Using New Media for State Legislators

Here's my post mortem video after my presentation to the National Conference of State Legislatures.  Just preaching the gospel of new media.

Rep. Nancy Dahlstrom Describes Her District

As part of my presentation to the National Conference of State Legislatures, I demonstrated how to upload a video on a blog. Rep. Nancy Dahlstrom graciously agreed to describe her district for purposes of this exercise. Her most amazing point is the fact that 10,000 of her constituents are serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. Wow.

Yankees Lose!

With a blast to the left field wall in the bottom of the 11th inning, the Angels interrupted the Yankees march to the World Series.

“They’ve been waiting for a postseason homer from Vlady for a long
time, and they got one that put them back in the game,” Damon said. “It
just seemed like they had some momentum after that.”

One down, three to go for the Angels.

Richard Stoltzman at Strathmore

When I was in grammar school, I played the clarinet. When I was old enough to join the band, about the 4th or 5th grade, the priest that led the band at Sacred Heart School, Father Johnson, came to my house to discuss what instrument I should play, pointing out the differences between the brass instruments and the woodwinds. I remember thinking how hard it sounded to play a trumpet. I also remember saying that I wanted to play the clarinet, like Benny Goodman. Sadly, I only played through eighth grade, one of the enduring regrets of my life.

Tonight, I watched a clarinet player described as the greatest of our time, Richard Stoltzman. I have to admit, I hadn't heard of him until I learned of this concert. My interest in going was based more on the opportunity to see a live performance of Mozart's Clarinet Concerto, than who would be playing it. It is one my favorite pieces of classical music and I've listened to it hundreds of times. It is the first classical CD I ever bought. The performance did not disappoint.

That said, it is interesting listening to a piece of music in which every note is familiar. Frankly, Stoltzman took a while to warm up. He missed a few notes in the first up tempo movement. But he found his stride in the second slow, movement, which is heartbreakingly lyrical. And in the third movement, which is very quick, complex and challenging, he was flawless.

But he really let it rip after the intermission. The second set was a collection of Gershwin pieces, including Pomenade from a Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers movie, as well as Bess and Summertime from Porgy and Bess. It was clear that he enjoyed playing this music over the Mozart, which probably does in his sleep. The finale was Copland's Clarinet Concerto, which the conductor said was the only clarinet concerto in two hundred years that even approaches the quality of the Mozart. Interestingly, this piece was actually commissioned by Benny Goodman, himself. It was a much more modern piece and not quite as accessible as everything that went before. Still, it offered an amazing display of Stoltzman's virtuosity.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, made particularly entertaining Stoltzman's impish behavior on stage. It was unclear whether his funny faces and many mysterious side conversations with the players and conductor were designed to amuse us or were merely self-indulgent artistic antics. We chose to believe the former.

Barney Frank Biography

There is a new biography out on my old boss, Barney Frank, written by Stuart Weissberg. I was flattered to be a source for the book. The following is the short review I wrote on Amazon.com.

"First, a disclaimer. I was a source for this book. That said, the book is an extraordinary political biography that describes the life of an amazing politician, but also of an era. While the term, "the spirit of the sixties" has been trivialized over time, this book highlights the best of that decade by showing the genuine idealism at its heart. Moreover, this "spirit" is transcended to the degree that Barney Frank combined - and combines - the idealism of that era with a practical approach to politics. His goal was to have a measurable effect on the lives of poor people, who were then and are today, neglected by the political elites at all levels of government. This book shows how he did this and is a very valuable primer for those driven by results in public policy rather than scoring political points. Even to this day, in his very powerful position as Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. Frank remains true both to those ideals and to the practical approach to politics. Of course, the book is also peppered with endless examples of Rep. Franks wicked wit, which provides chuckles throughout.

"Having proudly worked for Barney Frank, I can't claim to be objective about the book. But I can report on its accuracy, which is scrupulous. I was deeply involved with a particularly period in Rep. Frank's career and I could not find a single error of fact or even interpretation on things on which I had personal knowledge. I have to say, I was surprised by the candor I found in this authorized biography. This is a "warts and all" account that is very honest about some of Rep. Frank's personal struggles and, shall we say, challenging personality traits.

"In the end, however, this is a story of a political leader who remains uncorrupted by the power he currently wields. He entered politics to "comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable." Unlike many, he has stayed true to his original ideals and I believe the country is fortunate to have him at the center of our current economic travails."

Carly Fiorina on Sarah Palin

I was at a business meeting last night where Carly Fiorina spoke. First, let there be no doubt, she's running for Senate. That's clear.

Her prepared remarks were somewhat flat. She gave a detailed description on leadership that was fairly pedestrian. She presented herself as someone who knows leadership from personal experience and finds it sorely lacking in Washington. No surprise for a Republican running for statewide office. I have to say she was better in the Q&A session....mostly.

What was a surprise was her inability, or unwillingness, to evaluate our best known political leaders on their leadership qualities. She was asked whether she thought Barack Obama was a leader. She said it was too soon to tell.

But most interestingly, she was asked whether Sarah Palin displayed leadership qualities. The question was asked in apparent sincerity, but her physical reaction seemed to suggest that she considered it a hostile question.

Here's her response, word for word, in its entirety:

"I've never met Sarah Palin. Next question."

This from the General Chairwoman of the McCain Campaign. There was an audible buzz around the room and then she added:

"As Winston Churchill said, 'there are not inappropriate questions, only inappropriate answers.'"

Very telling.

Swine Flu, Has It Come to This?

My Daughter Bridget at the Book Festival on the Mall

This is a collage of pictures of authors that my daughter Bridget and I met on the Mall today. Clockwise from around the top they are: Ricky Minor, Music Director for American Idol, Food Network star, Paula Deen, Nicholas Spark, author of The Notebook and Tim O'Brien, who wrote The Things They Carried. Each of them was delightful, friendly and seemingly thrilled to meet Bridget. A great day!

Ted Kennedy and Airplanes

I've been reading Ted Kennedy's memoir and enjoying it immensely. One thing recently struck me, though. If I was Ted Kennedy, or any Kennedy, I wouldn't set foot in an airplane.

I'm a nervous flyer to begin with. But, think of what Ted Kennedy has experienced. First, his brother Joe dies in an airplane accident. Granted, flying a plane loaded with explosives does tempt fate, but it's still a tragedy. Then, Ted's sister Kathleen dies in a crash with her fiance'. The one I didn't know about was his roommate a Harvard, a budding Olympic skater, who died in a plane crash going to a Olympic preliminary trial. Then, of course, Ted himself almost died in a crash in western Massachusetts with Senator Birch Bayh. Finally, John, Jr.

Yes, if I was a Kennedy, I'd stay away from planes.

My 25th Wedding Anniversary

Today is my 25th wedding anniversary. Wow. I could never have imagined - dreamed - hoped - that the adventure on which I embarked 25 years ago today would turn out so well. That day remains a blur to me. Starting with my first - and only - barbershop shave at Lords and Lady's Hair Salon in West Roxbury, MA to the end of the night with my sister confronting a bully towering over her in the Hammond Bar in Brookline at 1 am, I only remember moments, but not the day as a whole. In between those two "moments," I committed myself eternally to my wife, Rita, and she to me. Twenty-five years later that commitment is strong and, in fact, growing. The love endures, the cause lives on and the dream will never die.....(sorry, I think I just channeled Ted Kennedy).

