Dear Barack Obama:
Tuesday, March 18, 2008, a day that began as an ordinary day soon became quite an eventful day for me, and for millions of others around the country, to jot down onto our respective calendars and memory banks - where were we when you gave your historical nonpartisan speech on race in the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia? That it was just across the street from where the Constitution was created more than 220 years ago did not escape most people.
It was brilliant, extraordinary, moving, and spoke to the heart of why race is still a big issue for this country. Despite the advances of the black community the past several decades, much more needs to be done; not to give blacks a "handout," but to wipe out the divide that not only exists today between blacks and whites, but also to include the Latinos and Asians.
To say that you merely "peeled" away the scab from an old wound that never healed, and sprinkled, no, poured, salt and pepper into the opening, would be a major understatement. It was what the blacks have lived with for centuries and the whites have shoved under the rug and would prefer not to talk about it - "hey, it's not my problem."
That it was centered around the controversial preachings of Reverend Jeremiah Wright, your reverend and "family," seemed to lose their importance the more you spoke; that we were witnessing a speech of equality, opportunity, human dignity, and saying to Americans - "that is where we have been, here is where we are now, and unless we wake up America, we will never ever resolve this issue." Not your exact words, of course, but that is what you were saying to me.
You displayed enormous courage that day in which it would have been much safer politically to denounce and reject Reverend Wright and his comments and teachings. Many political pundits and historians have agreed that in time your speech may join the ranks of those given by Presidents Lincoln, Kennedy, and by Martin Luther King. I've even heard your speech receive approval and admiration from the rabid right wing radio hosts. Unfortunately however, those moments of open mindedness is brief: it takes them just a breath or two to begin to flay away at you for not totally separating yourself from Reverend Wright. So be it.
And that is the point: you spoke to the problems of racial and inequality differences and a need to resolve those issues before we can grow as Americans and heal our country. The need to denounce Reverend Wright pales in comparison.
Equality. Opportunity. Dignity. Courage. Integrity. Leadership. Wake up America. That is what I heard on Tuesday, March 18, 2008. No need for me to mark my calendar. It is firmly and forever etched in my memory.
Peace.
Sincerely,
Larry (last name submitted, withheld).
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Five Years and Counting...
As I listened to excerpts of President Bush's speech Wednesday, March 19, on the five year anniversary of our invasion of Iraq, it brought me back to another day when the then US President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave a speech to Congress a day after we were attacked at Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941. I was young then and not old enough to fully understand what was going on. But as my mom and dad listened intently to the radio (you youngsters out there, this was back before the days of television, computers, Internet - the last three generations would not understand how we old timers survived the "dinosaur" age), they knew what was going on and that our naval base was destroyed. I eventually learned the phrase Roosevelt used that day would make it around the world and into the history books forever - "a date that will live in infamy." It was a phrase that came to me as Bush seemed to be expressing hubris, progress, and staying committed to bringing democracy to Iraq, fight the insurgents, etc.
But there are some major differences and similarities in the two invasions:
With Pearl Harbor, we were attacked. And the invasion was illegal, immoral, and unjustified.
With Iraq, we were the attackers. And the invasion was illegal, immoral, and unjustified.
Hmmm. How just a couple of letters can make such a profound difference, a difference that has changed the course of history.
So, to me, March 19, 2003, will go down in history as a second "date that will live in infamy."
And let us not forget that historical day, May 1, 2003, when you bound onto the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in what was a most embarrassing moment to me and others, in a pilot's uniform, smiling a smile of triumph, which you shortly afterward proclaimed - "mission accomplished."
If you are so proud of your accomplishments Mr. Bush, perhaps when your supporters and those who have benefited from the Iraq fiasco donate money to build you the obligatory presidential library, you should put up over the entrance these historical words and dates:
But there are some major differences and similarities in the two invasions:
With Pearl Harbor, we were attacked. And the invasion was illegal, immoral, and unjustified.
With Iraq, we were the attackers. And the invasion was illegal, immoral, and unjustified.
Hmmm. How just a couple of letters can make such a profound difference, a difference that has changed the course of history.
So, to me, March 19, 2003, will go down in history as a second "date that will live in infamy."
And let us not forget that historical day, May 1, 2003, when you bound onto the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in what was a most embarrassing moment to me and others, in a pilot's uniform, smiling a smile of triumph, which you shortly afterward proclaimed - "mission accomplished."
If you are so proud of your accomplishments Mr. Bush, perhaps when your supporters and those who have benefited from the Iraq fiasco donate money to build you the obligatory presidential library, you should put up over the entrance these historical words and dates:
MARCH 19, 2003 A DATE THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY
MAY 1, 2003 MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
By, George, why not? It was a short war, one of the shortest ever fought.
