Former Cleveland Indians pitcher and broadcaster Herb Score has died after a lengthy illness. He was 75.
Having just written about Tim Lincecum, one could state that Score was the Tim Lincecum of 50 years ago.
Score burst onto the scene with the Indians in 1955 winning 16 games and striking out 245 batters with a 2.85 ERA en route to winning the AL Rookie of the Year. The following season, Score was even better with 20 wins, 263 strikeouts and a 2.53 ERA.
Like Lincecum, the sky appeared to be the limit for Score.
He would only win 19 more games in the bigs.
On May 7, 1957 (almost 50 years to the day before Lincecum's big league debut), Score was pitching against the New York Yankees when Gil McDougald hit a line drive that hit him in the face causing several fractures. Neither man was the same player after that incident. Score was nearly blinded and McDougald vowed to retire if that turned out to be Score's fate. It wasn't. Score came back to pitch with the Indians in 1958 but always feared he would be hit again and was plagued with control problems. Score was traded to the Chicago White Sox prior to the 1960 season and would pitch his final big league game in 1962 at the age of 29.
Score rejoined the Cleveland Indians as a TV broadcaster in 1964. He switched over to radio in 1968 and remained there until 1997. The last game he called was Game 7 of the 1997 World Series when his Indians lost a extra inning heartbreaker against the Florida Marlins on a single by Edgar Renteria. The Tribe has not been back to the World Series since.
The following year, Score was severely injured in a car accident the night after being inducted into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Although he did throw out the first pitch at Jacobs Field on Opening Day in 1999, Score has been plagued by health problems since the accident.
When my family moved into our new home in 1984 we uncovered some old newspaper article giving an account of Score being hit by McDougald's line drive.
Herb Score had harder luck than most but no one can take away the fact that for two years he was the best pitcher in baseball. Not many people can say they were the best at something in their chosen profession.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Lincecum Wins NL Cy Young
San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum has won the 2008 NL Cy Young Award. Lincecum, in his first full season in the bigs, went 18-5 with a 2.62 ERA and 265 strikeouts. Although Brandon Webb of the Arizona Diamondbacks led the NL in wins with 22, Lincecum's ERA and strikeout totals led the NL.
I saw Lincecum's major league debut on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball on May 6, 2007 when he faced the Philadelphia Phillies. He only lasted four and a third innings giving up five runs including homeruns to Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino. Lincecum got away with a no decision. But you could see why the Giants selected him as their first round draft pick in 2006.
Lincecum is only the second Giant to win the NL Cy Young. Mike McCormick won it for the Giants in 1967. At 24, Lincecum is also the second youngest pitcher to win the NL Cy Young. Dwight Gooden won the NL Cy Young in 1985 as a 20-year-old for the New York Mets.
I enjoy watching Lincecum pitch with his wild delivery. The Giants are a team to watch in 2009 with a starting rotation of Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez and Barry Zito. Yes, Zito has been a dissapointment with the Giants so far but he did pitch better in the second half of the season. If the Giants get a bat or two they can contend in a relatively weak NL West Division.
As for Lincecum the sky is the limit. The only worry here is that his wild delivery may cause him to be suspectible to arm and back injuries. But barring injury I think Lincecum will emerge as baseball's best pitcher over the next five to ten years with a couple more Cy Youngs under his belt.
I saw Lincecum's major league debut on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball on May 6, 2007 when he faced the Philadelphia Phillies. He only lasted four and a third innings giving up five runs including homeruns to Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino. Lincecum got away with a no decision. But you could see why the Giants selected him as their first round draft pick in 2006.
Lincecum is only the second Giant to win the NL Cy Young. Mike McCormick won it for the Giants in 1967. At 24, Lincecum is also the second youngest pitcher to win the NL Cy Young. Dwight Gooden won the NL Cy Young in 1985 as a 20-year-old for the New York Mets.
I enjoy watching Lincecum pitch with his wild delivery. The Giants are a team to watch in 2009 with a starting rotation of Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez and Barry Zito. Yes, Zito has been a dissapointment with the Giants so far but he did pitch better in the second half of the season. If the Giants get a bat or two they can contend in a relatively weak NL West Division.
As for Lincecum the sky is the limit. The only worry here is that his wild delivery may cause him to be suspectible to arm and back injuries. But barring injury I think Lincecum will emerge as baseball's best pitcher over the next five to ten years with a couple more Cy Youngs under his belt.