In the past twenty five years, we built a family. Danny (19) and Bridget (15) make us proud every day. They are both smart and reasonably well-behaved kids. But what makes us most proud is their hearts. They both have caring and compassionate hearts. I'd like to think we had something to do with that, but we've all seen excellent parents produce troublesome kids, so there must a bit of good fortune or God's will in it, as well. Suffice it to say, it's a blessing we both treasure.

In my observation, there are two kinds of successful marriages. One is when two people, who are similar, bond in their similarities. They have a joint mission and they accomplish it together. Because they see themselves in each other, they form a mutual admiration society. It's sickening.

Then there are the marriages where couples are different, but complement each other, which produces a somewhat more tumultuous relationship. But, probably a more honest one. That's Rita and me. We are different. I am lazy. Rita works very hard. I am undisciplined and disorderly. Rita is neat and organized. I am self absorbed. Rita is utterly unselfish. I think we've changed a bit over the years. I've tried to make Rita more lazy, without much success. I have made inroads in terms of disorderliness. She has come to tolerate the smallest bit of clutter in the house.

My one regret is that I have not adopted Rita's thoughtfulness and unselfishness. I remain pretty self absorbed. This blog is evidence of that. But Rita is the most "other" directed person I've ever known. She is constantly thinking of others and trying to help in whatever problems, large or small, that they confront.

Of course, I am the beneficiary of this quality of hers in two ways. She's very thoughtful toward me, which is only occasionally reciprocated. But more importantly, her nurturing approach to friends and family has built a community around our family that would simply not exist without her. The older I get, the more I appreciate the relationships I have with other people. And thanks to Rita, we are blessed with a wide circle.

So, happy anniversary, Rita. I love you. And see how thoughtful I am? When somebody asks you what I gave you for our anniversary, you can say...

"A blog post."

How many wives of 25 years can say that?

Ted Kennedy's Grave Site

I visited Ted Kennedy's grave this morning. It was very moving. While there were a few people milling around JFK's memorial, when I first arrived at Ted's, I was alone. It is a simple memorial, just like brother Robert's, a small flat gravestone and a white cross. As you can see from the picture, the outlines of the dug grave are still visible. All three brothers are directly beneath Robert E. Lee's home. It is said that Arlington Cemetery is where it is so that Robert E. Lee could observe the full consequences of his treasonous rebellion against the U.S. Government.

On a more peaceful note, I overheard a tour guide talking about the location of the Kennedy gravesite. Apparently, Kennedy visited the Lee mansion, which has a spectacular view (passed the thousands of graves) of Washington monuments, the Lincoln, Washington and the Capitol. Kennedy observed that it was so impressive that one could spend eternity there.

So, he will, with his brothers.

The Public Option

Josh Marshall has a great post setting out where we are on the public option in healthcare.

For me, the situation is bizarre.  It reminds me of the old Yogi Berra quote in talking about a popular nightspot, "Nobody goes there anymore.  It's too crowded."

The Republican position is that "Nobody wants the public option, because everyone will buy it if it's offered."  Then, of course, we'd be at single-payer, God forbid.

Makes sense, right?

Ted Kennedy's Memorial Service at the Capitol

I had the honor of standing on the Capitol steps for the short memorial for Ted Kennedy on his way to his final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery. Here's the video:

Ted's Funeral - Post Mortem

I watched every minute of Ted Kennedy's funeral. For me, it was a validation of everything I hold dear. As I've explained below, I was personally gratified that he chose Mission Church for the ceremony, given that it was my mother's childhood church and the place I prayed for her when she was sick.

But what struck me most was the humility of the memorial. To the untrained eye, it might sound odd to call a memorial, held in a "Basilica," and attended by four presidents, vast numbers of luminaries and Boston's Cardinal humble. Not to mention having Yo Yo Ma and Placido Domingo provide the music.

But on those elements of the service which contained the most meaning, Ted chose the humble option in almost every case. First, consider the church. Setting aside my personal connection, it is important to understand where Mission Church sits. It is in Roxbury, the poorest section of Boston. And while Mission Hill is coming back economically, it remains, at best, a working class neighborhood, which it was when my mother, the daughter of Irish immigrants, grew up there.

Then there was the Mass. Again, it may have looked majestic, but it was not a "High Mass." The music was awe-inspiring, but, significantly, none of the prayers during the ceremony were sung. That makes it a low Mass. And, while the Cardinal was in attendance, he did not say the Mass. In fact, Kennedy's local parish priest in Hyannis was the celebrant, with a number of concelebrants, none of whom were high in the Church hierarchy. One of them, Fr. Percy DaSilva, is a former priest in my church of Blessed Sacrament. Sen. Kennedy was a parishioner at Blessed Sacrament some years ago and I would see him occasionally at Mass, usually at the children's Mass. Fr. DaSilva is a diminutive priest from India with the heart of a lion who was beloved by all in the parish, particularly the children. He loved my daughter Bridget and she him. He made national news when he indignantly called from the pulpit for Cardinal Law's resignation during the abuse scandal at a time when the Church hierarchy was still standing behind the Cardinal. In addition to his love for my daughter, the other thing I most appreciated about him is that while he preached the Church's doctrine condemning abortion with conviction, he never, ever mentioned abortion in a sermon without also denouncing the death penalty. His presence on the altar spoke volumes about Ted's priorities.

Of course, within the constraints of a low Mass, you can still reach the heights. Most people would love to have the President of the United States do the eulogy at their funeral. But it was the music that made the ceremony transcendent. I have never heard Ave Maria sung so beautifully as by Susan Graham. It literally took my breath away. And Placido Domingo singing during the Communion, well, what can you say? At the Capitol memorial later in the day, I spoke about the service to Congressman Jim McGovern from Worcester who said, "Receiving Communion with Placido Domingo singing, I felt like this must be what heaven is like."

Fundamentally, as I've noted below, it was the Irishness of it all that so moved me. Forgive my paean to Irish culture, but I do believe that the Irish have a special awareness of human frailty. It brings out both the best and worst in us. On the downside, it makes us somewhat mordant, fatalistic and even reckless. I'll never forget hearing one of my uncles say at a family gathering, "I believe that life is a vale of tears, with a few bright spots thrown in." I was about eight years old and that comment has stuck with me all my life. That view, I believe, contributes to the kind of behavior that Ted exhibited in his younger days, the drinking and womanizing. You figure you don't have much time, so make the most of it while you can. For those that survive long enough to gain some wisdom, the Irish mystical traditions kick in. These have been with the Irish from pagan times. Since St. Patrick, it inspires a deep devotion to the Catholic Church, which provides hope in this "vale of tears."

Of course, it's more than physical frailty, though, God knows, Ted saw the consequences of that with all the tragedy in his family. We all knew about the tragedies of his own generation. But I never fully knew about those in his immediate family. Three of his kids faced life-threatening disease at some point in their lives. There is no greater emotional trauma one can face than the risk of losing a child and he faced it three times.

