Friday? Have a Boobie

This Friday's Boobie might be a commie. Notice the red feet.

Disney Joke

Stolen fair and square from the aristocrats :

Mickey and Minnie mouse are in court getting a divorce.
The judge asks "Mr Mouse. Do really expect the court to grant you a divorce on the grounds that your wife is crazy?"
Mickey says "Your honor, I never said she was crazy. I said she was fucking Goofy!"

I think it's funny. You?

Driving America to the Left

In a surprise announcement, President Obama called for a change in American driving:
"For far too long, this country has been driven too far to the right, by driving on the right. Because I'm a left-handed leftist, I'm hereby ordering that, beginning next month, America will begin driving on the left side of the road. Now, I know, some folks will not like this. But we have been driven so far to the right that we've driven over a cliff. So, it's time to drive on the left. It's time for America to move further left, driven by the left, by driving on the left. Think how many jobs we can create, just by turning around all those 'one way' signs, and also bailing out the auto-repair industry". The President added "hey, it worked in Samoa, and look how their economy is doing."
Overall reaction was tepid, but all the mainstream pundits agreed that a more "bi-partisan, centrist" plan is needed. David Broder said "I intend to keep driving down the middle of the road, and I hope the rest of America will follow me".
There will, of course, be an exemption for trucks and vehicles over 8,000 lbs. GVW. The 'so-called' "hummer exemption" should cause only minimal problems, as trucks have never followed lane rules, anyway.
(none of this is true)

Speech Reactions, and the Really Bad Analogy

Overall, I thought Obama's speech was pretty good, but not a "game changer". Because I watched it in the company of about 50 local democrats (who were very enthusiastic), plus the usual mix of bar patrons (who were more subdued), the audience reaction I saw skewed to the positive. I'm not sure the overall population reaction will be as upbeat.


While we already knew that Obama is a very strong orator (especially compared to the last guy), he again showed his ability to speak to the public as adults. He didn't shy away from articulating complex issues. That's good.


He did push for the "public option", but no where near as forcefully as I had hoped for. I'm not surprised, but I am disappointed. He's still trying to sound "bi-partisan", but that train left the station a long time ago. I think he was trying to be polite to the repubs.


Which wasn't reciprocated. The outburst by Rep. Wilson (R-S.C.) has garnered a lot of media attention, but the reaction is mostly negative. Wilson is now a prime example of republican obstructionism, and rude to boot. (BTW; his outburst was clearly a violation of House rules on decorum. This isn't the House of Commons.)Added: specific rule: " Refrain from speaking disrespectfully of the Speaker, other Members, the President or Vice President."http://rules.house.gov/archives/house_decorum.htm


But the part that bothered me the most was the really bad analogy: comparing health insurance to car insurance. Simple fact: not everybody has to have a car, but everybody does have to have a body. I've been "car free" for over twelve years, and I have no plans to get a car in the foreseeable future. But I do have a (albeit aging) body, and it requires health care. I choose not to have a car. I didn't 'choose' to break my shoulder, and treatment was not an "option" (unless I wanted to be permanently disabled). Comparing health insurance to car insurance is like comparing apples to lobsters.

Overall, I think Obama's speech moved health care forward, but only by a small step. I'm convinced will get some kind of reform, but at the end of the sausage making process, I'm not sure how significant it will be.

Beer and Health Care

Tonight Obama will give his "really important" health care speech to congress, and the county democratic party is holding a viewing party at my favorite bar. Wednesday is also $2.00 pint special, so this might be an amusing time. The bar regulars include a number of political junkies of various stripes (I'm the one on the far left), and we've already had some great debates on health care. Throw the local democratic activists into the mix, and this could be as entertaining as a football game.
I don't actually expect all that much from Obama's speech, but I really hope he comes out strong on the public option. I fear he's already lost the momentum on health care, and to actually achieve meaningful reform is going to take more back room arm twisting than fancy speeches. But a good speech won't hurt. We'll see what we get.
I'll be getting the $2.00 Lagunitas Hop Stoopid; that much I know.

09/09/09

No special meaning. I just like the symmetry of it.
(Numerologists, please feel free to find any meaning you like).

Even Ms. Xanax Gets It

The world of politics can be very strange. For example, I never expected Laura "Mrs. Shrub" Bush to be a voice of sanity from the right:

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Former first lady Laura Bush is defending President Obama's decision to address the nation's school children, telling CNN Monday that it is "really important for everyone to respect the President of the United States."

"I think that there is a place for the President of the United States to talk to school children and encourage school children, and I think there are a lot of people that should do the same," she told CNN's Zain Verjee, in an interview set to air Monday on The Situation Room. "And that is encourage their own children to stay in school and to study hard and to try to achieve the dream that they have."

The former first lady added that she thought both Obama and her successor, Michelle Obama, had done good jobs since moving into the White House.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/09/07/laura-bush-defends-obama-school-speech/

Let's face it, Laura was never thought of as an intellectual heavyweight. During her tenure as First Lady she often seemed a walking advertisement for benzodiazepines. But she did always support education, and it's good to see that she still does. It's just a little weird finding her on our side.

Gaining a Bird

Due to multiple twists of fate (trust me; you don't want to know), I've become "the people" for a beautiful female grey cockatiel. She's very friendly, but she's been "lost" and "rescued", so a little traumatized.
I've had many birds in my life, and she seems like a good one.

But I need a good name for her.

Any suggestions?
Added: She seems to think that the 'best perch in the world' is on top of my head. Even when I'm trying to cook. My hair tie fascinates her. We're working on this relationship.
Added added: She likes chicken quesadilla's way too much. Back to the cage with you, until I'm done eating.

Update: We've settled on the name "Griselda", meaning "Grey Maiden Warrior". She seems to respond well to the name.

Happy "Labor Less" Day

The Holiday to honor unions and worker's rights, established in 1884, at a time when the 'American Worker' is in really bad shape. Unemployment near 10%, union membership falling, and real wages in a continuing decline, at least most get the day off. I suppose that's something to celebrate.
The Labor Day weekend also marks the end of "summer" in many ways. Congress returns tomorrow, and we all know how much fun that is. Potential political snark opportunities upcoming.
So enjoy the day. Throw some flesh on the grill, crack a beer, and share a few laughs. Real life shall resume tomorrow.