Is Obama Seeking Iran's Help in Afghanistan?
An article in The Washington Post indicates that President-elect Barack Obama would attempt to engage Iran by seeking to have it help us in Afghanistan. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/10/AR200811102897_pf.html)
The reasoning behind this as put by one unnamed senior U.S. military official is that Iran doesn't "want Sunni extremists in charge of Afghanistan any more than we do."
I suppose 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' is the raison d'être of Obama's argument to include Iran in the War in Afghanistan.
It has been argued that in the days following the September 11th attacks, the Iranians rounded up and interrogated al Qaeda suspects. But there is also evidence Iran has played both sides and also assisted key al Qaeda people escape the Islamic Republic.
I think it's a huge leap of faith for Obama to trust Iran at face value on anything much less assist us in hunting down Osama bin Laden.
Let us also not forget that Iran has been responsible for killing U.S. soldiers in Iraq and is the world's biggest sponsor of terror through Hezbollah. The last time I checked Hezbollah did kill 241 U.S. Marines in Beirut in 1983. I think Obama would have a lot of explaining to do our military families.
If Obama does engage Iran on Afghanistan you can be sure that Ahmadinejad and the Mullahs will a) demand Obama to fly to Tehran to meet with them b) tell him that he will back off any further push for UN Security Council sanctions for their nuclear proliferation program c) remove Iran from the State Department's list of nations that sponsor terror d) don't criticize Iranian or Syrian actions in Lebanon and e) sell out Israel.
Obama, of course, would be a fool to accept all those conditions but I can certainly see him accepting some of those conditions.
Whatever the case this is not an encouraging development at all.
The reasoning behind this as put by one unnamed senior U.S. military official is that Iran doesn't "want Sunni extremists in charge of Afghanistan any more than we do."
I suppose 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' is the raison d'être of Obama's argument to include Iran in the War in Afghanistan.
It has been argued that in the days following the September 11th attacks, the Iranians rounded up and interrogated al Qaeda suspects. But there is also evidence Iran has played both sides and also assisted key al Qaeda people escape the Islamic Republic.
I think it's a huge leap of faith for Obama to trust Iran at face value on anything much less assist us in hunting down Osama bin Laden.
Let us also not forget that Iran has been responsible for killing U.S. soldiers in Iraq and is the world's biggest sponsor of terror through Hezbollah. The last time I checked Hezbollah did kill 241 U.S. Marines in Beirut in 1983. I think Obama would have a lot of explaining to do our military families.
If Obama does engage Iran on Afghanistan you can be sure that Ahmadinejad and the Mullahs will a) demand Obama to fly to Tehran to meet with them b) tell him that he will back off any further push for UN Security Council sanctions for their nuclear proliferation program c) remove Iran from the State Department's list of nations that sponsor terror d) don't criticize Iranian or Syrian actions in Lebanon and e) sell out Israel.
Obama, of course, would be a fool to accept all those conditions but I can certainly see him accepting some of those conditions.
Whatever the case this is not an encouraging development at all.
In Flanders Fields
In honor of Veterans Day and the 90th anniversary of the Armistice that ended WWI, I thought it would be fitting to reprint the poem In Flanders Fields.
It was written by Dr. John McCrae, a military physician with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces during WWI. McCrae wrote in response to the death of a former student during the Second Battle of Ypres on May 3, 1915. A fellow soldier who was moved by the poem sent it to the British magazine Punch where it was published anonymously. However, the following year it was published under McCrae's name. McCrae would not live to see the Armistice dying of pneumonia in January 1918. When I was attending school as a child in Canada we memorized this poem for Remembrance Day (which is what we call Veterans Day in Canada.) I cannot say with any certainty that this practice continues, especially with the third verse.
IN FLANDERS FIELDS
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
It was written by Dr. John McCrae, a military physician with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces during WWI. McCrae wrote in response to the death of a former student during the Second Battle of Ypres on May 3, 1915. A fellow soldier who was moved by the poem sent it to the British magazine Punch where it was published anonymously. However, the following year it was published under McCrae's name. McCrae would not live to see the Armistice dying of pneumonia in January 1918. When I was attending school as a child in Canada we memorized this poem for Remembrance Day (which is what we call Veterans Day in Canada.) I cannot say with any certainty that this practice continues, especially with the third verse.