And to further insult the intelligence and integrity of the good people of this nation, especially the brave men and women in uniform and their families, who have given you their all, including making the biggest sacrifice of all, their lives, you should consider adding to your library, from day one, the numerous documents that contain all the lies and distortions that led to this obscene tragedy.
But that is assuming the documents have not been destroyed or revised to be worthless.
But that is like assuming you also would have done the right thing.
Peace. Larry.
Friday, March 14, 2008
How Would You Feel?
Everywhere you turn, there he is. Eliot Spitzer. And his wife. I wonder if she knew what was going on? She looks like she is in shock. And what about their three daughters?
His ruthless "take no prisoners" approach, the "my way or the highway" has come back to bite him in the ass. Big time. What was he thinking? Jerk.
Wherever you may stand on this issue, one thing is certain: The hypocrisy is just mindboggling.
The report in the business world said the support to be extended to the economy from the Fed sparked Tuesday's huge jump in the stock market. I beg to differ. It must have been all those giddy Wall Street investors who could not find enough green upside buy keys on their computers fast enough.
The bad guy got caught with his pants down. Literally.
But enough of Spitzer. The tabloids and the media looking to drive up their ratings are on the prowl and will drive this story down our throats ad nauseum.
What has me rankled more than anything, which the media has not covered much, are two stories that are joined at the hips. And not a very pleasant looking pair of hips either.
One has President Bush doing some type of tap dance at the White House last week as he was waiting for John McCain to arrive and to receive the Pope's, oops, the president's blessing, on his getting the Republican nomination for the November presidential election.
I just wish McCain had been on time. We would have been spared the embarrassment.
The other is an event that was captured on a cell phone of Bush and others doing a song and dance routine that made fun of how "Scooter Libby got away with outting CIA agent Valerie Plame, VP Cheney refusing to provide documents requested by Congress, Harriet and Brownie" and so on. Obviously this event was for insiders only and any official video taping was prohibited. I am not aware of any at this time and if there is one, I stand corrected. For everyone's sake, I hope none exist.
How would you feel if you were in the military and you saw and/or heard your Commander-In-Chief acting and singing his way through his day and night while you are trying to serve your country honorably?
How would you feel if you were on military assignment in Iraq, Afghanistan, South Korea, or at any other locations?
How would you feel if you had lost a father, mother, brother, sister, uncle, cousin, or friend, neighbor, co-worker, in the conflicts of Iraq and Afghanistan?
How would you feel if you were a wounded veteran, nursing a lifetime of physical and emotional injuries, and perhaps even having difficulty in receiving proper and timely medical care and veteran's benefits?
How would you feel if you had lost your job, can't provide for your family, or maybe just making it, week to week, month to month?
How would you feel if you lost your home, you health insurance, your pride, your will to keep going?
And what about the audience? They too are guilty in this shameless domonstration.
Now I know that this may be a stretch for some: Why can't the president have a little fun once in a while? Granted, the dance routine at the White House may be a bit clownish at best. Or worst.
But the song and dance mockery is insulting, demeaning, shameful, outrageous, and beyond belief when one takes into account the content, and to whom it will hurt terribly, of someone "strutting" on our lives, and on those that are no longer with us.
I'm sure many of you will disagree with me but so be it. It is a free country, with free speech, and we are entitled, and should be encouraged, to speak our minds.
Peace. Larry.
His ruthless "take no prisoners" approach, the "my way or the highway" has come back to bite him in the ass. Big time. What was he thinking? Jerk.
Wherever you may stand on this issue, one thing is certain: The hypocrisy is just mindboggling.
The report in the business world said the support to be extended to the economy from the Fed sparked Tuesday's huge jump in the stock market. I beg to differ. It must have been all those giddy Wall Street investors who could not find enough green upside buy keys on their computers fast enough.
The bad guy got caught with his pants down. Literally.
But enough of Spitzer. The tabloids and the media looking to drive up their ratings are on the prowl and will drive this story down our throats ad nauseum.
What has me rankled more than anything, which the media has not covered much, are two stories that are joined at the hips. And not a very pleasant looking pair of hips either.
One has President Bush doing some type of tap dance at the White House last week as he was waiting for John McCain to arrive and to receive the Pope's, oops, the president's blessing, on his getting the Republican nomination for the November presidential election.
I just wish McCain had been on time. We would have been spared the embarrassment.
The other is an event that was captured on a cell phone of Bush and others doing a song and dance routine that made fun of how "Scooter Libby got away with outting CIA agent Valerie Plame, VP Cheney refusing to provide documents requested by Congress, Harriet and Brownie" and so on. Obviously this event was for insiders only and any official video taping was prohibited. I am not aware of any at this time and if there is one, I stand corrected. For everyone's sake, I hope none exist.