How to Feel Old

In a bar conversation, I said that Obama needs to be "more LBJ", and a young lady who was part of the discussion said "what's an LBJ?'. She thought I meant something like a "PBJ', but with an "L" instead of peanut butter. Maybe "liverwurst".
It made me feel old.

My Congress Waffle

My congresswoman, Ann Kirkpatrick, is a really nice person. I mean that; I've talked with her many times, and she's always warm and genuine. That said, she's also rather useless. Some "highlights" from her town hall in Holbrook (which I didn't attend):

A crowd of about 150 was relatively subdued Thursday night as U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Flagstaff, took questions on health care reform at a Holbrook high school.

Questions about cost remained among the top issues, both for the crowd and for Kirkpatrick, who said she didn't know the proposed cost, but that she couldn't support a proposal that would increase the national debt or add taxes on small businesses.

"Cost is a big concern of mine and we don't have a complete answer," Kirkpatrick said.

In questions after, she declined to give any measures she might support to fund better health care for veterans and children -- two changes she said she wanted.

Kirkpatrick responded that she was "skeptical of government"

-- What about a government-provided insurance option?

Kirkpatrick: She supports it. "It appears that what we need is some sort of baseline and standard to control costs."

Kirkpatrick: Yes. "I think that people should be able to go to the doctor if they want to. What do you think?"

Mostly, Kirkpatrick stuck to some of the same points she made in a telephone conference with the public last month: People with pre-existing conditions should be covered, the reformed health system should be "uniquely American," fraud and abuse in Medicare should be eliminated and there should be no time limit for passing legislation.

"We may not always agree on everything," she said, "but at least you'll know where I stand."

http://www.azdailysun.com/articles/2009/09/04/news/20090904_front_203083.txt

(emphasis mine)
Yes, Ann, I guess we do know where you stand. You support the "marshmallow" plan. And you like puppies.
Here's my basic problem with Ann: she doesn't have a strong position on anything. On health care, she's a typical wishy-washy Democrat, unwilling to fight for real reform. She'll support the "vaguely positive", as long as she doesn't offend anybody by doing so.
Don't get me wrong; she's a big improvement over the corrupt and evil Rick Renzi, who she replaced. But she is a clear example of what is wrong with our Democrats in congress.

September's First Boobie

Happy Friday!

Odds or Ends

Stuff in my life:
Arguing with my local "libertarian", who doesn't want government "control". But he does want all those things that government actually does. He actually said "we need a better health care system" and "we don't need government messing with health care" in the same 2 minute conversation. He had no answers, except "no government". He's actually a nice guy, but we don't quite see the same world.
When the last person you had a sexual relationship with calls and says "I may have an STD", and you can't quite remember if you may have forgotten a condom once, it's nice to hear "the test came back negative".
My friends "T" and "S", who I wished a 'Happy Anniversary' last week (I performed the wedding), were celebrating in Cabo San Lucas. Somebody called "Jimena" crashed the party, but they are fine, and having fun by helping the locals (they're like that).
The next person who offers me "holistic" health advice for my shoulder is going to get punched (the left is still solid). I've looked at the MRI. The labrum is inflamed from over work. I need to back off and let it heal. All your herbs and reicki and "healing hands" are very nice. But it's still a matter of time, and me holding myself back.
That's what's on my mind. What's on yours?

Biden States the Obvious

The Vice-President talks about health care (finally):

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Vice President Joe Biden promised Thursday that President Obama will delve into specifics when he tackles health care reform in a highly anticipated speech to a joint session of Congress next week.

"I think the prospects for success are high," he said. "We're going to get something substantial ... [but] it's going to be an awful lot of screaming and hollering before we get there."

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/03/health.care/index.html?eref=rss_politics&iref=polticker

(emphasis mine)

Uh, Joe; we've had a lot of "screaming and hollering" already. What we need is a clear, solid plan.
I have been wondering where Biden was in the health care reform effort. The main blockade is the Senate, where Mr. Biden has a long history and a lot of connections. He would seem to be in the best position to act as "arm-twister-in-chief" for the administration. But until now, I'd heard nothing from him. That doesn't mean that he hasn't been active behind the scenes, but I've seen no evidence that he has.
If we're really going to get meaningful health care reform, the administration is going to have to use every tool they have to push it through. A little more "LBJ" and less "Jimmy Carter".

Justice Stevens Planning to Retire?

Pure speculation, but it looks like Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens may be set to retire after this court term. As the oldest Justice at 89, it wouldn't be that much of a surprise. The cause of the speculation is that Stevens has hired fewer clerks than he usually would:

WASHINGTON — Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens has hired fewer law clerks than usual, generating speculation that the leader of the court's liberals will retire next year.

If Stevens does step down, he would give President Barack Obama his second high court opening in two years. Obama chose Justice Sonia Sotomayor for the court when Justice David Souter announced his retirement in May.

Souter's failure to hire clerks was the first signal that he was contemplating leaving the court.

Stevens, 89, joined the court in 1975 and is the second-oldest justice in the court's history, after Oliver Wendell Holmes. He is the seventh-longest-serving justice, with more than 33 years and eight months on the court.

In response to a question from The Associated Press, Stevens confirmed through a court spokeswoman Tuesday that he has hired only one clerk for the term that begins in October 2010. He is among several justices who typically have hired all four clerks for the following year by now. Information about this advance hiring is not released by the court but is regularly published by some legal blogs.

Stevens did not say whether he plans to hire his full allotment of clerks or whether he will leave the court at the conclusion of the term that begins next month. Retired justices are allowed to hire one clerk.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jp9jrwkjig6vQnONc-Zyk9lChX8wD9AF1GS02

One of the major factors in my support for Obama over McCain was Supreme Court appointments. While Obama's replacement for Stevens wouldn't alter the courts balance (still 5-4 conservative), a McCain appointee would further skew the court to the right. Knowing that there would be openings on the court (although Souter's retirement was less expected) due to Stevens age and Ruth Bader-Ginsburg's cancer (although she's stated her intent to remain on the bench), I saw it as imperative to have a Dem as President. I'm not all that happy with Obama, but I'm much more comfortable with him making appointments than McCain. That would have been scary.

A Paucity of Posts

Sorry that I haven't posted much lately. It's because...

Well, I have no good excuse. I haven't been that busy, and there are plenty of issues to rant about.

But I can't figure out what I want to say. The political discourse has become so absurd that a logical response is almost pointless and impossible.

