My friend Bill Sumrall left a comment on yesterday’s post quoting George Orwell’s “1984.” That got me to thinking about the symbolism in this small but powerful book.
“Room 101” in the book represents that which every man fears most. I believe the “101” might represent the trepidation of college freshmen in the rudimentary courses ending with that number. It gave me pause then when I discovered in college that my psychology101 course was to meet in room 101.
All this brings to mind a quote I read somewhere along the way, “Man fears most that which he does not understand.”
I’m not about to write on this blog about the economic crisis faced by the countries of this world. I do a good job of managing my personal financial affairs, but when the talk turns to “millions,” “billions” and even “trillions,” it’s way over my head.
What follows are two seemingly unrelated statements:
Red flags go up when I receive articles via email from Web sites – right or left – which have an ideological agenda to push.
I am knee-deep in research on "la moria grande" – The Black Death, the plague which swept Europe in the 14th Century, and The Great Plague of London in the 17th Century – and the subsequent breakdown of societal structure and mores. An economic disaster of global proportions could have the same effects.
I am trying to read about all this economic handwringing and grasp as much understanding as I can. CNN.com (LINK), a source I trust, tells me:
“This week's London Summit brings together the leaders of the world's 20 largest economic powers, known as the Group of 20, to discuss the global financial crisis and decide new measures to set the world on a more stable economic footing.”
To me, that’s a start.
Then, I received an emailed article from one of those “red-flag” sites, prisonplanet.com (LINK), with the headline: “UN & IMF Back Agenda For Global Financial Dictatorship: Frog march to new world reserve currency system continues apace.”
Basically, the Group of 20, the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund, according to this article, are bogeymen who want to establish a single world currency and a “new world financial order.”
So what’s going on in London is – what? – an attempt to take over the world and establish one world government?
The article goes on to say that Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner – and by extension President Barack Obama – are complicit in this heady conspiracy.
At the bottom of the article are links to 12 related articles on the same Web site with headlines such as “Obama Denounces Global Currency While Creating The Very Means For Its Introduction” and “Two-Faced Geithner Assures CFR (BJ: Council on Foreign Relations) Puppet Masters He’s ‘Open’ To Global Currency.”
Man!
A lot of people smarter than me and possibly smarter than you are working on this global financial problem.
What I fear most, and what I don’t understand, is the inability of persons to attempt research and to separate the wheat from the chaff – the truth from propaganda and poppycock.
3.31.2009
3.29.2009
A neocon by any other name
Anyone who closely followed the Bush administration’s foreign and domestic policies knows what a “neoconservative” is and the names of persons and publications falling under that ideological umbrella.
Over a period of seven years, I have reported on various blogs – “Vocal Yokels,” “I See My Dreams” and “DemWit” – who these ideologues are and their positions of influence.
If you’ve stumbled upon my blog and have no idea what I’m talking about, you probably won’t be interested in this post from my archived “I See My Dreams,” but it’s a pretty good crash course, just in case you’re curious:
“Sphere of influence,” I See My Dreams, 12 March 2007.
In it, I name names.
Speaking of names, a neocon by any other name is stlll a neocon.
That’s why I read with a great deal of interest that William “Bill” Kristol, son of the godfather of neoconservatism, Irving Kristol, and editor of The Weekly Standard, has something up his sleeve.
On January 26, Kristol wrote in his last column for The New York Times that “Jan. 20, 2009, marked the end of a conservative era."
Not so fast.
Because the mothership of neoconservatives, The Project for a New American Century (PNAC), became far too familiar and because this bunch bungled our foreign policy to the point of embarrassment, Kristol has announced a new version with a new name.
According to The Progress Report, Center for American Progress (3/27/09), Kristol’s “new ‘political organization’ for neoconservatives is now a reality.” The Foreign Policy Initiative (FPI) is “the brainchild” of Kristol, Robert Kagan and former Bush administration official Dan Senor. Kristol and Kagan founded PNAC in 1997, and this is just putting a new face on their old tricks.
According to The Progress Report, “The Wonk Room's Matt Duss writes that Kristol and Kagan seem to be re-naming their old organization because it became ‘inextricably bound in the public's imagination to one of the worst foreign policy blunders in American history’ - the invasion of Iraq. Noting that FPI's first public event next week, Afghanistan: Planning For Success, features a heavy representation of Iraq war advocates, Duss suggests that a far better title for the event would be ‘Afghanistan: Dealing With The Huge Problems Created By Many Of The People On This Very Stage.’ ”
Stay tuned.
PHOTO: William “Bill” Kristol
Over a period of seven years, I have reported on various blogs – “Vocal Yokels,” “I See My Dreams” and “DemWit” – who these ideologues are and their positions of influence.
If you’ve stumbled upon my blog and have no idea what I’m talking about, you probably won’t be interested in this post from my archived “I See My Dreams,” but it’s a pretty good crash course, just in case you’re curious:
“Sphere of influence,” I See My Dreams, 12 March 2007.
In it, I name names.
Speaking of names, a neocon by any other name is stlll a neocon.
That’s why I read with a great deal of interest that William “Bill” Kristol, son of the godfather of neoconservatism, Irving Kristol, and editor of The Weekly Standard, has something up his sleeve.
On January 26, Kristol wrote in his last column for The New York Times that “Jan. 20, 2009, marked the end of a conservative era."
Not so fast.
Because the mothership of neoconservatives, The Project for a New American Century (PNAC), became far too familiar and because this bunch bungled our foreign policy to the point of embarrassment, Kristol has announced a new version with a new name.
According to The Progress Report, Center for American Progress (3/27/09), Kristol’s “new ‘political organization’ for neoconservatives is now a reality.” The Foreign Policy Initiative (FPI) is “the brainchild” of Kristol, Robert Kagan and former Bush administration official Dan Senor. Kristol and Kagan founded PNAC in 1997, and this is just putting a new face on their old tricks.
According to The Progress Report, “The Wonk Room's Matt Duss writes that Kristol and Kagan seem to be re-naming their old organization because it became ‘inextricably bound in the public's imagination to one of the worst foreign policy blunders in American history’ - the invasion of Iraq. Noting that FPI's first public event next week, Afghanistan: Planning For Success, features a heavy representation of Iraq war advocates, Duss suggests that a far better title for the event would be ‘Afghanistan: Dealing With The Huge Problems Created By Many Of The People On This Very Stage.’ ”
Stay tuned.
PHOTO: William “Bill” Kristol
3.27.2009
Earth Hour tonight, RSVP
On Sunday, March 29, the first of three negotiating sessions on climate change will convene in Bonn, Germany. Thus begins a year of international efforts, which will culminate in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (LINK) in Copenhagen, Denmark, December 7-18.
The policies formulated at this critical conference will replace the Kyoto Protocol.
MAKE A STATEMENT
The World Wildlife Fund, the one with the panda logo, is asking you to take an hour – Earth Hour – to make a statement to those participating in these important negotiations:
* To vote for Planet Earth, turn your lights out from 8:30 to 9:30 local time, Saturday night, 28 March 2009.
* To vote for global warming, do nothing.
It’s as easy as that, and you will join 1 billion people in 71 countries and territories around the Earth who want to make their support for Planet Earth known before the Copenhagen conference.
PARTICIPATING LANDMARKS:
Eiffel Tower in Paris
Sydney Opera House
Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens
The London Eye
Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Rome’s Colosseum
The Coca Cola billboard in Times Square
And
Your home
CLICK HERE TO BE PART OF THE GLOBAL LIGHTS OUT!
***
For The Comments Zone: What will you do for an hour in the dark?
The policies formulated at this critical conference will replace the Kyoto Protocol.
MAKE A STATEMENT
The World Wildlife Fund, the one with the panda logo, is asking you to take an hour – Earth Hour – to make a statement to those participating in these important negotiations:
* To vote for Planet Earth, turn your lights out from 8:30 to 9:30 local time, Saturday night, 28 March 2009.
* To vote for global warming, do nothing.
It’s as easy as that, and you will join 1 billion people in 71 countries and territories around the Earth who want to make their support for Planet Earth known before the Copenhagen conference.
PARTICIPATING LANDMARKS:
Eiffel Tower in Paris
Sydney Opera House
Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens
The London Eye
Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Rome’s Colosseum
The Coca Cola billboard in Times Square
And
Your home
CLICK HERE TO BE PART OF THE GLOBAL LIGHTS OUT!
***
For The Comments Zone: What will you do for an hour in the dark?
3.26.2009
CBS' Randall Pinkston
On Wednesday of last week, anchor Meg Oliver closed out CBS’ “Up to the Minute” with an announcement that, after three years, she was leaving the broadcast.
The next couple of days I got really antsy as the show disappeared from the local affiliate’s lineup. I tuned in for news and got Judge Judy instead.
Since I’m up early in the morning, I have, for some time, watched this comprehensive news broadcast, one of the best on television. When I switched to basic cable a couple of months ago, I became more dependent on it for, as the program says, up-to-the-minute news. The 30 minutes of nothingness offered nightly by the networks doesn’t do it for me.
It’s been pretty tough on low-key political bloggers lately what with the glut of economy reporting and the dearth of any other news of note.
I was thrilled, then, to tune in this week and find “Up to the Minute” and even moreso to find a long-trusted newsman in the anchor seat – CBS’ Randall Pinkston.
***
In the early ‘70s, when Mississippi schools were being integrated – a transitional, even traumatic, time for blacks and whites – WLBT-TV in Jackson hired the state’s first African-American evening news anchor – Willie Pinkston.
Pinkston, a Yazoo County, Miss., native, and graduate of Millsaps College in Jackson, soon became the state’s most popular newsman. Not only was Willie Pinkston “cool,” he was a real pro, and bolstered the station’s viewership.
***
To my surprise and delight, I learned some years back that Willie Pinkston of the old WLBT days and Randall Pinkston, one of CBS’ best reporters, are one and the same.
At that time, I left a message on his CBS voice mail. I had something to say to him. Although a call-back wasn’t necessary, this gracious gentleman returned my call. We chatted for a while. I told him a lot of people get credit for positive changes which took place in Mississippi during turbulent days, and I felt he played a very important role in those days. He seemed genuinely touched and told me if I ever needed anything to give him a call. What a nice guy!
***
So, here I am, needing real news, news I can trust, and once more I’m turning to Mr. Pinkston.
Sticking with the “tried-and-true” can be very comforting in times like these.
The next couple of days I got really antsy as the show disappeared from the local affiliate’s lineup. I tuned in for news and got Judge Judy instead.
Since I’m up early in the morning, I have, for some time, watched this comprehensive news broadcast, one of the best on television. When I switched to basic cable a couple of months ago, I became more dependent on it for, as the program says, up-to-the-minute news. The 30 minutes of nothingness offered nightly by the networks doesn’t do it for me.
It’s been pretty tough on low-key political bloggers lately what with the glut of economy reporting and the dearth of any other news of note.
I was thrilled, then, to tune in this week and find “Up to the Minute” and even moreso to find a long-trusted newsman in the anchor seat – CBS’ Randall Pinkston.
***
In the early ‘70s, when Mississippi schools were being integrated – a transitional, even traumatic, time for blacks and whites – WLBT-TV in Jackson hired the state’s first African-American evening news anchor – Willie Pinkston.
Pinkston, a Yazoo County, Miss., native, and graduate of Millsaps College in Jackson, soon became the state’s most popular newsman. Not only was Willie Pinkston “cool,” he was a real pro, and bolstered the station’s viewership.
***
To my surprise and delight, I learned some years back that Willie Pinkston of the old WLBT days and Randall Pinkston, one of CBS’ best reporters, are one and the same.
At that time, I left a message on his CBS voice mail. I had something to say to him. Although a call-back wasn’t necessary, this gracious gentleman returned my call. We chatted for a while. I told him a lot of people get credit for positive changes which took place in Mississippi during turbulent days, and I felt he played a very important role in those days. He seemed genuinely touched and told me if I ever needed anything to give him a call. What a nice guy!
***
So, here I am, needing real news, news I can trust, and once more I’m turning to Mr. Pinkston.
Sticking with the “tried-and-true” can be very comforting in times like these.
3.25.2009
Just a matter of 'Time'
In the ‘90s, a middle school music teacher, a colleague of my husband, asked me to suggest and loan her a videotape from my collection - a musical which would appeal to her students. Without hesitation, I said, “ ‘West Side Story.’ The kids will love it, and you can tell them it’s based on Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ ”
Regrettably, she returned the movie with a disappointing note. In the movie, there’s a scene in Pop’s candy store, where members of the Jets attempt to rape Anita, who has come to warn them that the Sharks are ready to rumble. The scene is nothing more than very tasteful choreography by the master Jerome Robbins and is prevented when Pop intervenes.
The principal stuck his head in her music classroom just as this scene was unfolding onscreen and ordered her to stop the film.
“That’s a real shame, “ I told her. “Does he think these kids don’t know about sex?”
I could not help but recall the incident when a report on local CBS affiliate WSPA caught my ear.
This same school, some 15 years later, now has a sex-education program which is a model for the nation. More than that, it’s a program which is working.
