there was a question about Iran and the letter of congratulations he received from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Obama replied that he would be "reviewing" the letter. What is there to review?
Obama did reiterate that it was unacceptable for Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. What was needed to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon? Obama said we needed to "mount an international effort." So what will be the basis of this international effort? Another UN Security Council Resolution? We've already had three. Will this "international effort" involve China and Russia? For crying out loud the Russians are building the Iranians a nuclear reactor.
Or will this "international effort" involve Obama hopping aboard Air Force One to Tehran for an audience with Ahmadinejad and the Mullahs? This is where Obama would make his pitch about them giving up their efforts to enrich uranium in exchange for membership in the World Trade Organization.
Hey, I know he doesn't take office for another 74 days but I'll be listening to him very, very carefully.
African Americans Overwhelmingly Supported California's Proposition 8
Last night, I was watching Charlie Rose interview Mitchell Gold, the CEO of Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams, the furniture retailer.
Gold is also openly gay and was being interviewed about his book Crisis which profiles the experiences of gays and lesbians.
The interview can be found at http://www.charlierose.com/shows/2008/11/06/13/a-conversation-with-mitchell-gold.
At one point Gold states the following:
James Dobson (head of Focus on the Family) is running around the state of California saying the world is coming to an end if gay people get married...It's the same things that were said about interacial marriage.
However, what Gold does not mention is that 70% of African-American voters (most of whom voted for Barack Obama) backed Proposition 8 that has jettisoned gay marriage in California.
Gold can criticize Dobson to his heart's content. But I wonder what Gold and other gay rights activists have to say about more than two thirds of the African American community that doesn't liken gay marriage to interacial marriage? I suspect they will have nothing to say because they don't want to be called racist. It is easier for gay rights activists to pick on white Evangelicals because they know nothing bad will happen to them.
For the record, if I were a resident of California I would have voted against Proposition 8. As a resident of Massachusetts should a similar ballot initiative be presented here I would vote against it. It is perfectly reasonable for gay rights activists to be disappointed at the outcome of the vote. It is also perfectly reasonable that they prepared to take African Americans to task and not just selectively criticize white Evangelicals.
Gold is also openly gay and was being interviewed about his book Crisis which profiles the experiences of gays and lesbians.
The interview can be found at http://www.charlierose.com/shows/2008/11/06/13/a-conversation-with-mitchell-gold.
At one point Gold states the following:
James Dobson (head of Focus on the Family) is running around the state of California saying the world is coming to an end if gay people get married...It's the same things that were said about interacial marriage.
However, what Gold does not mention is that 70% of African-American voters (most of whom voted for Barack Obama) backed Proposition 8 that has jettisoned gay marriage in California.
Gold can criticize Dobson to his heart's content. But I wonder what Gold and other gay rights activists have to say about more than two thirds of the African American community that doesn't liken gay marriage to interacial marriage? I suspect they will have nothing to say because they don't want to be called racist. It is easier for gay rights activists to pick on white Evangelicals because they know nothing bad will happen to them.
For the record, if I were a resident of California I would have voted against Proposition 8. As a resident of Massachusetts should a similar ballot initiative be presented here I would vote against it. It is perfectly reasonable for gay rights activists to be disappointed at the outcome of the vote. It is also perfectly reasonable that they prepared to take African Americans to task and not just selectively criticize white Evangelicals.
Marion Dewar, 1928-2008. R.I.P.
I take a certain amount of pride in following current events in Canada. However, until yesterday I did not know that former Ottawa mayor Marion Dewar had died in September. She was injured after a fall while attending the Toronto International Film Festival and passed away three days later.
She was 80 but was a very active 80. She continued to be active in community affairs up until her sudden death.
I knew Marion Dewar and wish I had known about this when it happened.
Although I have parted ways with the NDP I have not parted with the affection I hold a number of people who were involved with it and Marion Dewar was amongst those.
Dewar is best known when she was Mayor of Ottawa from 1978 to 1985 and was well regarded in that job by people of all political stripes. Dewar made yeoman efforts to welcome Vietnamese boat people into Ottawa and Ottawa is a richer place for it.
The first time I saw her was in 1988 when she spoke at the nomination meeting of Ernie Epp, who was running for re-election as the Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Nipigon. At the time she was running for re-election as an MP in Hamilton Mountain and it was very gracious of her to take time out of her campaign to speak on behalf of a colleague. As it turned out both of them would lose their seats in that election. Dewar was on the left wing of the party and held strong views but had a way about her that never antagonized her political opponents.
I came to know her personally in 1993. She was making a political comeback and was running in the federal election in Ottawa Centre against the Liberal incumbent Mac Harb. I had the opportunity to canvass and commiserate with her. Unfortunately, it was a bad year for the NDP due to the unpopularity of the NDP government that was in power in Ontario at the time and Harb was easily re-elected.
Marion had no pretensions about her. I remember travelling to Toronto on a VIA Rail train the following year and we saw each other. She invited me to sit down with her and we talked all the way to Toronto. Now there are some people in this world who after they've attained positions of power develop a certain aloofness (if they don't already have it in the first place) and are disinclined to acknowledge you even if they know your name. Marion was the opposite of that. I wouldn't describe her as a populist but she had a warmth about her that made her approachable.