But human frailty involves moral frailty, as well. And that's where the humility comes in. It makes you less judgmental of the failings of others when you see the moral frailty that is within yourself. I have no doubt that Mary Jo Kopechne's memory haunted Ted to his dying day. Recognizing that - and others of his moral failings, made him, I believe, a more humble man, which is hard to be when you are a U.S. Senator, particularly a Kennedy. This moral humility was reflected in his letter to the Pope where he writes, "I know that I have been an imperfect human being, but with the help of my faith, I have tried to right my path."

Clearly, we should take the advice he offered in his eulogy of his brother, Bobby, and "not enlarge him in death beyond what he was in life." But I have to say, more than any other other event of its kind, I do feel changed a bit by these memorials to Teddy. He does provide a model for living a good life and the hope that it's never too late. When he was my age, he was still "Wild Teddy," drinking and carousing with Chris Dodd. And yet he changed in a very deep way and died at some peace. It's a story of redemption that offers hope for us all.

And, finally, he vindicated another quality of being Irish in which I believe strongly. No culture puts on a better funeral than the Irish. I think it comes with that fatalism mentioned above. I recently bade farewell to my mother and I have to say that we touched, in her memorial, many of the same themes that were explored in Ted's memorial, the music, the laughter, the melancholy. We didn't have Placido Domingo, but we did have the singer from a local parish church sing Our Lady of Knock at the same place during the Mass, which generated a lot of tears. And there was singing and laughter at the post-funeral celebration.

So, goodbye Ted. You didn't know me. But you made me proud to be a Boston Irish Catholic Liberal Democrat. And, excuse me while I check on my kids.

Rest in Peace.

Ted's Funeral

I am shocked and gratified that Ted Kennedy's funeral will be at Mission Church in Boston. My mother and her seven siblings grew up on Mission Hill and that was their church. It is the church in which my mother was baptized and married. I've spent a lot of time at Mission Church over the past year.

When my mother, who died four months ago, was sick last year and being treated at the Brigham and Womens Hospital only blocks away, I went to Mass every day at Mission Church before going up to the hospital to stay with her. On her darkest day, I and my siblings went to Mission Church to light a candle. We prayed that she be given more time - that we be given more time. Not that she be cured. We were simply not ready to say goodbye. That day she turned around and we had another year. And it was a very special year. My sister calls it "the miracle of Mission Church." I so wish she was around to see this.

Ted Kennedy

Senator Kennedy died today.  There will obviously be a torrent of words memorializing him.  I met him a couple of times at political events.  There is a picture of me meeting him in my office.  It is prominently displayed and draped in black today.  But I had no personal connection, whatsoever.  Still, I considered myself part of the extended "Kennedy clan."  As a liberal Boston Irish Catholic Democrat, I identified with him.  Of course, he was a whole different kind of Irish Catholic than I was, but I felt like he knew me. 

My fondest memory was attending one of his St. Patrick's Day fundraisers here in Washington.  His guest of honor was John Hume, the Irish politician who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on the Irish peace process.  He sang "The Town I Love So Well" and there was not a dry eye in the room, including Ted's.  He really wore his Irishness on his sleeve, which was one of the many reasons I loved him. 

I never knew the days of NINA (No Irish Need Apply) that my parents and grandparents experienced.  John Kennedy was sworn in as senator from Massachusetts 5 months before I was born and, outside of the flunky seat warmer who held the office before Ted was old enough to claim it, Massachusetts has been represented by a Kennedy in the Senate my entire life and I'm 56 years old.  I've never been anything but proud, even boastful, of my Boston Irish heritage.  And I think I have the Kennedys to thank for that, even with all their flaws.  Their commitment to causes beyond themselves is a proud family legacy, epitomized by Ted. 

I feel like a massive hole has opened up at the center of American politics that may not be filled in my lifetime, which makes me very sad.  I hope I'm wrong.

Don't Have to be Crazy to be Wrong

The New York Times has a story today about an opponent of healthcare reform from Georgia.  He's a very calm man who traveled an hour to attend a town meeting held by Congressman Sanford Bishop, (D-GA), described as a moderate who's undecided on the legislation.

Mr. Collier waited until the end of the 3 hour meeting to pose a comment to the Congressman urging him to oppose the legislation because it would lead to "rationing" and would, essentially, destroy our way of life.  The story depicts Mr. Collier as a sincere and honest man with genuine concerns about the reform proposals before Congress.  Presumably, this was an effort to balance against the loonies and to show there are real people with real concerns.  It, thereby, increases the credibility of the opponents.

However, the story goes on to say that it was Mr. Collier's personal experience with the healthcare system that moved him to attend the town meeting.  His wife contracted breast cancer and was treated apparently successfully.  But here's her story:

When Ms. Collier’s breast cancer was diagnosed three years ago, Mr. Collier’s employer-provided insurance paid for her office visits, a biopsy and three surgeries. But the insurer covered only a small fraction of her radiation treatments, which it considered experimental, leaving the Colliers with a $63,000 bill. To their great relief, the charge was later written off by Emory Healthcare, whose doctors had recommended the regimen.

So, the insurance company rationed her care.  It denied coverage for life saving treatment.  Yet this is the system that Mr. Collier is seeking to preserve.  Why?  How could he be so misguided?

Here's how:

The Colliers are committed conservatives who have voted Republican in presidential elections since 1980. They receive much of their information from Fox News, Rush Limbaugh’s radio program and Matt Drudge’s Web site.

That's the battle Obama faces. Ignorance, pure and simple, fomented by interests who's real agenda is to "break" this president.

Makes me sad.

Arms Race

So, now we have a pro-healthcare reformer coming to a demonstration with a sidearm.  Frankly, that saddens me.  I'd rather maintain the moral high ground in which only the conservative loonies bring guns.  It was a nice contrast.  Here's a picture of the guy, posted in TalkingPointsMemo.



Wouldn't you know it would be a Yankee fan?

Harvard beats Yale

I watched a great movie with my 19 year old son yesterday. It was a documentary on the Harvard Yale game of 1968. Fascinating sports movie. I'm embarrassed to say I was unaware of this game. But Harvard was supposed to lose badly and ended up tying, which was considered a major upset. In addition, they scored 16 points in the final 2 minutes to get the tie. Very exciting game. But the movie goes beyond the game to discuss the war in Vietnam and other issues of the sixties.

The Yale team included many of the characters who live on today in Doonesbury as Gary Trudeau was in that class. Tommy Lee Jones played on the Harvard team and has a lot to say in the movie. He's still bitter about a missed point after early on the game which would have given Harvard the win.

Good movie. Rent the DVD. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.


-- Post From My iPhone

I LOVE BARNEY FRANK!

There, I've said it. I am so proud of him for skewering a right wing nutcase at a town meeting.

I hope this gives some backbone to other Democrats.

I had a dream last night

Actually, it was more like a nightmare.  It was likely inspired by the rabid criticism Obama is enduring over the healthcare proposal.  I also wrote an email yesterday to my "teabagger" cousin exposing his hypocrisy in attacking Obama, but remaining silent over the crimes of George Bush.