Somehow, providing health care to Americans has become a threat our freedom. The rethugs are protecting our right to die if we're not profitable, because providing treatment to poor people will kill Grandma. Or something like that. (here are the five biggest lies)

Torture is a good solid American value, as long as it's done to Muslims. And prosecuting crimes after the fact (how do you prosecute them before the fact?) must be politically motivated.

Spending trillions on wars is good fiscal policy, but investing in a better America will increase the deficit.

Screaming and waving guns are good Christian acts, but "love your neighbor" doesn't apply if your neighbor loves the wrong way.

Obama is the new "Hitler", whereas shrub and the Cheney never tried to expand government authority (except for our own good).

And on and on...

It was all so much easier during the shrub administration. I knew exactly what I was ranting against. But the Obama administration has acted like a soggy waffle, and the right wing is full blown batshit crazy (but still taken seriously). Common sense is nearing extinction, along with reasoned debate. Facts and logic have become irrelevant.

Lately, when I have the urge to add my 1.5 cents to the discourse, I end up overwhelmed with a sense of "why bother?" The folks who agree with me already know, and the rest aren't going to listen. It's rather frustrating.

Hopefully I'll regain some motivation soon. I still have plenty of opinions. But my current feeling is:

Dan Schorr

Turned 93 today. And he's still working.

The Boobie Points Up

Must be Friday. This Boobie is looking up.

Finally, Republicans Have A Good Idea

OK, I'm kidding. But it's their idea, so it's their issue. The Republican National Committee has sent out a "2009 Future of American Health Survey." Question #4 reads:

"It has been suggested that the government could use voter registration to determine a person's political affiliation, prompting fears that GOP voters might be discriminated against for medical treatment in a Democrat-imposed health care rationing system. Does this possibility concern you?"

This is why I wouldn't be allowed to serve on any "death panel". My first question would be "are you stupid?" If the answer was "yes", I'd probably let you die. And if you believe this kind of crap, you are stupid. Ergo...

Edward M. Kennedy (1932-2009)

A lion has left us.

We knew his time left was short when he was too ill to attend services for his sister, Eunice, but the sad inevitable reality of his death is still painful. He was an institution in the senate, and his legacy includes almost every piece of major legislation in the past 47 years. His brothers may have been more dynamic, but in the long run Ted may have had the greatest impact on history. Unlike his brothers, whose lives were tragically cut short, Ted's influence spanned decades. His death marks an end of an era; the "Kennedy Democrats".

He leaves behind one major piece of unfinished business. The best way to honor the memory of Ted Kennedy will be to pass a health care bill that will truly help ALL Americans.

RIP, Senator.

Happy Anniversary

To my friends "T" and "S", who I married 8 years ago today (I was the 'minister', and, yes, I am an ordained minister).

That was one bigtime party.

I haven't worn a tie since.

Why? Oh! Why?

Sometimes I wonder. Other times I don't.

Why do people oppose themselves?

Ruins.

We've done it before, and we can do it again.

Music

You can listen to this: VBR M3U
(Stockholm Syndrome, Boulder, 7/16/09)
for those who don't know.

You Can't Choose Your Family

As I was drinking my morning coffee, I got a call from my youngest sister (my siblings are both younger sisters) about an old photo. Then the conversation turned political. My youngest sister is a classic right-wing Christian Fundamentalist. She really believes that Obama is a Kenyan Muslim who's trying do destroy America. Really....she believes this.
I'm not a huge Obama fan. I think he's better than McCain, but he's still a corporatist.
But....wow....my little sister believes that Obama is trying to "destroy" America.
My sister doesn't have health 'insurance', and has multiple health issues (she's a 45 year-old women), but she really doesn't want "government run" health care. So, she has "no health care".
Huh?
When I read these arguments, I get confused. You have NO health care, but you don't want "the government" to provide any help? Are you stupid?
My sister shouldn't fall for this. She isn't stupid (hell, she scores 40 points higher than I do on IQ test's), but she might be brainwashed.
My question for my (few) readers is this:
How do you handle crazy siblings?

Notice

If you've noticed this blog, well, THANK YOU!.

Over the Ridge

Former "Homeland Security" (what an Orwellian name) director Tom Ridge is the latest of shrubs enablers to right a 'tell all' book, revealing what many of us knew: They were incredibly corrupt and dishonest. Ridge reveals the politicization of those entertaining color coded alerts:


(graphic from Dependable Renegade)

In the book, Ridge says he was never invited to attend National Security Council meetings, was “blindsided” by the FBI in morning Oval Office meetings because the agency withheld critical information from him, his urgings to block Michael Brown from being named head of the emergency agency blamed for the Hurricane Katrina disaster went ignored, and most shocking of all, Ridge says he was pushed to raise the security alert on the eve of President Bush’s re-election, something he saw as politically motivated and worth resigning over.

As with Colin Powell, John Ashcroft, and others, Ridge seems to be seeking some redemption for his sins, along with a big chunk of cash. Sorry, I'm not buying it. Nor am I willing to forgive you. If you had a shred of decency, you'd have done the honorable thing when it mattered and blown the whistle then. Admitting the truth five years (and many thousand deaths) later merely shows that you're a cheap corrupt tool. Unless you're on trial with the rest of the shrubies, I have no interest in anything you have to say.

A Nice Boobie

A nice looking Boobie makes us smile most every Friday.

Clarity

From The Onion:

WASHINGTON—After months of committee meetings and hundreds of hours of heated debate, the United States Congress remained deadlocked this week over the best possible way to deny Americans health care.

"Both parties understand that the current system is broken," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters Monday. "But what we can't seem to agree upon is how to best keep it broken, while still ensuring that no elected official takes any political risk whatsoever. It’s a very complicated issue."