Connie LeGrand of WSPA reports (LINK):
“A sex-ed program in Anderson County (SC) is receiving national attention for its effectiveness in decreasing teen pregnancies. Anderson District 3’s model is featured in an article in Time magazine which hit news stands Monday.
“The program is called IMPACT, and it’s financially supported by the Women’s Leadership Council of the United Way of Anderson County. Students at Starr-Iva Middle School take the classes from sixth through eighth grades. The District wants students to know that abstinence is the safest choice, and the only sure way to prevent pregnancy, but the comprehensive sexual education program adds information about birth control and sexually transmitted diseases, skill-building and role-playing to help students make that decision.”
(…)
“The program started five years ago, and in 2006 there were 19 (teen) pregnancies in the district. By 2007 that number dropped to four, and in 2008 there were only two. According to Starr-Iva Middle School Principal Mike Ruthsatz, it improves students’ self-esteem. ‘You can just see it … towards the end of the year, I’ve seen a lot of the students, they are a lot more outgoing, and they are more confidant about themselves,’ says Ruthsatz.”
Hats off to the Starr-Iva Middle School community for such caring support of its kids.
Regrettably, she returned the movie with a disappointing note. In the movie, there’s a scene in Pop’s candy store, where members of the Jets attempt to rape Anita, who has come to warn them that the Sharks are ready to rumble. The scene is nothing more than very tasteful choreography by the master Jerome Robbins and is prevented when Pop intervenes.
The principal stuck his head in her music classroom just as this scene was unfolding onscreen and ordered her to stop the film.
“That’s a real shame, “ I told her. “Does he think these kids don’t know about sex?”
I could not help but recall the incident when a report on local CBS affiliate WSPA caught my ear.
This same school, some 15 years later, now has a sex-education program which is a model for the nation. More than that, it’s a program which is working.
Connie LeGrand of WSPA reports (LINK):
“A sex-ed program in Anderson County (SC) is receiving national attention for its effectiveness in decreasing teen pregnancies. Anderson District 3’s model is featured in an article in Time magazine which hit news stands Monday.
“The program is called IMPACT, and it’s financially supported by the Women’s Leadership Council of the United Way of Anderson County. Students at Starr-Iva Middle School take the classes from sixth through eighth grades. The District wants students to know that abstinence is the safest choice, and the only sure way to prevent pregnancy, but the comprehensive sexual education program adds information about birth control and sexually transmitted diseases, skill-building and role-playing to help students make that decision.”
(…)
“The program started five years ago, and in 2006 there were 19 (teen) pregnancies in the district. By 2007 that number dropped to four, and in 2008 there were only two. According to Starr-Iva Middle School Principal Mike Ruthsatz, it improves students’ self-esteem. ‘You can just see it … towards the end of the year, I’ve seen a lot of the students, they are a lot more outgoing, and they are more confidant about themselves,’ says Ruthsatz.”
Hats off to the Starr-Iva Middle School community for such caring support of its kids.
3.24.2009
The fundraising treadmill
Get out that fountain pen. Dust off that Smith-Corona. Or, use the link below to a handy email form! Occasionally, DemWit deems pending legislation important enough to call you to ACTION.
I urge you to fill in the form which will direct your support of “The Fair Elections Now Act” to your senators and representative in Congress.
This important legislation is being sponsored by Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) and Arlen Specter (R-Pennsylvania) and Reps. John Larson (D-Connecticut) and Walter Jones (R-North Carolina).
The Public Campaign Action Fund, based in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving America’s campaign finance laws.
Now, that’s a cause I can get behind!
The Fund explains the bill:
The Fair Elections Now Act “will allow congressional candidates to run for elected office using a mixture of small donations and limited public financing. Candidates would qualify by raising a specific number of small donations from their communities, and agree to not take any large contributions or any money from lobbyists.
“With the huge challenges we face as a country, we need our lawmakers' full attention on addressing the critical issues of the day, and not spending countless hours dialing for dollars. The Fair Elections Now Act would free our elected officials from the fundraising treadmill and allow them to focus on doing the job we elected them to do-working to solve our nation's problems.”
Hear, hear!
I urge you to support this important legislation. Please contact your senators and representative in Congress in your usual manner.
Or, use this handy email form.
I urge you to fill in the form which will direct your support of “The Fair Elections Now Act” to your senators and representative in Congress.
This important legislation is being sponsored by Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) and Arlen Specter (R-Pennsylvania) and Reps. John Larson (D-Connecticut) and Walter Jones (R-North Carolina).
The Public Campaign Action Fund, based in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving America’s campaign finance laws.
Now, that’s a cause I can get behind!
The Fund explains the bill:
The Fair Elections Now Act “will allow congressional candidates to run for elected office using a mixture of small donations and limited public financing. Candidates would qualify by raising a specific number of small donations from their communities, and agree to not take any large contributions or any money from lobbyists.
“With the huge challenges we face as a country, we need our lawmakers' full attention on addressing the critical issues of the day, and not spending countless hours dialing for dollars. The Fair Elections Now Act would free our elected officials from the fundraising treadmill and allow them to focus on doing the job we elected them to do-working to solve our nation's problems.”
Hear, hear!
I urge you to support this important legislation. Please contact your senators and representative in Congress in your usual manner.
Or, use this handy email form.
3.23.2009
The amazing blogosphere
My faithful readers will remember two recent posts on Mississippi author Thomas Jefferson Young: “A white house” on January 19, 2009, and “Jefferson Young revisited” on February 13, 2009.
This morning I received in my email inbox the following comment to the original post from a middle school librarian in Round Rock, Texas:
Mrs. Lori Lockwood has left a new comment on your post "A white house:"
Wow! I found your post by complete coincidence while looking for info on Monticello, Miss., my hometown. We moved there in 1975, and I got to know Mr. T. J. Young in my teens while clerking at my dad's drugstore during the 1980s. He came in every Saturday and was quite a character. He never spoke of his novel, and I only found out about it through one of the other clerks who read it (and loved it). By that time, the town library no longer had a copy. I'm thrilled to finally find out the name of it---I ordered a copy online and can't wait to read it!
You never know what stories people have inside them, even in little towns like Oma and Monticello, MS. . .
Posted by Mrs. Lori Lockwood to DemWit at 3/22/2009 11:28 PM
Lori has her own blog, “Book Talk.”
As my friend Papamoka often says on “Papamoka Straight Talk,” “We don’t get paid for blogging.” What we do get, occasionally, is a genuine satisfaction that our written words are touching lives across America and the world.
Amazing.
This morning I received in my email inbox the following comment to the original post from a middle school librarian in Round Rock, Texas:
Mrs. Lori Lockwood has left a new comment on your post "A white house:"
Wow! I found your post by complete coincidence while looking for info on Monticello, Miss., my hometown. We moved there in 1975, and I got to know Mr. T. J. Young in my teens while clerking at my dad's drugstore during the 1980s. He came in every Saturday and was quite a character. He never spoke of his novel, and I only found out about it through one of the other clerks who read it (and loved it). By that time, the town library no longer had a copy. I'm thrilled to finally find out the name of it---I ordered a copy online and can't wait to read it!
You never know what stories people have inside them, even in little towns like Oma and Monticello, MS. . .
Posted by Mrs. Lori Lockwood to DemWit at 3/22/2009 11:28 PM
Lori has her own blog, “Book Talk.”
As my friend Papamoka often says on “Papamoka Straight Talk,” “We don’t get paid for blogging.” What we do get, occasionally, is a genuine satisfaction that our written words are touching lives across America and the world.
Amazing.
3.20.2009
Express yourself!
For The Comments Zone this weekend:
1 – The first day of Spring.
2 – March 19, 2003 to March 19, 2009: six years in Iraq.
3 – This from The Progress Report, 19 March 2009:
“President (George W.) Bush's memoir will tentatively be called ‘Decision Points’ and is scheduled for a 2010 release by Crown. ‘Bush will concentrate on about a dozen personal and presidential choices, from giving up drinking to picking Dick Cheney as his vice president to sending troops to Iraq.’ He will also write about ‘his religious faith and his highly criticized response to Hurricane Katrina.' "
Fire away!
1 – The first day of Spring.
2 – March 19, 2003 to March 19, 2009: six years in Iraq.
3 – This from The Progress Report, 19 March 2009:
“President (George W.) Bush's memoir will tentatively be called ‘Decision Points’ and is scheduled for a 2010 release by Crown. ‘Bush will concentrate on about a dozen personal and presidential choices, from giving up drinking to picking Dick Cheney as his vice president to sending troops to Iraq.’ He will also write about ‘his religious faith and his highly criticized response to Hurricane Katrina.' "
Fire away!
3.18.2009
A family's filmography
Tragically, at 2:04 p.m., the first reliable online source, United Press International, reported that actress Natasha Richardson is “brain dead.” Throughout the day this has been the subject of speculation across the Web, citing various sources close to the family. The family has not yet made a public statement.
Last night TV’s “Entertainment Tonight” and “Inside Edition” reported that Ms. Richardson is “best known” for her role as Lindsay Lohan’s mother in “The Parent Trap.”
Most persons with any movie acumen know Ms. Richardson is a member of one of the world’s most famous acting dynasties.
It hits me hard when someone with beauty, youth and talent is tragically taken, persons like Princess Diana and JFK, Jr. Anyone my age could attribute this feeling to the loss of actor James Dean in a car crash at the height of his short-lived career. Or, maybe it was the day the music died.
The least I can do for The Now Generation is set the record straight on the contributions Ms. Richardson and her family have made to filmdom and the stage.
NATASHA RICHARDSON:
The beautiful Natasha Richardson met her husband Liam Neeson on Broadway, and the couple starred in “Nell” with Jodie Foster. She has starred in some 40 films, including “Gothic,,” “Maid in Manhattan” and “The Parent Trap.”
She won a Tony award for best actress in 1998 for her portrayal of Sally Bowles in “Cabaret.”
Richardson has won a number of British film awards for best actress for her roles in “The Comfort of Strangers,” “Asylum,” “Widows’ Peak” and “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
HER HUSBAND:
I first became aware of Liam Neeson in the suspense thriller “Suspect” when he portrayed a homeless, mute murder suspect defended by Cher.
Neeson’s numerous screen appearances include roles in “The Chronicles of Narnia” movies, “The Gangs of New York,” “Batman Begins,” “Nell,” “Michael Collins,” “Kinsey,” “Love Actually” and, most memorably, as Oskar Schindler in “Schindler’s List.”
He has won acting awards and nominations all over the world. Nominated for the Academy Award for best actor for “Schindler’s List,” he was beat out by Tom Hanks in “Philadelphia.”
HER MOTHER:
Richardson is the daughter of actress Vanessa Redgrave and director Tony Richardson. Her mother’s vast filmography includes “A Man for All Season,” “Peter the Great,” “Murder on the Orient Express,” “Howards End” and my personal favorite as dancer Isadora Duncan in “Isadora,” a role which earned her an Academy Award best actress nomination in 1968.
HER FATHER:
The late Tony Richardson directed such films as “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Hamlet” (with Anthony Hopkins), “Tom Jones” and “Look Back in Anger.” In my opinion, one of his best films is “Blue Sky” with Jessica Lange and Tommy Lee Jones.
HER AUNT:
Lynn Redgrave’s movies include “Kinsey,” “Gods and Monsters,” “Shine,” “Coming Home,” “The Bad Seed” and “Tom Jones.” She was nominated for an Academy Award for best actress in 1966 for her turn in “Georgy Girl.” That role earned her a Golden Globes award for best actress. She has been nominated three times for a Tony award for best actress in a Broadway play.
HER SISTER:
Joely Richarson currently appears in TV’s “Nip/Tuck,” a role for which she has received two Golden Globes nominations for best actress in a drama series. Film roles include “The Patriot,” “101 Dalmations,” “King Ralph,” “Sister, My Sister” and “Under Heaven.” The last two movies earned her several foreign acting award nominations.
HER GRANDFATHER:
Just a few of the films with Sir Michael Redgrave: “The Importance of Being Earnest,” “Mourning Becomes Electra,” “The Lady Vanishes,” “Nicholas and Alexandra,” “Goodbye, Mr. Chips” and “The Innocents,”
Among Sir Michael’s many honors and awards is the Cannes Film Festival’s best actor award in 1951 for “The Browning Version.”
SOURCES: Various Web sites, including the International Movie Database (imdb.com)
Last night TV’s “Entertainment Tonight” and “Inside Edition” reported that Ms. Richardson is “best known” for her role as Lindsay Lohan’s mother in “The Parent Trap.”
Most persons with any movie acumen know Ms. Richardson is a member of one of the world’s most famous acting dynasties.
It hits me hard when someone with beauty, youth and talent is tragically taken, persons like Princess Diana and JFK, Jr. Anyone my age could attribute this feeling to the loss of actor James Dean in a car crash at the height of his short-lived career. Or, maybe it was the day the music died.
The least I can do for The Now Generation is set the record straight on the contributions Ms. Richardson and her family have made to filmdom and the stage.
NATASHA RICHARDSON:
The beautiful Natasha Richardson met her husband Liam Neeson on Broadway, and the couple starred in “Nell” with Jodie Foster. She has starred in some 40 films, including “Gothic,,” “Maid in Manhattan” and “The Parent Trap.”