In any event, I dreamed that there was a presidential election and George Bush beat Barack Obama.  Thinking of the Obama administration, I wailed "It was too short!"  In the dream, I wept bitterly and even woke myself up.

What a relief to realize it was only a dream.

Crank it Up!

I am so sick of the mealy-mouthed response of the official Democratic spokespeople as they respond to the knowing lies that the conservative zealots are fomenting regarding healthcare reform. 

Yesterday, on Meet the Press, David Gregory asked Tom Daschle for a reaction to the accusation that the Democratic plans have "death panels" that would "pull the plug on Grandma."  He called the charges "hyperbole."  Hyperbole??!!  How about "boldfaced lie!"?  That's the problem.  On the one side, we have these wild charges that are treated as legitimate topics for debate.  And, on the other side, we have reasoned discussion and the media treats them as equivalent.

Yesterday's Post had a great column by Rick Perlstein entitled "Crazy is a Pre-existing Condition" that explores this issue with far more eloquence than I could.

And, today, we have good guidance from the Democrats from a TPM Reader.

It is more evidence that ignorance drives out intelligence in today's media.Technorati

Tags: Daschle, healthcare

On the deck in Falmouth

Here's the view from the deck where I'm staying on Cape Cod.

Weather is overcast and muggie. Just narrowly avoided disaster when I almost put my eye out with a screwdriver trying to get the bike off the van. Lotta blood, but I can still see.

-- Post From My iPhone

Stop Long Voice Mail Greetings

Here's a campaign I can believe it.  I had no idea that those long voicemail greetings that come after the user's greeting were a money-making scheme by the cell phone companies.

David Pogue at the New York Times is starting a campaign to get the companies to stop.  I strongly endorse this campaign and encourage you to do so, as well.

Here's Pogue:

These messages are outrageous for two reasons. First, they waste
your time. Good heavens: it's 2009. WE KNOW WHAT TO DO AT THE BEEP.

Do
we really need to be told to hang up when we're finished!? Would
anyone, ever, want to "send a numeric page?" Who still carries a pager,
for heaven's sake? Or what about "leave a callback number?" We can SEE
the callback number right on our phones!

Second, we're PAYING for
these messages. These little 15-second waits add up--bigtime. If
Verizon's 70 million customers leave or check messages twice a weekday,
Verizon rakes in about $620 million a year. That's your money. And your
time: three hours of your time a year, just sitting there listening to
the same message over and over again every year.

In 2007, I spoke
at an international cellular conference in Italy. The big buzzword was
ARPU--Average Revenue Per User. The seminars all had titles like,
"Maximizing ARPU In a Digital Age." And yes, several attendees (cell
executives) admitted to me, point-blank, that the voicemail
instructions exist primarily to make you use up airtime, thereby
maximizing ARPU.

This must be stopped!  Join the cause!

Shatner as Palin

This is an absolute classic. Up there with Jesse Jackson reciting Green Eggs and Ham.

Bye bye Barcode

Researchers have come up with another replacement for the barcode, called "bokodes."  It's the little circle at the center of the attached picture surrounded by the current suite of barcodes.  It can be read by mobile phones, leading to a whole range of new ways to shop.  By the coolest new thing is how it could be used with Google maps:

Dr Mohan said they could also be used to augment the information incorporated into Google Streetview, a service which allows users to browse a selection of pictures taken along city streets.

At the moment the images for Streetview - accessible through Google Maps - are collected by trucks and cars fitted with several cameras.

"Shop and restaurant owners can put these Bokodes outside their stores and as the Google truck is driving down the street it will capture the information in that."

For example, a restaurant could put menu information inside the tag.

When the data is uploaded to Google Maps, it would automatically be displayed next to the image of the restaurant, said Dr Mohan.

Bill Gates Predicts the Future

In a speech in New Delhi, Bill Gates talked about some of the next breakthroughs in technology.

Mr. Gates spoke of cellphones that would recognize people around them or be used to test for diseases, computers equipped with voice recognition and an Internet that was used for much more than Web pages.

Gates v. Crowley

Here's my view of the incident in Cambridge. Whichever of the protagonists I was, I would respond the same way.

If I was Professor Gates, I'd be royally pissed that a cop was hassling me in my own home. If I was the cop, I'd be pissed that this elitist jerk was hassling me for doing my job.

I could play both parts and it would end up the same way. In fact, it probably would have been worse because there would have been violence.

Whaaa?

Here's the headline on the afternoon notice I get from CQ everyday:

House Leaders Say They've Met Concerns of Dissident Democrats

My spirits lifted.

Here's the headline you get when you click through:

House Dissidents Still Not Satisfied on Health Bill

It's going to be a long, ugly debate.

In the Loop - Movie Review

I saw a screening last night of the movie, In the Loop, in advance of its U.S. opening on Friday. It has already opened in the UK. I loved it! It is smart, very funny, cynical and very, very profane.

Set in Washington and London, it's a behind the scenes look that the bureaucratic machinations when two governments are scheming to go to war. It is clearly inspired by the run up to the war in Iraq and some of the incidents depicted will be very familiar to those paying attention to the maneuvers that were engaged to build the case for war in 2002 and 2003.

It is a dark comedy and the characters are larger than life. Peter Capaldi, apparently Scottish by his accent, is one of the great political characters I've ever seen in a movie. I've never heard of him before this movie, but I'll never forget him now. He is belligerent and arrogant and utters the most colorful curses you will ever have heard. James Gandolfini makes you forget, to some degree, about Tony Soprano, playing a tough general trying to avoid war. And, finally, there is Tom Hollender, playing the wimpy, cowardly British minister at the center of the action.

The script is brilliant and look for collections of the best quotes from the movie. It reminded me a bit of Yes, Prime Minister on steroids. And it moves so fast, I'm already anxious to see it again to catch some of the lines I might have missed.

Sadly, I don't expect the movie to be a massive hit. It doesn't seem to have the ingredients for wide popular appeal. For instance, there are no heroes. Everyone is either clueless or corrupt or both. But I do expect it to become a cult classic, particularly among political junkies.

Next year, at this time, I imagine there will be packed midnight shows in London and Washington.

Jean Gaetjens on Sailing

My friend, Jean Gaetjens, talks about sailing on a Hobie Cat in Montego Bay, Jamaica, July 3rd, 2009.

Benny Goodman's Centennial - May 30, 2009

I don't remember what got me into big band music. I think it was seeing the movie The Glenn Miller Story as a kid. While the movie was full of fiction, the music was a revelation to me. I rediscovered it in my twenties listening to it on an eight track tape while delivering groceries for Roche Bros. supermarket in Boston.

I do remember, however, when I became obsessed with with this musical genre. I took a ride on the "Dream Boat," which was a party boat that cruised in Boston Harbor in the evening with the Bo Winniker Swing Orchestra providing the entertainment. I went by myself, since I didn't know anybody else who enjoyed this style of music.