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/congress_deadlocked_over_how_to?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Yup.
"the time for action has passed. now is the time for senseless bickering"

On A Lighter Note

The last few posts haven't been fun, so it's time for this:

Huge Capybara Eating a Popsicle
A Capybarra eating a popsicle. Try it.
(I don't post videos, but I will link to some)

Health Care Reform Explained

Avoiding Whiplash

If you're following the whole "healthcare reform" process, you're at serious risk for whiplash (which is why I've kept my distance). Both the political debate and the public debate have sunk into street theater, instead of movement toward a goal.
On the political side, the "public option" is back and forth like a tennis ball at Wimbledon. It's in, it's out, it's back in, or maybe it's out. It's going to be "bi-partisan", but one party will oppose anything at all. So the Dems will go it alone. Except if they don't. Even if you're paying close attention to the process, the picture is about as clear as mud.
The public debate is even more absurd. People with guns screaming about "death panels" get TV airtime as if they were credible. People on Medicare decrying "government run healthcare", proving we really need a better mental health system, seemingly have zero sense of irony. Never mind the "facts" (which are rather dull), let's focus on the absurd. The lobbyists are having a field day. It would be really entertaining if it weren't so tragic.
Somewhere in reality there is the main actual proposal, H.R. 3200. While it's certainly going to go through changes in the reconciliation process, this is what is actually currently "on the table". Good friend badtux the snarky penguin has put together the best summary analysis that I've read so far:

Well, basically, HR3200 is a strange amalgation of the German system -- which has publically owned nonprofit sickness funds and for-profit insurers largely funded by employer contributions with all citizens required to purchase insurance if not provided by employer (and all employers required to provide insurance for their employees) -- and the Swiss system, where individuals purchase insurance in a heavily regulated must-issue must-have individual insurance market (that is, insurers are required to issue insurance that meets minimum standards w/no pre-existing conditions exclusions, and individuals are required to purchase insurance). Subsidies are provided in both systems so that people who cannot afford to buy insurance on their own can afford to buy insurance, and HR3200 includes similar subsidies. One thing HR3200 does *not* do is force employers to provide insurers -- if employers refuse to provide insurance, instead HR3200 taxes them 8% of payroll
in order to fund subsidies so the employees themselves can afford to buy individual insurance.

There's no reason why HR3200 should not work as designed -- the public option in the German system keeps costs low, the 8% tax encourages employers to provide employer-provided insurance, while the various mandates and subsidies insure that all Americans can afford and obtain insurance that will cover all common health costs -- but of course it is nowhere near the most efficient way to provide health care. The system HR3200 sets up will provide universal healthcare, but at a cost much higher than a single-payer system. Still, it's a whole lot better than the current system, which is "let them eat cake" filled with rescissions, refusals to insure due to pre-existing conditions, discrimination against women, older Americans, and against families with young children, and far too many people who cannot afford to purchase health insurance and cannot obtain any subsidy for doing so.

"What HR3200 really is"

So, it's not "bad", but it's also not all that good. It may be the best bill we can get passed in the current climate, but it's not a solution to the healthcare crisis.
Like most "liberals" ("socialists" in the current lexicon), I would really like a "single-payer" system. It's not even "on the table", but Thom Hartmann has a really simple, good proposal:

Dear President Obama,

I understand you're thinking of dumping your "public option" because of all the demagoguery by Sarah Palin and Dick Armey and Newt Gingrich and their crowd on right-wing radio and Fox. Fine. Good idea, in fact.

Instead, let's make it simple. Please let us buy into Medicare.

It would be so easy. You don't have to reinvent the wheel with this so-called "public option" that's a whole new program from the ground up. Medicare already exists. It works. Some people will like it, others won't - just like the Post Office versus FedEx analogy you're so comfortable with.

Just pass a simple bill - it could probably be just a few lines, like when Medicare was expanded to include disabled people - that says that any American citizen can buy into the program at a rate to be set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) which reflects the actual cost for us to buy into it.

So it's revenue neutral!

To make it available to people of low income, raise the rates slightly for all currently non-eligible people (like me - under 65) to cover the cost of below-200%-of-poverty people. Revenue neutral again.

Most of us will do damn near anything to get out from under the thumbs of the multi-millionaire CEOs who are running our current insurance programs. Sign me up!

This lets you blow up all the rumors about death panels and grandma and everything else: everybody knows what Medicare is. Those who scorn it can go with Blue Cross. Those who like it can buy into it. Simplicity itself.

Of course, we'd like a few fixes, like letting Medicare negotiate drug prices and filling some of the holes Republicans and AARP and the big insurance lobbyists have drilled into Medicare so people have to buy "supplemental" insurance, but that can wait for the second round. Let's get this done first.

Simple stuff. Medicare for anybody who wants it. Private health insurance for those who don't. Easy message. Even Max Baucus and Chuck Grassley can understand it. Sarah Palin can buy into it, or ignore it. No death panels, no granny plugs, nothing. Just a few sentences.

Replace the "you must be disabled or 65" with "here's what it'll cost if you want to buy in, and here's the sliding scale of subsidies we'll give you if you're poor, paid for by everybody else who's buying in." (You could roll back the Reagan tax cuts and make it all free, but that's another rant.)

We elected you because we expected you to have the courage of your convictions. Here's how. Not the "single payer Medicare for all" that many of us would prefer, but a simple, "Medicare for anybody who wants to buy in."

Respectfully,

Thom Hartmann

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/08/17

Of course, this has a snowball's chance in Turlock of ever passing. Good ideas aren't allowed in the current dialogue. There is no army of lobbyists for "common sense".

My own personal healthcare is paid for by the state of Arizona. Because I was unemployed when I broke my shoulder, I'm enrolled in "AHCCCS", the "Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System" (the name makes clear their motivation), and as long as I remain below the poverty level I'll continue to receive basic health services on the taxpayers dime. I can't complain; the service has been adequate and my Dr.'s have been top-notch. The problem for me is that if I ever rise above the poverty level, I'm screwed. I'm uninsurable thanks to pre-existing conditions, and unless I got really, really rich there's no way I could afford the treatment I need out of pocket. And a lot of Americans are in even worse shape.

So that's where we stand: A huge problem, a number of vested interests in the status quo, weak political leaders without real solutions, a largely ignorant populace inflamed with rhetoric, and a dysfunctional legislative system determined to avoid real action. And I only say this because I'm trying to remain optimistic. Because if you watch too closely, you're likely to suffer whiplash.

So...

How long until Brett Favre retires (again)?

Not Getting What I Want

I really wanted the "pubic option".

Also, smarter opponents.

Has it Really Come to This?

Maybe I'm becoming an alarmist, but I don't remember this happening under the Shrub: At a presidential event in Arizona this afternoon, civilians were seen carrying assault rifles. This is legal in this state:

PHOENIX - About a dozen people carrying guns, including one with a military-style rifle, milled among protesters outside the convention center where President Barack Obama was giving a speech Monday - the latest incident in which protesters have openly displayed firearms near the president.

Gun-rights advocates say they're exercising their constitutional right to bear arms and protest, while those who argue for more gun control say it could be a disaster waiting to happen.