She won a Tony award for best actress in 1998 for her portrayal of Sally Bowles in “Cabaret.”
Richardson has won a number of British film awards for best actress for her roles in “The Comfort of Strangers,” “Asylum,” “Widows’ Peak” and “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
HER HUSBAND:
I first became aware of Liam Neeson in the suspense thriller “Suspect” when he portrayed a homeless, mute murder suspect defended by Cher.
Neeson’s numerous screen appearances include roles in “The Chronicles of Narnia” movies, “The Gangs of New York,” “Batman Begins,” “Nell,” “Michael Collins,” “Kinsey,” “Love Actually” and, most memorably, as Oskar Schindler in “Schindler’s List.”
He has won acting awards and nominations all over the world. Nominated for the Academy Award for best actor for “Schindler’s List,” he was beat out by Tom Hanks in “Philadelphia.”
HER MOTHER:
Richardson is the daughter of actress Vanessa Redgrave and director Tony Richardson. Her mother’s vast filmography includes “A Man for All Season,” “Peter the Great,” “Murder on the Orient Express,” “Howards End” and my personal favorite as dancer Isadora Duncan in “Isadora,” a role which earned her an Academy Award best actress nomination in 1968.
HER FATHER:
The late Tony Richardson directed such films as “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Hamlet” (with Anthony Hopkins), “Tom Jones” and “Look Back in Anger.” In my opinion, one of his best films is “Blue Sky” with Jessica Lange and Tommy Lee Jones.
HER AUNT:
Lynn Redgrave’s movies include “Kinsey,” “Gods and Monsters,” “Shine,” “Coming Home,” “The Bad Seed” and “Tom Jones.” She was nominated for an Academy Award for best actress in 1966 for her turn in “Georgy Girl.” That role earned her a Golden Globes award for best actress. She has been nominated three times for a Tony award for best actress in a Broadway play.
HER SISTER:
Joely Richarson currently appears in TV’s “Nip/Tuck,” a role for which she has received two Golden Globes nominations for best actress in a drama series. Film roles include “The Patriot,” “101 Dalmations,” “King Ralph,” “Sister, My Sister” and “Under Heaven.” The last two movies earned her several foreign acting award nominations.
HER GRANDFATHER:
Just a few of the films with Sir Michael Redgrave: “The Importance of Being Earnest,” “Mourning Becomes Electra,” “The Lady Vanishes,” “Nicholas and Alexandra,” “Goodbye, Mr. Chips” and “The Innocents,”
Among Sir Michael’s many honors and awards is the Cannes Film Festival’s best actor award in 1951 for “The Browning Version.”
SOURCES: Various Web sites, including the International Movie Database (imdb.com)
***
'Now, she is gone.' - comment from a faithful reader.
3.16.2009
(sic)
The following direct quotes from recent articles – one about an inscription in Abraham Lincoln’s watch; the second, a statement from a gospel singer accused of assaulting his ex-wife; and the third, words from a former politician – have nothing in common, except as examples of the use of the parenthetical “sic.”
"Jonathan Dillon April 13 - 1861," part of the inscription reads, "Fort Sumpter (sic) was attacked by the rebels on the above date." Another part reads, "Thank God we have a government."
"To be accused of these allegations, which arose out of a child custody right [sic] dispute and my desire to spend time with our children as court ordered, is nothing less than heart wrenching."
Former Republican Senator Rick Santorum recently declared, "I really do believe that the fundamentals of American economy is [sic] still strong."
The insertion of “sic” is a journalism tool, and one I’ve found is rarely understood, so I thought I’d take a moment to enlighten.
The term “sic” is Latin for “thus” and is inserted into direct quotes to indicate the error preceding it is not that of the article writer, typesetter or copy editor.
In the examples, the correct words, of course, would have been “Fort Sumter,” “custody rights” and the verb “are” instead of “is.” The iron-clad rule is: direct quotes must not be altered, despite obvious errors.
BJ writes, “Have a good weak (sic).”
"Jonathan Dillon April 13 - 1861," part of the inscription reads, "Fort Sumpter (sic) was attacked by the rebels on the above date." Another part reads, "Thank God we have a government."
"To be accused of these allegations, which arose out of a child custody right [sic] dispute and my desire to spend time with our children as court ordered, is nothing less than heart wrenching."
Former Republican Senator Rick Santorum recently declared, "I really do believe that the fundamentals of American economy is [sic] still strong."
The insertion of “sic” is a journalism tool, and one I’ve found is rarely understood, so I thought I’d take a moment to enlighten.
The term “sic” is Latin for “thus” and is inserted into direct quotes to indicate the error preceding it is not that of the article writer, typesetter or copy editor.
In the examples, the correct words, of course, would have been “Fort Sumter,” “custody rights” and the verb “are” instead of “is.” The iron-clad rule is: direct quotes must not be altered, despite obvious errors.
BJ writes, “Have a good weak (sic).”
3.13.2009
Are we having fun yet?
Bernard Madoff says he’s sorry.
The net worth of American households fell $11.2 trillion in 2008.
Last week, word came that fewer Americans are Christian. As a Christian, that is discouraging to me, but I understand the need to turn away from the fundamentalism that has infiltrated most Christian churches in this country. Far too many so-called spiritual leaders are not exactly setting a good example for their flocks.
I am listening to “Smoke, Mirrors and Murder: Ann Rule’s Crime Files Vol 12.” One chapter, “The Preacher’s Wife,” details what went on behind closed doors in the Tennessee home of the Church of Christ pastor shot dead by his wife.
A local Baptist pastor is in the Anderson County (SC) Detention Center accused of setting fire to his church. Yesterday he was charged with stealing $5,000 from church funds (LINK). In December, the church was vandalized four times, with “hate-filled messages” written on its walls. These incidents are still under investigation.
“Jesus wept.” John 11:35
A Gallup poll yesterday (LINK) says that 3 million more Americans than last year say they are “suffering” from the current recession. Five percent of Americans said their well-being had been affected when gasoline prices went up last summer. During the first days of this month, that figure has risen to 6 percent.
South Carolina has the highest unemployment rate in the nation. Yesterday, some 75,000 unemployed workers did not get their benefits due to “a computer error” which resulted in the inability to print checks. People swarmed their local unemployment offices in desperation. “The money’s there, even though it’s on loan from the federal government. We had a small computer snafu; that’s all,” was the reassuring comment by the head of the South Carolina Employment Security Commission. Hopefully, these folks will get their money in a day or two.
The Sears Tower where I’ve enjoyed the view from top on several occasions is now officially “The Willis Tower,” named for the London firm which owns the property. This American landmark, the tallest building in the Wester Hemisphere, once belonged to an American institution – Sears, Roebuck and Company – and has been in foreign hands since 1999.
The pope needs to learn to Google (LINK).
I have no idea what “tweeting on twitter” means.
FOR THE COMMENTS ZONE:
It’s Friday the 13th. Are we having fun yet?
The net worth of American households fell $11.2 trillion in 2008.
Last week, word came that fewer Americans are Christian. As a Christian, that is discouraging to me, but I understand the need to turn away from the fundamentalism that has infiltrated most Christian churches in this country. Far too many so-called spiritual leaders are not exactly setting a good example for their flocks.
I am listening to “Smoke, Mirrors and Murder: Ann Rule’s Crime Files Vol 12.” One chapter, “The Preacher’s Wife,” details what went on behind closed doors in the Tennessee home of the Church of Christ pastor shot dead by his wife.
A local Baptist pastor is in the Anderson County (SC) Detention Center accused of setting fire to his church. Yesterday he was charged with stealing $5,000 from church funds (LINK). In December, the church was vandalized four times, with “hate-filled messages” written on its walls. These incidents are still under investigation.
“Jesus wept.” John 11:35
A Gallup poll yesterday (LINK) says that 3 million more Americans than last year say they are “suffering” from the current recession. Five percent of Americans said their well-being had been affected when gasoline prices went up last summer. During the first days of this month, that figure has risen to 6 percent.
South Carolina has the highest unemployment rate in the nation. Yesterday, some 75,000 unemployed workers did not get their benefits due to “a computer error” which resulted in the inability to print checks. People swarmed their local unemployment offices in desperation. “The money’s there, even though it’s on loan from the federal government. We had a small computer snafu; that’s all,” was the reassuring comment by the head of the South Carolina Employment Security Commission. Hopefully, these folks will get their money in a day or two.
The Sears Tower where I’ve enjoyed the view from top on several occasions is now officially “The Willis Tower,” named for the London firm which owns the property. This American landmark, the tallest building in the Wester Hemisphere, once belonged to an American institution – Sears, Roebuck and Company – and has been in foreign hands since 1999.
The pope needs to learn to Google (LINK).
I have no idea what “tweeting on twitter” means.
FOR THE COMMENTS ZONE:
It’s Friday the 13th. Are we having fun yet?
3.12.2009
Kudos to a classmate
Some of the happiest days of my life were spent with the University of Southern Mississippi School of Journalism classes of 1979 and 1980.
In the movie “The Front Page,” Walter Matthau asks Jack Lemmon, “What do you think this is, The Student Printz?” I had the great honor of serving as executive editor of The Student Printz, one of the nation’s outstanding college newspapers, and more zany fun than Matthau and Lemmon sharing those days with a staff of college kids 15 years my junior.
We all share a deep and abiding love for our professor and mentor, Dr. Gene Wiggins. And we all have our own Wiggins stories! Dr. Wiggins retired last year after 35 years of nurturing journalism and mass communication students with his great sense of humor and keen knowledge.
Classmates Bill Sumrall, Tim Farrell (aka Father Tim), Becky Brown, Scott Boyd, the sisters Bruce (Barbara and Jana), Dana Gower and Kathleen Koch all went on to successful careers, but only one (so far) has been invited back to give the college commencement address.
Kathleen Koch, who had that distinction in 2007, recently left CNN after 18 years as a general assignment reporter. Kathleen was caught up in the big shakeup at CNN’s D.C. bureau, which resulted in the exit of some of the network’s best and brightest on-air talent.
I often marveled to see Kathleen reporting from the Pentagon or the White House, covering some of the biggest breaking stories of our time. And, I was always amazed that she has never lost her delicate Barbie doll good looks!
Many of you saw Kathleen’s outstanding post-Katrina special report, “Saving My Town: The Fight for Bay St. Louis,”
CNN promoted the 2006 special report thusly:
“What does it take to rebuild a community - physically and psychologically - from the ground up? Will residents return to rebuild? Will insurance companies honor their commitment to their customers? The residents of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, have asked these questions for six months since Hurricane Katrina leveled much of their town.
“To help find the answers, CNN taps Kathleen Koch. For Koch, this isn't just a story of death, destruction and loss. It's the story of her hometown, where the house she grew up in, along with hundreds of others, has been reduced to a concrete slab. Join her and the residents of Bay St. Louis as one small community comes together to come back from the edge of extinction.”
Wiggins would have pocketed his red pen and given her an “A.”
Here is Kathleen’s parting memo to her CNN associates:
“2009 will be a year of change for the nation. And it will be a year of change for me. After 18 years with CNN, I am moving on.
“I am so grateful for the amazing opportunity I've had to cover so many disparate and challenging beats, from aviation, to hurricanes, the Pentagon, Capitol Hill. And while I've helped out on the White House beat since 1996, I've particularly enjoyed being there full-time for the past year. It takes a special breed not only to cover that beat, but to do the people's work within those gray sandstone walls. I have made friends there in the media and on the staff that I hope will last a lifetime.
“I am also grateful to CNN for its flexibility during the years when I worked part-time. The opportunity to put my family first while my daughters were young was worth its weight in gold.
“I have always said the best thing about CNN is the people you work with. And that is what I will miss most. After 18 years, you are my family. I will not begin to try to say thank you. The list would be endless. Just know that it has been an honor and a pleasure to work with you through blizzards, hurricanes, droughts, floods, plane crashes, hearings, press conferences, endless stakeouts ... We pulled together and put on stories that illuminated, educated, entertained and sometimes, when we did our job particularly well, changed people’s lives.
“You have all enriched my life, and for that I count myself a fortunate woman. As my friends on the Mississippi Gulf Coast always say, I am blessed.
“Kathleen”
All of your classmates have been blessed by your successful career, Kathleen. We salute your professionalism and wish you all the best.
In the movie “The Front Page,” Walter Matthau asks Jack Lemmon, “What do you think this is, The Student Printz?” I had the great honor of serving as executive editor of The Student Printz, one of the nation’s outstanding college newspapers, and more zany fun than Matthau and Lemmon sharing those days with a staff of college kids 15 years my junior.
We all share a deep and abiding love for our professor and mentor, Dr. Gene Wiggins. And we all have our own Wiggins stories! Dr. Wiggins retired last year after 35 years of nurturing journalism and mass communication students with his great sense of humor and keen knowledge.
Classmates Bill Sumrall, Tim Farrell (aka Father Tim), Becky Brown, Scott Boyd, the sisters Bruce (Barbara and Jana), Dana Gower and Kathleen Koch all went on to successful careers, but only one (so far) has been invited back to give the college commencement address.
Kathleen Koch, who had that distinction in 2007, recently left CNN after 18 years as a general assignment reporter. Kathleen was caught up in the big shakeup at CNN’s D.C. bureau, which resulted in the exit of some of the network’s best and brightest on-air talent.