I last saw Marion in November 2000. I had moved to Boston only half a year earlier but was in Ottawa on vacation. I spent part of that vacation canvassing for the NDP during the federal election that was going on at the time. Heather Jane Robertson was the NDP candidate and I spent the afternoon canvassing with Robertson and Marion Dewar. Robertson was unable to unseat Mac Harb. Although I didn't know it at the time it would be the last time I would ever campaign on behalf of the NDP.
Marion's son, Paul Dewar is now the MP for Ottawa Centre. He was elected in the 2006 election and re-elected last month. This might be belated but Paul and the Dewar family have my sincerest condolences.
She was 80 but was a very active 80. She continued to be active in community affairs up until her sudden death.
I knew Marion Dewar and wish I had known about this when it happened.
Although I have parted ways with the NDP I have not parted with the affection I hold a number of people who were involved with it and Marion Dewar was amongst those.
Dewar is best known when she was Mayor of Ottawa from 1978 to 1985 and was well regarded in that job by people of all political stripes. Dewar made yeoman efforts to welcome Vietnamese boat people into Ottawa and Ottawa is a richer place for it.
The first time I saw her was in 1988 when she spoke at the nomination meeting of Ernie Epp, who was running for re-election as the Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Nipigon. At the time she was running for re-election as an MP in Hamilton Mountain and it was very gracious of her to take time out of her campaign to speak on behalf of a colleague. As it turned out both of them would lose their seats in that election. Dewar was on the left wing of the party and held strong views but had a way about her that never antagonized her political opponents.
I came to know her personally in 1993. She was making a political comeback and was running in the federal election in Ottawa Centre against the Liberal incumbent Mac Harb. I had the opportunity to canvass and commiserate with her. Unfortunately, it was a bad year for the NDP due to the unpopularity of the NDP government that was in power in Ontario at the time and Harb was easily re-elected.
Marion had no pretensions about her. I remember travelling to Toronto on a VIA Rail train the following year and we saw each other. She invited me to sit down with her and we talked all the way to Toronto. Now there are some people in this world who after they've attained positions of power develop a certain aloofness (if they don't already have it in the first place) and are disinclined to acknowledge you even if they know your name. Marion was the opposite of that. I wouldn't describe her as a populist but she had a warmth about her that made her approachable.
I last saw Marion in November 2000. I had moved to Boston only half a year earlier but was in Ottawa on vacation. I spent part of that vacation canvassing for the NDP during the federal election that was going on at the time. Heather Jane Robertson was the NDP candidate and I spent the afternoon canvassing with Robertson and Marion Dewar. Robertson was unable to unseat Mac Harb. Although I didn't know it at the time it would be the last time I would ever campaign on behalf of the NDP.
Marion's son, Paul Dewar is now the MP for Ottawa Centre. He was elected in the 2006 election and re-elected last month. This might be belated but Paul and the Dewar family have my sincerest condolences.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Presidential Election South Park Style
Less than 24 hours after Obama's election, South Park comes out with an episode on the aftermath of the election and things aren't exactly what they seem.
The episode pays homage to Oceans Eleven.
It also satirizes the frenzied behavior of Obama supporters as demonstrated by Randy Marsh in this clip. (http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/209726/?tab=feature)
Just a little levity to soften the blow.
The episode pays homage to Oceans Eleven.
It also satirizes the frenzied behavior of Obama supporters as demonstrated by Randy Marsh in this clip. (http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/209726/?tab=feature)
Just a little levity to soften the blow.
Sarah Palin is the Israel of American Politics
So some on McCain's campaign staff would have us believe amongst other things that Sarah Palin doesn't know Africa is a continent and once answered her door wearing only a bathrobe.
Shhhh!!!! Do I hear an axe grinding?
Given Palin's efforts to divest Alaskan holdings in Darfur I find that first claim hard to believe.
The fact that someone would allege an incident with the bathrobe leads me to believe the old adage that if you throw enough crap on the wall some of it will stick.
This makes her the Israel of American politics. She is held to a standard no one else is.
Sarah Palin is alleged to not know that Canada is part of NAFTA and it's a scandal. Yet Barack Obama thought Canada was led by a President not a Prime Minister and doesn't merit a yawn.
Sarah Palin is alleged to not know Africa is a continent and it's a scandal. Yet Barack Obama once uttered America consisted of 57 states and no one bats an eyelash.
Don't get me started on Joe Biden. The man who thought FDR went on TV in 1929 to address the nation about the stock market crash. Two problems. Herbert Hoover was President and there was no TV in 1929. If Sarah Palin didn't know who FDR's Secretary of the Treasury was it would be on the front page of The New York Times. BTW, Henry Morgenthau served under FDR in that post.
Biden also claimed that Hezbollah had been kicked out of Lebanon during the 2006 war with Israel. I am sure Sheikh Nasrallah got a chuckle out of that one. If Palin had uttered that pearl of wisdom it would be shown on every network hourly.
Well, Sarah Palin is back home in Alaska. The best she can do is continue governing on her own terms, be amongst the people and get re-elected in 2010.
Shhhh!!!! Do I hear an axe grinding?
