As some had predicted, the Iranian-American journalist jailed in Tehran has been released and leftists the planet over are in thrall. “Shocking and wonderful” gushed PBS while several network talking heads speculated this might be sign of a “thaw” in U.S.-Iranian relations. Good golly Ms. Molly, I too am happy for the young woman, but to ascribe this as a “humanitarian gesture” is ludicrous. A bit like robbing a bank then giving half back and expecting to be nominated for Citizen of the Year.
#####
I have suggested that we monitor closely the promises made by our new President for an indication of progress on his pledge to bring honesty, transparency, and integrity to Washington. Broken political promises are as common as skeeters on a stagnant summer pond, but liberals (who harbor metaphysical convictions of moral superiority) typically sashay into office with promises to vanquish past malevolence.
Recall Pilosi’s “culture of Republican corruption” (witness LA congressman Jefferson; cabinet nominees Richardson, Daschle, et al; tax cheats Geithner, Killefer, et al, former Democrat Governor Blagojevitch, etc). And I could bore you with similar assurances by Carter and Clinton. Suffice to say that despite liberal smirking arrogance, there is enough malfeasance on both sides of the aisle to thrill a cosmic Lucifer scrambling to fill his annual quota of lost souls.
There are already serious fissures in the litany of Obama promises, and a swarm of skepticism on his ability to deliver on others. If passed in its current form, Cap & Trade will (even Democrats agree) increase the taxes of all those who use gas, electricity, and other utilities. Well, Cap & Trade is not technically a tax, but I wonder how much comfort is derived by Americans having their pockets lightened through sleight of word that assigns the filch a more politically palatable (i.e. deceptive) moniker.
We now hear from a White House source that the Chrysler bankruptcy, which our President promised would take 30-60 days, may in fact stretch out for 2 years! But wait. The official noted that the promise related only to the “sale of Chrysler's best assets to a new entity.” Wow, was that fierce wind I just experienced a massive spin twirling across the land?
Add the closing of Guantanamo, reduction of the debt by 50%, health care for all paid for by none, et al. Yes, yes, yes, stipulated there is no monopoly on breaking promises, but the arrogance of one who in the most precise and concrete terms assures us that the villainy of the past will exist no more, and who in his first 100 days is already shattering pledges with the ferocity of plates crashing at a Greek wedding, suggests that the hope for a more honest future is no less illusive than peace on earth or a controversy-free Miss USA pageant.
#####
Note to Europe: The EU is flexing its regulatory muscle, with the latest smackdown a nearly $1.5 billion fine levied on Intel. Be prepared for pushback focused on European firms rushing to snap up American commercial assets at fire sale prices. Sometimes when you start a stone rolling downhill it crushes unintended targets.
Set a trap for Cheney; catch a Pilosi!
#####
Conservatives have long complained of a double standard in American politics. Liberals roll their eyes and sue for secession of the whining, as one would admonish a petulant child. But examples abound. When Abu Greib surfaced several years ago, liberal outrage generated a virtual firestorm of demand for full disclosure and worldwide circulation of grizzly and humiliating photos. Yet now when a new round of abuse is uncovered our President is hailed as patriotic for refusing to release images “that might endanger our troops.” If disclosure is wrong now it was wrong then.
Republican Senator Mark Hatfield was drummed out of Washington after being accused of a pattern of inappropriate behavior, but when a Democrat President was found to have had sex in the White House – The People’s House – with a young intern under his control, and then lied about it, somehow this became a “personal affair,” unworthy of public concern. Women’s groups that marshaled relentless salvos against Hatfield called the Clinton affair “unfortunate.” D’ya think?
Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott lost his leadership position after making an offhand (and non-incendiary) comment at a birthday celebration for former segregationist Strom Thurmond. Now Leader Pelosi appears caught in a web of deceit about her knowledge of “enhanced” interrogation techniques and is transferring the accusation of deception to the CIA in an attempt to squirm out of the box. We’ll see how this transpires, but you will find none of my breath held in anticipation.
It raises the question of whether public indifference, conservative ineptitude, or liberal connivance is responsible for this phenomenon. All three, perhaps, but exist it does.
#####
This post is heavily larded with political commentary (actually, an assault on hypocrisy, a favorite theme), but the tracks are nearly repaired, the ticketing machine is oiled and clacking away, and the engineer has donned his blue and white striped uniform and red kerchief, so soon there may be observations more serene if less compelling. All aboard…
.
.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
2009-13 GEORGETOWN
I am now officially a Twit! Yes, after my rude comments, I have joined the Twitter throng. Tho I can’t imagine any of you so socially deficient as to “follow” me, be assured that any so inclined will learn nothing of my personal hygiene habits or daily meanderings. But as a fan of technology to circulate useful information, I have come to suspect there may be disaster situations where the portal will prove some worth. We’ll see.
