Monday, June 9, 2014
Outrage fatigue
I'm relatively sure you saw this in the news this morning. Or this afternoon. It is - potentially - a game-changing event. And it happened right in front of our very eyes. Yes, the President was quoted and seemed to be taking inappropriate credit for a questionable outcome that could have been embraced as avoidable.
When asked about the President's statement, the Minority leader reminded us that this opinion was tantamount to supporting not just Hitleresque socialism, but the complete and final dismantling of the Constitution. While Constitutional scholars seemed to dismiss this conclusion as bombastic, the Network reported it on their 6PM news, then had several regular panelists debate the degree to which they agreed with the opinion. It was pointed out this opinion lowers the standing of the United States in the world, and increases the risk of terrorist activities.
When asked about the opinion and the network's portrayal of the opinion, key majority leaders alluded to a consistent and palpable intolerance of the President's race and the unfathomable mess he inherited from the previous President. They shook their heads in unison at the blatant disregard for common sense and the obvious subterfuge of the minority party's opinion. Thinly veiled accusations of special interest money working puppet strings to craft the minority opinion were volleyed, and a junior member was committed to investigating the possibility of a tangible link.
A noted liberal newspaper published a scathing article documenting not only the lack of factual support for the minority opinion, but their prior support for an incredibly similar opinion just 7 short years ago. Minority junior representatives gathered in front of the House of Congress to quote the Founding Father's principals of forming the Federalist Papers and how the President's opinion is diametrically opposed to anything remotely related to the founding of our nation.
The publication released a Sunday magazine piece dismantling every component of the minority opinion and detailing the contributions made to each committee member's campaign to support the opposition to the President's opinion. Uber-smug late-night news-opinion show hosts railed with indignity at the hubris displayed in complete and total disregard for the public's intelligence and integrity.
The minority's network - while rebutting the opinion show host's piece - broke in to the broadcast with breaking news of a majority party candidate in a key primary being accused of indiscretion indicative of a Nazi-loving state dissolver. The public yawned. Then the broadcast was interrupted by breaking news of a completely outrageous and embarrassing opinion made in Washington...
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Bucking Bronco
This week passed like a week-long final exam for which I didn't study. My grandmother went into the hospital with pulmonary fibrosis slightly more than a month before her 95th birthday. By any measure, a life not cheated by time. But, as would be expected, sadness permeates these occasions, and then tries to make sense of itself.
Let me start by saying my grandmother is one of the few people on the planet that showed me unconditional love, and that I also deeply admired. Dignity, grace, integrity and simple, clean living were the concepts she defined for me. She passed these on to my mother in healthy doses, but Grandma remains the standard by which we will all fail to measure.
So my sadness humbles me by making me reflect on my life and, more shamefully, on my self-absorbed sorrow. Grandma tapped her brakes with glee as my brother and I bounced up and down on her backseat driving through Tampa. She chased us around her house with a stick, playfully threatening us with her weapon as we shrieked in mock fear. She attended the nightclub where my band was playing for her 75th birthday, and stood through the entire Springsteen song after I announced that to the crowd, beaming from ear to ear. She was there through my failed marriages with the forthright example of simply going on the best one can with one's life without the self-pity and drama I pathetically needed. There are too many warm, soft, sweet memories for these pages. And those are just a very few of mine.
And that's my shame. I am a very selfish person, apparently, and am unhappy losing that part of my life. I want her to always be there as the emotional rock and caring safety net. That was part of my life, and I'm crankier than a 3 year-old who has stubbed his toe, sat down crying, and expects to be picked up and rocked through the pain. She would never act this way. She was better.
True, my family was exceedingly fortunate to have someone in our lives of that quality. I fear the fading of my now middle-aged memory, if only for its waning ability to carry the stories and countenance of her for my granddaughter. Yet, I can often see the kindness, faith and resolve of my Grandma in my daughter. That's really good. It may just be a self-serving projection, but I like to think not. The world deserves and, indeed, needs that. I love you, Grandma.
Let me start by saying my grandmother is one of the few people on the planet that showed me unconditional love, and that I also deeply admired. Dignity, grace, integrity and simple, clean living were the concepts she defined for me. She passed these on to my mother in healthy doses, but Grandma remains the standard by which we will all fail to measure.