How would you feel if you were in the military and you saw and/or heard your Commander-In-Chief acting and singing his way through his day and night while you are trying to serve your country honorably?
How would you feel if you were on military assignment in Iraq, Afghanistan, South Korea, or at any other locations?
How would you feel if you had lost a father, mother, brother, sister, uncle, cousin, or friend, neighbor, co-worker, in the conflicts of Iraq and Afghanistan?
How would you feel if you were a wounded veteran, nursing a lifetime of physical and emotional injuries, and perhaps even having difficulty in receiving proper and timely medical care and veteran's benefits?
How would you feel if you had lost your job, can't provide for your family, or maybe just making it, week to week, month to month?
How would you feel if you lost your home, you health insurance, your pride, your will to keep going?
And what about the audience? They too are guilty in this shameless domonstration.
Now I know that this may be a stretch for some: Why can't the president have a little fun once in a while? Granted, the dance routine at the White House may be a bit clownish at best. Or worst.
But the song and dance mockery is insulting, demeaning, shameful, outrageous, and beyond belief when one takes into account the content, and to whom it will hurt terribly, of someone "strutting" on our lives, and on those that are no longer with us.
I'm sure many of you will disagree with me but so be it. It is a free country, with free speech, and we are entitled, and should be encouraged, to speak our minds.
Peace. Larry.
Hillary Clinton Has Come to the Rescue...
Originally written, pre-"Nobody Asked Me But...", on March 8, 2008
Hillary Clinton has come to the rescue. My rescue.
No, she hasn't dropped out of the race. Nor has she found Osama bin Laden, found the cure for AIDS, or even, heaven forbid, publish her income tax returns.
No, she has once again given rise to the notion that politics is, indeed, a dirty and nasty game.
I was beginning to fall into a rut like millions of voters around the country waiting for the next big primary contest, Pennsylvania, in early April, and perhaps not paying as much attention as I/we should to what was going on right now and in front of us.
Once again, Hillary, you have not disappointed.
To wit; At the last debate with Barack Obama, just prior to the Ohio and Texas primaries, they debated the issue of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), saying, with little difference between them, that both would "revisit the terms to see if it could not be revised to be more fair to the working class of the two states", in an obvious pander to the voters without much chance in hell of it happening. Obama's campaign got caught in assuring the Canadian government that Obama did not intend to make changes and it was just a play for their votes(now, what are the Canadians doing in trying to get involved with someone else's politics? - we don't do that). Did she and her people jump all over that, exposing the act just in time for the primaries.And didn't that ever have an impact on the voters in the two states,going for her in a decisive manner. But, here is where she does not disappoint. Her people also met with the Canadian government and made the same assurances. The only difference was that it was discovered after the primaries, after the damage was done to the Obama campaign.
At one of their debates she went on and on at the end saying how"honored she was to be debating Barack" and that they "were more qualified than the Republican nominee" etc., etc., etc., yadda, yadda,yadda. But leading up to the Ohio/Texas primaries, she called him"unfit to be president and not qualified to answer that phone at 3AM," again, yadda, you get the picture.
At that same debate, they were given a standing ovation with the prospect of them being on the same ticket, a "dream ticket." Wednesday she said the "dream ticket" was possible as long as she was the president and Barack was the vice president. Lots of luck with that happening, sweetheart. I've never bought into the idea of a "dream ticket." I believe it is a ploy on Hillary's part to assure the Obama voters and supporters that a vote for her is a vote for Barack. Nice going sweetheart we are on to you.
At a press conference a few days ago she said that "she and John McCain were qualified to be president, that they share the same qualifications and experience, and that Obama does not have the qualifications to be president." Huh? Hey dear, just what "dream ticket" are you running for? Clinton and McCain? Aren't you running as a Democrat or what? And anyway, you'll have to get in line behind McCain - the first spot kissing his ass is held by the one and only Joe Lieberman. You remember him don't you? Another former Democrat?
And I believe it was yesterday Hillary said "the caucuses are undemocratic,unrepresentative, and controlled by party activists."Kinda like the super delegates that you and your people are courting like mad, right? I wonder if you would be saying that if you were winning the caucuses? Well, anyway Hillary, thanks for staying true to form.
Peace. Larry.
P.S. Shit, I can't stop sometimes. I don't know about you guys but I am getting tired of her and her press conferences with the stage and all the backdrops draped with the American flags, like she is the commander in chief already, "ready from day one."
Hillary Clinton has come to the rescue. My rescue.
No, she hasn't dropped out of the race. Nor has she found Osama bin Laden, found the cure for AIDS, or even, heaven forbid, publish her income tax returns.