Phoenix police said the gun-toters at Monday's event, including the man carrying an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle slung over his shoulder, didn't need permits. No crimes were committed, and no one was arrested.

The man with the rifle declined to be identified but told The Arizona Republic that he was carrying the assault weapon because he could. ``In Arizona, I still have some freedoms,'' he said.

Phoenix police Detective J. Oliver, who monitored the man at the downtown protest, said police also wanted to make sure no one decided to harm him.

``Just by his presence and people seeing the rifle and people knowing the president was in town, it sparked a lot of emotions,'' Oliver said. ``We were keeping peace on both ends.''

``It's a political statement,'' he told The Boston Globe. ``If you don't use your rights, then you lose your rights.''

Police asked the man to move away from school property, but he was not arrested.

Fred Solop, a Northern Arizona University political scientist, said the incidents in New Hampshire and Arizona could signal the beginning of a disturbing trend.

``When you start to bring guns to political rallies, it does layer on another level of concern and significance,'' Solop said. ``It actually becomes quite scary for many people. It creates a chilling effect in the ability of our society to carry on honest communication.''

He said he's never heard of someone bringing an assault weapon near a presidential event. ``The larger the gun, the more menacing the situation,''

Arizona is an ``open-carry'' state, which means anyone legally allowed to have a firearm can carry it in public as long as it's visible. Only someone carrying a concealed weapon is required to have a permit.

Paul Helmke, president of the Washington, D.C.-based Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, said people should not be allowed to bring guns to events where Obama is.

``To me, this is craziness,'' he said. ``When you bring a loaded gun, particularly a loaded assault rifle, to any political event, but particularly to one where the president is appearing, you're just making the situation dangerous for everyone.''

He said people who bring guns to presidential events are distracting the Secret Service and law enforcement from protecting the president. ``The more guns we see at more events like this, there's more potential for something tragic happening,'' he said.

http://ktar.com/?nid=388&sid=1200460

I'm a liberal, but I own a couple of guns. But the idea of ever bringing a gun to a public event is beyond my comprehension. And the police were making sure that "no one decided to harm him"? The dude had an AR-15, and you're worried about his safety? This is not a good sign.

(Added) Steven D at Booman Tribune has it right:

Which brings me to my quote of the day by the Brady Campaign's President Paul Helmke:

Bringing loaded firearms to any Presidential event endangers all in attendance. Even though our weak national and state gun laws may allow this dangerous behavior, we should use a little common sense. Individuals carrying loaded weapons at these events require constant attention from police and Secret Service officers, thus stretching their protective efforts even thinner. The possibility that these weapons might be grabbed or stolen or accidently mishandled increases the risks of serious injury or death to all in attendance.

The National Rifle Association and other 'gun rights' groups need to send a message about 'gun responsibilities' to their members and all gun owners. Loaded weapons at political forums endanger all involved, distract law enforcement, and end up stifling debate. Presidential protesters need to leave their firearms at home -- no exceptions."

I couldn't agree more. There is no need for to bring weapons to a political event unless your goal is to intimidate those with whom you disagree into silence, or unless you intend to use those weapons to assassinate a political figure. Neither of those is a legitimate exercise of one's right to bear arms.

The Sky was Yellow

There's a big fire burning in Sycamore Canyon, and the smoke is so heavy that the sky is yellow here in town. Not good for breathing.
Added: Details for local readers: Wildfire blankets region in smoke

Like a Complete Unknown

Everybody must get ID'd:

Rock legend Bob Dylan was treated like a complete unknown by police in a New Jersey shore community when a resident called to report someone wandering around the neighborhood.

Dylan was in Long Branch, about a two-hour drive south of New York City, on July 23 as part of a tour with Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp that was to play at a baseball stadium in nearby Lakewood.

A 24-year-old police officer apparently was unaware of who Dylan is and asked him for identification, Long Branch business administrator Howard Woolley said Friday.

"I don't think she was familiar with his entire body of work," Woolley said.

The incident began at 5 p.m. when a resident said a man was wandering around a low-income, predominantly minority neighborhood several blocks from the oceanfront looking at houses.

The police officer drove up to Dylan, who was wearing a blue jacket, and asked him his name. According to Woolley, the following exchange ensued:

"What is your name, sir?" the officer asked.

"Bob Dylan," Dylan said.

"OK, what are you doing here?" the officer asked.

"I'm on tour," the singer replied.

A second officer, also in his 20s, responded to assist the first officer. He, too, apparently was unfamiliar with Dylan, Woolley said.

The officers asked Dylan for identification. The singer of such classics as "Like a Rolling Stone" and "Blowin' in the Wind" said that he didn't have any ID with him, that he was just walking around looking at houses to pass some time before that night's show.

The officers asked Dylan, 68, to accompany them back to the Ocean Place Resort and Spa, where the performers were staying. Once there, tour staff vouched for Dylan.

The officers thanked him for his cooperation.

"He couldn't have been any nicer to them," Woolley added.

How did it feel? A Dylan publicist did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment Friday.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iy8jnlcZu7jfNUS3KQ5phFhctnBQD9A2UAHO1

Another story that makes me feel old. The cops were so young that they'd never heard of Bob Dylan? That's quite a generation gap. Of course, when you record an album of Christmas songs (see my earlier post) you're destined to slip into obscurity.

Woodstock

40 years ago? woodstock.
I didn't get to go.
I blame my parents.
I was 10.
Living in San Francisco.
But growing up, it looked like fun. We wished we could have been there.
But I wasn't there.

Why They Lie

The latest round of right-wing lies, the "death panels", shouldn't be a surprise. They know that this type of lies work. The "Willie Horton" ads worked. The "Swift Boat" ads worked. They were lies, but they managed to obscure the truth in enough minds to actually win. So this shouldn't come as any surprise, either:

Leaked memo shows energy industry execs sending employees to industry sponsored events to play average citizens outraged about cap-n-trade.

In short, expect the same type of lies, loudly shouted, as we move toward any attempt at energy reform. The screams of "euthanasia" and "socialism" have effectively scuttled any real health reform, and those who oppose energy reform will adopt the same tactics.
Because lying, loudly and repeatedly, works.

Boobie News

New friend Lockwood from Outside the Interzone (a very smart blog, which you should go read frequently) sent me this link to a new National Geographic article, telling me "These aren't the boobies you're looking for." The Tasman Boobie was thought to be extinct, but it now turns out that the Tasman Boobie and the Masked Boobie are the same. Nice to know that the Boobie's are still around.