So my sadness humbles me by making me reflect on my life and, more shamefully, on my self-absorbed sorrow. Grandma tapped her brakes with glee as my brother and I bounced up and down on her backseat driving through Tampa. She chased us around her house with a stick, playfully threatening us with her weapon as we shrieked in mock fear. She attended the nightclub where my band was playing for her 75th birthday, and stood through the entire Springsteen song after I announced that to the crowd, beaming from ear to ear. She was there through my failed marriages with the forthright example of simply going on the best one can with one's life without the self-pity and drama I pathetically needed. There are too many warm, soft, sweet memories for these pages. And those are just a very few of mine.
And that's my shame. I am a very selfish person, apparently, and am unhappy losing that part of my life. I want her to always be there as the emotional rock and caring safety net. That was part of my life, and I'm crankier than a 3 year-old who has stubbed his toe, sat down crying, and expects to be picked up and rocked through the pain. She would never act this way. She was better.
True, my family was exceedingly fortunate to have someone in our lives of that quality. I fear the fading of my now middle-aged memory, if only for its waning ability to carry the stories and countenance of her for my granddaughter. Yet, I can often see the kindness, faith and resolve of my Grandma in my daughter. That's really good. It may just be a self-serving projection, but I like to think not. The world deserves and, indeed, needs that. I love you, Grandma.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Broken Wind
If I hear one more whine about socialism or how our government is "turning us into Europe", I'm going to beat myself in the head with a hammer until I reach the IQ of those whining. There are several chickens that have come home to roost here, folks, and the sooner we reconcile with that, the better.
First: while it is exceedingly politically expedient to propose more services / military expenditures while lowering taxes, it doesn't exactly take an Keynesian scholar to figure out the tenuousness of that program. So what? Your taxes (and those on the company you work for) will have to go up eventually, or we will sink into a economically untenable position in the world. When we drain the coffers to the point that we can no longer expect to borrow from other countries (or service the debt we already have), we will lose foreign investment and the ability to sustain our lifestyle as we know it. Canada and Mexico will become our largest trade partners, and - last time I checked - their appetite for Levis, Fords and corn isn't quite that of the EEU. So, we have to pony up.
Second: there was little alternative to bailing out the financial system in 2009. It cost a lot of money. Almost as much as the Iraq war (but not Afghanistan, and that's only counting up until 2008). So we are spending in a deficit. Our decidedly free-market financial sector policies allowed the market to implode upon itself, and we're all eating a big poop sandwich. To paraphrase Barney Frank: Deficit spending (like the jobs crisis, the wars, and the health care system) was not initiated on January 21, 2009, but it's a reality of our world. So the current administration can either try to lay a path for tomorrow and accept the politically suicidal method of actually PAYING for programs and projects, or stand by and watch Rome burn.
Third: our health care, education and infrastructure systems are dragging this once world-class country to an economic quagmire. We can't afford 50 million people getting there antibiotics at the emergency room, slapping another plastic patch on a suspension bridge, or the trend of dropping 2 places downward per year in level of education among industrialized nations. And fixing that (get ready for it) costs money.
Again, the problem is our churn-and-burn media cycle. Politicians, while ostensibly charged with and technically employed to forward the greater good of our country, enjoy their jobs (and the rewards thereof) as much as anyone. It is easier to grab poll points by calling someone a socialist (or a Washington insider) than explaining the rationale for an omnibus spending bill amendment for grain quotas. Since pundits and polls (as opposed to news) are the new staple of political "journalism", in order to keep one's job, one must massage the polls. In order to move them effectively, one must throw out inflammatory, simple messages that are strictly adversarial, and ignore the ramifications on the aforementioned job description. Hence: all spending (by Democrats) is socialism.
You can define redistribution of wealth as socialism, or you could call it a tax to support vital programs. It's semantically correct either way, but definitively less divisive with the latter nomenclature. I'm not assuming everything happening in Washington is being done correctly or to the most perfect outcome, but whining about the cost of bandages (and calling the doctor applying them a butcher) while you bleed to death just doesn't seem wise. And the choral chanting of Fox News' flatulent demagoguery is, well, just boring. Let's try to be adults, shall we? Wait, I mean...If you don't agree with me, you're a terrorist.
First: while it is exceedingly politically expedient to propose more services / military expenditures while lowering taxes, it doesn't exactly take an Keynesian scholar to figure out the tenuousness of that program. So what? Your taxes (and those on the company you work for) will have to go up eventually, or we will sink into a economically untenable position in the world. When we drain the coffers to the point that we can no longer expect to borrow from other countries (or service the debt we already have), we will lose foreign investment and the ability to sustain our lifestyle as we know it. Canada and Mexico will become our largest trade partners, and - last time I checked - their appetite for Levis, Fords and corn isn't quite that of the EEU. So, we have to pony up.