No, she has once again given rise to the notion that politics is, indeed, a dirty and nasty game.
I was beginning to fall into a rut like millions of voters around the country waiting for the next big primary contest, Pennsylvania, in early April, and perhaps not paying as much attention as I/we should to what was going on right now and in front of us.
Once again, Hillary, you have not disappointed.
To wit; At the last debate with Barack Obama, just prior to the Ohio and Texas primaries, they debated the issue of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), saying, with little difference between them, that both would "revisit the terms to see if it could not be revised to be more fair to the working class of the two states", in an obvious pander to the voters without much chance in hell of it happening. Obama's campaign got caught in assuring the Canadian government that Obama did not intend to make changes and it was just a play for their votes(now, what are the Canadians doing in trying to get involved with someone else's politics? - we don't do that). Did she and her people jump all over that, exposing the act just in time for the primaries.And didn't that ever have an impact on the voters in the two states,going for her in a decisive manner. But, here is where she does not disappoint. Her people also met with the Canadian government and made the same assurances. The only difference was that it was discovered after the primaries, after the damage was done to the Obama campaign.
At one of their debates she went on and on at the end saying how"honored she was to be debating Barack" and that they "were more qualified than the Republican nominee" etc., etc., etc., yadda, yadda,yadda. But leading up to the Ohio/Texas primaries, she called him"unfit to be president and not qualified to answer that phone at 3AM," again, yadda, you get the picture.
At that same debate, they were given a standing ovation with the prospect of them being on the same ticket, a "dream ticket." Wednesday she said the "dream ticket" was possible as long as she was the president and Barack was the vice president. Lots of luck with that happening, sweetheart. I've never bought into the idea of a "dream ticket." I believe it is a ploy on Hillary's part to assure the Obama voters and supporters that a vote for her is a vote for Barack. Nice going sweetheart we are on to you.
At a press conference a few days ago she said that "she and John McCain were qualified to be president, that they share the same qualifications and experience, and that Obama does not have the qualifications to be president." Huh? Hey dear, just what "dream ticket" are you running for? Clinton and McCain? Aren't you running as a Democrat or what? And anyway, you'll have to get in line behind McCain - the first spot kissing his ass is held by the one and only Joe Lieberman. You remember him don't you? Another former Democrat?
And I believe it was yesterday Hillary said "the caucuses are undemocratic,unrepresentative, and controlled by party activists."Kinda like the super delegates that you and your people are courting like mad, right? I wonder if you would be saying that if you were winning the caucuses? Well, anyway Hillary, thanks for staying true to form.
Peace. Larry.
P.S. Shit, I can't stop sometimes. I don't know about you guys but I am getting tired of her and her press conferences with the stage and all the backdrops draped with the American flags, like she is the commander in chief already, "ready from day one."
Primary Day Fallout
Written pre-"Nobody Asked Me But..." on March 5, 2008
I am not surprised one bit that Hillary Clinton won in Ohio and Texas. She changed her
skin, to that of a more comfortable battle tested body armor and began to throw hand grenades prior to the primary and put Barack Obama on the defense. Knowing the Ohioans and Texans, they love a good fight and were happy to follow her to the voting booth.
But Ohioans, and Hillary supporters, be careful what you wish for. Do you think the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Ann Coulter, KarlRove, et al, are stupid (yes I believe they are but that is a story for another day) when they tell their followers to vote for Clinton? Do you really think that they are going to support her in November? Do you think that they have deserted their traditional Republican ideology?
Not for one friggin' minute.
They know, as most political pundits and followers know, that Clinton would be easier to run against in the November elections than Obama.Haven't you noticed that the Republicans are not attacking Clinton as they have in the past and are now directing their venom at Obama?There was a time, a short time ago that seems like ages ago, when Obama only had to worry about running against Hill. Then Hill and Bill. Now he is running against three - Hill, Bill. and John (McCain).
Is there anyone out there who thinks that Obama does not deserve the credit for the record primary voting? And along with it the record number of young voters, new voters, black voters, Hispanic voters, independent voters, and Republican crossover voters. Not too many would find fault with that argument.
But, and this is the big BUT, should Clinton win the nomination, most of those voters may not come out to vote for her in November. The young, new, Hispanic and black voters, feeling disappointed and losing enthusiasm, may opt to stay on the sidelines. And, and this is a big AND, the independent and Republican crossover voter who has and will vote for Obama may vote for McCain.
But, for me there was only one clear winner last night - McCain. For as long as the Democratic fight goes on, he doesn't need to dream up any election material to use against whoever wins the Democratic nomination. The Dems are doing it for him. While the Dems eat their own, the Reps are standing off to the sidelines, enjoying the massacre.