Given Palin's efforts to divest Alaskan holdings in Darfur I find that first claim hard to believe.
The fact that someone would allege an incident with the bathrobe leads me to believe the old adage that if you throw enough crap on the wall some of it will stick.
This makes her the Israel of American politics. She is held to a standard no one else is.
Sarah Palin is alleged to not know that Canada is part of NAFTA and it's a scandal. Yet Barack Obama thought Canada was led by a President not a Prime Minister and doesn't merit a yawn.
Sarah Palin is alleged to not know Africa is a continent and it's a scandal. Yet Barack Obama once uttered America consisted of 57 states and no one bats an eyelash.
Don't get me started on Joe Biden. The man who thought FDR went on TV in 1929 to address the nation about the stock market crash. Two problems. Herbert Hoover was President and there was no TV in 1929. If Sarah Palin didn't know who FDR's Secretary of the Treasury was it would be on the front page of The New York Times. BTW, Henry Morgenthau served under FDR in that post.
Biden also claimed that Hezbollah had been kicked out of Lebanon during the 2006 war with Israel. I am sure Sheikh Nasrallah got a chuckle out of that one. If Palin had uttered that pearl of wisdom it would be shown on every network hourly.
Well, Sarah Palin is back home in Alaska. The best she can do is continue governing on her own terms, be amongst the people and get re-elected in 2010.
Quebec to Vote on December 8th
Quebec Premier Jean Charest is going to the polls early calling an election to take place on December 8th.
Charest, who at one time was the leader of Canada's Progressive Conservative Party, is going to try to do what Stephen Harper couldn't do in Ottawa - obtain a majority government.
In March 2007, Charest's Liberals were re-elected but with a minority government. It was the first time there had been a minority government in Quebec in more than 125 years. In that election the Action Democratique du Quebec (ADQ) led by Mario Dumont became the official opposition. While the ADQ wants more autonomy for Quebec they are not a sepratist party and tend to be more conservative on economic issues. The sepratist Parti Quebecois fell to third and at less than 30% in the popular vote had its worst showing since its debut in 1970.
Since that the election the fortunes of both the Liberals and Parti Quebecois has improved while the ADQ has sunk in the polls. The Liberals have the lead in the polls and many believe the ADQ votes will go to the Liberals. However, a mixture of a volatile economy and a snap election nothing is guaranteed for Charest. It's one thing for Harper to go to the polls with a nearly three year old minority government it is another for Charest to go to the polls with a minority government that is not even two years old. O.K. it's a year but a year is infinity in politics. People might resent going to the polls. They will especially resent going to the polls if they have recently lost their job or house.
My concern is that if the economic news gets worse over the next month in Quebec the chief beneficiary will be the Parti Quebecois now led by Pauline Marois. While not known for her charisma she was considered a competent cabinet minister in the PQ governments of Rene Levesque Lucien Bouchard and Bernard Landry. Marois served as Quebec's Minister of Finance in the last PQ government under Landry.
A snap election, bad economic news, a gaffe or two could result in a PQ victory. A PQ victory means another Quebec referendum. Granted the rules under which a referendum can be conducted have changed as a result of the efforts of the soon to be former federal Liberal Party leader Stephane Dion. Nonetheless, as long as the PQ gets elected there will be a point in their mandate where a referendum would take place asking the Quebecois whether they wish leave Canada and become an independent country. This will be a permanent feature of Quebec politics until there is a yes vote to secede.
The previous two referendums were held in 1980 and 1995. The Quebecois rejected the 1980 referendum giving the No forces a 60-40 margin. In 1995, the Yes forces came within 0.5% of winning and destroying Canada. If Marois and the PQ are elected in December I would expect a referendum in 2010. I can't emphasize this enough. There will be probably a referendum in Quebec every 15 years or so until the Quebecois say yes. Of course, it isn't that cut and dry. There would have to be negotiations with the Government of Canada on the terms of secession. This is why calling an early election in Quebec is risky for Charest. Yes, Charest and the Liberals are leading in the polls but as I have set out here calling a snap election in Quebec can have far steeper consequences than in other jurisdictions.
Charest, who at one time was the leader of Canada's Progressive Conservative Party, is going to try to do what Stephen Harper couldn't do in Ottawa - obtain a majority government.
In March 2007, Charest's Liberals were re-elected but with a minority government. It was the first time there had been a minority government in Quebec in more than 125 years. In that election the Action Democratique du Quebec (ADQ) led by Mario Dumont became the official opposition. While the ADQ wants more autonomy for Quebec they are not a sepratist party and tend to be more conservative on economic issues. The sepratist Parti Quebecois fell to third and at less than 30% in the popular vote had its worst showing since its debut in 1970.
Since that the election the fortunes of both the Liberals and Parti Quebecois has improved while the ADQ has sunk in the polls. The Liberals have the lead in the polls and many believe the ADQ votes will go to the Liberals. However, a mixture of a volatile economy and a snap election nothing is guaranteed for Charest. It's one thing for Harper to go to the polls with a nearly three year old minority government it is another for Charest to go to the polls with a minority government that is not even two years old. O.K. it's a year but a year is infinity in politics. People might resent going to the polls. They will especially resent going to the polls if they have recently lost their job or house.