Second: there was little alternative to bailing out the financial system in 2009. It cost a lot of money. Almost as much as the Iraq war (but not Afghanistan, and that's only counting up until 2008). So we are spending in a deficit. Our decidedly free-market financial sector policies allowed the market to implode upon itself, and we're all eating a big poop sandwich. To paraphrase Barney Frank: Deficit spending (like the jobs crisis, the wars, and the health care system) was not initiated on January 21, 2009, but it's a reality of our world. So the current administration can either try to lay a path for tomorrow and accept the politically suicidal method of actually PAYING for programs and projects, or stand by and watch Rome burn.
Third: our health care, education and infrastructure systems are dragging this once world-class country to an economic quagmire. We can't afford 50 million people getting there antibiotics at the emergency room, slapping another plastic patch on a suspension bridge, or the trend of dropping 2 places downward per year in level of education among industrialized nations. And fixing that (get ready for it) costs money.
Again, the problem is our churn-and-burn media cycle. Politicians, while ostensibly charged with and technically employed to forward the greater good of our country, enjoy their jobs (and the rewards thereof) as much as anyone. It is easier to grab poll points by calling someone a socialist (or a Washington insider) than explaining the rationale for an omnibus spending bill amendment for grain quotas. Since pundits and polls (as opposed to news) are the new staple of political "journalism", in order to keep one's job, one must massage the polls. In order to move them effectively, one must throw out inflammatory, simple messages that are strictly adversarial, and ignore the ramifications on the aforementioned job description. Hence: all spending (by Democrats) is socialism.
You can define redistribution of wealth as socialism, or you could call it a tax to support vital programs. It's semantically correct either way, but definitively less divisive with the latter nomenclature. I'm not assuming everything happening in Washington is being done correctly or to the most perfect outcome, but whining about the cost of bandages (and calling the doctor applying them a butcher) while you bleed to death just doesn't seem wise. And the choral chanting of Fox News' flatulent demagoguery is, well, just boring. Let's try to be adults, shall we? Wait, I mean...If you don't agree with me, you're a terrorist.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Meat of the Meeting
John Stewart's ironic take on the recent healthcare summit hosted by President Obama was (as usual) insightful and amusing. He had his Senior Summitologist query the feasibility of a body of legislators gathering to decide how to run the government, with bilateral branches designed to represent both populist and state interests. What it left me with, however, is the nagging question: Why did this summit happen?
After some days of research and reflection, my answer is rather disturbing. It had to happen. Left to their usual playgrounds, the parties simply spout their usual taglines and send them out to their usual media outlets for their usual responses. This dreary ritual is based in a Rovian, if not Machiavellian, design for reelection. Those that put you there want to see you as spitting out the same pablum with which you garnered their vote. Progress, common sense, and the betterment of the nation be damned (reference Prime Minister Scott Brown's support of MassCare and rejection of a Federal program because "we already HAVE healthcare reform in Massachusetts, why should we pay for everyone else's?"), they posture in front of the C SPAN cameras and cash the usual checks from their usual sources without any usual balances or accountability to their actual constitutional function. Got mine, screw yours.
President Obama masterfully recognized this runaway bully pulpit as an opportunity to hold a summit that could expose the trap Mitch McConnell, John Boehner (hehe), and the Contrarians had set for themselves. The Party of No was never excluded from the crafting of this legislation. They were prevented from circumcising it. This made them unhappy, but left enough Republican-influenced meat on the bone to allow Obama and the (incredibly lame public figures representing the) Democrats to point to the legislation and say "Wait, this is what you are asking for, and now you're saying we need to start from scratch? Clearly a partisan approach."
Obama called out the talking points time after time with virtually no resistance. It was as if just saying "government takeover of healthcare" was the only value to the P.O.N. Their only retort was to reference an averaging of public polls implying citizen disapproval of the legislation. The greatest opportunity missed by the Democratic contingent there was to correct the interpretation to its reality: Americans polled opposed the Republican characterization of the legislation. Period. (The unfortunate truth behind that statement is the underlying ineptitude of the White House media folks at conveying the actual content of this bill, juxtaposed with the well-oiled fear machinery brought to us daily by Fox Beck "News".)
The President went further to establish his moral high-ground by acknowledging McCain's exposure of the bizarre sweetheart deals (negotiated by defenders of the insurance industry as represented by such nudniks as Bill Nelson, a democratic senator from Florida) after berating the defeated former GOP candidate's party spew.