While Clinton and Obama fight it out in the open, the interesting fights are being held in the back rooms of the party and the power brokers. Those arm twisting, payoffs, and promises may eventually decide the nomination. Pledged delegates, super delegates, "dream"ticket, re-doing the Michigan and Florida primaries, on and on and on it goes.
Hey, do you realize that the supposedly next big primary state fight is Pennsylvania? And that is seven weeks away? And that the Iowa causes were eight weeks ago? And here we are, half way between the two, and it is almost a dead heat between Clinton and Obama. How much
more can we take?
And one last point, I hope. Nope. Enough already.
Peace. Larry.
I am not surprised one bit that Hillary Clinton won in Ohio and Texas. She changed her
skin, to that of a more comfortable battle tested body armor and began to throw hand grenades prior to the primary and put Barack Obama on the defense. Knowing the Ohioans and Texans, they love a good fight and were happy to follow her to the voting booth.
But Ohioans, and Hillary supporters, be careful what you wish for. Do you think the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Ann Coulter, KarlRove, et al, are stupid (yes I believe they are but that is a story for another day) when they tell their followers to vote for Clinton? Do you really think that they are going to support her in November? Do you think that they have deserted their traditional Republican ideology?
Not for one friggin' minute.
They know, as most political pundits and followers know, that Clinton would be easier to run against in the November elections than Obama.Haven't you noticed that the Republicans are not attacking Clinton as they have in the past and are now directing their venom at Obama?There was a time, a short time ago that seems like ages ago, when Obama only had to worry about running against Hill. Then Hill and Bill. Now he is running against three - Hill, Bill. and John (McCain).
Is there anyone out there who thinks that Obama does not deserve the credit for the record primary voting? And along with it the record number of young voters, new voters, black voters, Hispanic voters, independent voters, and Republican crossover voters. Not too many would find fault with that argument.
But, and this is the big BUT, should Clinton win the nomination, most of those voters may not come out to vote for her in November. The young, new, Hispanic and black voters, feeling disappointed and losing enthusiasm, may opt to stay on the sidelines. And, and this is a big AND, the independent and Republican crossover voter who has and will vote for Obama may vote for McCain.
But, for me there was only one clear winner last night - McCain. For as long as the Democratic fight goes on, he doesn't need to dream up any election material to use against whoever wins the Democratic nomination. The Dems are doing it for him. While the Dems eat their own, the Reps are standing off to the sidelines, enjoying the massacre.
While Clinton and Obama fight it out in the open, the interesting fights are being held in the back rooms of the party and the power brokers. Those arm twisting, payoffs, and promises may eventually decide the nomination. Pledged delegates, super delegates, "dream"ticket, re-doing the Michigan and Florida primaries, on and on and on it goes.
Hey, do you realize that the supposedly next big primary state fight is Pennsylvania? And that is seven weeks away? And that the Iowa causes were eight weeks ago? And here we are, half way between the two, and it is almost a dead heat between Clinton and Obama. How much
more can we take?
And one last point, I hope. Nope. Enough already.
Peace. Larry.
Clinton/Obama, Voting Machines, W.F. Buckley Jr.
Written pre-"Nobody Asked Me But..." on March 3, 2008.
A strange thing has developed in the last two weeks leading up to tomorrow's primaries in Texas, Ohio, Vermont, and Rhode Island. Yes, there are primaries in Vermont and Rhode Island. It has gone from Bill Clinton's statement that Hillary must win both Texas and Ohio or it is
all over for her, to an unnamed Clinton staffer saying that "Obama MUST WIN all four primaries tomorrow or HE is in trouble.
Huh?
One: isn't this one of the most outrageous bits of political spin you have heard recently? or
Two: are they lowering the expectations of Hillary, in the event she loses any/all of the primaries? or
Three: are they raising the expectations of Obama, that HE MUST WIN all four primaries? or
Four: are they confident with their back room arm twisting in not only capturing many of the super delegates needed, but also in getting the delegates that Obama has "won" in previous primaries to switch their "pledge" from Obama to Hillary? or
Five: all of the above?
It is unfortunate that, in spite of her intelligence, capability, and commitment, she and her staff did not anticipate having to do anymore campaigning past super Tuesday, February 5. They were totally unprepared for not capturing the nomination on/before super Tuesday,and for the assault and level of commitment of the Obama's ground troops, not to mention Obama's inspiring messages catching on with all demographic groups, and not just with the younger voters.
And it is also unfortunate that she is caught up with a partner in ahistorical first in US history: the first viable female candidate and the first viable black candidate for the US presidency. Something's gotta give. They both can't be president. And many voters' hopes of a"dream team" - both on the same ticket - is not going to happen. Too much baggage to contend with no matter who is first or second on the ticket.