Today's Question

Zymurgian asked me: "How'd you get to be so old?"

Me: "By not dying"

So my question to all of you: How'd you get to be so old?




(added explanation: This conversation was about Zymurgian's angst upon approaching age 40. Since I'm 50, I qualified as "old" in his view. I don't feel that I'm old, except on certain mornings.)

QOTD

From distributorcap

Sometimes I wonder if the media isn’t so much anti-Obama as it's just plain anti-intellectual and pro-toilet paper sales.

Couldn't say it better.

Evidence

Here is the most basic evidence of why we need real healthcare reform:

The free medical clinic at the Forum in Inglewood reached capacity again Wednesday, as hundreds camped out overnight to receive medical and dental care.

More than 2,000 sought services on the first day of the medical clinic -- and hundreds were turned away. People were lined up Tuesday night, hoping to get in. The MTA announced it was extending service of Line 115 because of "overwhelming demand" for rides to the clinic, which runs for eight days.

On Tuesday, procedures included 95 tooth extractions, 22 oral surgeries, 470 fillings, prescriptions for 140 eyeglasses, 45 mammograms, 43 HIV tests and 96 Pap smears.

The Remote Area Medical Foundation is a trailer-equipped service that has staged health clinics in rural parts of the United States, Mexico and South America. It brought its health camp to urban Los Angeles County on Tuesday to begin a stint that the group's officials described as its first foray into a major urban setting.

Organizers expected big crowds in a county with high unemployment and an estimated 22% of working-age adults lacking health insurance.

On Tuesday, the turnout was so large that hundreds had to be turned away.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/08/free-medical-clinic-at-forum-reached-full-capacity-for-second-day.html

I'm still composing my thoughts on the whole "healthcare reform" debate, but this proves that what we're doing now isn't working.

Miers and Renzi

Ah, the old case gets more interesting...

In the House Judiciary investigation into the U.S. Attorney firings, Harriet Miers admitted to her role in helping re-elect Rick Renzi by hiding the corruption investigation of him:

It's just days before the mid-term elections, and you're sitting in the White House watching a close Congressional race when it bubbles up that the the Republican incumbent, long dogged by corruption rumors, is under federal investigation.

That's the situation the Bush White House found itself in when it was reported in late October 2006, first on blogs, that U.S. Attorney Paul Charlton was investigating Rep. Rick Renzi (R-AZ).

And that's when the damage control machine kicked into gear.

Scott Jennings, deputy to Karl Rove, and White House Counsel Harriet Miers intervened to try to get the Justice Department to throw cold water on the reports of an investigation, despite the DOJ's policy not to confirm or deny the existence of ongoing probes, according to e-mails released by the House Judiciary Committee today. (Read them here.)

In the two days following Miers and Jennings' emails, articles appeared in the press quoting DOJ officials saying the investigation was in "preliminary stage" -- which it was not.

One piece in the Arizona Republic, speculating that the news about the
investigation was politically-motivated, quoted a DOJ official: "I want to caution you not to chop this guy's (Renzi's) head off." That's the type of statement that surely helped Renzi in the heated days before the election.

Renzi went on to win reelection, but was indicted on wide-ranging corruption charges in April 2008. The case is still pending.

The Jennings/Miers e-mails make for rich reading. On October 24, Jennings wrote, under the subject "re: our call":

"The person I called you about [Renzi] said the USATTY in his area, as well as the local FBI office, said they were unaware of any investigation."

Miers replied, describing how she intervened to pressure the DOJ on its public stance:

Scott, I just finished speaking with [Deputy AG] Paul McNulty. He said what we suspected he would. He has been contacted by a number of frustrated members of the Congress asking why people can't be vindicated in the event nothing is going on. He acknowledged that the situation is frustrating, but reiterated their position that they cannot confirm or deny the existence of an investigation. He said the AG did an interview last week to put things in as good as a perspective as possible by explaining that no one should be talking and that a refusal to deny should be given no meaning beyond that Justice does not admit or deny the existence of an investigation. I observed that at some point, immediately preceding an election, unattributed statements about the existence of an investigation was rankly unfair. He is continuing to think about the situation, but I did not get a lot of encouragement that they will deviate from normal course.

In other words: despite being told it was DOJ policy not to confirm or deny the existence of an investigation, Miers asked Paul McNulty, the deputy attorney general, to knock down the reports of a probe. But she "did not get a lot of encouragement that they will deviate from normal course."

In the next two days, the articles citing anonymous DOJ officials appeared, falsely reporting the probe was in early stages. It's still not known who made those leaks and whether anyone directed them to do it.

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/08/on_election_ever_miers_tried_to_intervene_renzi_case.php?ref=fpb

Renzi's corruption investigation was kept hidden until after the election for political reasons, a classic example of how the shrub administration operated (read the whole article for a lot more juicy details). Paul Charlton was fired in the Attorney purge, in hopes of killing the investigation of Renzi, and it almost worked. But Mr. Corruption's trial is scheduled for next month. I wonder if Harriet will be called to testify? That certainly could be worth watching.

And, (in keeping with the Pygalgia tradition with all things Renzi), Mr. Renzi, here's your pig:

(And read all about sleazy Karl Rove's roll in it all here: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-rove12-2009aug12,0,6512321.story, here: Raw Story, here: NYTimes, and The full interview transcripts and documents can be found here.)

Finch Fighting?

This is a little old, but: weird news that I almost couldn't believe (except that I can):

SHELTON, Conn. -- Connecticut authorities say they arrested 19 people and seized more than 100 birds in a house raid on an alleged bird-fighting operation

Wayne Kasacek, of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, and Shelton police Sgt. Robert Kozlowsky say most of the 150 confiscated birds were saffron finches and that a few were canaries. Kasacek say some of the birds had previous injuries, including blindness in at least one eye, and may have to be euthanized.

Police say they made the arrests Sunday just as spectators had placed bets and were getting ready to watch the birds fight at a home in Shelton, just west of New Haven. Authorities say they seized $8,000 in alleged betting money.

Saffron finches are small birds that are native to South America.

» Report on WSFB-TV
Channel 3 in Connecticut (video, photo slideshow)

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/police_arrest_19_in_conn_finch.html

There are a lot of strange people in this world, but the thought of watching and betting on small birds forced to tear each other apart boggles my mind. But...I'm not sure. When, at the local pub, I proposed "worm racing" for a slow night's entertainment, the owner said "no way. that's cruel". I think "Finch Fighting" is far more cruel than a worm race, but I might be wrong.