My concern is that if the economic news gets worse over the next month in Quebec the chief beneficiary will be the Parti Quebecois now led by Pauline Marois. While not known for her charisma she was considered a competent cabinet minister in the PQ governments of Rene Levesque Lucien Bouchard and Bernard Landry. Marois served as Quebec's Minister of Finance in the last PQ government under Landry.
A snap election, bad economic news, a gaffe or two could result in a PQ victory. A PQ victory means another Quebec referendum. Granted the rules under which a referendum can be conducted have changed as a result of the efforts of the soon to be former federal Liberal Party leader Stephane Dion. Nonetheless, as long as the PQ gets elected there will be a point in their mandate where a referendum would take place asking the Quebecois whether they wish leave Canada and become an independent country. This will be a permanent feature of Quebec politics until there is a yes vote to secede.
The previous two referendums were held in 1980 and 1995. The Quebecois rejected the 1980 referendum giving the No forces a 60-40 margin. In 1995, the Yes forces came within 0.5% of winning and destroying Canada. If Marois and the PQ are elected in December I would expect a referendum in 2010. I can't emphasize this enough. There will be probably a referendum in Quebec every 15 years or so until the Quebecois say yes. Of course, it isn't that cut and dry. There would have to be negotiations with the Government of Canada on the terms of secession. This is why calling an early election in Quebec is risky for Charest. Yes, Charest and the Liberals are leading in the polls but as I have set out here calling a snap election in Quebec can have far steeper consequences than in other jurisdictions.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Reactions To My Obama Poem in Cambridge
Last night I posted a poem reacting to the election of Barack Obama titled, "The Messiah Has Not Come."
This evening I debuted the poem at the Cantab Lounge in the People's Republic of Cambridge.
Four years ago when Bush was re-elected I went to the Cantab the night after the election wearing a "Bush-Cheney" T-shirt and chanted, "Four More Years!!! Four More Years!!!" Needless to say, the crowd was none too happy.
The mood was obviously quite different tonight amongst those assembled. I'm not afraid to speak my mind whether in triumph or disaster.
Before the poetry began there was much discussion about the election. One poet, Adam Stone, praised John McCain for his concession speech. But he then said he wished McCain had behaved like this "for the past four years." I voiced my objection and told Adam I didn't buy his argument. "Aaron, I know you don't buy my argument. Your arguments are based on emotion and not logic," Adam replied. Before I could reply Adam walked away from me.
So when my name was announced I spoke about this exchange before reading the poem. I pointed out that it was McCain who said at a Republican rally that the country had nothing to fear from an Obama Presidency. "If that isn't deferential I don't know what is," I replied.
I then read my poem which naturally was not well received.
In fairness, Simone Beaubien, the MC praised me for attending four years ago and attending again even if the outcome wasn't to my liking. I didn't expect her to make that statement and it was surprisingly appreciated.
I also got a nice pat on the back from John Sturm. I've known John for many years now. John recites poetry by Shakespeare, Byron, e.e. cummings in his distinctive voice. If John read the phone book he could move people to tears. John doesn't share my politics. However, four years ago, John defended me during his time on stage after I was getting heckled. He got grief for his trouble. John didn't have to do it but he did so without hesitation.
Even Gary Hicks, an African-American and a self-described Communist, gave me a fist pump and said it was good to see me back in the lion's den.
The only objection came from Mr. Stone.
He publicly objected to this stanza:
I didn't support the dark horse
You brand me with a scarlet letter
Should you call me a racist
I say you'll have to do better
Adam described the stanza as racist, particularly objecting to the phrase dark horse. I shouted, "Are you calling me a racist?" He ignored me and proceeded to read a poem trashing Sarah Palin. I tuned it out and waited for him to depart the stage.
ME: Adam, are you calling me a racist?
ADAM: No, I'm not calling you a racist. The comment is racist.
ME: You cheapen the meaning of racism and you cheapen yourself. There is nothing racist about dark horse.
Adam once again walked away. I guess my article, "Five Things To Say If You Are Called a Racist Because You Won't Vote for Obama" came in handy for the occasion. (http://www.intellectualconservative.com/2008/10/25/five-things-to-say-if-you're-called-a-racist-because-you-won't-vote-for-obama/)
If my use of the phrase "dark horse" is racist then the late George Harrison and the Canadian rock group Nickelback are racist because they have both titled their albums "Dark Horse". Yes, one can infer Obama's race when using the term dark horse. But one can also describe Obama as a dark horse because a year ago nearly everyone believed Hillary Clinton would be the Democratic Party's standard bearer. It is the standard meaning of the term. In my poem the term is a double entendre. It is a commentary on people who invoke racism where there is none and also a clear message that I (and for that matter other McCain supporters) will not take being called a racist lying down as Mr. Stone found out this evening.
All in all though I was pleased that people listened to my cautionary tale even if it was something they didn't necessarily want to hear.
This evening I debuted the poem at the Cantab Lounge in the People's Republic of Cambridge.
Four years ago when Bush was re-elected I went to the Cantab the night after the election wearing a "Bush-Cheney" T-shirt and chanted, "Four More Years!!! Four More Years!!!" Needless to say, the crowd was none too happy.