Bottom line: nobody in congress has the guts, the intelligence, the cache, or the street credentials to call out a talking point in front of his colleagues because he would then have the same inconvenience thrust upon himself. The congress is full of cowards, the parties support crusty old-boy networks, and the voters should pay attention. Again. More often. Then vote these buffoons out so that the President doesn't have to stop the silly name-calling in the schoolyard. Be ashamed, congress. Be very ashamed.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Good Old Days
Here we go, back to the good old days. The days of constipated congress providing rhetoric in the guise of leadership. The days of electing representatives because they can chant simple NASCAR slogans and know who the right baseball teams are, regardless of their record or competence. The days of hopelessness for tens of millions of Americans that are, now, far less likely to afford healthcare for their families. That reduced likelihood brought to them, in large part, by the same folks that will cheer the day they reduced it and killed the last spark of hope for the Obama administration. An administration that started with a mandate to quell the politics of fear, change the jaded narcissism of Washington, and bring a light to the end of the tunnel.
Why are we here? For the same reason we were in Washington a year ago watching a slight feather of hope step into a wind-tunnel of political quagmire. Because Barak Obama has dignity and vision, without the snarky jingoism of the Cheney gang. Our President has refused to sing the song his predecessors sang with impunity: "Blame It On The Boss Passed Over". By allowing the dire scope of the disaster to be downplayed in the name of optimism and the thin chance of generating economic confidence, Obama lost his window of opportunity. Have you heard him crow about finally bringing an end-game plan to the two wars started by W's "Stop pointing that gun at my dad!" homage to Tarrantino. Thousands of lives and trillions of dollars will be spared, yet not one "Mission Accomplished".
So when our fragile, gasping, underperforming healthcare system requires fixing, we don't hear "This guy just took us out of harm's way and saved us a mint." we hear "Typical big-government tax and spend." Who steps up? Did Biden get out there and paint his boss' back with Bush-fixing teflon? Did Pelosi point out the implications of NOT fixing healthcare, so her boss could do the big-picture, greater-good speech? Did Obama himself ever make enough sense out of his proposals? Enough jingoistic, small-word, proven-effective-by-Rove sense to rally the citizens that put him in office (and they WEREN'T all Democrats)?
Irony is common in our world, and, if you look for it, easy to find. The irony that a Republican sitting in what was Ted Kennedy's seat, who voted for universal healthcare in Massachusetts, and ran against a Libertarian named Joe Kennedy will help defeat meaningful healthcare reform is a little much. You can't blame him for winning. Indeed, you can clearly lay blame at the feet of the Democrats for falling asleep at the wheel, wallowing in the hubris of 2008, and failing to snap the neck of their opponents as the Republicans have done for the last 10 years.
It's just a damn shame. Hope - crushed. Optimism - put on hold for the very rich, or those foolish enough to believe big business has their best interest at heart. Insurance companies - protected from having to increase the roles of insured into those nasty, high-cost, poor folks. America - welcome back to 2004. I had so much hope we had grown the fuck up...
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thanksgivemas
The past year has been....enlightening. In many ways. That's a good, even great, thing by many measurements, yet I wish this kind of enlightenment on only the sturdiest bodhisattva. I have found things in the past year that were as painful as they were edifying, and I have grown proportionately. Hence:
I am infinitely thankful for the people in my life. There are so many things for which to show gratitude, but life has shown me that all else is secondary at best. There is no priority to the following list, just a Niagran (yes, I just made that word up, but my $20k English degree from FIU gives me license) flow of thanks and humbling sense of gratitude that fills my heart and mind in perpetuity. Read to the end, if you will, and you will find my sincere thanks for you if not individually, but as one of the improbably amazing people in the carnival of mayhem I call life.
My mother is the beautiful constant in my life. Constant giving, constant caring, and selflessness that she inbues in, apparently, everyone for whom she cares. She is the reason I am here, literally, but not just because I sprang from her womb. She demonstrates dignity and compassion, pragmatism and patience, and has taught me that while humans are an imperfect species, there is perfection among them / us. Her mother, my incredible grandma, does likewise for all of us, and is the most dignified and graceful person I have ever known.