Too bad. She would make it exciting and challenging. There would be much more to write about, more hope (than McCain), as well as more things to bitch about. And I would miss her fight, spirit, and her cackle. Seriously. Say what you want about her and her reputation as having a cold demeanor: She has loosened up quite a bit, has shown us a side of her which we did not know; she is so sharp as to keep Obama and all the moderators on their toes.
Gee, this almost sounds like an obituary. Like after tomorrow she is history. You never know. Her and her people may surprise us after all.Never underestimate them.
Much of Hillary's political future rests with the voters tomorrow. And the back room arm twisting.
One of the most under reported stories since 2000 has been the ongoing, and unresolved, problems with electronic voting machines.This is a long and involved problem that is fodder for another day but bears to be "reported" here, in part, because of the primary tomorow in Ohio, an important swing state that has, and will play, a huge part in presidential elections. In Cuyahoga County, Ohio's largest(Cleveland), the election officials have disbanded the electronic voting machines that were installed following the voting debacle of2000 and have returned to the old standby - paper balloting. And after$7 million dollars of investment by the federal and state governments, the machines were declared difficult to use, difficult to train users,unreliable with distorted information, and without a paper trail.
Electronic machines have been disbanded in other areas, including California and Maryland. Others have refused to install them. More have installed them and are just rolling with the tide. A disaster waiting to happen.
Who needs malfunctioning and easily manipulated electronic voting machines when the Democrats already have an election problem - Ralph Nader. But that is a story for another day.
This message is longer than I thought and I want to get to my last thought for the day. Whew. thankfully you say. Don't blame you.
William F. Buckley Jr, whom some of you know of, and others, not a clue, maybe.
Just a quick tutorial: He was considered the founder of today's conservative movement, though his brand of conservatism, in many respects, does not resemble today's version. He was brilliant,extraordinarily brilliant, open-minded, big hearted, loved music(played the harpsichord), loved life (sailed across the Atlantic with several close friends on his yacht, drinking wine and smoking cigars),had a great sense of humor, was extremely generous with his time and money, and when he spoke, whatever your political or religious beliefs were, he commanded respect.
And you had to listen to him.
Does that sound like any conservative you may know or have read about today? Hardly.
Though he founded the conservative movement in the 60s, was the founder and chief editorial writer of The National Review, hosted the long running TV show The Firing Line, the predecessor to today's Meet The Press, he supported gay rights, decriminalization of marijuana,
opposed any anti-semitism, stayed at arms length of Richard Nixon, and although he originally was a supporter of the invasion of Iraq,he became critically opposed to it and was not afraid to admit his mistake in his initial support.
Once again, totally unrecognizable and unacceptable to today's conservatives.
And he had the keenest wit. I was fortunate to have been a live witness to many of his programs and wit. I can remember some of them,tho some of the dates and names are not at the tip of my tongue, or fingertips now.
Here is just a sampling of his wit as I remember it:
He ran for mayor of New York City in 1965, unsuccessfully. As the campaign was drawing to a close, a reporter asked him should he win,"what will be your first act as mayor?" Buckley replied, with a straight face, "demand a recount."
Somewhere in the mid 90s, one night when I tuned in to his Firing Line program, as I did often, he had a guest, whose name escapes me now,who had appeared numerous times before. There they were, sitting in the simplest of chairs on stage, when, after Buckley introduced his guest,
he opened up the discussion with this: "so well, Mr (X), you've been on my program, now, 25 times? Have you learned anything yet?"
Again, with a straight face.
One last bit of wit, close to home. In his later years, he had been spending time in the Boston area. He remarked at one function, a remark just a bit off subject to most, but not to him: "I would prefer to be governed by the first 2000 people named in the Boston telephone directory than by the 2000 faculty of Harvard University."
How can you not love a person like that?
He will be missed. By many. By me. Peace, William.
Peace. Larry.
A strange thing has developed in the last two weeks leading up to tomorrow's primaries in Texas, Ohio, Vermont, and Rhode Island. Yes, there are primaries in Vermont and Rhode Island. It has gone from Bill Clinton's statement that Hillary must win both Texas and Ohio or it is
all over for her, to an unnamed Clinton staffer saying that "Obama MUST WIN all four primaries tomorrow or HE is in trouble.
Huh?
One: isn't this one of the most outrageous bits of political spin you have heard recently? or
Two: are they lowering the expectations of Hillary, in the event she loses any/all of the primaries? or
Three: are they raising the expectations of Obama, that HE MUST WIN all four primaries? or
Four: are they confident with their back room arm twisting in not only capturing many of the super delegates needed, but also in getting the delegates that Obama has "won" in previous primaries to switch their "pledge" from Obama to Hillary? or
Five: all of the above?