It was a delightful night. The music was great. They played all the hits. In the Mood, Take the A Train, Begin the Beguine, etc., etc. But I have to say that one of the greatest musical experiences of my life was when the struck up Sing, Sing, Sing, a thrilling 8 minute song with a drum solo made famous by Gene Krupa. It was the last song of the night and they timed it perfectly as the cruise made its way to dock. The boat was rockin' and I saw God.

Many years later, I saw Benny Goodman's last performance at Wolftrap in June of 1986. He died a few days after the concert on June 13th. I remember thinking during a couple of the hot numbers that he was risking his health his playing was so vigorous for a 77 year old man. Apparently, he was a pretty grumpy guy in person, but he must have gone out happy that he was playing to the end.

He was an incredible musician and his music never, never gets old.

Bruins rules

Great ad.

Darwin

I attended a lecture at the National Cathedral on Darwin and God.

Wise Move

So, Obama gets panned for his decision to sign the final 2009 appropriations bill.  This is that rare situation lately where I know for a fact that he absolutely right and every single media critic is wrong.  The idea that he should get into a big fight with Congress over earmarks at this particular moment is totally crazy.  I'm old enough to remember when Jimmy Carter picked a fight over water projects early in his administration.  It was a disaster and he never recovered.  His relations with Congress sucked and he couldn't get anything done.  People who say Obama should have vetoed that bill are either ignorant of how Congress works or cynical.  Sadly, none of the coverage gives any coverage to Obama's legitimate explanation along these very lines.

The man is disciplined.  He picks his battles.  And can take the heat when he knows he's right.

An Irish Blessing As It Should Be

Click Here.

Bennacht

Enough!

I am so sick about the way this stimulus passage is being covered in the media.  It is so maddening.  The theme seems to be:  Obama has been given everything he asked for from Congress by passing an $800 billion bill two weeks after his inaugural.  How did he screw up??

Give me a break!!!  An unprecedented political accomplishment.  That's the story.

Josh Marshall, as usual, gets it.

Maybe They're Starting to Get It

Talking Points Memo has this video, which suggests that maybe the pundits are starting to get it. As per my post below, it shows that Obama's winning.

Obama's Game

I like Josh Marshall's take on the press conference. He notes that, if you listen to Washington chatter, you'd think that Obama's position was unpopular or controversial. In fact, the public is behind him and stands in opposition to the Republican approach. This happened during the campaign, as well. The "pundits" would act as though Obama was in deep doo doo as a result of some perceived gaff. And the polls wouldn't move. He continues to surprise everyone with his command of the situation, every situation.

Here's Marshall's take:

What's most striking about these numbers is the continuing disconnect between the mood of the capital and that of the country. For me, a lot of that is a product of how Washington continues to be wired for Republican control. A president, and particularly one like Obama, is the one person who is in a position to cut through that.

As to the pundits' demand for bipartisanship and their indictment of Obama for failing to achieve it, again, I think he's a few steps ahead. He meets with Republicans on the Hill, invites them to the White House, makes seemingly grand gestures of conciliation and still they stiff him. And, even while he makes "nice," he slams them for leaving him the mess he has to deal with. I think he has the discipline to continue the outreach even while they stiff him. Over time, whether or not he concedes anything in terms of policy, he will continue to gain public support for his efforts. So, while the Republicans congratulate themselves for standing strong against him and receive their kudos from the Washington pundits, Obama lays in wait. At the appropriate time, like September of 2010, he will declare the Republicans hopelessly obstructionist and ask for more Demcrats and the public will give them to him.

Just watch.

Science ahd Religion

John Polkinghorne appeared at the National Cathedral today as part of the Sunday Forum to discuss science and religion. This is a topic that is dear to me and I've long admired Polkinghorne, an internationally renowned physicists, who became an Anglican priest at age 49. He is very British, very articulate and very persuasive in reconciling the worlds of science and religion.

Among his many provocative comments was his discussion of the nature of light being both particle and wave and comparing that mysterious understanding to the nature of Jesus Christ being both divine and human.

He also talked about "unseen realities" in both science and religtion, using quarks as an example from the physical world. No one has ever seen a quark, yet scientist believe firmly in their existence. Again, analogized to religious belief, which is "belief driven by experience."

I Agree with Reich

Robert Reich has an very interesting post on the strategic choice that Obama faces with his stimulus package. It has actually changed my thinking.

Here's the choice. Does he make it as big as possible for economic effect and roll the Republicans to get it enacted? Or does he work with Republicans, which will inevitably mean a smaller package that may not work? Paul Krugman comes down firmly on option one. Surprisingly, Reich goes for the second path saying:

Why would he ever choose the second strategy? Because his goal is not just to get the biggest stimulus package he can squeeze through Congress. It’s to get a Congress that’s mostly united behind whatever stimulus package emerges. This would ensure that Republicans and blue-dog Democrats take some ownership of the package, and therefore responsibility for making it work.

As partisan as I am, I agree with him. Clinton rammed through his economic plan, which led to 8 years of prosperity and he was rewarded with a loss of a Democratic majority in both houses. Bush rammed his through leading to vicious partisan divisions for his entire term.

Obama has got a long term strategy for making fundamental change in Washington. I agree with Reich that, while working with the Republicans might mean a short term loss in economic effectiveness, it could work to bring about the fundamental change that Obama has promised for the whole campaign.

Maybe he meant it?

Goodbye, Mr. Bush

In typical British fashion, the Financial Times gives the best requiem on the Bush Administration I have seen. Here's just one killer quote:

With his preternatural ebullience, fathomless lack of curiosity and disdain for empirical reality, Mr Bush compromised America’s reputation as a power that stands by the rule of law – giving real succour to an enemy he helped multiply.

But you have to read the whole thing to get the full effect.

Inauguration

I went down to my office today to pre-position my minivan for our getaway from the Presidential Swearing In ceremony. After dropping off the car, I walked over to the White House, which is only three blocks away. There were lots of people milling around and I could get surprisingly close to the reviewing stand for the parade. I checked my watch. It was 12:30 pm. Less than one day left in the catastrophic Bush Administration.

I have to say that this is the most consequential positive historical event in my lifetime. Words fail me. I find myself suddenly welling up at the strangest times. I ran into a colleague in front of the White House who was there with friends. She exulted, like everyone does, at how amazing it all is. When I began to talk, I choked up and had to cut the conversation short so as not to embarrass myself.

The picture is of the Corcoran Gallery where there is an exhibit entitled

Point - Counterpoint, Part 2

The debate in the previous post was continued during a dinner last night that I had with my antagonist, Jack Connelly. As you can see, the discussion continued beyond the dinner.

The Aftermath... My Black Bear Hunting Excursion: [on Route 9 in Boston] went so-so. I think I got the bear in the knee. The bear acted as though it was only a nick. [The rabbit I ordered was good.]

The Bear attributes to me thoughts and feelings I do not have. The Bear seems to want to stay seven steps ahead of me. Says to me: 'Well that's the only logical conclusion of what you just said!'.... - when it's neither 'logical'.. nor 'the only'.