IN FLANDERS FIELDS
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Longoria & Soto Win AL & NL Rookie of Year Honors
Not surprisingly, Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria and Chicago Cubs catcher Geovany Soto captured 2008 Rookie of the Year honors in the AL and NL, respectively.
Longoria was not with the Rays on Opening Day in 2008 but would be called up in mid-April. He hit .272 with 27 homeruns and drove in 85 runs. Although only 22 years old, only Carlos Pena put up better offensive numbers for the Rays who won their franchise's first American League championship in 2008. The Rays quickly signed Longoria to a 6-year contract worth $17 million - a bargain in this day and age.
Longoria was a unanimous selection of the Baseball Writers Association of America. He was the first rookie to receive a unanimous since 1997 when Nomar Garciaparra won the AL Rookie of the Year with the Boston Red Sox. Longoria is the first Ray to win this honor.
Geovany Soto was a key part of the Cubs NL Central Division championship team. Soto became the first catcher to win NL Rookie of the Year honors since Mike Piazza did so with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1993. After getting cups of coffee with the Cubs in 2005, 2006 and 2007, Soto finally stuck with the big league club in 2008 hitting .285 with 23 homeruns and 86 runs driven in. He also played stellar defense behind the plate. Soto is the first Cub to win NL Rookie of the Year honors since 1998 when teammate Kerry Wood earned that distinction.
Some rookies of the year go on to Hall of Fame careers (i.e. Mike Piazza, Derek Jeter, Carlos Beltran and Albert Pujols) while others fade into obscurity (i.e. Pat Listach, Bob Hamelin, Marty Cordova and Ben Grieve). Will Longoria and Soto be superstars or have they reached the peak of their careers? Only time and good health will tell.
Longoria was not with the Rays on Opening Day in 2008 but would be called up in mid-April. He hit .272 with 27 homeruns and drove in 85 runs. Although only 22 years old, only Carlos Pena put up better offensive numbers for the Rays who won their franchise's first American League championship in 2008. The Rays quickly signed Longoria to a 6-year contract worth $17 million - a bargain in this day and age.
Longoria was a unanimous selection of the Baseball Writers Association of America. He was the first rookie to receive a unanimous since 1997 when Nomar Garciaparra won the AL Rookie of the Year with the Boston Red Sox. Longoria is the first Ray to win this honor.
Geovany Soto was a key part of the Cubs NL Central Division championship team. Soto became the first catcher to win NL Rookie of the Year honors since Mike Piazza did so with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1993. After getting cups of coffee with the Cubs in 2005, 2006 and 2007, Soto finally stuck with the big league club in 2008 hitting .285 with 23 homeruns and 86 runs driven in. He also played stellar defense behind the plate. Soto is the first Cub to win NL Rookie of the Year honors since 1998 when teammate Kerry Wood earned that distinction.
Some rookies of the year go on to Hall of Fame careers (i.e. Mike Piazza, Derek Jeter, Carlos Beltran and Albert Pujols) while others fade into obscurity (i.e. Pat Listach, Bob Hamelin, Marty Cordova and Ben Grieve). Will Longoria and Soto be superstars or have they reached the peak of their careers? Only time and good health will tell.
Rockies Trade Holliday to Oakland
A colleague told me a little while ago that the Colorado Rockies had traded outfielder Matt Holliday to the Oakland Athletics.
My initial reaction was that this was a paper trade for the Athletics and that they would flip him for several younger players. But according to Ken Rosenthal at Fox Sports, the Athletics are not going to do that and are going to try to contend in 2009. (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/8779078/Sources:-A's-close-to-deal-for-Rockies-star-Holliday) The Athletics have had losing records for the past two seasons under manager Bob Geren.
Holliday was runner up for NL MVP honors in 2007 finishing second to Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins. He hit .340 with 36 homeruns and drove in 137 runs in the Rockies surprise run to the NL pennant. Holliday was named MVP of the 2007 NL Championship Series.
Holliday did spend time on the disabled list in 2008 with a pulled hamstring but did hit .321 with 25 homeruns with 88 RBIs. The Rockies did not repeat their magic of 2007 finishing with a 74-88 record.
There had been speculation that Holliday might go to the Philadelphia Phillies or St. Louis Cardinals but Oakland emerged as the surprise winner. No word yet on who the Rockies will get in exchange although reliever Huston Street, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and pitching prospect Greg Smith have been mentioned.