The mood was obviously quite different tonight amongst those assembled. I'm not afraid to speak my mind whether in triumph or disaster.
Before the poetry began there was much discussion about the election. One poet, Adam Stone, praised John McCain for his concession speech. But he then said he wished McCain had behaved like this "for the past four years." I voiced my objection and told Adam I didn't buy his argument. "Aaron, I know you don't buy my argument. Your arguments are based on emotion and not logic," Adam replied. Before I could reply Adam walked away from me.
So when my name was announced I spoke about this exchange before reading the poem. I pointed out that it was McCain who said at a Republican rally that the country had nothing to fear from an Obama Presidency. "If that isn't deferential I don't know what is," I replied.
I then read my poem which naturally was not well received.
In fairness, Simone Beaubien, the MC praised me for attending four years ago and attending again even if the outcome wasn't to my liking. I didn't expect her to make that statement and it was surprisingly appreciated.
I also got a nice pat on the back from John Sturm. I've known John for many years now. John recites poetry by Shakespeare, Byron, e.e. cummings in his distinctive voice. If John read the phone book he could move people to tears. John doesn't share my politics. However, four years ago, John defended me during his time on stage after I was getting heckled. He got grief for his trouble. John didn't have to do it but he did so without hesitation.
Even Gary Hicks, an African-American and a self-described Communist, gave me a fist pump and said it was good to see me back in the lion's den.
The only objection came from Mr. Stone.
He publicly objected to this stanza:
I didn't support the dark horse
You brand me with a scarlet letter
Should you call me a racist
I say you'll have to do better
Adam described the stanza as racist, particularly objecting to the phrase dark horse. I shouted, "Are you calling me a racist?" He ignored me and proceeded to read a poem trashing Sarah Palin. I tuned it out and waited for him to depart the stage.
ME: Adam, are you calling me a racist?
ADAM: No, I'm not calling you a racist. The comment is racist.
ME: You cheapen the meaning of racism and you cheapen yourself. There is nothing racist about dark horse.
Adam once again walked away. I guess my article, "Five Things To Say If You Are Called a Racist Because You Won't Vote for Obama" came in handy for the occasion. (http://www.intellectualconservative.com/2008/10/25/five-things-to-say-if-you're-called-a-racist-because-you-won't-vote-for-obama/)
If my use of the phrase "dark horse" is racist then the late George Harrison and the Canadian rock group Nickelback are racist because they have both titled their albums "Dark Horse". Yes, one can infer Obama's race when using the term dark horse. But one can also describe Obama as a dark horse because a year ago nearly everyone believed Hillary Clinton would be the Democratic Party's standard bearer. It is the standard meaning of the term. In my poem the term is a double entendre. It is a commentary on people who invoke racism where there is none and also a clear message that I (and for that matter other McCain supporters) will not take being called a racist lying down as Mr. Stone found out this evening.
All in all though I was pleased that people listened to my cautionary tale even if it was something they didn't necessarily want to hear.
A Franken Victory Would Not Be Funny
With Norm Coleman leading Al Franken by only 727 votes in his bid for re-election to the Senate a recount is for this race is automatic.
A winner is not expected to be determined until December.
Coleman had a solid lead over Franken but the economic swoon in September started turning the tide to the former SNL writer and performer.
If Franken gets elected look out for him to lead the charge to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine to augment Air America and drive Bill O'Reilly off the air.
Somehow I don't think it will be very funny.
A winner is not expected to be determined until December.
Coleman had a solid lead over Franken but the economic swoon in September started turning the tide to the former SNL writer and performer.
If Franken gets elected look out for him to lead the charge to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine to augment Air America and drive Bill O'Reilly off the air.
Somehow I don't think it will be very funny.
At least it's a Republican year in Arizona
Greg Patterson from espressopundit has great coverage. On a personal level, not only did my boss Andrew Thomas win reelection easily to Maricopa County Attorney (by 8%), notwithstanding daily assaults by the liberal media against him, my good friend Alice Lara won a 5-way race for Special Healthcare District Board with 47% of the vote!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
McCain Concedes
I just watched McCain's concession speech.
He was incredibly gracious and magnaminous in his remarks.
Yes, it was obligatory. But it was also sincere.
McCain would have been a good President perhaps even a great one.
But as of tonight we will never know.
He was incredibly gracious and magnaminous in his remarks.
Yes, it was obligatory. But it was also sincere.
McCain would have been a good President perhaps even a great one.
But as of tonight we will never know.