I came to a realization while chewing on my rabbit: The Bear wants me to put all my chips on either Black or Red. i.e. With the Bear, 'playing a number' is a very bad thing. e.g. I should not think that, on the whole, Regan, Bush-I and Clinton were good Presidents and that GeoW & JimmyC were not so good. Instead, I must chose sides.... either I'm a good-guy Dem - or I'm a dirty, no-good, low-down, tax-adverse Republican. [Note: I liked Geo-I... even after he broke his 'read my lips' promise.]

Seemingly, because I refuse to pick a side resolutely, the Bear tags me as "judgmental". I enter a plea of Guilty to the Bear's charge - I am judgmental. I judge our government's actions - case by case - based of what I perceive to be the merits of each action - or lack thereof... without regard to party. I - as most Americans - will continue to do so.

Note to Bear: Re: your earlier comment on 'being mugged by a bureaucrat': Let me harken back to the Greek philosopher who opined: 'Anyone under 25 who is not a liberal has no heart. And, anyone over 25 - who isn't a conservative has no mind.'

Along my judgmental lines, the House, out of which all spending comes from [unless someone held a Constitutional Convention when I was asleep] ... has been in the control of the Dems for a while. As such, BarneyF, whom I've long, long admired, needs to get used to being in responsible charge. And needs to begin governing effectively - and not just complaining/ finger-pointing. [p.s. You, too, Bear - Stop 'apologizing for the Republicans'. I can tell you as many Administrative horror stories from the Clinton days!]

Thanks for the Tom Friedman article..... on the whole, it seems to state the obvious.


p.s. I never remember professing to be a socialist in the 60's or 70's - seems you've been attributing things to me for some time. That said, if you want to put the tag of 'Marxist' on me... then or now, I may agree. There is a serious difference. Karl Marx had a clue - and gave room to capitalism... Lenin, Stalin Mao, et al... who professed 'socialism' did not. [These latter folks being the one's who were not in favor of a secret ballot.... a la President Obama?]

p.p.s I was not referring to the two page 'bail-out' bill/ act, but to the two page application to get the 'do-re-mi' !
[That's what I read... a two page "Application".]

p.p.p.s. Bear, If Congress cannot get a $700B spending bill right.... other than to make it hundreds of pages more.... - what is it you expect they can get right? Hmmm.. maybe it is time for a Constitutional Convention... - or at least a Presidential Line-Item Veto? [If not under President Obama... - then when?] -- Before or After the next Tea Party?

Jack

Next topic to juxtapose? -- FDR sounds a bit like Judge Bork & VP Cheney here.
FDR's Court Packing Speech Mar 1937 -- http://www.hpol.org/fdr/chat/

Jack,

Great dinner last night as always....until that family moved in next door forcing us to moderate our tone.

Let's start with the factual issue. I won't put words in your mouth. Here's your statement verbatim:

Along my judgmental lines, the House, out of which all spending comes from [unless someone held a Constitutional Convention when I was asleep] ... has been in the control of the Dems for a while. As such, BarneyF, whom I've long, long admired, needs to get used to being in responsible charge. And needs to begin governing effectively - and not just complaining/ finger-pointing. [p.s. You, too, Bear - Stop 'apologizing for the Republicans'. I can tell you as many Administrative horror stories from the Clinton days!]

First off, there is no constitutional requirement that all spending comes from the House. Here's the relevant passage from the Constitution (Article 1, Section 7):

Section 7. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments as on other Bills.

Spending bills fall under the category of "other Bills." So, neither Barney's Committee on Banking nor the House in general have any unique Constitutional status as to the sequence of legislation on anything other than tax bills. All those bills come out of the Ways and Means Committee.

And the Democrats have been in charge for all of two years, after six years of complete Republican dominance in Washington, with a Republican President who can veto anything they do. I don't think they can be assigned significant responsibility for our current plight.

Secondly, while you may dispute my information on this, I can say without fear of contradiction that, in Washington, Barney Frank is considered one of the most effective and constructive legislators in the U.S. Congress, House or Senate, by practically all close observers of Congress. These include Republicans, Democrats, liberals, conservatives, academics, think tankers and the media. These opinions are based upon observations of him chairing committee hearings and markup sessions and negotiating legislation that actually gets enacted, not based on media interviews, during which he can be impatient, arrogant and rude. The fact is that he enjoys the respect, if not always the affection, of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. He gets things done. This is a fact, whether you accept it or not.

Here's how he's described in the Almanac of American Politics, the political Bible in Washington, which is edited by Michael Barone, a well known conservative commentator:

“Frank listens to others’ arguments and engages them in his inimitable rapid-fire delivery. In the 2006 Washingtonian poll of staffers, he was voted the brainiest, funniest and most eloquent member of the House. He is admired even by Republicans for his intellectual rigor and honesty; at the same time he is a wily political operator. He does not profess to be a political theoretician, though few in the House exceed him as such.” Almanac of American Politics 2008

More broadly, I've been thinking since dinner about the real source of our differences and here's my theory. While we differ philosophically, of course, our deeper dispute is a forest versus the trees situation. It was telling when I asked you what political leaders you respect and your first answer was specific acts by specific leaders. When pressed, you then identified Reagan and Clinton. But even then you based your judgment on very specific achievements, not on their broader philosophical approach. I imagine you in a forest sitting on your - yes - judgmental perch, declaring that you like that tree, but you don't like that tree and, based on some information you've received, you are disgusted with a tree in the next forest that you've never seen personally.

In my mind, the more important questions are the approaches politicians and parties take to governing, not this particular decision or that performance in a press conference. I will acknowledge that Reagan had some good qualities and would even acknowledge that his handling of the Soviet Union was effective (although I would argue he was most effective in taking yes for an answer from Gorbachev, against the wishes of his more reactionary staff). But the "forest" of the Reagan presidency set us on a path that has led to this moment of crisis. Because government "is not the solution, it's the problem" we have starved our public infrastructure and schools, vastly increased the division of wealth and diminished our ability to compete economically in the 21st century, all on the altar of lower taxes.

One final point, as to Marx, my recollection of his view was that he "gave room to capitalism" only to sow the seeds of its own destruction. Mao, Lenin and Stalin sought to short circuit the process and go to socialism before capitalism ran its course. And FDR saved capitalism by using government authority to smooth the edges of capitalism and thereby prevent this process from leading to its inevitable destruction, as per Marx's forecast.

Point - Counterpoint

The following is an excerpt from a 20 year political debate I have been conducting with a very close friend from my old neighborhood. Actually, the debate has intensified in recent years as he has moved to the right while I have arguably moved to the left. Mainly, we debate for the sake of debating. God forbid we ever find agreement.

Bill,
Still looking learn what's going on in the confusing world of economics?
Still looking to give Paulsen & Congress a break - because 'they are trying' ?
Still want to 'save Detroit w/o conditions' - to show we care?
Perhaps, wondering a bit about where the 1st 1/3+ of a TRILLION - of our kids money - went?

If the attach'd cartoon wasn't so accurate, it might be funny.
On to more 'effective/ strategic' regulation.

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!
Send in the next Trillion and 1/2.
--> Where do I get in line?