My daughter is the rockstar I am honored to idolize. Kellye, your integrity is monumental and impressive. You live your life as an example of honesty and moral focus worthy of universal admiration. You have just started your journey into adulthood, and I want you to know that I am here for you in any way you need me. You inspire and humble me. While you are still a teenager, you are one of the most mature and adult people I know. My heart swells with pride to the point of bursting whenever I think, speak, or hear about you. Love is a word that is thrown around like a football at a tailgate, but know my love for you is unending and immeasurable. I am beyond fortunate to have you as a daughter, and, more importantly, a friend.
My brother is truly that. He is a brother in the journey, a brother in the struggle, a brother in the victory. It took us years to find each other, but the finding is that much sweeter for the effort. David, you are my confidant and confessor, and I love you.
I have two sisters, as different as you can imagine. Yet, each is so dear and amazing to me, it is an embarrassment of riches I hardly deserve. Melissa, watching you grow into the person I now know is as impressive as it is incredible. Your wonderful children reflect your wisdom, your humor, your intellect, your joy, and your love. While we have sometimes disagreed, we have always been so close. Thank you for allowing me, Uncle Scooter, a Junior Associate membership in the club you and Davis should be so very proud to guide.
Veronique, you are the embodiment of unconditional love. You show me patience and joy when everything seems bleak. I love the person you have become. You give your family all you have, in endless supply, without a consideration of limitation or judgement. You do so every day, and that inspires me no end. Your values guide you, and they are so ingrained in your heart as to let you follow it without hesitation. Will and Ruben are your equal and your reflection, and I value most highly the love you share with all of us.
Connor, you are the coolest kid ever. Period. You rule, you are awesome, and don't EVER cut your hair. Thanks for sharing your world with me.
My friends earn that title every day. I am rather stingy with that title, but I know, more than at any point in my life, that mine are truly the greatest gift I could hope to receive.
Jean and Jere are, obviously, the safety net in my trapeze act. And while I am not the greatest trapeze artist, I am an exceptional net chooser. You guys are love personified. You share unendingly, laugh and cry with me, accept my (many) faults with my (few) qualities. This year, you helped me understand that I am a person of value, while there were those that would have me think otherwise. You allowed me perspective on myself, helping me see the light at the end of the tunnel, while I struggled to believe it existed.
My stormiest sea is quieted by you, Patrick. As only the truest friend would, you gave me honesty, sage advice and true caring when I needed it most. You steeled my resolve when the miscreant misanthropes would try to break me. Everyone that knows you is impressed and amazed. I am honored to be among them.
I can never express the friendship Frank gives me, other than to say it is the bread that sustains me, even through my occasional stint in self-imposed solitary confinement. Your heart is so big and warm. Your instincts and acumen are legendary. I am, at the risk of being redundant, humbled to thank you for all you've done for me. Know that while I can never repay you, I will go to my grave trying, should you need me.
Justin is the Buddha I never expected. We have traveled the same path in many ways - not to say mine is equal or even comparable, just similar - and your wisdom is something I feel you don't appreciate enough in yourself. Thanks to you, I know: that if you step in crap, it just smells worse; I buy quality goods and services because I deserve them; and I will NOT be a part of abusive or unhealthy relationships (repeat3x).
Flash inspires me to work harder and smarter than I ever knew I could. Every day. With passion. I know nobody that balances drive, humility, and love for life and family the way you do. Thanks for being one of my most awe-inspiring heroes.
DH, you are a hero to many of us, but I hope that most haven't needed your benevolence and caring as I have this past year. And, as always, you give massively and unconditionally. You astonish me (and all who know you) with your unique ability to turn unbelievable potential into laser-focused action. Your brilliance is only outshown by your generosity.
Marco and Dean, we are in interesting times, and you both give me strength for the struggle. You intellect, vision, and commitment helps me pump my legs when there are 11 defenders horse-collaring our efforts. We will score, and it will be a touchdown dance worthy of Deion. While our mission is not a always a personal one, you have both shown me friendship in amazing ways. The 30+ years I have known you, Dean, give us a bond that gets us through our differences and lets us appreciate each others' strengths and value. Marco, you give me stability and insight every day. Thank you.
Peter, while you have retired from being a musician, you are truly life's artist. Your friendship and guidance is invaluable to me, and I thank you. You have taught me much about life, especially about integrity. We really should go diving more, though...
To those of you that have shown me how fallible my character judgment can be, thank you. Perhaps most of all. Your moral bankruptcy and conscienceless self-absorption shine light even more brightly on the truly tremendous people in my life. Your compunction is obvious from afar, and weighs heavily and perpetually. Start or continue to seek professional help so your children might overcome your lack of moral rectitude. While I now know, thanks to the massive and supremely generous support group mentioned above, that your heinous behavior is only reflective of yourself, it is a lesson well earned. I am learning to appreciate the purity of intent and unconditional love and support I give my family and friends without hesitation. I really like that about myself, and pity you for having neither the decency, integrity nor character worthy to celebrate it with me. And, far more importantly, them.