Poem: The Messiah Has Not Come
Here's a poem in response to Barack Obama's election:
THE MESSIAH HAS NOT COME
So the Messiah has triumphed
What have we really gained
Besides opiates of hope and change
That can only mask the pain
He tells us, "Yes we can,"
Knowing full well we can't
Ever make a perfect world
No matter how loudly we chant
I didn't bet on the dark horse
You brand me with a scarlet letter
Should you call me a racist
I'll say you have to do better
With the wave of his left hand
He commanded calm in the ocean
Yet it takes only the toss of a pebble
To set those waves back in motion
He who we have duly anointed
Tells us the waters won't make us wet
Struggling to stay afloat his promises
Perhaps we deserve what we get
If our time is here and now
Don't expect me to have faith
To believe that mere lofty words
Can separate the wheat from the chaffe
I am not questioning your faith
It is yours for you to leap
But if you are to suddenly fall
Will it be yours to keep
THE MESSIAH HAS NOT COME
So the Messiah has triumphed
What have we really gained
Besides opiates of hope and change
That can only mask the pain
He tells us, "Yes we can,"
Knowing full well we can't
Ever make a perfect world
No matter how loudly we chant
I didn't bet on the dark horse
You brand me with a scarlet letter
Should you call me a racist
I'll say you have to do better
With the wave of his left hand
He commanded calm in the ocean
Yet it takes only the toss of a pebble
To set those waves back in motion
He who we have duly anointed
Tells us the waters won't make us wet
Struggling to stay afloat his promises
Perhaps we deserve what we get
If our time is here and now
Don't expect me to have faith
To believe that mere lofty words
Can separate the wheat from the chaffe
I am not questioning your faith
It is yours for you to leap
But if you are to suddenly fall
Will it be yours to keep
Obama Elected President
Barack Obama has been elected President of the United States.
California put Obama over the 270 votes he needed in the Electoral College.
He will become the 44th President on January 20, 2009 and the first African-American to hold that office.
I didn't vote for Obama. Of course, I recognize that this was unimaginable in 1968 and still unlikely in 1988. To call this significant is an understatement.
Still, I will judge Obama not by the color of his skin but its thickness.
Obama wrested Ohio from the GOP and also regained Iowa and New Mexico which Bush carried in 2004.
Obama became the first Democrat to win the Commonwealth of Virginia since LBJ in 1964.
On top of that the Democrats have gained seats in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. They might even reach the 60 seats they need for a filibuster proof Upper Chamber.
I would be remiss if I didn't write a few words about John McCain.
He might not have won but he put up a hell of a fight.
Despite the outcome this was no landslide.
McCain has so far carried 17 states and garnered nearly half of the popular vote. If Obama was running against any other Republican he would have turned them into Barry Goldwater.
McCain kept Obama on his toes until the very end. McCain came back from the dead again and again. Obama only began to turn the corner with the emergence of the financial crisis on Wall Street in mid-September. Even then Obama never consistently went beyond the margin of error in the polls.
But there's no margin of error tonight. Obama won.
Now let's see what he does.
Can he back his words with deeds?
California put Obama over the 270 votes he needed in the Electoral College.
He will become the 44th President on January 20, 2009 and the first African-American to hold that office.
I didn't vote for Obama. Of course, I recognize that this was unimaginable in 1968 and still unlikely in 1988. To call this significant is an understatement.
Still, I will judge Obama not by the color of his skin but its thickness.
Obama wrested Ohio from the GOP and also regained Iowa and New Mexico which Bush carried in 2004.
Obama became the first Democrat to win the Commonwealth of Virginia since LBJ in 1964.
On top of that the Democrats have gained seats in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. They might even reach the 60 seats they need for a filibuster proof Upper Chamber.
I would be remiss if I didn't write a few words about John McCain.
He might not have won but he put up a hell of a fight.
Despite the outcome this was no landslide.
McCain has so far carried 17 states and garnered nearly half of the popular vote. If Obama was running against any other Republican he would have turned them into Barry Goldwater.
McCain kept Obama on his toes until the very end. McCain came back from the dead again and again. Obama only began to turn the corner with the emergence of the financial crisis on Wall Street in mid-September. Even then Obama never consistently went beyond the margin of error in the polls.
But there's no margin of error tonight. Obama won.
Now let's see what he does.
Can he back his words with deeds?
Obama Wins Ohio
Fox News is calling Ohio for Obama.
No Republican has ever won the White House without winning the Buckeye State.
The air is quietly going out of the balloon.
Obama has his eyes on the prize and he appears to be getting closer to grabbing the brass ring.
I'm sure Obama will thank voters like Mickey Mouse who would have been denied the franchise unless signed up by ACORN.
Yes, it is all very Goofy.
No Republican has ever won the White House without winning the Buckeye State.
The air is quietly going out of the balloon.
Obama has his eyes on the prize and he appears to be getting closer to grabbing the brass ring.
I'm sure Obama will thank voters like Mickey Mouse who would have been denied the franchise unless signed up by ACORN.
Yes, it is all very Goofy.
Obama Wins Pennsylvania
Despite John McCain's best efforts in Pennsylvania, Fox News is calling it for Barack Obama.
Well, there's still a chance Jack Murtha could lose. That could be some small consolation.
McCain now must hold onto all Red states and things are looking shaky in Georgia, Missouri and North Carolina.
Well, there's still a chance Jack Murtha could lose. That could be some small consolation.
McCain now must hold onto all Red states and things are looking shaky in Georgia, Missouri and North Carolina.
Shaheen Unseats Sununu in NH
Fox News is calling the New Hampshire Senate race for former Governor Jeanne Shaheen against incumbent Republican John Sununu.
I live in Boston but I saw more ads on this Senate race than any race in Massachusetts or even between Obama and McCain given there was little doubt Obama would win here.
Sununu defeated Shaheen for this seat in 2002.
