There is a great deal of anger amongst progressives today. And rightfully so. We have seen the most important political initiative in the last several decades be shanghaied by a petulant, spoiled brat. All the bad things they are saying about him are absolutely true. He was against the misuse of the filibuster until recently. He favored universal coverage, or so he said in his 2006 campaign. He was THE advocate for a medicare buy-in, and endorsed it as recently as September. And he told the New York Times today that when he realized that liberals actually liked the medicare buy-in, he decided to turn against it. Unbelievable. This so far exceeds any decent politics, even in today's hyper-partisan era (at least from the Republicans), that it borders into the realm of evil. And I do not say that lightly.
So what do we do about Traitor Joe? It is so tempting to strip him of his chairmanship. It would mean so much to expel him from the caucus. But none of that gets us health care.
Whatever we do or don't do to our pseudo-President, we cannot lose sight of so many in need of better health care. I say pass whatever's left of the bill, concentrating on reforms such as pre-existing conditions and improving access. Then pass a medicare buy-in and/or truly robust public option as a reconciliation bill. Does anyone think that the Republicans wouldn't have the stones to do it if it what they wanted to? IT WOULD ALREADY BE DONE.
We also need to reform the Senate rules so that a tiny group of industry protectionists can NEVER do this again. The simplest way to do it would be for Harry Reid to effect a change in filibuster rules, which can be done by a simple majority vote. Set it at 55. Or make all filibusters true filibusters - get your frickin' dictionary and hold the floor as long as you can. Again if it were the Republicans, and they had been filibustered a record number of times, IT WOULD ALREADY BE DONE.
The best way to deal with A--hole-In-Chief Lieberman is to mute his power through reconciliation and changes in the filibuster. Reduce his irritating yapping to background noise. And by the way, Connecticut citizens - think about a anti-spoiled brat rule in your state and federal elections - if you lose your primary, you can't turn around and run as an independent.
He makes me sick to my stomach, but let's keep our eye on the prize. There must be true reform and true choice. Do not give up the fight.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Pallin' with Palin Update: The Independent Run Looms
Since stating several months ago that she would run Third Party/Independent for President in 2012, around the time of her resignation as Governor of Alaska, I think subsequent events only continue to bear this out. She endorsed a third party choice in NY-23, causing a huge uproar in the Republican Party. Her candidate succeeded in sidelining the Republican, but also created an opening for a narrow victory by the Democrat (first win in that district in over a century).
Her book has been unkind towards her Republican handlers, showing she is completely willing to burn bridges (including those that seem to go nowhere). Her book tour shows no inclination towards any conventional wisdom in her conduct. It does show she's mostly interested in Sarah, with $16 photos, controlled media and SarahPac promotions. Her remarks have shown no sensitivity to pragmatic politics, and often created more media frenzy than they warranted.
As I stated in the original Pallin' with Palin article, she has no desire to run the gauntlet of Republican debates and primaries. She can run from day one her own way by becoming an Independent. She will probably do this by grasping the controls of emerging and/or existing parties, including the growing Tea Party movement, and perhaps the Constitution and Reform parties, It would also be a major coup to secure the Libertarian Party nomination, which Bob Barr has shown can be shanghaied by an outsider.
Depending on circumstances, she could garner anywhere from five to twenty per cent of the vote. She could possibly win a handful of extremely conservative states. I doubt that this in itself would be enough to jeopardize the election of a mainstream candidate, but politics is full of surprises. If unemployment remains or soars, do not expect the reaction of the American people to be rational. The 1930s were a rocky time in World history, with the Depression bringing out extreme virulent forms of fascism and communism. Thank God we had FDR and his confident pragmatism to steer us through. We can only pray that Obama has the same ability to see us through, and that as a nation our political maturity has not deteriorated. If not, then the minor threat of Palin may turn into the biggest disaster this nation has ever faced.
Her book has been unkind towards her Republican handlers, showing she is completely willing to burn bridges (including those that seem to go nowhere). Her book tour shows no inclination towards any conventional wisdom in her conduct. It does show she's mostly interested in Sarah, with $16 photos, controlled media and SarahPac promotions. Her remarks have shown no sensitivity to pragmatic politics, and often created more media frenzy than they warranted.
As I stated in the original Pallin' with Palin article, she has no desire to run the gauntlet of Republican debates and primaries. She can run from day one her own way by becoming an Independent. She will probably do this by grasping the controls of emerging and/or existing parties, including the growing Tea Party movement, and perhaps the Constitution and Reform parties, It would also be a major coup to secure the Libertarian Party nomination, which Bob Barr has shown can be shanghaied by an outsider.