:-)) J


PPS Got a notice from the [a government agency] yesterday. Certified mail. Thick envelope. Took me 20 minutes to read, re-read and then some time to realize that what they were telling me was: what they told me over the phone two weeks ago ---> that they would NOT be freezing our bank account afterall. [A very cold note - w/o apology.... after I spend 2 hours pointing out their mistake. This is becoming a more regular occurrance.]

---------------------------
OOPs! ... Gotta go... It's now past time to fill out another NEW government form.
The newest one in MA - to show what a good employer we are w/ regard to Health Insurance.
It's being done under a threat of many thousands of dollars in penalties and fines.
Instead of once a year... the new thinking is: 'Get 'em to do it once a quarter! Yeah that's the ticket! We can yank in more money, faster that way!"

If you think I'm exaggerating - see the revisions to the reporting requirements of the MA Universal Healthcare law!

PS We are one of the good-good-good guys..... Far above any penalties... etc.
Yet..... here I am.... another bureaucrat's form..... on their time-table.... under threat of retribution...

BILL - HOW & When the heck does this Stop?

Jack,

I profoundly disagree with you about the attached cartoon. It is not only accurate, but hilariously funny. Thanks for sending.

On to politics. I find it deeply ironic that, in the same message, you complain about the lack of accountability on the bailout. Then move on to complain about all the government forms you have to fill out. How do you think the government imposes accountability? It's by forcing people to report what they are doing. That is usually accomplished through the use of "forms." I'm sure if Congress demanded a raft of reports on the bailout, they would have been criticized for requiring a bunch of bureaucratic crap that would probably have slowed the injection of capital into the system and thereby be blamed for its failure. The fact is, they can't win.

Here's a Tom Friedman column that has something for both of us. I agree with it totally. I would simply go further to say that the conservative, anti-government philosophy that has ruled our politics for the last thirty years has wrecked our country. Because of that philosophy, we haven't invested in the kinds of things that will keep us competitive in the future, i.e. infrastructure, education, research and development, etc. We've been told that the private sector does everything better. And while the private sector has focused on quarterly profits (real and imagined), the country has gone to hell in a hand basket. Unfortunately, until recently, the decline has been too gradually to notice. Now, everything has come home to roost and everyone is noticing. Hope it's not too late.

As to your apparent view that everyone, absolutely everyone, is screwing up, I just think a little humility is in order. This is uncharted territory. I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt to people whose motives are pure and hope they combine good motives with the judgment and intelligence to do the right thing most of the time. That's why I glad Barney's in the center of this. And, it's why I continue to believe we that have, in Obama, someone uniquely equipped to handle this situation.

I may be wrong, but I don't presume to have an alternative.

Finally, MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND THE FAMILY!

Bill Black

Bill, point-by-point/ high level....

FIRST - [personal matter]

SECOND - Yes, the cartoon is accurate - but it points out 'an on-going sad state of affairs.' Nothing funny about that.

THIRD - $350B given out by Congress to several organizations on the basis a one-time TWO PAGE application - without any need to explain what they did with MY & MY KIDS DOUGH ... because their management failed. And THEN I, despite my doing 'the right thing' - before being told to do so - and succeeding at it.... must now fill out a VERY DETAILED 12 page form quarterly... and at considerable cost.... meaning money taken out of my people's pockets... in the middle of severe recession...

And you find my DISGUST surprising? Wow!

I never said anything about a 'raft of reports'.... that said... perhaps you think the 'little guy' is better equipped to fill out rafts of reports? Under threat of severe penalty? [Did I tell you of [a government agency] swooping in and seizing over $30k of our working capital two years ago... after we complied with every single request they made [600 hundred pages+ at a time] ... multiple times? Yes, we did get our money back.... after nearly two years of dispute.... and after engaging attorneys and accountants, and my time and others in the office. At the cost of a several thousand uncompensated dollars in expense... and nary an apology (save the finger-pointing back-and-forth within [a government agency]).]

You ever hear of the Boston Tea Party?

That little diddy I sent you about having to read and re-read another threatening letter - that actually said 'all is forgiven', is but one little thing from the government... that's going to break the camel's back.

As to your view that people in government 'ought to get the benefit of the doubt'. please start subscribing to a local/ small business newspaper or two. Or for that matter turn on CNN once and a while - of late even they are getting the drift. [and a "DC drift" it is!] Humility? How about some effective, strategic government regulation? Congress putting its head in the sand - even in these tumultuous times - doesn't work for me.... even if Georgey-Porgey is going along.

Look out! I may be hunting Black Bear over dinner :-)

Jack


p.s. Sadly, regarding Barney of late.... he still seems to be on the campaign trail. Whether he's on CNN or Fox, every paragraph seems to start with a 'finger-point' across the aisle. Someone needs to tap him on the shoulder and explain that the election is over ... and it's now time to begin governing.... a la President Obama.

p.p.s. Again, I'm becoming more and more impressed w/ Obama [and his wife]. Which I could never say about her highness who said - after she & Bill were in office - 'damn the small under-capitalized, if they go under, they go under ' // -- and later 'I dodged the bullets' - aka -- HillaryC

p.p.s... No one noticed !!! I told you in an earlier email... I noticed Considerable Pressure was being put on banks, at least locally, during their mergers, to make loans they did not want to make.... but made in any case to curry local favor. Was front page of the Boston Globe! --> Tip O'Neill and his friend RR had it right.... 'politics is local'..... DC has got to get this.

Jack,

You remind me of those Republican congressman (and there are many) who make an exception for their intense opposition to all social spending to support federally funded research on a disease that has struck some member of their family. Their policy preferences are driven by the lens of their own personal experience.

Your understandable outrage at the abuse you've taken from a government agency has apparently overwhelmed your political views. I remember Jack the socialist from the late sixties and early seventies. It's like the old line (paraphrased), "a conservative is a socialist who's been mugged....by a bureaucrat." And I just want to apologize to you, on behalf of the conservative Republican philosophy under which this agency has operated for the last 8 years, for all the grief you have endured. Actually, if I were a conspiratorialist, I would suggest that the behavior of this agency was the inevitable result of a philosophy of government that is either indifferent or hostile to the idea of competence. The average Republican officeholder would hear your tale of woe, nod sympathetically and say, "See, we told you government is incompetent." A responsible Democratic officeholder would try to fix the problem, dedicated as they are to the belief that government as a force for good in society.

But let's get all this anecdotal stuff out of the way. I hereby stipulate that government agencies misbehave and I oppose any government action that has caused you unfair pain and suffering...and expense. Now, can we get back to arguments based on principles.

As to Barney, a continuing irony. You fully utilize your right of free speech to declare every government action with which you disagree as the result of corruption or stupidity, but you deny Barney the right to criticize Republicans when they are not acting in good faith. I'd like to see the specific quotes that lead you to believe that Barney is acting as if the campaign is still going on. The fact of the matter is that Barney put his career at risk to help a Republican President whom he loathes dig out from an economic mess that this president created. This is no exaggeration. Barney did a poll two weeks before the election that showed his re-election was uncertain because of his leadership on the bailout. That's a fact. He is an outspoken man who calls them as he sees them. His reputation in Washington among responsible Republican legislators is that he is someone who works constructively across the aisle. But, yes, he does issue pointed barbs to make his political points. His most recent famous barb actually annoyed both the outgoing and incoming administrations, i.e. "Mr. Obama overstates the number of presidents we have right now." No, Barney is no Obama. I admire them both. But they are different people with different roles in this crisis. As I've said, I trust Barney's motives and intelligence implicitly and I don't want him to muzzle himself. I want to know what he thinks. I've always found that both educational and entertaining.