Note to Sweaterman: Your Gig's Been Stolen

Regular readers are familiar with co-blogger Sweaterman's great writing, but those of us who also know him in the meat world know that he also does a mean Dylan impersonation. One of the highlights of the local holiday season is getting a few beers in Sweaterman, and having him do the "Bob Dylan Christmas Songs", a guaranteed laugh riot. Now the joke is becoming a reality:

Bob Dylan is finally following Elvis Presley and Nat King Cole: He has made a Christmas album. The Dylan album will include Here Comes Santa Claus and O Little Town of Bethlehem.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111764735

That just sounds so wrong. It was great fun coming from Sweaterman, but from Dylan himself it feels like crass commercialism.

Celebrate!

August 9, 1974 was a really good day, for those of us old enough to remember.

Kirkpatrick Cancels

The (never) right-wing rent-a-mobs managed to shut down a local town hall meeting before it even started:

Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick of Arizona is the latest Democrat overrun by protesters at a local town hall event.

Sources say the protesters showed up after a robocall -- it's unclear from whom -- went out to Arizona voters encouraging them to show up at the event. The event was supposed to involve one on one chats with Kirkpatrick, a freshman member of Congress.

Kirkpatrick was unable to get the event started and canceled it.

"I am disappointed that the event was disrupted by a small but vocal group," Kirkpatrick said. "I grew up in Greater Arizona, and I remember the days when folks who disagreed would do so respectfully and were still able to work together on the important issues to find solutions."

Kirkpatrick is the latest Democrat to run into what Republicans have called "recess roastings," as congressional town halls from Utica, N.Y. to Austin, Texas, to Green Bay, Wis., have been disrupted this week by protesters. Debate continues over how genuine a grass roots movement this is, but POLITICO has reported that national conservative interest groups have helped organize some of the opposition.

"These 'chats' are meant to give people a chance to let me know what they need and what's important to them, and today's disruptions meant that a lot of folks did not get that chance," Kirkpatrick said. "I look forward to more public events, but more importantly I look forward to a return of civility and respectful dialogue where the focus is on the people and not scoring political points."

UPDATE: Turns out the anti-health reform group Conservatives for Patients Rights posted the Kirkpatrick event on its listing of town halls.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/glennthrush/0809/Another_Dem_overrun_by_protesters_at_town_hall.html?showall

Not a big surprise, as Ann Kirkpatrick isn't exactly a courageous fighter for her constituents. When I talked with her at a July 4th picnic, she didn't even have an articulate position on health care, except that she "supported reform." So I'm not a big fan of Kirkpatrick.
But I was ready and willing to stand up against these thugs, and help Ann talk with her constituents. It's all about real democracy, and also that I'm big enough (and ugly enough) to intimidate bullies. Dialogue is good; shouting and disruptions aren't. When an angry mob wants to shut down conversation, decent people need to stand up to them. Sure, you're free to protest. But you're not free to prevent others right to free speech. I realize that there's no guarantee of 'civil discourse' in the constitution, but if enough people stand up to the screamers perhaps we can actually talk about how best to reform health care.
Please, Ann, don't run away from these mobs. People like me are ready to get your back. Standing firm is the only way to make bullies back down.

A Masked Boobie

Friday's are for Boobies.

Don Your Robes, Justice Sotomayor

Congratulations to our newest Supreme Court Justice. The vote was 68-31 (Byrd was wheeled in; Kennedy still out), with no surprises.
I don't think she'll be all that liberal, perhaps more conservative than David Souter, and her seating won't change the balance of the court (still controlled by the five conservatives). But it's nice to see the court becoming more diverse.

Local Wind Power

Finally, a real plan for a wind power plant in our area. Anybody who lives around here knows that we have plenty of wind, especially east of town. I've hiked in the Grapevine Canyon area, and there's plenty of room for a wind farm. Here's the proposal:

Wind developers are proposing to build the first major wind farm near Flagstaff on a cattle ranch about 22 miles southeast of the city.

Foresight Wind Energy is proposing to install 130 to 330 large turbines on the Flying M Ranch east of Mormon Lake and tie into federally owned power lines. In all, the proposed project could cover 55 square miles, and if fully built-out, provide the equivalent of 500 megawatts of electricity. About 100 megawatts of electricity would power half of Flagstaff -- or 25,000 to 30,000 homes in the Southwest. A 500 megawatt project would power 125,000 homes.

http://www.azdailysun.com/articles/2009/08/05/news/20090805_front_201179.txt

I do have some concerns about the location. There are areas around that are far windier, but the Flying M ranch happens to be owned by the right people:

The Flying M Ranch is owned by the Metzger family, which runs cattle on a checkerboard of state and private land. Mandy Metzger is a Coconino County supervisor.

It kind of sucks that an otherwise good idea comes with a taint of cronyism. I know Mandy, and did some volunteer work on her campaign, so I'm really hoping that there's nothing corrupt behind the land choice. But it is a concern that I plan to discuss with her.

But I'm glad that we're about to harvest the wind. Now we need more solar plants to go along with it. Because, along with wind, sunshine is another thing we have in abundance here. Witness the mighty solar powered garbage can:

Happy Birthdays

A famous duo:

President Barack Obama, marking his 48th birthday, takes a break from his official duties to bring birthday greetings to veteran White House reporter Helen Thomas, left, who shares the same birthday and turns 89, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, in the White House Press Briefing Room in Washington. Helen Thomas has covered every president since John F. Kennedy. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/President-Barack-Obama/photo//090804/480/8841b1a7ac22491abf42182f222a1c15//s:/ap/20090804/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_obama_birthday_surprise

Happy wishes to both, but I think I'd have more fun at Helen's party. I bet she can tell some great stories.

Clinton in North Korea

Former President Bill Clinton is in Pyongyang, meeting with Kim Jong-Il:

Former President Bill Clinton met Tuesday with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il on the first day of a surprise visit to Pyongyang, with the "exhaustive" talks covering a wide range of topics, state-run media said.

Kim engaged Clinton in a "wide-ranging exchange of views on matters of common concern," the report said.

Clinton was in communist North Korea on a mission to secure the release of Americans Euna Lee and Laura Ling, reporters for former Vice President Al Gore's Current TV media venture who were arrested along the Chinese-North Korean border in March and sentenced in June to 12 years of hard labor for illegal entry and
engaging in "hostile acts."