In closing, I am OK. And I have you all to thank for that. Every day. More than I can express. But to thank you for being in my life is too selfish and granular for the level of appreciation I hold. Thank all of you (the final group notwithstanding), the greatest people I could hope to know, for being great friends to your friends, great family to your families, and for being in the world. It would be a far less liveable planet without you.
I am infinitely thankful for the people in my life. There are so many things for which to show gratitude, but life has shown me that all else is secondary at best. There is no priority to the following list, just a Niagran (yes, I just made that word up, but my $20k English degree from FIU gives me license) flow of thanks and humbling sense of gratitude that fills my heart and mind in perpetuity. Read to the end, if you will, and you will find my sincere thanks for you if not individually, but as one of the improbably amazing people in the carnival of mayhem I call life.
My mother is the beautiful constant in my life. Constant giving, constant caring, and selflessness that she inbues in, apparently, everyone for whom she cares. She is the reason I am here, literally, but not just because I sprang from her womb. She demonstrates dignity and compassion, pragmatism and patience, and has taught me that while humans are an imperfect species, there is perfection among them / us. Her mother, my incredible grandma, does likewise for all of us, and is the most dignified and graceful person I have ever known.
My daughter is the rockstar I am honored to idolize. Kellye, your integrity is monumental and impressive. You live your life as an example of honesty and moral focus worthy of universal admiration. You have just started your journey into adulthood, and I want you to know that I am here for you in any way you need me. You inspire and humble me. While you are still a teenager, you are one of the most mature and adult people I know. My heart swells with pride to the point of bursting whenever I think, speak, or hear about you. Love is a word that is thrown around like a football at a tailgate, but know my love for you is unending and immeasurable. I am beyond fortunate to have you as a daughter, and, more importantly, a friend.
My brother is truly that. He is a brother in the journey, a brother in the struggle, a brother in the victory. It took us years to find each other, but the finding is that much sweeter for the effort. David, you are my confidant and confessor, and I love you.
I have two sisters, as different as you can imagine. Yet, each is so dear and amazing to me, it is an embarrassment of riches I hardly deserve. Melissa, watching you grow into the person I now know is as impressive as it is incredible. Your wonderful children reflect your wisdom, your humor, your intellect, your joy, and your love. While we have sometimes disagreed, we have always been so close. Thank you for allowing me, Uncle Scooter, a Junior Associate membership in the club you and Davis should be so very proud to guide.
Veronique, you are the embodiment of unconditional love. You show me patience and joy when everything seems bleak. I love the person you have become. You give your family all you have, in endless supply, without a consideration of limitation or judgement. You do so every day, and that inspires me no end. Your values guide you, and they are so ingrained in your heart as to let you follow it without hesitation. Will and Ruben are your equal and your reflection, and I value most highly the love you share with all of us.
Connor, you are the coolest kid ever. Period. You rule, you are awesome, and don't EVER cut your hair. Thanks for sharing your world with me.
My friends earn that title every day. I am rather stingy with that title, but I know, more than at any point in my life, that mine are truly the greatest gift I could hope to receive.
Jean and Jere are, obviously, the safety net in my trapeze act. And while I am not the greatest trapeze artist, I am an exceptional net chooser. You guys are love personified. You share unendingly, laugh and cry with me, accept my (many) faults with my (few) qualities. This year, you helped me understand that I am a person of value, while there were those that would have me think otherwise. You allowed me perspective on myself, helping me see the light at the end of the tunnel, while I struggled to believe it existed.
My stormiest sea is quieted by you, Patrick. As only the truest friend would, you gave me honesty, sage advice and true caring when I needed it most. You steeled my resolve when the miscreant misanthropes would try to break me. Everyone that knows you is impressed and amazed. I am honored to be among them.
I can never express the friendship Frank gives me, other than to say it is the bread that sustains me, even through my occasional stint in self-imposed solitary confinement. Your heart is so big and warm. Your instincts and acumen are legendary. I am, at the risk of being redundant, humbled to thank you for all you've done for me. Know that while I can never repay you, I will go to my grave trying, should you need me.