Depending on circumstances, she could garner anywhere from five to twenty per cent of the vote. She could possibly win a handful of extremely conservative states. I doubt that this in itself would be enough to jeopardize the election of a mainstream candidate, but politics is full of surprises. If unemployment remains or soars, do not expect the reaction of the American people to be rational. The 1930s were a rocky time in World history, with the Depression bringing out extreme virulent forms of fascism and communism. Thank God we had FDR and his confident pragmatism to steer us through. We can only pray that Obama has the same ability to see us through, and that as a nation our political maturity has not deteriorated. If not, then the minor threat of Palin may turn into the biggest disaster this nation has ever faced.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Sci Fi on TV - What the Hell do you Want?
I have noticed this phenomenon for many years, but it seems particularly pronounced right now. A science fiction program will open with great and/or spectacular ratings, and then those ratings will rapidly deteriorate over subsequent episodes. This has been most pronounced recently with the premieres of Flash Forward and V. Both opened up to great ratings, both had sharp audience declines in subsequent weeks. The ratings are also dropping for returning series Fringe and Heroes. If they continue to go down, we may be left awash in a sea of reality shows, doctor soaps and crime procedurals.
If science fiction was unpopular, it wouldn't get the initial ratings that it does. So my question out there to all my loyal followers, and the proud few who blindly stumble across this blog is WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT? What is it in the science fiction series that come on that make you sample but not stick? What is it that you're looking for but not finding?
Although some science fiction programs have had some success in the ratings, few have been consistent top ten programs. The X-Files had the most success in that regard. I think it worked because it was a crime procedural in scifi clothing. It also had a heavy case of the week feel. There were continuing elements, but they were almost secondary (at least for most of it's run). Lost flirted with top ten status initially, but now is more of a cult/DVR/demographic hit. It's emphasis on character and de-emphasis on scifi elements probably helped it early on. Burt as the story grew more complex and clearly scifi, it's fan base shrank some (although vocal and hard core).
Another trend I worry about is the USAfication of scifi shows. USA Network specializes in shows that are light, airy, built on amusing interplay between quirky but likable leads, with a de-emphasis on continuing elements. SyFy is gravitating to these kinds of shows, with Eureka and Warehouse 13. These aren't horrible shows, but they're nowhere near as filling as such greats as Battlestar Galactica, Buffy, Pushing Daisies, Firefly and hell, even Dollhouse.
Well, that's just some thoughts I have on a genre that I haven't blogged about until now, but it is a big part of my life. I really would appreciate some feedback from others as to what they may be looking for in science fiction television.
And then, later, maybe we can talk about comic books!
If science fiction was unpopular, it wouldn't get the initial ratings that it does. So my question out there to all my loyal followers, and the proud few who blindly stumble across this blog is WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT? What is it in the science fiction series that come on that make you sample but not stick? What is it that you're looking for but not finding?
Although some science fiction programs have had some success in the ratings, few have been consistent top ten programs. The X-Files had the most success in that regard. I think it worked because it was a crime procedural in scifi clothing. It also had a heavy case of the week feel. There were continuing elements, but they were almost secondary (at least for most of it's run). Lost flirted with top ten status initially, but now is more of a cult/DVR/demographic hit. It's emphasis on character and de-emphasis on scifi elements probably helped it early on. Burt as the story grew more complex and clearly scifi, it's fan base shrank some (although vocal and hard core).
Another trend I worry about is the USAfication of scifi shows. USA Network specializes in shows that are light, airy, built on amusing interplay between quirky but likable leads, with a de-emphasis on continuing elements. SyFy is gravitating to these kinds of shows, with Eureka and Warehouse 13. These aren't horrible shows, but they're nowhere near as filling as such greats as Battlestar Galactica, Buffy, Pushing Daisies, Firefly and hell, even Dollhouse.
Well, that's just some thoughts I have on a genre that I haven't blogged about until now, but it is a big part of my life. I really would appreciate some feedback from others as to what they may be looking for in science fiction television.
And then, later, maybe we can talk about comic books!
Friday, November 13, 2009
The Magnificent Effect of Gamma Rays on a High School One Act
This is the cast of Pierce County High School's One Act Competition play, The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, which Alison and I had the recent pleasure of attending a special showing. It was a sharp. well-edited 55 minute version of the Broadway play that was first performed some forty years ago. It won it's region here in the Southeast part of Georgia, and will soon be going to the State Tournament where I wish them all the best in the world. I have seen many productions in my life, but have rarely seen one with a such a brilliant ensemble cast. Kudos to the crew who helped this production run flawlessly.