McCain won the NH Republican Primary in 2000 and 2008 but tonight Obama has won the Granite State's four electoral votes.
I live in Boston but I saw more ads on this Senate race than any race in Massachusetts or even between Obama and McCain given there was little doubt Obama would win here.
Sununu defeated Shaheen for this seat in 2002.
McCain won the NH Republican Primary in 2000 and 2008 but tonight Obama has won the Granite State's four electoral votes.
McConnell Re-Elected; Dole Ousted
With 23% of the vote counted, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has been re-elected in Kentucky after a tough battle with millionaire Democrat Bruce Lunsford who had been gaining in the polls in recent weeks. If the Democrats had knocked off the top ranking Republican in the Senate they would be well on their to 60 seats.
On the other hand, with only 4% of the votes count, Elizabeth Dole has lost her Senate seat in North Carolina to Democratic State Senator Kay Hagan. Dole had released a controversial commercial citing Hagan's association with an atheist group which didn't play well given that Hagan is a Sunday school teacher. I saw the commercial and I must agree.
If Hagan can win the late Jesse Helms old seat can Obama be far behind?
On the other hand, with only 4% of the votes count, Elizabeth Dole has lost her Senate seat in North Carolina to Democratic State Senator Kay Hagan. Dole had released a controversial commercial citing Hagan's association with an atheist group which didn't play well given that Hagan is a Sunday school teacher. I saw the commercial and I must agree.
If Hagan can win the late Jesse Helms old seat can Obama be far behind?
Voting Was Quick & Easy
I've been hearing about long voting lines throughout the country including here in Massachusetts. I've seen this on the web, heard it on the radio and through colleagues.
Yet I've never experienced a long voting line. Ever. Perhaps I'm just lucky. I voted just before 6 p.m. and was done within five minutes.
I'm not saying there long voting lines don't exist. I am certain they do. But I wonder if it is more hype than truth.
But I'm sure we'll hear about it should McCain win.
Yet I've never experienced a long voting line. Ever. Perhaps I'm just lucky. I voted just before 6 p.m. and was done within five minutes.
I'm not saying there long voting lines don't exist. I am certain they do. But I wonder if it is more hype than truth.
But I'm sure we'll hear about it should McCain win.
Is Michelle Obama an Innocent Bystander?
In an interview aired last night on the CBS Evening News, Katie Couric asked Barack Obama what the McCain campaign did "in the course of this campaign that made you the angriest."
Obama was quick to say what made his angriest didn't come from McCain but rather the bad old right wing media:
I mean, I, I do think that there is a -- there is a Republican or right-wing -- media outlet -- set of media outlets that went after my wife for a while in a way that I thought was just completely out of bounds. And -- and I, you know, frankly I -- you know, I would have never considered or expected my allies to do something comparable to the spouse of an opponent...I just feel like family is -- are civilians. And they don't sign up for this stuff. They support -- their spouse. But generally, you know, they're really -- should be bystanders in this process, even if they're campaigning for you. You know, they're saying nice things about -- about their -- their, in this case, their husbands. I mean, that's what you expect. And -- and that doesn't make them suddenly targets. (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/03/earlyshow/main4564777.shtml)
Michelle Obama wasn't merely saying nice things about her husband. When the spouse of a Presidential candidate tells the world she's proud of her country for the first time and that her country is "just downright mean" it is going to evoke criticism and deservedly so. If Barack Obama doesn't want the "right-wing media" to criticize his wife she needs to either think before she speaks or not say anything at all.
Barack Obama's daughters, on the other hand, are off limits. They are children and do not deserve the wrath of any discontent towards their father or mother. I wish the media had taken this to heart where it concerned Bristol Palin and Trig Palin. In fairness to Obama, he did call on the media to back off Sarah Palin's children last September. (http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/09/obama-defends-p.html)
Still, I don't think Michelle Obama nor for that matter Cindy McCain are innocent bystanders if they make questionable public statements.
Obama was quick to say what made his angriest didn't come from McCain but rather the bad old right wing media:
I mean, I, I do think that there is a -- there is a Republican or right-wing -- media outlet -- set of media outlets that went after my wife for a while in a way that I thought was just completely out of bounds. And -- and I, you know, frankly I -- you know, I would have never considered or expected my allies to do something comparable to the spouse of an opponent...I just feel like family is -- are civilians. And they don't sign up for this stuff. They support -- their spouse. But generally, you know, they're really -- should be bystanders in this process, even if they're campaigning for you. You know, they're saying nice things about -- about their -- their, in this case, their husbands. I mean, that's what you expect. And -- and that doesn't make them suddenly targets. (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/03/earlyshow/main4564777.shtml)
Michelle Obama wasn't merely saying nice things about her husband. When the spouse of a Presidential candidate tells the world she's proud of her country for the first time and that her country is "just downright mean" it is going to evoke criticism and deservedly so. If Barack Obama doesn't want the "right-wing media" to criticize his wife she needs to either think before she speaks or not say anything at all.