Justin is the Buddha I never expected. We have traveled the same path in many ways - not to say mine is equal or even comparable, just similar - and your wisdom is something I feel you don't appreciate enough in yourself. Thanks to you, I know: that if you step in crap, it just smells worse; I buy quality goods and services because I deserve them; and I will NOT be a part of abusive or unhealthy relationships (repeat3x).
Flash inspires me to work harder and smarter than I ever knew I could. Every day. With passion. I know nobody that balances drive, humility, and love for life and family the way you do. Thanks for being one of my most awe-inspiring heroes.
DH, you are a hero to many of us, but I hope that most haven't needed your benevolence and caring as I have this past year. And, as always, you give massively and unconditionally. You astonish me (and all who know you) with your unique ability to turn unbelievable potential into laser-focused action. Your brilliance is only outshown by your generosity.
Marco and Dean, we are in interesting times, and you both give me strength for the struggle. You intellect, vision, and commitment helps me pump my legs when there are 11 defenders horse-collaring our efforts. We will score, and it will be a touchdown dance worthy of Deion. While our mission is not a always a personal one, you have both shown me friendship in amazing ways. The 30+ years I have known you, Dean, give us a bond that gets us through our differences and lets us appreciate each others' strengths and value. Marco, you give me stability and insight every day. Thank you.
Peter, while you have retired from being a musician, you are truly life's artist. Your friendship and guidance is invaluable to me, and I thank you. You have taught me much about life, especially about integrity. We really should go diving more, though...
To those of you that have shown me how fallible my character judgment can be, thank you. Perhaps most of all. Your moral bankruptcy and conscienceless self-absorption shine light even more brightly on the truly tremendous people in my life. Your compunction is obvious from afar, and weighs heavily and perpetually. Start or continue to seek professional help so your children might overcome your lack of moral rectitude. While I now know, thanks to the massive and supremely generous support group mentioned above, that your heinous behavior is only reflective of yourself, it is a lesson well earned. I am learning to appreciate the purity of intent and unconditional love and support I give my family and friends without hesitation. I really like that about myself, and pity you for having neither the decency, integrity nor character worthy to celebrate it with me. And, far more importantly, them.
In closing, I am OK. And I have you all to thank for that. Every day. More than I can express. But to thank you for being in my life is too selfish and granular for the level of appreciation I hold. Thank all of you (the final group notwithstanding), the greatest people I could hope to know, for being great friends to your friends, great family to your families, and for being in the world. It would be a far less liveable planet without you.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Woo Hoo, Jimmy!
First, let's put one misnomer to bed. These are "debates" like I am a major league, left-handed reliever. There is scant intercourse between the candidates, and the "questions" asked by the moderators are merely interruptions between captive-crowd speech notes recited once again by the candidates (with some apoligies to Senator Biden, the only qualified debater amongst the final four). So what have we learned?
We learned that this exercise in public speaking isn't about finding out what the policies of the candidates are (see the transcript when, with the penultimate question, Brokaw asked the candidates for their doctrine, and they gave platitudinal pablum), or about differences in philosophy (as opposed to side-swiping half-truths about each others' records and statements), its about what plays in Paducah.
For Obama, that means connecting with the emotions of the nation and asserting himself as a fresh, if somewhat less qualified, visionary for the hard path our nation must face. For McCain, it's about sound bytes. When he pointed his thumb across his twisted frame and said "You may not know who voted for that, do you? That one.", he played to the ignorance and "yeehaw, get 'em boy" football game culture (note: I don't say "mentality", as that would make an assumption I feel inappropriate) into which our political field has devolved. Let me clarify:
It is true that Senator Obama, in his ~4 years in the Senate, has voted with the Republicans a number of times (although it is well documented by his opponent that he voted with his party >90% of the time). Why would he do that, you ask? Because that's how the system works. If a bill is being pressed by the senior members of the Senate and the President, and a junior Senator wants to have a fighting chance at ever getting any cooperation or concession in matters he finds important, he signs it and takes his medicine. Not every time, not most of the time, but strategically, and when it will return him the most cooperation. Some might even call this "reaching across the aisle". I call it the system as it stands.
So, does that make Obama part of the problem? How can someone play into this system, and purport themselves as an agent of change? The answer lies in the solution. As a junior Senator, Obama has had virtually no chance whatsoever to affect any standing traditional protocol (although I love his work with Senator Lugar (R-Indiana) including S. 2446, The American Fuels Act of 2006). Power comes with seniority and influence. As President, however, he yields, theoretically, one third of the power divested in our government by The Constitution. Congrssional influence is peddled by lobbyists and exchanged for votes. Seniority = influence = votes = managing the state of the Senate.