Georgia one-act productions allows many bells and whistles. They could be competing against musicals, elaborate sets, larger casts, productions from much larger and better-financed programs. But I don't think that's going to matter. Because ultimately the theatre is about acting. Can the cast draw you into their world? Are they believable in the way they interact with each other? Does the story reach out to you and grab you in a way that moves you and makes you think? This play does that, as the small cast of five have learned one of the greatest secrets of theatre - that it's about not just actions but REACTIONS. It's seen in the moments when one young daughter reaches out to connect to her mother, and slowly fades away as she realizes the connection will not be made. It's seen in the mother's realization that she's trapped, going from complete despair to manic decision to do whatever it takes to break out. Or in a rebuffed daughter's desire to hurt her mother with the sharpest words she can muster.
Georgia one-act productions allows many bells and whistles. They could be competing against musicals, elaborate sets, larger casts, productions from much larger and better-financed programs. But I don't think that's going to matter. Because ultimately the theatre is about acting. Can the cast draw you into their world? Are they believable in the way they interact with each other? Does the story reach out to you and grab you in a way that moves you and makes you think? This play does that, as the small cast of five have learned one of the greatest secrets of theatre - that it's about not just actions but REACTIONS. It's seen in the moments when one young daughter reaches out to connect to her mother, and slowly fades away as she realizes the connection will not be made. It's seen in the mother's realization that she's trapped, going from complete despair to manic decision to do whatever it takes to break out. Or in a rebuffed daughter's desire to hurt her mother with the sharpest words she can muster.
I must also point out that none of this is possible without a superior drama teacher, Angela Manders. She has led them to four consecutive Regional wins. In my forty-plus years of theatre experience I have seen few who can draw so much of the potential out of students. Pierce County is truly blessed to have her, and she has made an indelible difference in the lives of the students who have come through her program.
It is strange. When I go to the movie theatre, I want to see splash and big effects and exciting, snappy stories. I love Star Wars and Indian Jones and Lord of the rings and all the melodramatic sturm und drang that the cinema can muster. Straight dramas with little flair bore me. I wonder why they're not on TV instead of the big screen.
Theatre, however, strikes me as the opposite. The flash and pyrotechnics leave me kinda cold and disinterested. But when an intimate drama is well-acted and I can see the characters react and grow, that to me is the epitome of the dramatic experience.
The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-moon Marigolds, as performed by the Pierce County Drama Group, represents that epitome.
To the State...and beyond!
It is strange. When I go to the movie theatre, I want to see splash and big effects and exciting, snappy stories. I love Star Wars and Indian Jones and Lord of the rings and all the melodramatic sturm und drang that the cinema can muster. Straight dramas with little flair bore me. I wonder why they're not on TV instead of the big screen.
Theatre, however, strikes me as the opposite. The flash and pyrotechnics leave me kinda cold and disinterested. But when an intimate drama is well-acted and I can see the characters react and grow, that to me is the epitome of the dramatic experience.
The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-moon Marigolds, as performed by the Pierce County Drama Group, represents that epitome.
To the State...and beyond!
UPDATE: This outstanding production did indeed win the state competition Saturday! It won against larger, more elaborate and expensive productions. In the end, however, talent will out. They blinded them with Science! And outstanding characterizations! Kudos to all involved!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Messin' With TaxSquatch
With unemployment now at 10.2%, it is imperative that job creation be number one on the President's agenda. That doesn't mean the health care needs to be set aside, as it is one of the most important things to set right if we are to move forward. And I do believe from listening to the President earlier today that he understands this and will be doing everything he can to improve the situation. Infrastructure spending, greening the economy, extending unemployment compensation and job training, increasing the flow of credit to small businesses and community banks - these are all tremendously important, positive steps. But I was also discouraged to hear him mention tax cuts to businesses as another solution.
I am sick to death of politicians, on the right, left, and everywhere in between trying to solve our problems by dicking with the tax code. They see it as a way to influence and shape American life, and all they're doing are making things more and more complicated and unfair. As a CPA, I see the illogic and stupidity every day. All we've succeeded in doing is making the tax code so convoluted that nobody can really follow it. Anybody with more than a W2 has to seek out help. Great for my profession, but not so hot for the American people.
Although campaign finance reform and more competitive elections (more parties, instant runoffs, etc) would go the longest way towards improving our political system, our tax code is another major culprit. Lobbyists swarm Capitol Hill in large part to get the tax code to favor the groups they represent. And more often than not, Congress is happy to oblige.
Does messing with the tax code actually accomplish anything beneficial? Sometimes, maybe. The First Time Homebuyer's Credit may have temporarily stimulated the housing market. But it has done nothing to address the underlying problem - there is a growing mismatch between what people make and how much a home costs. A larger and larger share of income has to go into the purchase of a decent home.