And you have to give up the canard that the bailout was based on a two page bill from the Treasury Secretary. Yes, Paulson sent a two page bill, which the Democrats expanded into a 200 page bill that included as many safeguards as were possible in the short, crisis-driven atmosphere in which the bill was passed. You can argue whether those safeguards were sufficient. But you can't argue that they didn't try to impose them.

Bill Black

Real Smart Guys Investment Bank

Check out this presentation that gives the best explanation of the current financial mess that I've seen. Very funny, but very accurate. It's mentioned in the post above.

The Magellan Tour

It is always hard to get back into the blog rhythm after you've been away. But, I'm back, blogging from Hong Kong on an interesting trip that will have taken me around the globe in 5 days when I'm done.

I have pictures and videos and which I plan to assemble and post on my 12 hour flight from Hong Kong to Chicago. This post is for the purposes of getting back into the swing of things. I'm getting picked up for the airport in 20 minutes. So, this'll be it for now.

Stay tuned.

Obama hits Palin

I love this ad:

Opie Endorses Barack

The Andy Griffith Show is one of my all time favorite shows. I love this.

See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die

Barack and his Grandfather

This picture brings a tear to my eye. Damn those Republicans for trying to turn him into some "other."

Western Pennsylvania

This presumably true story appears in the FiveThirtyEight blog. I'm not sure what to think about it. Part of me is horrified, the other, in a strange way, gratified. These are proud racists who don't realize that they are not racists anymore. That's good, isn't it?

So a canvasser goes to a woman's door in Washington, Pennsylvania. Knocks. Woman answers. Knocker asks who she's planning to vote for. She isn't sure, has to ask her husband who she's voting for. Husband is off in another room watching some game. Canvasser hears him yell back, "We're votin' for the n***er!"

Woman turns back to canvasser, and says brightly and matter of factly: "We're voting for the n***er."

More Kmiec

My new favorite conservative:

Catholicism transcends party. In Catholic terms, neither ticket is perfect. But with right intent, either can be supported by a Catholic in good conscience — always being ready, as St. Peter counseled, to "give an explanation to anyone for the reason for your hope, with gentleness and reverence."

Garrison Keillor on Sarah Palin

What a writer. Here's a sample:

It was dishonest, cynical men who put forward a clueless young woman for national office, hoping to juice up the ticket, hoping she could skate through two months of chaperoned campaigning, but the truth emerges: The lady is talking freely about matters she has never thought about.

Read the whole piece.

Edinburgh Discussion

I would like to relay what was probably the funniest moment of the evening during the discussion in Edinburgh. It was during the question period after the opening remarks.

A questioner asked where to get information beyond the mainstream media if someone wanted to be deeply informed. I explained that I get much good information from blogs and there are blogs on both sides of the aisle that I would recommend.

I said, "My favorite blogger is Andrew Sullivan who is interesting because he's a gay Republican Catholic who is head over heels for Obama."

Sir Christopher leaned into his microphone and said deadpan in a stage whisper, "So to speak..."

The audience erupted and I turned red.

Inside Sarah Palin's Brain

Click on the picture to enlarge it and take the time to follow the whole chart. Hilarious.

Thanks to Aden Renkie.

Edinburgh Discusion of the American Elections

A discussion on the U.S. Presidential debate, hosted by the Fleishman Hillard Edinburgh office, was held last Wednesday evening in the stunning Signet Library in Parliament Square in Edinburgh. It was a lively affair due mostly to Sir Christopher Meyer, former British Ambassador to the United States and a member of the International Advisory Board. His witty observations and telling anecdotes delighted the crowd. I did my part as the American politico, assuring the audience that Fleishman Hillard was completely non-partisan, in case my personal Obama sympathies peeked through.

The panel was chaired by The Right Honorable George Reid, a very proper Scotsman right out of central casting. You can hear him at the beginning of the video. A fascinating man who served in the Scottish National Parliament, among many, many other things.

My favorite question noted that many Americans were unschooled in international affairs, even though the entire world had such heavy stakes in this election. “We feel like we’re on a roller coaster, run by the Americans, and they don’t even know we’re aboard!”

Thank you to Michael Stanton-Geddes, budding cinematographer and currently serving in the FH Brussels office, for the following brief snatches from the event. It’s about 5 minutes long.

Edinburgh Castle

I'm about to hop a plane, so I don't have time to elaborate, but here's a little slide show of my visit to Ediburgh Castle. Details to follow.

Not Like Those Americans!

Conservative Party Leader David Cameron made brief unscheduled remarks to the conference today to comment on the financial situation. Very moderate tone, even statesmanlike. But, twice during the speech he vowed not to be like those Americans with all their partisan wrangling.

There I sat in the audience slumped in my chair with head bowed in shame, an real life example of bad political behavior.

Change!

Well, whaddya know? Change is the mantra here, too. Except they have a "plan" for change.

I went to a so-called "fringe" event today where a panel discussed what policies needed to go into a conservative "manifesto" for the next election. Funny how political debates with British accents sound so elevated. Still, the discussion confirmed what we know, which is that the British Conservatives are more like American moderate Republicans. I think our mainstream Republicans would be considered religious kooks over here.

Opus Restaurant

I had a delightful dinner at Opus Restaurant in Birmingham. It was clearly the hot spot for the evening. I was joined by Ben Thornton and Scott Dodsworth from the FH London office. At the next table was Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, who gave a firey speech a the convention earlier in the day. He mocked Gordon Brown over his economic policies, which are showing the same signs as the banking collapse in the U.S.

The conversation at our table was lively. We concluded that Western civilization is doomed. Time to learn Mandarin.

At The British Conservative Conference

I'm blogging from inside the Annual British Conservative Conference. Conservatives here are very different from American conservatives. The best evidence is that there are booths for the British Humanist Society and the British Secular Society, both commited to advance the cause of non-religious people in England. Such booths at a Republican meeting in the U.S. would probably invite prayer vigils for the souls of the damned individuals working at them.

In fairness, you wouldn't see such booths at a Democratic meeting either. Here in Europe, the Enlightenment goes on, much to the frustration of Pope Benedict.

Birmingham, England

I have just arrived in Birmingham, England for the Conservative Party Conference. Here's a shot from my hotel, the Radisson. Guess what? They are going through exactly the same financial crisis we are facing, except that here it's the conservatives attacking labour in the same way Democrats are attacking Republicans in the U.S.

My driver here was a big Labour supporter from Nigeria. He had the convention on the radio and we were listening to a speech by the shadow chancellor of the exchequer, George Osborne, and was shouting at it. "The Tories are heartless!!" he shouted.