I often marveled to see Kathleen reporting from the Pentagon or the White House, covering some of the biggest breaking stories of our time. And, I was always amazed that she has never lost her delicate Barbie doll good looks!
Many of you saw Kathleen’s outstanding post-Katrina special report, “Saving My Town: The Fight for Bay St. Louis,”
CNN promoted the 2006 special report thusly:
“What does it take to rebuild a community - physically and psychologically - from the ground up? Will residents return to rebuild? Will insurance companies honor their commitment to their customers? The residents of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, have asked these questions for six months since Hurricane Katrina leveled much of their town.
“To help find the answers, CNN taps Kathleen Koch. For Koch, this isn't just a story of death, destruction and loss. It's the story of her hometown, where the house she grew up in, along with hundreds of others, has been reduced to a concrete slab. Join her and the residents of Bay St. Louis as one small community comes together to come back from the edge of extinction.”
Wiggins would have pocketed his red pen and given her an “A.”
Here is Kathleen’s parting memo to her CNN associates:
“2009 will be a year of change for the nation. And it will be a year of change for me. After 18 years with CNN, I am moving on.
“I am so grateful for the amazing opportunity I've had to cover so many disparate and challenging beats, from aviation, to hurricanes, the Pentagon, Capitol Hill. And while I've helped out on the White House beat since 1996, I've particularly enjoyed being there full-time for the past year. It takes a special breed not only to cover that beat, but to do the people's work within those gray sandstone walls. I have made friends there in the media and on the staff that I hope will last a lifetime.
“I am also grateful to CNN for its flexibility during the years when I worked part-time. The opportunity to put my family first while my daughters were young was worth its weight in gold.
“I have always said the best thing about CNN is the people you work with. And that is what I will miss most. After 18 years, you are my family. I will not begin to try to say thank you. The list would be endless. Just know that it has been an honor and a pleasure to work with you through blizzards, hurricanes, droughts, floods, plane crashes, hearings, press conferences, endless stakeouts ... We pulled together and put on stories that illuminated, educated, entertained and sometimes, when we did our job particularly well, changed people’s lives.
“You have all enriched my life, and for that I count myself a fortunate woman. As my friends on the Mississippi Gulf Coast always say, I am blessed.
“Kathleen”
All of your classmates have been blessed by your successful career, Kathleen. We salute your professionalism and wish you all the best.
3.11.2009
Mr. Obama's gamble
President Barack Obama took a gamble when he handed Congressional leaders his proposed budget and told them to fill in the details.
“Now, wait just a minute” and “No dice” are phrases coming not from Republicans, but from members of the president’s own party.
The first kick in the teeth of Obama’s health-care reform dreams came from the chairmen of the House and Senate tax-writing committees – Charles Rangel (D-NY) and Max Baucus (D-MT).
The two Democrats have objected to Obama’s plan to limit tax deductions for the wealthiest 1.2 percent of taxpayers in order to pay for such reform. Their objection? Charities will be hurt.
The White House pushed back, saying “the impact on charitable giving would be small.”
Democratic leaders are chipping away at other Obama proposals involving energy, climate change, Medicare, Medicaid and subsidies to big farmers and agribusiness - in apparent constituency- or regional-oriented biases and outright power struggles.
Once more, nothing best expresses this inner-party struggle like the words of Walt Kelly’s “Pogo:” “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”
An article by New York Times writers Jackie Calmes and Carl Hulse - “Obama’s Budget Faces Test Among Party Barons” – exposes this inner-party conflict and is essential to understanding what Obama is up against.
Unless, of course, you’re a Democrat and just want to go ahead and shoot yourself in the foot and get it over with.
“Now, wait just a minute” and “No dice” are phrases coming not from Republicans, but from members of the president’s own party.
The first kick in the teeth of Obama’s health-care reform dreams came from the chairmen of the House and Senate tax-writing committees – Charles Rangel (D-NY) and Max Baucus (D-MT).
The two Democrats have objected to Obama’s plan to limit tax deductions for the wealthiest 1.2 percent of taxpayers in order to pay for such reform. Their objection? Charities will be hurt.
The White House pushed back, saying “the impact on charitable giving would be small.”
Democratic leaders are chipping away at other Obama proposals involving energy, climate change, Medicare, Medicaid and subsidies to big farmers and agribusiness - in apparent constituency- or regional-oriented biases and outright power struggles.
Once more, nothing best expresses this inner-party struggle like the words of Walt Kelly’s “Pogo:” “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”
An article by New York Times writers Jackie Calmes and Carl Hulse - “Obama’s Budget Faces Test Among Party Barons” – exposes this inner-party conflict and is essential to understanding what Obama is up against.
Unless, of course, you’re a Democrat and just want to go ahead and shoot yourself in the foot and get it over with.
3.09.2009
Nothing's plenty for me
If Seinfeld can get away with it, so can I. This is a post about nothing. Woke up this morning singing “Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina in the morning …” One of those perfect days. Windows are open. Birds are in fine tune. And, there’s nothing on my mind.
Nothing’s plenty for me.
Nothing’s plenty for me.
3.06.2009
Dickens' 'Self-Tormentor'
From Charles Dickens’ “Little Dorrit,” beginning of Chapter 21, “The History of a Self-Tormentor:”
“I have the misfortune of not being a fool. From a very early age I have detected what those about me thought they hid from me. If I could have been habitually imposed upon instead of habitually discerning the truth, I might have lived as smoothly as most fools do.”
OPEN THREAD FOR THE WEEKEND:
Ever feel this way?
“I have the misfortune of not being a fool. From a very early age I have detected what those about me thought they hid from me. If I could have been habitually imposed upon instead of habitually discerning the truth, I might have lived as smoothly as most fools do.”
OPEN THREAD FOR THE WEEKEND:
Ever feel this way?
3.05.2009
Honoring Beverly Eckert
“Never underestimate the power of a woman.”
In the days following September 11, 2001, a group of women who lost loved ones to unbearable horror turned their grief to action and made this country safer.
We all remember “The Jersey Girls” - Kristen Breitweiser, Patty Casazza, Lorie Van Auken and Mindy Kleinberg – New Jersey women who lost their husbands that fateful day.
A fifth woman, Beverly Eckert of Stamford, Connecticut, also lost her husband that day and worked as tirelessly to get answers and to ensure our nation would never again suffer such a loss.
She was one of those women attending the 9/11 Commission hearings who reacted to testimony at the most appropriate times and in the most appropriate ways, and we marveled at their courage.
Spoken through tears, she once said of her efforts, “I just wanted Sean to come home from work. Maybe now, someone else's Sean will get to come home."
Her husband and high school sweetheart, Sean Rooney, died on the 98th floor of WTC’s south tower, and on Feb. 13, she was ready to commemorate his birthday.
Beverly Eckert, 57, was killed that day in the commuter plane crash in Buffalo, New York.
The Associated Press reported:
“Up until the very last moments of her life, Sept. 11 widow Beverly Eckert poured her grief into action — pushing presidents, lawmakers and even herself to do more to make the country safer.”
(…)
“She carried that grief to Congress as she advocated for better anti-terror efforts, part of a small group of widows, mothers and children who played the roles of lobbyists.
“She pushed for a 9/11 Commission. She pushed the Bush administration to provide more information to the Commission. And when the Commission's work was over, she pushed Congress to adopt their recommendations.
“Together, they forced lawmakers in 2004 to pass sweeping reforms of the U.S. intelligence apparatus.”
One of the first things the new Congress did following Election 2006 was to adopt all of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.
One week before her death, Eckert, as part of a group of 9/11 and USS Cole families, met with President Barack Obama to discuss how his administration would handle terror suspects.
Yesterday, I listened on C-SPAN as members of the U.S. House praised Eckert’s courage and tenacity before passing H.Res. 201 – “Recognizing Beverly Eckert’s service to the Nation and particularly to the survivors and families of the September 11, 2001, attacks.”
I just wanted us to take a moment to remember her, too.
In the days following September 11, 2001, a group of women who lost loved ones to unbearable horror turned their grief to action and made this country safer.
We all remember “The Jersey Girls” - Kristen Breitweiser, Patty Casazza, Lorie Van Auken and Mindy Kleinberg – New Jersey women who lost their husbands that fateful day.
A fifth woman, Beverly Eckert of Stamford, Connecticut, also lost her husband that day and worked as tirelessly to get answers and to ensure our nation would never again suffer such a loss.
She was one of those women attending the 9/11 Commission hearings who reacted to testimony at the most appropriate times and in the most appropriate ways, and we marveled at their courage.
Spoken through tears, she once said of her efforts, “I just wanted Sean to come home from work. Maybe now, someone else's Sean will get to come home."
Her husband and high school sweetheart, Sean Rooney, died on the 98th floor of WTC’s south tower, and on Feb. 13, she was ready to commemorate his birthday.
Beverly Eckert, 57, was killed that day in the commuter plane crash in Buffalo, New York.
The Associated Press reported:
“Up until the very last moments of her life, Sept. 11 widow Beverly Eckert poured her grief into action — pushing presidents, lawmakers and even herself to do more to make the country safer.”
(…)
“She carried that grief to Congress as she advocated for better anti-terror efforts, part of a small group of widows, mothers and children who played the roles of lobbyists.
“She pushed for a 9/11 Commission. She pushed the Bush administration to provide more information to the Commission. And when the Commission's work was over, she pushed Congress to adopt their recommendations.
“Together, they forced lawmakers in 2004 to pass sweeping reforms of the U.S. intelligence apparatus.”
One of the first things the new Congress did following Election 2006 was to adopt all of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.
One week before her death, Eckert, as part of a group of 9/11 and USS Cole families, met with President Barack Obama to discuss how his administration would handle terror suspects.
Yesterday, I listened on C-SPAN as members of the U.S. House praised Eckert’s courage and tenacity before passing H.Res. 201 – “Recognizing Beverly Eckert’s service to the Nation and particularly to the survivors and families of the September 11, 2001, attacks.”
I just wanted us to take a moment to remember her, too.
3.03.2009
The watchdog died
“The big story of the day.” The last time I heard that phrase a Today show reporter was talking about Michael Jordan’s reture to basketball. “That will be the big story of the day,” she opined. Thirty minutes later, Katie Couric announced, “We have breaking news …” The date was September 11, 2001.
If this is not the big story of the day, it should be:
Story: “Obama releases internal Bush Justice Department memos,” CNN, 3 March 2009 – LINK
Analysis: “Secrets, Lies and Destroyed Videotapes, CBS, 2 March 2009 – LINK
This story will be all over the news and the Internet, so why bother to mention it here? Because it bears repeating again and again. It makes Watergate, CREEP and “ratf*cking” look like schoolboy pranks. That episode resulted in the resignation of a president and an eventual pardon by his successor.
The nine memos which the Bush administration refused to release - hiding behind the veil of national security - basically say that the president – in the "war on terror" – can ignore the Constitution and is not bound by U.S. laws, does not have to answer to the legislative and judicial branches of our government, is not bound by the Geneva Convention and can opt out of any U.S. treaty agreement. The memos further state that warrantless wiretaps against U.S. citizens are within the administrative branch’s powers, and that it’s appropriate to torture and to “render” prisoners to countries where torture is legal.
In one memo, John Yoo, then a deputy assistant attorney general, wrote: “"First Amendment speech and press rights may also be subordinated to the overriding need to wage war successfully." He said the "Supreme Court has recognized that the government's compelling interests in wartime justify restrictions on the scope of individual liberty."
We could bring in a whole slew of legal lights to debate whether what Bush called a “war on terror” is, in fact, a “war” at all, or was Yoo continuing to tie the war in Iraq to 9/11?
So, how did the Bush administration get away with this and with keeping these memos a secret for so long? How could the CIA destroy 92 relevant videotapes which might incriminate this bunch of neoconservative hooligans?
The watchdog died.
What brought Watergate to light was vigilant and investigative reporting, something that did not exist through most of the years George W. Bush occupied the Oval Office.
Listen to the words of this conversation which took place on “Imus in the Morning” on 15 May 2005:
David Gregory, now host of NBC’s “Meet the Press,” then Chief White House Correspondent, had just stated the 9/11 Commission Report refutes Vice President Dick Cheney’s continuing claim that Saddam Hussein and 9/11 were connected.
Don Imus: "Do you agree with me that he (Cheney) should be impeached?"
David Gregory: "As I said, I'm not here to make those kinds of judgments, and I know where you're trying to go with it. I've known you a long time, and I'm not a sucker. I mean it's not like I'm sitting here doing a crossword puzzle, and I'm going to get caught off guard, you know what I'm saying?"
“I’m not here to make those kinds of judgments.”
That morning I mailed Gregory a letter to 30 Rock telling him that’s precisely what he is there to do – it’s his job as it traditionally has been the job of the Fourth Estate to serve as a watchdog over government.
Gregory might never have seen my letter, but he did get tougher.
The best “puppy” in the current White House just might be the new watchdog being nourished by statements like this from the nation’s highest law enforcement official:
Attorney General Eric Holder has issued a statement today saying, "Americans deserve a government that operates with transparency and openness. It is my goal to make OLC (Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel) opinions available when possible while still protecting national security information and ensuring robust internal executive branch debate and decision-making."