Barack Obama's daughters, on the other hand, are off limits. They are children and do not deserve the wrath of any discontent towards their father or mother. I wish the media had taken this to heart where it concerned Bristol Palin and Trig Palin. In fairness to Obama, he did call on the media to back off Sarah Palin's children last September. (http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/09/obama-defends-p.html)
Still, I don't think Michelle Obama nor for that matter Cindy McCain are innocent bystanders if they make questionable public statements.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Madelyn Dunham, 1922-2008. R.I.P.
Madelyn Dunham, the maternal grandmother of Barack Obama, has died. She was 86 years old. Dunham had been ill for some time and Obama recently took time away from the campaign trail to visit her.
Obama gave Dunham some unwanted publicity back in March during the height of the Reverend Wright controversy. "I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother...who has on more than one occasion has uttered racial and ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe," said Obama during his first set of remarks about Wright in Philadelphia.
Some accused Obama of throwing his grandmother under the bus.
He stepped it in further when he referred to his grandmother as "a typical white person" on a Philadelphia radio show two days later. As if there is such a thing.
You might question the propriety of me bringing this up now. But Obama's grandmother was ill seven and a half months ago and yet Obama saw fit to talk disparagingly about her to advance his political agenda.
All I know is that if I spoke about my maternal grandmother in the way Obama spoke about his grandmother I would have a lot to answer for to my family.
Obama gave Dunham some unwanted publicity back in March during the height of the Reverend Wright controversy. "I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother...who has on more than one occasion has uttered racial and ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe," said Obama during his first set of remarks about Wright in Philadelphia.
Some accused Obama of throwing his grandmother under the bus.
He stepped it in further when he referred to his grandmother as "a typical white person" on a Philadelphia radio show two days later. As if there is such a thing.
You might question the propriety of me bringing this up now. But Obama's grandmother was ill seven and a half months ago and yet Obama saw fit to talk disparagingly about her to advance his political agenda.
All I know is that if I spoke about my maternal grandmother in the way Obama spoke about his grandmother I would have a lot to answer for to my family.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
McCain on SNL
I noticed that McCain drew a mixture of cheers and jeers from the SNL audience. It's New York.
Regardless of what happens on Tuesday at least we know McCain can laugh at himself.
A McCain infomercial on QVC complete with McCain Fine Gold jewelry.
It was a nice to see Cindy McCain get in on the act too.
Regardless of what happens on Tuesday at least we know McCain can laugh at himself.
A McCain infomercial on QVC complete with McCain Fine Gold jewelry.
It was a nice to see Cindy McCain get in on the act too.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Obama Denies He Knew Aunt An Illegal Immigrant
Lo and behold, Barack Obama's aunt Zeituni Onyango lives here in Boston. To be precise, she is living inside a housing project in South Boston illegally. Her application for asylum was rejected four years ago and she was ordered deported. On top of that, she donated money to Obama's campaign.
Of course, Obama denies knowledge of her illegal status.
Just like he didn't know about Reverend Wright's anti-American sentiments.
Just like he didn't know about Bill Ayers' life as a bomber with the Weather Underground.
Just like he didn't know that Rashid Khalidi was anything other than a respected scholar.
Barack Obama is either the biggest liar since Bill Clinton or he's incredibly stupid.
I'm betting on the former rather than the latter.
Of course, Obama denies knowledge of her illegal status.
Just like he didn't know about Reverend Wright's anti-American sentiments.
Just like he didn't know about Bill Ayers' life as a bomber with the Weather Underground.
Just like he didn't know that Rashid Khalidi was anything other than a respected scholar.
Barack Obama is either the biggest liar since Bill Clinton or he's incredibly stupid.
I'm betting on the former rather than the latter.
Spread the wealth around = Spread YOUR PAYCHECK around
Mike Huckabee mentioned on his show today that Obama's "spread the wealth around" really means spreading YOUR PAYCHECK around.
It's frustrating that no one dares talk about the real lesson of the economic slowdown, which is that it is imperative to regularly save; if people had been steadily saving money, all that would happen to those who were affected by the recession is they would be dipping into their savings right now. Not much of a story. Instead, the politicians are promising news ways to protect people from the ramifications of their own spending habits. Until this overall message is changed, people will continue to spend irresponsibly and neglect saving, and we will be right back in this position in a few years.
Instead of buying those Starbucks coffees each week, consumers with no savings should be saving that money. Instead of buying those biweekly fake nails or buying drinks for women at nightclubs, consumers with no savings should be saving that money. It's tough to have sympathy for those who deliberately choose to throw away their money on lavish lifestyles, then complain about having no money, while the rest of us SAVE.
It's frustrating that no one dares talk about the real lesson of the economic slowdown, which is that it is imperative to regularly save; if people had been steadily saving money, all that would happen to those who were affected by the recession is they would be dipping into their savings right now. Not much of a story. Instead, the politicians are promising news ways to protect people from the ramifications of their own spending habits. Until this overall message is changed, people will continue to spend irresponsibly and neglect saving, and we will be right back in this position in a few years.
Instead of buying those Starbucks coffees each week, consumers with no savings should be saving that money. Instead of buying those biweekly fake nails or buying drinks for women at nightclubs, consumers with no savings should be saving that money. It's tough to have sympathy for those who deliberately choose to throw away their money on lavish lifestyles, then complain about having no money, while the rest of us SAVE.
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