Put another way, it is no small coincidence that Senator McCain's campaign is staffed by telecom and NRA lobbyists, and his top adviser is a lobbyist for Chevron, Texaco, Phillip Morris and Blackwater. He has been in the Senate over 20 years and has amassed a boat-load of support from huge international and national concerns that now support him, comfortable he will die on the sword if elected. Or did they put him in the candidacy for his good looks, exceptional public speaking skill, and overall charm? I digress.
If either candidate had any chance, if so inclined, to fix the system espoused as so "broken" by Senator McCain, it was Senator McCain himself. He can point fingers with great aplomb, but only because he knows (as counseled by Karl Rove to Republicans across the nation) that the public doesn't understand how things work, and the first candidate that tries to explain it to them is seen as an aloof intellectual, out of touch with the American people. How 'bout them Cowboys!!!
So, the answer is complex, yet simple. the only thing that can save the nation is a voter eligibility test. If we test people applying for citizenship on the basic civics of our great country, why wouldn't we qualify those selecting its leaders? It doesn't have to be complex, and, speaking as a former director of training, testing can be educational. I guess to sum it up, isn't a privilege worth earning? If not, the sound byte-sters will continue to corrupt the core of this country with fear, grade-school finger-pointing, and misinformation. Go team.
We learned that this exercise in public speaking isn't about finding out what the policies of the candidates are (see the transcript when, with the penultimate question, Brokaw asked the candidates for their doctrine, and they gave platitudinal pablum), or about differences in philosophy (as opposed to side-swiping half-truths about each others' records and statements), its about what plays in Paducah.
For Obama, that means connecting with the emotions of the nation and asserting himself as a fresh, if somewhat less qualified, visionary for the hard path our nation must face. For McCain, it's about sound bytes. When he pointed his thumb across his twisted frame and said "You may not know who voted for that, do you? That one.", he played to the ignorance and "yeehaw, get 'em boy" football game culture (note: I don't say "mentality", as that would make an assumption I feel inappropriate) into which our political field has devolved. Let me clarify:
It is true that Senator Obama, in his ~4 years in the Senate, has voted with the Republicans a number of times (although it is well documented by his opponent that he voted with his party >90% of the time). Why would he do that, you ask? Because that's how the system works. If a bill is being pressed by the senior members of the Senate and the President, and a junior Senator wants to have a fighting chance at ever getting any cooperation or concession in matters he finds important, he signs it and takes his medicine. Not every time, not most of the time, but strategically, and when it will return him the most cooperation. Some might even call this "reaching across the aisle". I call it the system as it stands.
So, does that make Obama part of the problem? How can someone play into this system, and purport themselves as an agent of change? The answer lies in the solution. As a junior Senator, Obama has had virtually no chance whatsoever to affect any standing traditional protocol (although I love his work with Senator Lugar (R-Indiana) including S. 2446, The American Fuels Act of 2006). Power comes with seniority and influence. As President, however, he yields, theoretically, one third of the power divested in our government by The Constitution. Congrssional influence is peddled by lobbyists and exchanged for votes. Seniority = influence = votes = managing the state of the Senate.
Put another way, it is no small coincidence that Senator McCain's campaign is staffed by telecom and NRA lobbyists, and his top adviser is a lobbyist for Chevron, Texaco, Phillip Morris and Blackwater. He has been in the Senate over 20 years and has amassed a boat-load of support from huge international and national concerns that now support him, comfortable he will die on the sword if elected. Or did they put him in the candidacy for his good looks, exceptional public speaking skill, and overall charm? I digress.
If either candidate had any chance, if so inclined, to fix the system espoused as so "broken" by Senator McCain, it was Senator McCain himself. He can point fingers with great aplomb, but only because he knows (as counseled by Karl Rove to Republicans across the nation) that the public doesn't understand how things work, and the first candidate that tries to explain it to them is seen as an aloof intellectual, out of touch with the American people. How 'bout them Cowboys!!!
So, the answer is complex, yet simple. the only thing that can save the nation is a voter eligibility test. If we test people applying for citizenship on the basic civics of our great country, why wouldn't we qualify those selecting its leaders? It doesn't have to be complex, and, speaking as a former director of training, testing can be educational. I guess to sum it up, isn't a privilege worth earning? If not, the sound byte-sters will continue to corrupt the core of this country with fear, grade-school finger-pointing, and misinformation. Go team.
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