If this is not the big story of the day, it should be:
Story: “Obama releases internal Bush Justice Department memos,” CNN, 3 March 2009 – LINK
Analysis: “Secrets, Lies and Destroyed Videotapes, CBS, 2 March 2009 – LINK
This story will be all over the news and the Internet, so why bother to mention it here? Because it bears repeating again and again. It makes Watergate, CREEP and “ratf*cking” look like schoolboy pranks. That episode resulted in the resignation of a president and an eventual pardon by his successor.
The nine memos which the Bush administration refused to release - hiding behind the veil of national security - basically say that the president – in the "war on terror" – can ignore the Constitution and is not bound by U.S. laws, does not have to answer to the legislative and judicial branches of our government, is not bound by the Geneva Convention and can opt out of any U.S. treaty agreement. The memos further state that warrantless wiretaps against U.S. citizens are within the administrative branch’s powers, and that it’s appropriate to torture and to “render” prisoners to countries where torture is legal.
In one memo, John Yoo, then a deputy assistant attorney general, wrote: “"First Amendment speech and press rights may also be subordinated to the overriding need to wage war successfully." He said the "Supreme Court has recognized that the government's compelling interests in wartime justify restrictions on the scope of individual liberty."
We could bring in a whole slew of legal lights to debate whether what Bush called a “war on terror” is, in fact, a “war” at all, or was Yoo continuing to tie the war in Iraq to 9/11?
So, how did the Bush administration get away with this and with keeping these memos a secret for so long? How could the CIA destroy 92 relevant videotapes which might incriminate this bunch of neoconservative hooligans?
The watchdog died.
What brought Watergate to light was vigilant and investigative reporting, something that did not exist through most of the years George W. Bush occupied the Oval Office.
Listen to the words of this conversation which took place on “Imus in the Morning” on 15 May 2005:
David Gregory, now host of NBC’s “Meet the Press,” then Chief White House Correspondent, had just stated the 9/11 Commission Report refutes Vice President Dick Cheney’s continuing claim that Saddam Hussein and 9/11 were connected.
Don Imus: "Do you agree with me that he (Cheney) should be impeached?"
David Gregory: "As I said, I'm not here to make those kinds of judgments, and I know where you're trying to go with it. I've known you a long time, and I'm not a sucker. I mean it's not like I'm sitting here doing a crossword puzzle, and I'm going to get caught off guard, you know what I'm saying?"
“I’m not here to make those kinds of judgments.”
That morning I mailed Gregory a letter to 30 Rock telling him that’s precisely what he is there to do – it’s his job as it traditionally has been the job of the Fourth Estate to serve as a watchdog over government.
Gregory might never have seen my letter, but he did get tougher.
The best “puppy” in the current White House just might be the new watchdog being nourished by statements like this from the nation’s highest law enforcement official:
Attorney General Eric Holder has issued a statement today saying, "Americans deserve a government that operates with transparency and openness. It is my goal to make OLC (Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel) opinions available when possible while still protecting national security information and ensuring robust internal executive branch debate and decision-making."
2.28.2009
Mythbusters: stop GOP lies!
Dear readers, the GOP propaganda machine must be stopped if we are to see any semblance of relief from our current economic disaster (see GDP figure in left sidebar).
It’s up to YOU to inform yourself and others of the facts.
Here, from The Progress Report, Center for American Progress (2/27/09), are the top GOP tax-and-budget myths, and the facts which dispel them:
“BUDGET: Right-Wing Tax And Budget Myths” (LINK)
Yesterday (Thursday), the Obama administration released its fiscal year 2010 budget, which lays out an ambitious course of action on health care reform, energy policy and education while estimating a deficit of $1.75 trillion for the current fiscal year. The budget also includes "significant tax increases" for corporations and wealthy Americans that will increase revenue by nearly $2 trillion over the next 10 years. The proposal allows the Bush tax cuts on the top two income brackets to expire on time in 2011, reduces itemized deductions for those making more than $250,000 a year, raises the top rate on capital gains and dividends to 20 percent (from 15), and closes the capital-gains loophole so that hedge fund and other private-equity managers have their profits taxed as ordinary income instead of capital gains. The budget also proposes a cap and trade program that would auction permits to companies that emit greenhouse gases, with the revenue directed toward President Obama's Making Work Pay tax credit. As the Center for American Progress's Michael Ettlinger noted, these changes are "going to provoke outrage." But "were this budget to be enacted, it would be by far the most significant progressive step in over 40 years," noted CAPAF Fellow Matt Yglesias.
Conservatives are already propagating various myths about the budget; The Progress Report offers these debunks:
MYTH 1: OBAMA'S RAISING TAXES DURING A RECESSION: "If there's anything that economists on the left and the right agree on, that supply-siders, classic economists and Keynesians agree on, you don't raise taxes in a recession," said Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI). "This budget is raising taxes in a recession." The plan drew a similar rebuke from the American Petroleum Institute, the oil industry's most powerful trade group.
However, as Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag said, "[F]olks need to actually look at the budget document." To avoid raising taxes during the recession, the increases will not take effect until 2011. Furthermore, the economic stimulus package signed into law by Obama last week enacted one of the largest tax cuts ever, which made good on Obama's campaign promise to cut taxes for 95 percent of Americans. The first benefits from these cuts should be seen no later than April 1, 2009.
MYTH 2: TAX INCREASES WILL RUIN ECONOMIC GROWTH: The Heritage Foundation claimed that Obama's tax proposals "sacrifice future economic growth at the altars of redistributionism," while House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) called the budget a "job killer." But as Orszag said, "[W]e're returning to the tax rates that applied during the 1990's. I think all Americans -- including high income Americans -- did quite well during that decade."
The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities pointed out that "what the data do show clearly is that, despite major tax cuts in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006, the economy's performance between 2001 and 2007 was far from stellar." As CAP's Joshua Picker found, the Bush economy "registered the weakest jobs and income growth in the post-war period. Overall monthly job growth was the worst of any cycle since at least February 1945, and household income growth was negative for the first cycle since tracking began in 1967." Women reversed employment gains of previous cycles, and for African-Americans, the worst job growth on record was matched by an unprecedented increase in poverty.
Businesses didn't fare any better, as the Bush tax cuts "were actually followed by a pronounced decrease in the fraction of GDP devoted to business investment." Business investment fell after both the Reagan and Bush tax cuts, but rose after the Clinton tax increase, according to work by Princeton professor Uwe Reinhardt.
MYTH 3: TAX INCREASES WILL HARM SMALL BUSINESSES: Republicans, "knowing they will get little mileage from defending the rich, instead are casting the plan as a tax hit on people who run industrious little companies driving job growth," noted the AP. "A majority of those penalized by the proposed tax increase in this budget are small businesses," said Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA). Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) said the proposal "shows a lack of understanding of the private sector." But as the Associated Press pointed out, Republicans are "adrift" on this one, as "many truly small operations simply don't make enough to qualify for the tax hit." Indeed, only 1.9 percent of small businesses file in the top two federal income tax brackets, which leaves 98.1 percent unaffected by the rate change. And because of the Treasury Department's broad definition of small business, "many of the roughly 650,000 filers with small-business income who face one of the top two tax rates are merely passive investors who have nothing to do with running the business."
So "the $84 of income President Bush received in 2001 from a passive investment in an oil and gas company made him a 'small-business owner.'"
Overall, only 0.7 percent of households file in the top two income brackets. As Yglesias wrote, "[A]ny small businessman who's earning a middle class income isn't paying in the top two brackets, just as any salaried employee who's earning a middle class income isn't paying in the top two brackets."
***
Over at Greenville, S.C., about 19 miles from me as the crow flies, and reportedly in towns across the nation, folks are staging a “Tea Party” in “protest of government spending.” On Friday, “several thousand protesters” gathered at the river – the Reedy River in downtown Greenville – to throw tea in the water. Of course, the local network affiliates gave these protesters of President Obama’s stimulus package and FY2009 Budget, plenty of microphone.
According to the affiliates (LINK), these modern-day Boston Tea Party demonstrations were called for by CNBC’s Rick Santelli. Santelli, seen rabid and ranting in soundbites, to quote one of my favorite movies, “Makes coffee nervous.” As my former husband, a high school principal, once said, “People will fight for two things: their children and their pocketbooks.”
Where were these South Carolinians when senators Lindsey O. Graham and Jim DeMint and their congressmen were burning greenbacks on Iraq and other Bush spending orgies?
Wish I had been at the tea party yesterday. I would have handed out copies of this post on Madeira tea napkins!
It’s up to YOU to inform yourself and others of the facts.
Here, from The Progress Report, Center for American Progress (2/27/09), are the top GOP tax-and-budget myths, and the facts which dispel them:
“BUDGET: Right-Wing Tax And Budget Myths” (LINK)
Yesterday (Thursday), the Obama administration released its fiscal year 2010 budget, which lays out an ambitious course of action on health care reform, energy policy and education while estimating a deficit of $1.75 trillion for the current fiscal year. The budget also includes "significant tax increases" for corporations and wealthy Americans that will increase revenue by nearly $2 trillion over the next 10 years. The proposal allows the Bush tax cuts on the top two income brackets to expire on time in 2011, reduces itemized deductions for those making more than $250,000 a year, raises the top rate on capital gains and dividends to 20 percent (from 15), and closes the capital-gains loophole so that hedge fund and other private-equity managers have their profits taxed as ordinary income instead of capital gains. The budget also proposes a cap and trade program that would auction permits to companies that emit greenhouse gases, with the revenue directed toward President Obama's Making Work Pay tax credit. As the Center for American Progress's Michael Ettlinger noted, these changes are "going to provoke outrage." But "were this budget to be enacted, it would be by far the most significant progressive step in over 40 years," noted CAPAF Fellow Matt Yglesias.
Conservatives are already propagating various myths about the budget; The Progress Report offers these debunks:
MYTH 1: OBAMA'S RAISING TAXES DURING A RECESSION: "If there's anything that economists on the left and the right agree on, that supply-siders, classic economists and Keynesians agree on, you don't raise taxes in a recession," said Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI). "This budget is raising taxes in a recession." The plan drew a similar rebuke from the American Petroleum Institute, the oil industry's most powerful trade group.
However, as Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag said, "[F]olks need to actually look at the budget document." To avoid raising taxes during the recession, the increases will not take effect until 2011. Furthermore, the economic stimulus package signed into law by Obama last week enacted one of the largest tax cuts ever, which made good on Obama's campaign promise to cut taxes for 95 percent of Americans. The first benefits from these cuts should be seen no later than April 1, 2009.
MYTH 2: TAX INCREASES WILL RUIN ECONOMIC GROWTH: The Heritage Foundation claimed that Obama's tax proposals "sacrifice future economic growth at the altars of redistributionism," while House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) called the budget a "job killer." But as Orszag said, "[W]e're returning to the tax rates that applied during the 1990's. I think all Americans -- including high income Americans -- did quite well during that decade."
The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities pointed out that "what the data do show clearly is that, despite major tax cuts in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006, the economy's performance between 2001 and 2007 was far from stellar." As CAP's Joshua Picker found, the Bush economy "registered the weakest jobs and income growth in the post-war period. Overall monthly job growth was the worst of any cycle since at least February 1945, and household income growth was negative for the first cycle since tracking began in 1967." Women reversed employment gains of previous cycles, and for African-Americans, the worst job growth on record was matched by an unprecedented increase in poverty.
Businesses didn't fare any better, as the Bush tax cuts "were actually followed by a pronounced decrease in the fraction of GDP devoted to business investment." Business investment fell after both the Reagan and Bush tax cuts, but rose after the Clinton tax increase, according to work by Princeton professor Uwe Reinhardt.
MYTH 3: TAX INCREASES WILL HARM SMALL BUSINESSES: Republicans, "knowing they will get little mileage from defending the rich, instead are casting the plan as a tax hit on people who run industrious little companies driving job growth," noted the AP. "A majority of those penalized by the proposed tax increase in this budget are small businesses," said Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA). Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) said the proposal "shows a lack of understanding of the private sector." But as the Associated Press pointed out, Republicans are "adrift" on this one, as "many truly small operations simply don't make enough to qualify for the tax hit." Indeed, only 1.9 percent of small businesses file in the top two federal income tax brackets, which leaves 98.1 percent unaffected by the rate change. And because of the Treasury Department's broad definition of small business, "many of the roughly 650,000 filers with small-business income who face one of the top two tax rates are merely passive investors who have nothing to do with running the business."
So "the $84 of income President Bush received in 2001 from a passive investment in an oil and gas company made him a 'small-business owner.'"
Overall, only 0.7 percent of households file in the top two income brackets. As Yglesias wrote, "[A]ny small businessman who's earning a middle class income isn't paying in the top two brackets, just as any salaried employee who's earning a middle class income isn't paying in the top two brackets."
***
Over at Greenville, S.C., about 19 miles from me as the crow flies, and reportedly in towns across the nation, folks are staging a “Tea Party” in “protest of government spending.” On Friday, “several thousand protesters” gathered at the river – the Reedy River in downtown Greenville – to throw tea in the water. Of course, the local network affiliates gave these protesters of President Obama’s stimulus package and FY2009 Budget, plenty of microphone.