Holliday becomes a free agent after the 2009 season. Even if Oakland GM Billy Beane decides to spend money this season it is not likely he could sign Holliday to a long term contract. Perhaps Oakland is going for broke this year in an AL West that has been dominated by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim the past two seasons.
My initial reaction was that this was a paper trade for the Athletics and that they would flip him for several younger players. But according to Ken Rosenthal at Fox Sports, the Athletics are not going to do that and are going to try to contend in 2009. (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/8779078/Sources:-A's-close-to-deal-for-Rockies-star-Holliday) The Athletics have had losing records for the past two seasons under manager Bob Geren.
Holliday was runner up for NL MVP honors in 2007 finishing second to Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins. He hit .340 with 36 homeruns and drove in 137 runs in the Rockies surprise run to the NL pennant. Holliday was named MVP of the 2007 NL Championship Series.
Holliday did spend time on the disabled list in 2008 with a pulled hamstring but did hit .321 with 25 homeruns with 88 RBIs. The Rockies did not repeat their magic of 2007 finishing with a 74-88 record.
There had been speculation that Holliday might go to the Philadelphia Phillies or St. Louis Cardinals but Oakland emerged as the surprise winner. No word yet on who the Rockies will get in exchange although reliever Huston Street, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and pitching prospect Greg Smith have been mentioned.
Holliday becomes a free agent after the 2009 season. Even if Oakland GM Billy Beane decides to spend money this season it is not likely he could sign Holliday to a long term contract. Perhaps Oakland is going for broke this year in an AL West that has been dominated by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim the past two seasons.
The Graciousness of George W. Bush
Later today, President-Elect Obama will meet with President Bush at the White House.
This only six days after Obama was elected.
When speaking on the South Lawn in front of the entire White House staff President Bush said, "The peaceful transfer of power is one of the hallmarks of a true democracy. And ensuring that this transition is as smooth as possible is a priority for the rest of my Presidency."
I read this quote and I think of people like former Nixon White House Counsel John Dean and Pullitzer Prize winner Naomi Wolf insist to the high heavens that Bush would find a way to remain in the White House after January 20th and that fascism would take reign in the United States. I saw and heard them utter it with my own eyes and ears just last year.
I'm sure they still believe that there's still a plan in the works to deny Obama the Oval Office. It just demonstrates the hysterical irrationality paranoia there was and still is towards Bush. Yet I think most Obama supporters know perfectly well that Bush is leaving. Why else would people put 1/20/09 bumper stickers if they didn't have some semblance of faith in democracy?
George W. Bush has demonstrated the utmost in graciousness.
Somehow I don't think Bush staffers will remove the letter "O" from the White House keyboards unlike Clinton staffers who saw fit to remove the letter "W" from White House keyboards.
George W. Bush and his people aren't that type.
This only six days after Obama was elected.
When speaking on the South Lawn in front of the entire White House staff President Bush said, "The peaceful transfer of power is one of the hallmarks of a true democracy. And ensuring that this transition is as smooth as possible is a priority for the rest of my Presidency."
I read this quote and I think of people like former Nixon White House Counsel John Dean and Pullitzer Prize winner Naomi Wolf insist to the high heavens that Bush would find a way to remain in the White House after January 20th and that fascism would take reign in the United States. I saw and heard them utter it with my own eyes and ears just last year.
I'm sure they still believe that there's still a plan in the works to deny Obama the Oval Office. It just demonstrates the hysterical irrationality paranoia there was and still is towards Bush. Yet I think most Obama supporters know perfectly well that Bush is leaving. Why else would people put 1/20/09 bumper stickers if they didn't have some semblance of faith in democracy?
George W. Bush has demonstrated the utmost in graciousness.
Somehow I don't think Bush staffers will remove the letter "O" from the White House keyboards unlike Clinton staffers who saw fit to remove the letter "W" from White House keyboards.
George W. Bush and his people aren't that type.
Viguerie: Democrats ran as moderates, forfeited any claim to a liberal mandate
he 2008 election, the American people voted to punish the Big Government Republicans who made a mess of things, from the conduct of the Iraq War to Katrina to the Wall Street bailout," Viguerie said. "But, at the same time people were voting to throw the Republicans out, they were giving the Democratic Congress some of the lowest approval ratings ever recorded. This was a vote against Big Government Republicanism, not a lurch to the Left.