It is unfortunate that, in spite of her intelligence, capability, and commitment, she and her staff did not anticipate having to do anymore campaigning past super Tuesday, February 5. They were totally unprepared for not capturing the nomination on/before super Tuesday,and for the assault and level of commitment of the Obama's ground troops, not to mention Obama's inspiring messages catching on with all demographic groups, and not just with the younger voters.
And it is also unfortunate that she is caught up with a partner in ahistorical first in US history: the first viable female candidate and the first viable black candidate for the US presidency. Something's gotta give. They both can't be president. And many voters' hopes of a"dream team" - both on the same ticket - is not going to happen. Too much baggage to contend with no matter who is first or second on the ticket.
Too bad. She would make it exciting and challenging. There would be much more to write about, more hope (than McCain), as well as more things to bitch about. And I would miss her fight, spirit, and her cackle. Seriously. Say what you want about her and her reputation as having a cold demeanor: She has loosened up quite a bit, has shown us a side of her which we did not know; she is so sharp as to keep Obama and all the moderators on their toes.
Gee, this almost sounds like an obituary. Like after tomorrow she is history. You never know. Her and her people may surprise us after all.Never underestimate them.
Much of Hillary's political future rests with the voters tomorrow. And the back room arm twisting.
One of the most under reported stories since 2000 has been the ongoing, and unresolved, problems with electronic voting machines.This is a long and involved problem that is fodder for another day but bears to be "reported" here, in part, because of the primary tomorow in Ohio, an important swing state that has, and will play, a huge part in presidential elections. In Cuyahoga County, Ohio's largest(Cleveland), the election officials have disbanded the electronic voting machines that were installed following the voting debacle of2000 and have returned to the old standby - paper balloting. And after$7 million dollars of investment by the federal and state governments, the machines were declared difficult to use, difficult to train users,unreliable with distorted information, and without a paper trail.
Electronic machines have been disbanded in other areas, including California and Maryland. Others have refused to install them. More have installed them and are just rolling with the tide. A disaster waiting to happen.
Who needs malfunctioning and easily manipulated electronic voting machines when the Democrats already have an election problem - Ralph Nader. But that is a story for another day.
This message is longer than I thought and I want to get to my last thought for the day. Whew. thankfully you say. Don't blame you.
William F. Buckley Jr, whom some of you know of, and others, not a clue, maybe.
Just a quick tutorial: He was considered the founder of today's conservative movement, though his brand of conservatism, in many respects, does not resemble today's version. He was brilliant,extraordinarily brilliant, open-minded, big hearted, loved music(played the harpsichord), loved life (sailed across the Atlantic with several close friends on his yacht, drinking wine and smoking cigars),had a great sense of humor, was extremely generous with his time and money, and when he spoke, whatever your political or religious beliefs were, he commanded respect.
And you had to listen to him.
Does that sound like any conservative you may know or have read about today? Hardly.
Though he founded the conservative movement in the 60s, was the founder and chief editorial writer of The National Review, hosted the long running TV show The Firing Line, the predecessor to today's Meet The Press, he supported gay rights, decriminalization of marijuana,
opposed any anti-semitism, stayed at arms length of Richard Nixon, and although he originally was a supporter of the invasion of Iraq,he became critically opposed to it and was not afraid to admit his mistake in his initial support.
Once again, totally unrecognizable and unacceptable to today's conservatives.
And he had the keenest wit. I was fortunate to have been a live witness to many of his programs and wit. I can remember some of them,tho some of the dates and names are not at the tip of my tongue, or fingertips now.
Here is just a sampling of his wit as I remember it:
He ran for mayor of New York City in 1965, unsuccessfully. As the campaign was drawing to a close, a reporter asked him should he win,"what will be your first act as mayor?" Buckley replied, with a straight face, "demand a recount."
Somewhere in the mid 90s, one night when I tuned in to his Firing Line program, as I did often, he had a guest, whose name escapes me now,who had appeared numerous times before. There they were, sitting in the simplest of chairs on stage, when, after Buckley introduced his guest,
he opened up the discussion with this: "so well, Mr (X), you've been on my program, now, 25 times? Have you learned anything yet?"
Again, with a straight face.
One last bit of wit, close to home. In his later years, he had been spending time in the Boston area. He remarked at one function, a remark just a bit off subject to most, but not to him: "I would prefer to be governed by the first 2000 people named in the Boston telephone directory than by the 2000 faculty of Harvard University."
How can you not love a person like that?
He will be missed. By many. By me. Peace, William.
Peace. Larry.