According to the affiliates (LINK), these modern-day Boston Tea Party demonstrations were called for by CNBC’s Rick Santelli. Santelli, seen rabid and ranting in soundbites, to quote one of my favorite movies, “Makes coffee nervous.” As my former husband, a high school principal, once said, “People will fight for two things: their children and their pocketbooks.”
Where were these South Carolinians when senators Lindsey O. Graham and Jim DeMint and their congressmen were burning greenbacks on Iraq and other Bush spending orgies?
Wish I had been at the tea party yesterday. I would have handed out copies of this post on Madeira tea napkins!
2.27.2009
All eyes on America
Thomas L. Friedman begins his op-ed piece, datelined Seoul, Korea in Tuesday’s New York Times, thusly:
“It is very useful to come to Asia to be reminded about America’s standing in the world these days. For all the talk in recent years about America’s inevitable decline, all eyes are not now on Tokyo, Beijing, Brussels or Moscow — nor on any other pretenders to the world heavyweight crown. All eyes are on Washington to pull the world out of its economic tailspin. At no time in the last 50 years have we ever felt weaker, and at no time in the last 50 years has the world ever seen us as more important.”
What foreign journalists and government officials in Asia are telling Friedman puts a heavy burden on America to cut through the political bickering and BS and allow the brain power behind Obama’s team to sort all this economic mess out.
Friedman uses a word I’ve heard a lot on TV lately – a buzzword - I will clarify for you: “schadenfreude,” meaning “taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.”
Those Americans who are leaning toward “protectionism” will be particularly surprised to learn that the world feels very dependent on the United States at this crucial time. We are citizens of the world, and the world, according to Friedman, needs us.
I highly recommend you take a moment to read “Paging Uncle Sam.”
“It is very useful to come to Asia to be reminded about America’s standing in the world these days. For all the talk in recent years about America’s inevitable decline, all eyes are not now on Tokyo, Beijing, Brussels or Moscow — nor on any other pretenders to the world heavyweight crown. All eyes are on Washington to pull the world out of its economic tailspin. At no time in the last 50 years have we ever felt weaker, and at no time in the last 50 years has the world ever seen us as more important.”
What foreign journalists and government officials in Asia are telling Friedman puts a heavy burden on America to cut through the political bickering and BS and allow the brain power behind Obama’s team to sort all this economic mess out.
Friedman uses a word I’ve heard a lot on TV lately – a buzzword - I will clarify for you: “schadenfreude,” meaning “taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.”
Those Americans who are leaning toward “protectionism” will be particularly surprised to learn that the world feels very dependent on the United States at this crucial time. We are citizens of the world, and the world, according to Friedman, needs us.
I highly recommend you take a moment to read “Paging Uncle Sam.”
2.25.2009
Obama's speech to Congress
Regrettably, the title of this post should be “Obama v. Morpheus.”
Your negligent blogger fell asleep at 8 ET last night, while listening to Charles Dickens’ “Little Dorrit,” and missed President Obama’s address to Congress, other government officials and the American public.
Around 4 a.m. I thought to check C-SPAN, switching the TV on just in time to hear Obama say, “God bless America.” I did hear Louisiana’s Repubican governor, Bobby Jindal, give the GOP “rebuttal,” and that was just about the most pitiful thing I’ve ever heard.
Basically, Jindal told Americans the GOP had screwed things up royally, but, hey, “trust us.” That he used the word “irresponsible” (as in “fiscally irresponsible”) to define Obama’s course of action was unbelievable. That he used Hurricane Katrina as an argument for trusting his fellow Republican leaderss was unfathomable!
I recall the words of then Tennessee Congressman Harold Ford, Jr., (D.) when a female colleague, a Republican, made disparaging remarks about Congressman John Murtha (R.) on the House floor. The young Ford jumped over desks to get right up in the woman’s face and exclaimed, “You guys are pathetic!”
Frodo emailed his delight with the afterthoughts of MSNBC’s nightly team – not unexpected from Obama’s head cheerleading squad – and hardly objective.
Several post-speech polls released this morning indicate a very large percentage of Americans say they now have a better understanding of Obama’s vision. That’s good news.
I will be spending the morning reading Obama’s hour-long speech.
In the meantime, this is what’s called - in the “blogosphere” - an “open thread,” meaning I will let you, dear readers, write this post in the “comments” zone.
Please share your thoughts on both Obama’s speech and Jindal’s counterpoints.
Comments are easier to read if you just click on the post title!
Off to read the speech!
Thanks!
Your negligent blogger fell asleep at 8 ET last night, while listening to Charles Dickens’ “Little Dorrit,” and missed President Obama’s address to Congress, other government officials and the American public.
Around 4 a.m. I thought to check C-SPAN, switching the TV on just in time to hear Obama say, “God bless America.” I did hear Louisiana’s Repubican governor, Bobby Jindal, give the GOP “rebuttal,” and that was just about the most pitiful thing I’ve ever heard.
Basically, Jindal told Americans the GOP had screwed things up royally, but, hey, “trust us.” That he used the word “irresponsible” (as in “fiscally irresponsible”) to define Obama’s course of action was unbelievable. That he used Hurricane Katrina as an argument for trusting his fellow Republican leaderss was unfathomable!
I recall the words of then Tennessee Congressman Harold Ford, Jr., (D.) when a female colleague, a Republican, made disparaging remarks about Congressman John Murtha (R.) on the House floor. The young Ford jumped over desks to get right up in the woman’s face and exclaimed, “You guys are pathetic!”
Frodo emailed his delight with the afterthoughts of MSNBC’s nightly team – not unexpected from Obama’s head cheerleading squad – and hardly objective.
Several post-speech polls released this morning indicate a very large percentage of Americans say they now have a better understanding of Obama’s vision. That’s good news.
I will be spending the morning reading Obama’s hour-long speech.
In the meantime, this is what’s called - in the “blogosphere” - an “open thread,” meaning I will let you, dear readers, write this post in the “comments” zone.
Please share your thoughts on both Obama’s speech and Jindal’s counterpoints.
Comments are easier to read if you just click on the post title!
Off to read the speech!
Thanks!
2.24.2009
A little news lagniappe
THE ‘DEEP WEB’
Here’s one for Google users.
The New York Times reports, “One day last summer, Google’s search engine trundled quietly past a milestone. It added the one trillionth address to the list of Web pages it knows about. But as impossibly big as that number may seem, it represents only a fraction of the entire Web.”
An absolutely fascinating article, “Exploring a ‘Deep Web’ That Google Can’t Grasp,” examines the development of software which will allow search engines to dig deeper into “hidden” databases and refine search capabilities.
For example, a local newspaper could give readers access to city or state government databases.
Read the article.
CRIST-AL CLEAR
Sunday morning Florida’s Gov. Charlie Crist (R.) was pressed by “Meet the Press” (LINK) moderator David Gregory to name “the national leader” of the Republican Party.
Gov. Crist, who is receiving criticism from the GOP for his support of Obama’s recovery plan, responded:
“I don't know if there is or is not (a national GOP leader) at this time. And, I think - well, there is a national leader. His name is President Obama. And, the people elected him. And, I'm willing to give him a good shot and try to help make this work. We're in a tough time, as we talked about before. I think we do need to be bipartisan. We need to be, in fact, nonpartisan. We're all Americans. Our country is at a dire point, and we need to do everything we can to work together to get America through this, and I know that she will.”
Crist went on to say there must be “common sense” in government if we are to pull through our current problems, and Governor, in my opinion, you have exhibited just that.
THE MONARCH OF MERRIMENT
Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?
Don’t just sit there, go PARTY “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans.”
The Times-Picayune’s “Paradecam” will have live coverage today of the Krewe of Rex parade as the floats roll along St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans at 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT.
“Rex, the Monarch of Merriment, reigns as the King of Carnival, and has done so since 1872. It was Rex who declared the official colors - gold, green and purple - and official song - 'If Ever I Cease to Love' - of the Carnival season. The Rex Ball marks the end of Carnival season and the theme of 2009 is 'Spirits of Spring.' “
Take off your shoes, put on the Zydeco, pat your feet and watch today’s Krewe of Rex parade on the “Paradecam” link down the left sidebar HERE.
Laissez les bon temps roulet!
Here’s one for Google users.
The New York Times reports, “One day last summer, Google’s search engine trundled quietly past a milestone. It added the one trillionth address to the list of Web pages it knows about. But as impossibly big as that number may seem, it represents only a fraction of the entire Web.”
An absolutely fascinating article, “Exploring a ‘Deep Web’ That Google Can’t Grasp,” examines the development of software which will allow search engines to dig deeper into “hidden” databases and refine search capabilities.
For example, a local newspaper could give readers access to city or state government databases.
Read the article.
CRIST-AL CLEAR
Sunday morning Florida’s Gov. Charlie Crist (R.) was pressed by “Meet the Press” (LINK) moderator David Gregory to name “the national leader” of the Republican Party.
Gov. Crist, who is receiving criticism from the GOP for his support of Obama’s recovery plan, responded:
“I don't know if there is or is not (a national GOP leader) at this time. And, I think - well, there is a national leader. His name is President Obama. And, the people elected him. And, I'm willing to give him a good shot and try to help make this work. We're in a tough time, as we talked about before. I think we do need to be bipartisan. We need to be, in fact, nonpartisan. We're all Americans. Our country is at a dire point, and we need to do everything we can to work together to get America through this, and I know that she will.”
Crist went on to say there must be “common sense” in government if we are to pull through our current problems, and Governor, in my opinion, you have exhibited just that.
THE MONARCH OF MERRIMENT
Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?
Don’t just sit there, go PARTY “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans.”
The Times-Picayune’s “Paradecam” will have live coverage today of the Krewe of Rex parade as the floats roll along St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans at 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT.
“Rex, the Monarch of Merriment, reigns as the King of Carnival, and has done so since 1872. It was Rex who declared the official colors - gold, green and purple - and official song - 'If Ever I Cease to Love' - of the Carnival season. The Rex Ball marks the end of Carnival season and the theme of 2009 is 'Spirits of Spring.' “
Take off your shoes, put on the Zydeco, pat your feet and watch today’s Krewe of Rex parade on the “Paradecam” link down the left sidebar HERE.
Laissez les bon temps roulet!
2.23.2009
The sounds of Oscar
PHOTO: Kate Winslet, 2009.
There’s one thing about the Oscars and the movies and performances they honor – they are too damn visual.
Perhaps it’s unfair – since I no longer can see the movies or the awards ceremony itself – for me to critique the Academy Awards, but since I’ve enjoyed every telecast since I was 10 years old, I know what makes the show a hit.
Let’s start with Hugh Jackman. I am ga-ga for Hugh Jackman – a one-man talent show. I don’t know who wrote the lyrics to his opening song - the lamest since Rob Lowe serenaded Snow White. “Swim in human excrement …” is not exactly the glamour expected at such a gala.
After six decades at the movies and with more than 2,000 films in my home library, I am aware of all the elements of film excellence.
Even though I’ve seen none of the nominated 2008 movies, I was able to pick every winner in the big categories with nothing to go on but buzz.
I’m happy with the winners. I adore best actress Kate Winslet (don’t miss her screen debut in Peter Jackson’s “Heavenly Creatures”), I’m delighted Sean Penn (best actor) finally got his due. “Slumdog Millionaire” seemed a shoo-in for its “best picture” statuette.
15 nominations for acting! I personally think the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences should establish “The Meryl Streep Award” to be presented occasionally – not every year, mind you – to anyone who even comes close to this woman’s talent.
Perhaps readers who have seen “The Dark Knight” can tell me whether Heath Ledger won based on performance or on his tragic death. Only one other actor has won posthumously: Peter Finch for “Network.”
Others receiving best acting nominations after their deaths were James Dean (twice), Spencer Tracy, Ralph Richardson, Massimo Troisi and Jeanne Eagels.
One classy feature of last night’s show was having previous acting winners introduce – and pay homage to – the current nominees. The reviewer at cnn.com thought otherwise: he thought this bogged things down.
The elegant Queen Latifah singing the Billie Holiday classic “I’ll Be Seeing You” during the annual “In Memoriam” montage was a nice touch. And, Jerry Lewis’ Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award was long overdue.
All in all, the sounds of Oscar weren’t so bad.
I appreciate the bully pulpit of actors embracing causes related to their current work, but …
Did I mention glamour? If the beautiful people turn out for Hollywood’s big night beautifully bedecked, shouldn’t the Oscars continue to reflect the glamour we so long related to Tinsel Town?
Bring back the big production numbers, models dressed in nominated costumes, on-stage displays of nominated set decorations. If the final winner is announced after three and a half hours, we might as well br entertained along the way.
Sure I miss seeing all the designer gowns, borrowed jewels, Armani tuxedos, but when I think of past fashion disasters (think Geena Davis, Oprah Winfrey and Cher), maybe that’s a blessing.
I remember the night Mira Sorvino won best supporting actress. My friend Bill Sumrall exclaimed, “She looks like a movie star!”
Bring back the movie stars!
Kate Winslet is a start.