Any tax change that relieves one group may wind up costing another group more money. Unless you're willing to run up large deficits (uhh, well, maybe they are), somebody has to make up for the credit/deduction you've given to someone else. Relieving property tax for a certain class of taxpayer may just raise the rates for another group.
So yes, let's solve the job crisis! But don't waste money on ineffective tax gimmicks. Let's rebuild this country for the future!
I am sick to death of politicians, on the right, left, and everywhere in between trying to solve our problems by dicking with the tax code. They see it as a way to influence and shape American life, and all they're doing are making things more and more complicated and unfair. As a CPA, I see the illogic and stupidity every day. All we've succeeded in doing is making the tax code so convoluted that nobody can really follow it. Anybody with more than a W2 has to seek out help. Great for my profession, but not so hot for the American people.
Although campaign finance reform and more competitive elections (more parties, instant runoffs, etc) would go the longest way towards improving our political system, our tax code is another major culprit. Lobbyists swarm Capitol Hill in large part to get the tax code to favor the groups they represent. And more often than not, Congress is happy to oblige.
Does messing with the tax code actually accomplish anything beneficial? Sometimes, maybe. The First Time Homebuyer's Credit may have temporarily stimulated the housing market. But it has done nothing to address the underlying problem - there is a growing mismatch between what people make and how much a home costs. A larger and larger share of income has to go into the purchase of a decent home.
Any tax change that relieves one group may wind up costing another group more money. Unless you're willing to run up large deficits (uhh, well, maybe they are), somebody has to make up for the credit/deduction you've given to someone else. Relieving property tax for a certain class of taxpayer may just raise the rates for another group.
So yes, let's solve the job crisis! But don't waste money on ineffective tax gimmicks. Let's rebuild this country for the future!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Play Boys
Recently, I had the honor of being in a play with my youngest son, Benjamin. It was a local production of Alice, adapted by the very talented Derrick Woods, who also played the Mad Hatter. I was the King of Hearts and Benjamin was a messenger (also a guinea pig juror and a croquet ball!). In the picture on the bottom, I have asked for news from the town, he says he needs to whisper it to me, and gets me bent down where he can yell in my ear. This is a picture that Alison took while the play was being performed.
The picture on the top is of the two of us and Alice busily running in place. Alice was performed by Michelle Hester, a junior high age student who was an extraordinarily wonderful performer. I also recently saw her sing in a talent show, and she was excellent - Miley Cyrus should count her blessings that she has a famous father because she would have a tough time competing with Michelle.
The whole production was put on by The Flying Dragons Art Center, one of the best up and coming little theaters in the Southeast. If you are are anywhere near Waycross, Georgia, you need to check out their schedule and be sure to come. The acting and storytelling is superb, family involvement is great, the sets are incredible.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Reagan Babies
Recently, some of the right wing extremists were very upset that some elementary school kids had sung a song that had Obama in it. They were worried that our school system would be used to indoctrinate our youth in Obama's evil socialist agenda.
Well. obviously they're completely wrong about the socialist agenda. And Obama's contact with our schools hasn't been any different than any other President we've ever had.
But they are right about one thing. They're right to be worried. Very often, who is President of the United States can form a deep impression on a young person. I was young during the Kennedy administration and I can remember looking up to him and the promise of the New Society he was trying to build.
Likewise, many people in their 20s to 40s were deeply impacted by the long reign of Reagan and his ultra-conservative philosophy. It is now so much a part of who they are and what they think, it is hard for them to picture anything different. They know the government is evil because Reagan told them so.
But know we have a new President, one who is making a different impression on our youth, and there is nothing the Reagan babies can do about. Children who believe in the promise of equal opportunity, who have once again added government back to their box of crayons. I know because my son Benjamin is one of them. It's not insidious. it's just the way thing are.
So watch out, Reagan babies! Make way for the Obama Babies!
Well. obviously they're completely wrong about the socialist agenda. And Obama's contact with our schools hasn't been any different than any other President we've ever had.
But they are right about one thing. They're right to be worried. Very often, who is President of the United States can form a deep impression on a young person. I was young during the Kennedy administration and I can remember looking up to him and the promise of the New Society he was trying to build.
Likewise, many people in their 20s to 40s were deeply impacted by the long reign of Reagan and his ultra-conservative philosophy. It is now so much a part of who they are and what they think, it is hard for them to picture anything different. They know the government is evil because Reagan told them so.
But know we have a new President, one who is making a different impression on our youth, and there is nothing the Reagan babies can do about. Children who believe in the promise of equal opportunity, who have once again added government back to their box of crayons. I know because my son Benjamin is one of them. It's not insidious. it's just the way thing are.
So watch out, Reagan babies! Make way for the Obama Babies!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)