Fighters, Old and New
Written pre-"Nobody Asked Me But..." on February 24, 2008
Poor Hillary Clinton. Damned if she does. Damned if she doesn't.
Should she go on the attack? Should she play nice?
Neither seems to have worked so far. So what is she to do? How will she approach the run-up to the Texas and Ohio primaries? Will the attack dog, Bill, re-emerge and take over?
And can't you just imagine the in-fighting going on among her campaign advisors? Considering that her three top advisors are earning $275,000each per month, you would think that they would and should have been serving her better. No wonder she had to take out $5 million from her piggy bank to keep her campaign going. And what about the salaries of the other "volunteers" on her staff?
Despite the continuing wins by Barack Obama and his widening lead, I still feel that the back room arm twisting for the super delegates by her campaign staff is still going on and will intensify if she doe swell in Texas and Ohio. She has said on many occasions that she has been a fighter all her life. There is no reason to believe that she is about to quit now.
The next debate between her and Obama should be interesting. What will be her game plan?
If she does not pull off wins in those very important states, or just loses by the narrowest of margins, mathematically speaking she could be toast. I would hope that if that becomes the case, she acknowledges that she is not going to win the voters support, and gives up the quest for the super delegates. For if the "voice" of the primary voters is ignored, and the fight for the super delegates shift over to Hillary and voids everything that has taken place the past two months,there could be so much anger, disappointment, and a defeated reaction like: Why vote? Politics is dirty and will never change.
And all those young voters, those black voters, those Hispanic voters,all those independents, all those who voted for the first time, may not vote for Hillary, and may not return to the voting booth for years to come. Talk about giving the Republicans an edge, if not the election in November. And for some years to come.
And one more point. Talk about an edge. Talk about giving away the election. Good old (literally) Ralph has done it again. Ralph Nader has thrown his hat into the 2008 election. For the fourth time he has entered a presidential race. This not to say that he hasn't served the public well. He has brought to the surface many consumer issues that had gone by without anyone taking up the fight. But it is also fair to say that he doesn't have the chance of a snow ball in hell of winning.
But Ralph, at the expense of taking votes away that surely would go to the Democratic nominee?
Isn't there something wrong with this picture Ralph?
Haven't your learned enough from the 2000 election, costing Al Gore the election?
Wouldn't this country, and this world, be different, and most certainly be better, if Gore had won?Give it up Ralph.
Peace. Larry.
Poor Hillary Clinton. Damned if she does. Damned if she doesn't.
Should she go on the attack? Should she play nice?
Neither seems to have worked so far. So what is she to do? How will she approach the run-up to the Texas and Ohio primaries? Will the attack dog, Bill, re-emerge and take over?
And can't you just imagine the in-fighting going on among her campaign advisors? Considering that her three top advisors are earning $275,000each per month, you would think that they would and should have been serving her better. No wonder she had to take out $5 million from her piggy bank to keep her campaign going. And what about the salaries of the other "volunteers" on her staff?
Despite the continuing wins by Barack Obama and his widening lead, I still feel that the back room arm twisting for the super delegates by her campaign staff is still going on and will intensify if she doe swell in Texas and Ohio. She has said on many occasions that she has been a fighter all her life. There is no reason to believe that she is about to quit now.
The next debate between her and Obama should be interesting. What will be her game plan?
If she does not pull off wins in those very important states, or just loses by the narrowest of margins, mathematically speaking she could be toast. I would hope that if that becomes the case, she acknowledges that she is not going to win the voters support, and gives up the quest for the super delegates. For if the "voice" of the primary voters is ignored, and the fight for the super delegates shift over to Hillary and voids everything that has taken place the past two months,there could be so much anger, disappointment, and a defeated reaction like: Why vote? Politics is dirty and will never change.
And all those young voters, those black voters, those Hispanic voters,all those independents, all those who voted for the first time, may not vote for Hillary, and may not return to the voting booth for years to come. Talk about giving the Republicans an edge, if not the election in November. And for some years to come.
And one more point. Talk about an edge. Talk about giving away the election. Good old (literally) Ralph has done it again. Ralph Nader has thrown his hat into the 2008 election. For the fourth time he has entered a presidential race. This not to say that he hasn't served the public well. He has brought to the surface many consumer issues that had gone by without anyone taking up the fight. But it is also fair to say that he doesn't have the chance of a snow ball in hell of winning.
But Ralph, at the expense of taking votes away that surely would go to the Democratic nominee?
Isn't there something wrong with this picture Ralph?
Haven't your learned enough from the 2000 election, costing Al Gore the election?
Wouldn't this country, and this world, be different, and most certainly be better, if Gore had won?Give it up Ralph.
Peace. Larry.
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