***
Here are my top 10 favorite movies:
1. Doctor Zhivago – David Lean’s epic has everything that makes a movie great.
2. Auntie Mame – Rosalind Russell’s tour de force: “Life’s a banquet, and most poor sons of bitches are starving to death.”
3. Platoon – You feel the emotion of being a grunt in a futile war.
4. The Last Temptation of Christ – The most perfectly crafted film ever made. Don’t take my word for it: the late Gene Siskel thought so, too.
5. Some Like It Hot – Forget bathroom humor, this is still the funniest film ever.
6. Lawrence of Arabia – Peter O’Toole. Need I say more?
7. The Killing Fields – A true story of love and perseverance. Imagine.
8. Out of Africa – real-life adverturers brought to the screen in filmdom’s most romantic story.
9. The Lion in Winter – Tit for tat from Peter and Kat in the best dialogue a screenplay ever produced. (“Sleuth” runs a close second.)
10. West Side Story – Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and Jerome Robbins – a music-and-dance mixture which explodes on the screen!
***
In the “comments” zone: tell us your favorite movies and Oscar moments!
There’s one thing about the Oscars and the movies and performances they honor – they are too damn visual.
Perhaps it’s unfair – since I no longer can see the movies or the awards ceremony itself – for me to critique the Academy Awards, but since I’ve enjoyed every telecast since I was 10 years old, I know what makes the show a hit.
Let’s start with Hugh Jackman. I am ga-ga for Hugh Jackman – a one-man talent show. I don’t know who wrote the lyrics to his opening song - the lamest since Rob Lowe serenaded Snow White. “Swim in human excrement …” is not exactly the glamour expected at such a gala.
After six decades at the movies and with more than 2,000 films in my home library, I am aware of all the elements of film excellence.
Even though I’ve seen none of the nominated 2008 movies, I was able to pick every winner in the big categories with nothing to go on but buzz.
I’m happy with the winners. I adore best actress Kate Winslet (don’t miss her screen debut in Peter Jackson’s “Heavenly Creatures”), I’m delighted Sean Penn (best actor) finally got his due. “Slumdog Millionaire” seemed a shoo-in for its “best picture” statuette.
15 nominations for acting! I personally think the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences should establish “The Meryl Streep Award” to be presented occasionally – not every year, mind you – to anyone who even comes close to this woman’s talent.
Perhaps readers who have seen “The Dark Knight” can tell me whether Heath Ledger won based on performance or on his tragic death. Only one other actor has won posthumously: Peter Finch for “Network.”
Others receiving best acting nominations after their deaths were James Dean (twice), Spencer Tracy, Ralph Richardson, Massimo Troisi and Jeanne Eagels.
One classy feature of last night’s show was having previous acting winners introduce – and pay homage to – the current nominees. The reviewer at cnn.com thought otherwise: he thought this bogged things down.
The elegant Queen Latifah singing the Billie Holiday classic “I’ll Be Seeing You” during the annual “In Memoriam” montage was a nice touch. And, Jerry Lewis’ Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award was long overdue.
All in all, the sounds of Oscar weren’t so bad.
I appreciate the bully pulpit of actors embracing causes related to their current work, but …
Did I mention glamour? If the beautiful people turn out for Hollywood’s big night beautifully bedecked, shouldn’t the Oscars continue to reflect the glamour we so long related to Tinsel Town?
Bring back the big production numbers, models dressed in nominated costumes, on-stage displays of nominated set decorations. If the final winner is announced after three and a half hours, we might as well br entertained along the way.
Sure I miss seeing all the designer gowns, borrowed jewels, Armani tuxedos, but when I think of past fashion disasters (think Geena Davis, Oprah Winfrey and Cher), maybe that’s a blessing.
I remember the night Mira Sorvino won best supporting actress. My friend Bill Sumrall exclaimed, “She looks like a movie star!”
Bring back the movie stars!
Kate Winslet is a start.
***
Here are my top 10 favorite movies:
1. Doctor Zhivago – David Lean’s epic has everything that makes a movie great.
2. Auntie Mame – Rosalind Russell’s tour de force: “Life’s a banquet, and most poor sons of bitches are starving to death.”
3. Platoon – You feel the emotion of being a grunt in a futile war.
4. The Last Temptation of Christ – The most perfectly crafted film ever made. Don’t take my word for it: the late Gene Siskel thought so, too.
5. Some Like It Hot – Forget bathroom humor, this is still the funniest film ever.
6. Lawrence of Arabia – Peter O’Toole. Need I say more?
7. The Killing Fields – A true story of love and perseverance. Imagine.
8. Out of Africa – real-life adverturers brought to the screen in filmdom’s most romantic story.
9. The Lion in Winter – Tit for tat from Peter and Kat in the best dialogue a screenplay ever produced. (“Sleuth” runs a close second.)
10. West Side Story – Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and Jerome Robbins – a music-and-dance mixture which explodes on the screen!
***
In the “comments” zone: tell us your favorite movies and Oscar moments!
2.20.2009
Mass on a sacred summit
PHOTO: The Rev. Tim Farrell and his guide, Bedouin shepherd boy Rajab, Mount Sinai, 2009
I am pretty much homebound and miss the opportunities to travel as I once did. For that reason, I encourage the wandering vagabonds among my circle of friends and family to share their trip experiences.
Among my favorite chances to let my imaginings ride shotgun are those with my longtime friend, Father Tim Farrell, pastor of Sacred Heart Cathoic Church in Farmington, New Mexico.
I love it when Tim just gets in his car and drives with no particular destination in mind – and takes me along via email.
I am equally thrilled, though, to hear about his world tours with church members.
Just recently returned from the Holy Land, Tim shares his experiences with me and is allowing me to share with you. This will rank among my favorite “Travels with Tim:”
He writes:
I just returned from a three-week pilgrimage to Egypt, Israel and Jordan. It was an amazing adventure including a five-day cruise down the Nile (while reading Agatha Christie's "Death on the Nile"); visiting the Cairo Museum with the King Tut exhibit (amazing!!); visiting the Pyramids, Sphinx, several temples and one of the 1 million mosques in Cairo; visiting all the holy places in Israel, including Mt. Carmel and Mt. Tabor; visiting Petra and Mount Nebo (where Moses saw the Promised Land for the first time), both in Jordan.
Let me tell you about my climb up Mount Sinai. What an adventure that was!
I had been climbing Mount Sinai in Egypt for about two hours, and it was now about 4 a.m. I looked up in the darkness and saw a tiny light which showed me where the summit was. It seemed impossibly far away to me. I wondered at that moment if I would ever make it to the top. I had grown so hot under my winter coat I was wearing that I was now carrying it. The path was treacherous in areas because of the large, sharp stones which stuck up in the darkness on the trail. I had a tiny flashlight which lit a couple of feet in front of me, but was, in the end, little help.
Others in our pilgrimage group had decided to ride camels up the winding, steep trail. I chose not to do so, not because I was insistent on making the trip to the top on foot, but because I had ridden a camel at the Pyramids and said then and there, "No matter what, I will never do this again." So, I continued to struggle up the pathway on foot.
At the next Bedouin tent, where they served coffee and tea to the pilgrims, I found our rag-tag group gathering. Our Bedouin guide, Ramadan, looked at me rather concerned, but said nothing. A couple of our group brought me water and asked if I wanted to get a camel. I must have looked really rough at that point.
I said, "No, I want to walk it all the way to the top."
I was told we were now right below the 750 "steps" to the summit, and I felt better. "Steps," at least in my mind, must have been like church steps. "Oh, that will be much easier."
Wrong!
The steps, it turned out, were not steps at all. They were "penitential" stones made by the monks long, long ago and were meant to be hard to climb. Well, I thought, what was the last two hours? They certainly weren't easy.
So, we caught our breath for a few minutes and then proceeded up the steps. My hips ached, my lungs were hurting, I was now growing cold from the sweat. Someone kind and caring took my coat and put it in their backpack. I struggled for a bit up the large steps, tripping here and there. I was so exhausted and at one point thought, "Am I going to die up here?"
Then came the moment when I decided "I can't go on, Lord. I've got to stop."
A voice in the darkness, the voice of a teenager, spoke up. "Let me help you, sir." This Bedouin shepherd boy - I later found out his name was Rajab - took my arm and with unbelievable strength he marched me up the steps. I was going to tell him I needed no help. Stubbornly, I wanted to do this all on my own. But, I gave in and allowed him to help me up the rest of the way. It was still quite a struggle, but we finally made it to the top of Mount Sinai.
The morning was now dark grey with tinges of light at the horizon.I set up for Mass with the help of many in our group. The cold wind blew, and I felt somewhat disoriented. But, I reached deep inside myself and found God's strength there. I asked that we sing "Morning Has Broken." We began to sing, "Morning has broken, like the first morning . . . " and suddenly gasps came from dozens of other pilgrims awaiting the dawn as the beautiful sun rose.
God has always had good timing.
We celebrated Mass on that sacred summit, and we rejoiced in our reaching the top where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. I was proud of myself as well. I was touched by the kindness of my helper, Rajab, who stood nearby mystified at what we were doing at the Mass. He smiled at me when I looked over and after Mass he came over.
"I take you back down the steps, yes?" he asked.
"Yes," I said with quiet certainty. "You take me back down."
Before I walked down with my heavenly-sent helper, I picked up a stone which had held down the corporal on the little altar we had used on the summit. It was in the form of a triangle. The Trinity, I thought, smiling.
God was on the mountain in Moses' time, and He was certainly there at that sunrise and morning Mass.
Like a tired, wobbly Moses, I walked down the penitential steps with Rajab. He left me at the bottom of the steps, and I walked the rest of the two and half hours to the bottom myself. The sun was bright, and as achy and exhausted as I was, I rejoiced at the new day.
***
Once more, Tim, great thanks! We’ve logged a lot of miles – on a college campus and via letters and emails - as you have taken me to places I’ve only dreamed of.
I am pretty much homebound and miss the opportunities to travel as I once did. For that reason, I encourage the wandering vagabonds among my circle of friends and family to share their trip experiences.
Among my favorite chances to let my imaginings ride shotgun are those with my longtime friend, Father Tim Farrell, pastor of Sacred Heart Cathoic Church in Farmington, New Mexico.
I love it when Tim just gets in his car and drives with no particular destination in mind – and takes me along via email.
I am equally thrilled, though, to hear about his world tours with church members.
Just recently returned from the Holy Land, Tim shares his experiences with me and is allowing me to share with you. This will rank among my favorite “Travels with Tim:”
He writes:
I just returned from a three-week pilgrimage to Egypt, Israel and Jordan. It was an amazing adventure including a five-day cruise down the Nile (while reading Agatha Christie's "Death on the Nile"); visiting the Cairo Museum with the King Tut exhibit (amazing!!); visiting the Pyramids, Sphinx, several temples and one of the 1 million mosques in Cairo; visiting all the holy places in Israel, including Mt. Carmel and Mt. Tabor; visiting Petra and Mount Nebo (where Moses saw the Promised Land for the first time), both in Jordan.
Let me tell you about my climb up Mount Sinai. What an adventure that was!
I had been climbing Mount Sinai in Egypt for about two hours, and it was now about 4 a.m. I looked up in the darkness and saw a tiny light which showed me where the summit was. It seemed impossibly far away to me. I wondered at that moment if I would ever make it to the top. I had grown so hot under my winter coat I was wearing that I was now carrying it. The path was treacherous in areas because of the large, sharp stones which stuck up in the darkness on the trail. I had a tiny flashlight which lit a couple of feet in front of me, but was, in the end, little help.
Others in our pilgrimage group had decided to ride camels up the winding, steep trail. I chose not to do so, not because I was insistent on making the trip to the top on foot, but because I had ridden a camel at the Pyramids and said then and there, "No matter what, I will never do this again." So, I continued to struggle up the pathway on foot.
At the next Bedouin tent, where they served coffee and tea to the pilgrims, I found our rag-tag group gathering. Our Bedouin guide, Ramadan, looked at me rather concerned, but said nothing. A couple of our group brought me water and asked if I wanted to get a camel. I must have looked really rough at that point.
I said, "No, I want to walk it all the way to the top."
I was told we were now right below the 750 "steps" to the summit, and I felt better. "Steps," at least in my mind, must have been like church steps. "Oh, that will be much easier."
Wrong!
The steps, it turned out, were not steps at all. They were "penitential" stones made by the monks long, long ago and were meant to be hard to climb. Well, I thought, what was the last two hours? They certainly weren't easy.
So, we caught our breath for a few minutes and then proceeded up the steps. My hips ached, my lungs were hurting, I was now growing cold from the sweat. Someone kind and caring took my coat and put it in their backpack. I struggled for a bit up the large steps, tripping here and there. I was so exhausted and at one point thought, "Am I going to die up here?"
Then came the moment when I decided "I can't go on, Lord. I've got to stop."
A voice in the darkness, the voice of a teenager, spoke up. "Let me help you, sir." This Bedouin shepherd boy - I later found out his name was Rajab - took my arm and with unbelievable strength he marched me up the steps. I was going to tell him I needed no help. Stubbornly, I wanted to do this all on my own. But, I gave in and allowed him to help me up the rest of the way. It was still quite a struggle, but we finally made it to the top of Mount Sinai.