A senior U.S. official confirmed to reporters traveling to Africa with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton that the former president was in North Korea to secure their release, but said the White House would not comment until the mission was complete.

"While this solely private mission to secure the release of two Americans is on the ground, we will have no comment," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a statement. "We do not want to jeopardize the success of former President Clinton's mission."

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111528528

This could be quite interesting. Clinton isn't the first former President to go to North Korea; Jimmy Carter went in 1994. But this is a whole new dynamic in international diplomacy, with the former President's wife being the current Secretary of State. Because of this, anything Bill says will be seen as official U.S. policy; even though he doesn't hold any official position, he carries an international gravitas unlike any other individual. In some ways that makes this a brilliant move with regard to the diplomatic impasse with North Korea, as the Obama administration can maintain a plausible distance from any concessions toward formal diplomatic relations, while creating an open conduit for communications. But there are perils with this move, by both creating a new GOP attack talking point and allowing Kim Jong-Il a new propaganda campaign. Relations with North Korea have been an almost impossible dilemma, with no good options available, but this may be the most creative diplomatic move in recent history. Because of the international respect for both Clintons, the world will pay attention.

We'll see how this all plays out, but I'm betting that Bill will get the journalists released. And that's a good place to start.

(Added: Well, that didn't take long. The journalists have been "pardoned", and that they will be released during Clinton's visit. Nice work, Bill Clinton.)

Connected

Or, more precisely, re-connected. The 'bootleg' wireless that I had been using (for free) has faded to the point of being almost non-existent, leaving me off the internet. So I've finally broken down and agreed to pay (shudder) for real internet service. It was a difficult decision for me, as one of the keys to surviving in poverty is being a tightwad. I pinch every penny until it is concave. But I really want to be here, so I've re-arranged my budget priorities enough to afford the service (but any donations will be gratefully accepted). This means I might post something beyond Boobies, and with greater frequency. Actual quality of posts will still be debatable.

Tentative Boobies

I'm sort of back, but my wireless is rather flacky. Have some Boobies while I work on the stories.

And That's The Way It Was....

…forty years ago, when I was a wee lad of 4 and put to bed early by my folks. Of course, on that magic night, when Neil and Buzz were to gambol on the lunar dust for the first time, my parents did me the courtesy of waking my sorry, skinny ass up and plonking me in front of the tee-vee to watch what was happening on the screen.

Not that I had no idea; schools were running non-stop with programs and studies of nothing but the “Space Program” and had been for years. Children of my day grew up wanting to be a fireman, a policeman, or an astronaut; the latter a profession that was unbelievable to even the previous generation. Due to my ignorance of astronomy (not atypical for a 4-year-old) and the lucky alignment of some stars, I actually believed I could see Columbia and Eagle near the moon during that week. Like I said, I was ignorant of a lot of things; probably, at age four, the last time that was ever charming. And, of course, the magic was damn near everywhere; supermarket clerks gushed on and on about it; next-door neighbors called each other over for cocktails and BBQ; the talking heads didn’t just babble on about it – instead, the whole freakin’ newscast covered basically nothing but the progress of the lunar voyage.

A-and, guess what?! We did it! When I say we, of course, I don’t mean that I, a dinky kid, had anything to do with it, nor am I so sure that it was all America’s doing, as there was a race that captivated the entire world at the time. It could have been just the zeitgeist of humanity during that decade, but there was a lot of forward-looking, progressive ideals shared worldwide, of which the space program was easily the most impressive.

Through it all, however, there needed to be a narrative, a tale told that would entice everyone to believe and to participate in the story, so that there would be, in today’s terms “buy-in” towards the idea. Luckily, the space program, was able to capture the world with the unimpeachable voice of a great and singular man: Walter Leland Cronkite, Jr.

Although Cronkite himself admitted to “much glee” during the lunar flights and could often be seen on camera smiling broadly and rubbing his hands together in anticipation, he was pretty much the voice of the networks when it came to following the Apollo program and especially Apollo 11, not to slight Shorty Powers, who was commonly known as the 8th Astronaut during the Mercury program. But by the time of Apollo, it was Cronkite who ruled the airwaves and mesmerized the audience with his commentary on the moon missions. His complete amazement and exuberant exclamation of “A man on the moon!” as Neil Armstrong walked down the LEM ladder on that day is one of the best monuments to that program.

His death today, coincident with the 40th anniversary remembrance of Apollo 11, is one of those serendipitous moments that life throws at us; Cronkite is probably best remembered not for Apollo 11, but for his outstanding coverage of the Cuabn missile crisis, JFKs assassination, his coverage of Vietnam and Watergate, and the fact that his persona embodied the concept of “news anchor”; a position that will likely never be equaled again given the fragmentation of news channels and organizations in our time. And this, after serving as one of the top American reporters during World War II, earning accolades in reporting bombing raids over Germany and later covering the Nuremberg trials.

In comparison, today’s “journalists” are, unfortunately, not cut from the same cloth. Quite possibly, because today’s journalists, much like today’s citizens haven’t really had to face too many crises; 9/11 notwithstanding, America has been a pretty safe place since the 70s. Because of this, they’ve never been “forged under fire” or “tested their mettle” or any other b.s. journalistic phrase. And if they have, they only had to once, before they got out, got a book contract, and retired to the lecture circuit. Versus, of course, the lifetime career of Cronkite.

In more recent years, he championed the idea of a freer political press, such that the press should provide free airtime to candidates as they pursue office; indeed, he argued for a provision to the Feingold-McCain Act to provide exactly that, although it was never attached.

We all knew he had been ill lately. But people have an illogical (but understandable) reason not to dwell on death, as we will all make friends eventually. He is survived not just by family, but by his mark on the world: a Cronkite school of Journalism (at ASU) and the leading journalistic award, the Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism. And, I am sure that his voluminous collected papers will continue to show his outstanding ability for years to come.

RIP, Walter Cronkite. May the hereafter stand your observation and commentary. May any celestial tapes be preserved so that if the rest of us ever get there, we can follow your reporting on the items beyond our ken. In the meantime, we’ll be content ourselves to remember and admire your work here and aspire to follow in your steadfast footsteps of curiosity, honesty and integrity.

The Friday Booby

And this time it's a baby! Pictured alone at the nest because Mom and Dad are probably out getting some food....