"And the proof of that is that Democrats didn't run as liberals.
"Instead, they ran against Big Government Republicanism and stressed they would govern as centrists," Viguerie said. "They ran as moderates who would cut taxes for 95% of the people, who would balance the budget in four years, who would go line-by-line through the budget eliminating wasteful programs, who would capture Osama bin Laden, who would leave law-abiding gun owners alone.
"Democrats will be under tremendous pressure - from their special interest groups such as MoveOn, unions, race-based groups, and pro-abortion and homosexual groups - to run the country from the Left," he said. "If they do, they will learn, like Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, what happens when politicians claim mandates they didn't earn."
Regarding the future of Senator McCain's running mate, Viguerie said, "Governor Sarah Palin came out of the campaign as a hero to conservatives and a rising star with a strong future."
Majority of Voters Say Celebrity Endorsements Played No Role in their Decision
-- Males and Females Pick Oprah Winfrey, Alan Greenspan and Rush Limbaugh as Most Influential --
Flemington, NJ, November 7, 2008 – Results of a new national focus group among 245 Americans revealed that the majority of male (90%) and female (87%) voters reported that celebrity endorsements had no influence on who they voted for in the presidential election.
The communications research study was conducted during November 6-7 by HCD Research and the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion to obtain Americans’ views on celebrity endorsements for the presidential candidates. To view detailed results of the study go to: www.mediacurves.com
Among the study findings:
Did celebrity endorsements in the media have any influence on your decision on which candidate to vote for in the presidential election?
| Males | Females | |
| Heavily influenced my decision | 2% | 3% |
| Slightly influenced my decision | 9% | 10% |
| No influence my decision | 90% | 87% |
| Not sure | 0% | 0% |
Top five most influential celebrities among male and female respondents:
| Male Average | Female Average | |
| Oprah Winfrey | 32% | 34% |
| Alan Greenspan | 33% | 26% |
| Rush Limbaugh | 25% | 28% |
| George Clooney | 21% | 27% |
| Barbara Walters | 25% | 22% |
The Media Curves web site provides the media and general public with a venue to view Americans’ perceptions of popular and controversial media events and advertisements.
Editors/Reporters: For more information on the study, or to speak with Glenn Kessler, president and CEO, HCD Research or Chris Borick, Ph.D., director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion, please contact Vince McGourty, HCD Research, at (908) 483-9121 or (vince.mcgourty@hcdi.net).
HCD Research is a communications research company headquartered in Flemington, NJ. The company's services include traditional and web-based communications research. For additional information on HCD Research, access the company’s web site at www.hcdi.net or call HCD Research at 908-788-9393. Headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, MCIPO is a respected source of public opinion data on local, state and national issues. For additional information on Muhlenberg College, go to www.muhlenberg.edu
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Conservatives Win New Zealand Election
The National Party has won the New Zealand general election thus thwarting Labour Party leader Helen Clark's attempt to win a fourth term in office. The Labour Party had been in power since 1999.
John Key will become New Zealand's next Prime Minister.
Key is 47 and exactly five days younger than Barack Obama.
I think Key is similar to David Cameron of Britain's Tories in that he has moved his party to the center so how conservative Key will actually be remains to be seen. While he is considered more sympathetic to the United States than his predecessor; New Zealand has long deemed itself a nuclear free zone and thus refuses access to U.S. naval ships to come within 12 miles of its shores. I suspect that this will not change under a National government as it didn't while the National Party was last in power between 1990 and 1999.
It is worth noting that Key is Jewish and becomes the second Jewish Prime Minister in New Zealand's history and is said to be keen to visit Israel.
John Key will become New Zealand's next Prime Minister.
Key is 47 and exactly five days younger than Barack Obama.
I think Key is similar to David Cameron of Britain's Tories in that he has moved his party to the center so how conservative Key will actually be remains to be seen. While he is considered more sympathetic to the United States than his predecessor; New Zealand has long deemed itself a nuclear free zone and thus refuses access to U.S. naval ships to come within 12 miles of its shores. I suspect that this will not change under a National government as it didn't while the National Party was last in power between 1990 and 1999.
It is worth noting that Key is Jewish and becomes the second Jewish Prime Minister in New Zealand's history and is said to be keen to visit Israel.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Will Obama Seek FDR's Advice?
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."
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."
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.
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