The morning was now dark grey with tinges of light at the horizon.I set up for Mass with the help of many in our group. The cold wind blew, and I felt somewhat disoriented. But, I reached deep inside myself and found God's strength there. I asked that we sing "Morning Has Broken." We began to sing, "Morning has broken, like the first morning . . . " and suddenly gasps came from dozens of other pilgrims awaiting the dawn as the beautiful sun rose.
God has always had good timing.
We celebrated Mass on that sacred summit, and we rejoiced in our reaching the top where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. I was proud of myself as well. I was touched by the kindness of my helper, Rajab, who stood nearby mystified at what we were doing at the Mass. He smiled at me when I looked over and after Mass he came over.
"I take you back down the steps, yes?" he asked.
"Yes," I said with quiet certainty. "You take me back down."
Before I walked down with my heavenly-sent helper, I picked up a stone which had held down the corporal on the little altar we had used on the summit. It was in the form of a triangle. The Trinity, I thought, smiling.
God was on the mountain in Moses' time, and He was certainly there at that sunrise and morning Mass.
Like a tired, wobbly Moses, I walked down the penitential steps with Rajab. He left me at the bottom of the steps, and I walked the rest of the two and half hours to the bottom myself. The sun was bright, and as achy and exhausted as I was, I rejoiced at the new day.
***
Once more, Tim, great thanks! We’ve logged a lot of miles – on a college campus and via letters and emails - as you have taken me to places I’ve only dreamed of.
2.18.2009
'Operation Enduring Freedom'
“The Taliban is no more, and the people of Afghanistan are free, thanks to America and our friends and allies.” (Applause.)
- George W. Bush, “President Discusses Tax Relief in Minnesota,” Fridley, Minnesota, 19 June 2003 (LINK)
***
From The New York Times, 17 February 2009:
“The number of civilians killed in Afghanistan leaped by about 40 percent last year over the previous one, according to a survey released Tuesday by the United Nations, the latest measure of how the intensifying violence between the Taliban and American-led forces is ravaging that country.”
According to the UN report, “2,118 civilians were killed in war-related violence in 2008, the most since the Taliban were ousted in November 2001. That is up from 1,523 civilians killed in 2007.”
While most civilian casualties are inflicted by Taliban and other insurgent forces, the Times report continues, “Violence caused by Afghan government forces and those of the American-led coalition killed 828 people last year, up sharply from the previous year. The majority of those civilians were killed in airstrikes and raids on villages.”
This is but one of a myriad of problems handed down to and weighing heavily on our new president. I recommend you read the complete Times article HERE.
***
As of 18 February 2009:
AFGHANISTAN (LINK):
U.S. & COALITION DEATHS: 1,118
IRAQ (LINK):
U.S. troops killed: 4,245
Coalition troops killed: 318
U.S. deaths self-inflicted: 175
U.S. wounded: 147.792
U.S. missing or captured: Ahmed Qusai al-Tael, 23 October 2006
There is no definite total of civilian fatalities/casualties in either country.
***
Two friends, bloggers Frodo and Papamoka have attended funeral services for young soldiers from their area. As Frodo points out, that’s two more such funeral services than attended by George W. Bush.
God bless America.
UPDATE: From USA Today/Gallup poll of 19 February 2009: Before President Barack Obama’s decision this week to send additional U.S. forces to Afghanistan, a majority of Americans (52%) perceived the situation there to be going very or moderately badly; 70% thought the Taliban would retake control if U.S. forces withdrew.
- George W. Bush, “President Discusses Tax Relief in Minnesota,” Fridley, Minnesota, 19 June 2003 (LINK)
***
From The New York Times, 17 February 2009:
“The number of civilians killed in Afghanistan leaped by about 40 percent last year over the previous one, according to a survey released Tuesday by the United Nations, the latest measure of how the intensifying violence between the Taliban and American-led forces is ravaging that country.”
According to the UN report, “2,118 civilians were killed in war-related violence in 2008, the most since the Taliban were ousted in November 2001. That is up from 1,523 civilians killed in 2007.”
While most civilian casualties are inflicted by Taliban and other insurgent forces, the Times report continues, “Violence caused by Afghan government forces and those of the American-led coalition killed 828 people last year, up sharply from the previous year. The majority of those civilians were killed in airstrikes and raids on villages.”
This is but one of a myriad of problems handed down to and weighing heavily on our new president. I recommend you read the complete Times article HERE.
***
As of 18 February 2009:
AFGHANISTAN (LINK):
U.S. & COALITION DEATHS: 1,118
IRAQ (LINK):
U.S. troops killed: 4,245
Coalition troops killed: 318
U.S. deaths self-inflicted: 175
U.S. wounded: 147.792
U.S. missing or captured: Ahmed Qusai al-Tael, 23 October 2006
There is no definite total of civilian fatalities/casualties in either country.
***
Two friends, bloggers Frodo and Papamoka have attended funeral services for young soldiers from their area. As Frodo points out, that’s two more such funeral services than attended by George W. Bush.
God bless America.
UPDATE: From USA Today/Gallup poll of 19 February 2009: Before President Barack Obama’s decision this week to send additional U.S. forces to Afghanistan, a majority of Americans (52%) perceived the situation there to be going very or moderately badly; 70% thought the Taliban would retake control if U.S. forces withdrew.
2.16.2009
High drama in Israeli affairs
THE TRAILER
Who is this man and why does he wield power in Israel?
THE CRITIC
Arguably, no other country currently affects U.S. foreign policy as does Israel. With new leadership in Washington, it is imperative that Americans follow closely what’s going on in that country.
When researching and distilling information, my general rule-of-thumb is KISS: keep it simple, stupid. There is no way, however, to simplify all that is currently going on in Israeli politics. The deeper one digs, the more complex and intriguing that country’s pending government transition becomes.
I will give it my best shot, though, and offer you, dear reader, a crash course in Israeli affairs. I encourage both clarifications and viewpoints in the “comments” zone accessible at the end of this post.
THE STAGE
While Egypt attempts to broker a peace deal with Israel and Hamas, sporadic rocket fire continues into Israel. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will continue in that position until the new government takes shape following recent elections.
The Associated Press (LINK) reports that Olmert says no border crossings will be opened and there will be no shipment of goods into Gaza until an Israeli prisoner, held two years, is released. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Bulletin (LINK) reports that “on Feb. 5, outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert ordered 170 million shekels, the equivalent of $43 million, to be transferred to Gaza,” and these funds are being misused by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and ending up in the paychecks of high Hamas officials. This leaves the Israeli government caught on a U.S. double fork, which on the one hand says Israel should provide such aid and on the other says no country should fund terrorists.
Olmert himself is alleged to be involved in a number of corruption scandals and faces criminat investigation.
THE PLAYERS
With recent Israel elections called “a stalemate” (LINK) two candidates to replace Olmert as prime minister have emerged. Benjamin “Bebe” Netanyahu, head of the right-wing (some say far-right – think neoconservatives) Likud party, won more popular votes and says he should be PM because he controls “the largest bloc.” The centrist Kadima’s Tzipi (pronounced zippy) Livni, Israel’s foreign minister, with hopes of becoming Israel's second-ever female PM, claims she leads “the largest party” and democratically deserves the post. With all the votes counted Livni’s Kadima has won 28 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, one more than Netanyahu’s Likud.
Both candidates are haggling to build coalitions within the body (LINK).
The choice of who forms Israel’s next government will rest with one man — President Shimon Peres.
Who then could most influence the chances of either candidate and thus influence Peres?
THE DIRECTOR
Now, wielding perhaps the most influence in the country is a man international human rights groups have called “an extremist” and “a racist,” and an opinion piece in Israel’s Ha’aretz newspaper (LINK) calls “a fascist.” A man who is so anti-Arab that he wants to redraw Israel’s border to push out areas heavily populated by Arabs.
Avigdor Lieberman (pictured above), whose ultranationalist party received 15 seats and emerged as the third-largest force in parliament, has emerged as the “kingmaker.” By throwing his support to either candidate, he can force Peres’ choice.
With Netanyahu’s and Lieberman’s combined 42 seats, plus a few others in the Knesset, the right-wing has emerged victorious in Israel.
Flexing such muscles, Lieberman is a threat to the U.S. and EU call for peace in the region, and a direct threat to developing U.S. foreign policy under President Barack Obama.
He, therefore, demands our attention. Here are two essential articles:
"Key to who will govern Israel: Avigdor Lieberman," Christian Science Monitor, 12 February 2009: LINK
"Unite to block Lieberman's march on Jerusalem," Ha’aretz, 1 February 2009: LINK
THE CAST OF THOUSANDS
To measure political attitudes of both Israeli and Palestinian citizens immediately following the election of Obama, a poll was conducted in November and December by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace and by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research in Ramallah, RESULTS OF THE POLL
COMING ATTRACTION
As a counter to the political power of the right-wing and to the extremism of an Avigdor Lieberman, there is a growing progressive movement in Israel, and groups such as moveon.org and the international AVAAZ.org are raising money to foster projects that would teach these progressives to use the Internet to raise both grassroots support and funds.
THE SEQUEL
Informed readers will now want to pay closer attention to this developing story.
Who is this man and why does he wield power in Israel?
THE CRITIC
Arguably, no other country currently affects U.S. foreign policy as does Israel. With new leadership in Washington, it is imperative that Americans follow closely what’s going on in that country.
When researching and distilling information, my general rule-of-thumb is KISS: keep it simple, stupid. There is no way, however, to simplify all that is currently going on in Israeli politics. The deeper one digs, the more complex and intriguing that country’s pending government transition becomes.
I will give it my best shot, though, and offer you, dear reader, a crash course in Israeli affairs. I encourage both clarifications and viewpoints in the “comments” zone accessible at the end of this post.
THE STAGE
While Egypt attempts to broker a peace deal with Israel and Hamas, sporadic rocket fire continues into Israel. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will continue in that position until the new government takes shape following recent elections.
The Associated Press (LINK) reports that Olmert says no border crossings will be opened and there will be no shipment of goods into Gaza until an Israeli prisoner, held two years, is released. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Bulletin (LINK) reports that “on Feb. 5, outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert ordered 170 million shekels, the equivalent of $43 million, to be transferred to Gaza,” and these funds are being misused by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and ending up in the paychecks of high Hamas officials. This leaves the Israeli government caught on a U.S. double fork, which on the one hand says Israel should provide such aid and on the other says no country should fund terrorists.
Olmert himself is alleged to be involved in a number of corruption scandals and faces criminat investigation.
THE PLAYERS
With recent Israel elections called “a stalemate” (LINK) two candidates to replace Olmert as prime minister have emerged. Benjamin “Bebe” Netanyahu, head of the right-wing (some say far-right – think neoconservatives) Likud party, won more popular votes and says he should be PM because he controls “the largest bloc.” The centrist Kadima’s Tzipi (pronounced zippy) Livni, Israel’s foreign minister, with hopes of becoming Israel's second-ever female PM, claims she leads “the largest party” and democratically deserves the post. With all the votes counted Livni’s Kadima has won 28 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, one more than Netanyahu’s Likud.
Both candidates are haggling to build coalitions within the body (LINK).
The choice of who forms Israel’s next government will rest with one man — President Shimon Peres.
Who then could most influence the chances of either candidate and thus influence Peres?
THE DIRECTOR
Now, wielding perhaps the most influence in the country is a man international human rights groups have called “an extremist” and “a racist,” and an opinion piece in Israel’s Ha’aretz newspaper (LINK) calls “a fascist.” A man who is so anti-Arab that he wants to redraw Israel’s border to push out areas heavily populated by Arabs.
Avigdor Lieberman (pictured above), whose ultranationalist party received 15 seats and emerged as the third-largest force in parliament, has emerged as the “kingmaker.” By throwing his support to either candidate, he can force Peres’ choice.
With Netanyahu’s and Lieberman’s combined 42 seats, plus a few others in the Knesset, the right-wing has emerged victorious in Israel.
Flexing such muscles, Lieberman is a threat to the U.S. and EU call for peace in the region, and a direct threat to developing U.S. foreign policy under President Barack Obama.
He, therefore, demands our attention. Here are two essential articles:
"Key to who will govern Israel: Avigdor Lieberman," Christian Science Monitor, 12 February 2009: LINK
"Unite to block Lieberman's march on Jerusalem," Ha’aretz, 1 February 2009: LINK
THE CAST OF THOUSANDS
To measure political attitudes of both Israeli and Palestinian citizens immediately following the election of Obama, a poll was conducted in November and December by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace and by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research in Ramallah, RESULTS OF THE POLL
COMING ATTRACTION
As a counter to the political power of the right-wing and to the extremism of an Avigdor Lieberman, there is a growing progressive movement in Israel, and groups such as moveon.org and the international AVAAZ.org are raising money to foster projects that would teach these progressives to use the Internet to raise both grassroots support and funds.
THE SEQUEL
Informed readers will now want to pay closer attention to this developing story.
UPDATE: Avigdor Lieberman has thrown his support behind Benjamin Netanyahu - with concerssions. Read story HERE.
UPDATE: Peres picks Bebe; delegates demand 'broad government.' Read official press release.
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