#####
I am working on the railroad! Long time faithful readers may recall that this time last year I completed a brief stint in Montana as a telephone book delivery person. While it did little to enhance my resume, it afforded the opportunity to drive in solitude through a swatch of M. Nature’s most spectacular back yard, from Yellowstone on the Wyoming border north toward Canada. And to meet some truly interesting characters, and a fair share of nimrods. A menial job with some splendid percs.
The Georgetown Loop Railroad was completed in 1884 to transport silver from the steep crags of Clear Creek Canyon south toward Denver. A true engineering marvel of the day, it employed a corkscrew route of switchbacks, horseshoe curves, steep grades and 4 bridges across Clear Creek. It was abandoned in 1938 and rebuilt by the Colorado Historical Society in 1984. I’m told that my responsibilities will be diverse, from flogging subscriptions to the Historical Society to shooing critters off the tracks. http://www.georgetownlooprr.com/ All aboard!
#####
As American banks scurry to raise private capital, typically referred to as senior debt, I wonder if any investor in his/her right mind would advance a single sou. Because financial and economic considerations are no longer the determining factors in whether to invest. Preservation of capital and risk-reward ratios are now dwarfed by the question of whether our President will appear on TV to condemn and shame you from his bully pulpit.
Such was the outcome for Chrysler senior bond holders who balked at getting less return for their investment than junior debt holders or unions. Our normally ebullient Chief Executive appeared petulant in the nationally televised news conference, reflecting perhaps the first time in his initial 100 days that he had not received absolute obedience to his demands.
I possess neither the qualifications nor inclination to present a tutorial on Finance 101. Suffice to say that senior debt holders accept reduced reward in return for diminished risk. Our President has apparently decided to jettison this centuries-old pillar of capitalism and was aghast when someone had the temerity to say “Sorry, the real world isn’t supposed to work that way.” Then in classic fashion (you may have wondered why it’s called a “bully” pulpit), he labeled them “speculators” and “hedge fund operators,” a term which almost no one understands but has become emblematic of the worst of capitalist society.
#####
There are certain common and uncomplicated daily acts which I have been unable to master. Like smiling. It joins my love of good food and drink as traits I share with the French. I have nothing against the act, just that I find little to smile about. And hand-washing, which is much in fashion now that Swine Flu has become a staple of the planetary diet. Small talk as well (the refuge of small minds), and unrestrained laughter.
#####
The latest liberal sound bite is to christen the Republican establishment “The party of no.” I find the term perfectly acceptable in many situations. My namesake George Will supported this position on a recent Stephanopoulos Sunday talk show. Once again Paul Krugman distinguished himself by suggesting that the Republican party is in a “death spiral” while Mr. Will responded that after the Goldwater debacle of 1964 similar predictions were made by giddy liberals, yet 4 years later a resurgent GOP moved into the White House and stayed for 28 of the next 40 years.
And by the way, the much ballyhooed “bipartisanship” does not entail tossing overboard one’s core values and cherished principles. It has historically involved compromise and an honest search for middle ground. Contrary to “no,” Republicans have answered every Obama initiative (TALP, Stimulus, Budget) with alternatives that have been thoroughly and absolutely rejected by the Majority. One would think they could find some small area of agreement so at least to make a plausible case for cooperation across the aisle. Of course Republicans stand accused of similar tactics while in power, but so much for recent pledges to change the partisan culture of Washington.
#####
I have spoken of my admiration for my President’s grand plans coupled with my concern over their implementation. Naval Station Guantanamo is turning out to be illustrative. With great flourish just hours after the Inauguration he “closed” the asylum without a clue what to do with the remaining inmates. As with so much of his soaring rhetoric, there is far more in the elocution than the execution, leaving pesky details to be resolved in time.
Yet we now have a scarcity of allies willing to share in the incarceration going forward, and the few which might be interested dabble in torture. Not to mention the mad scramble of local and state officials and Congressfolk to declare “anywhere but NIMBY.” That is with the exception of Hardin, Montana, whose city fathers and mothers built a 400 bed jail to which they have been unsuccessful in enticing other jurisdictions to send their poor and huddled criminals.
Bring em on, they cry, while residents of nearby Billings, the state’s largest metropolis, twitch nervously. Grand plans absent commensurate solutions breed unpleasant consequences.
…Just a dusting of snow this morning, so perhaps Spring is truly on the way. All Aboard…
.
.
#####
I am working on the railroad! Long time faithful readers may recall that this time last year I completed a brief stint in Montana as a telephone book delivery person. While it did little to enhance my resume, it afforded the opportunity to drive in solitude through a swatch of M. Nature’s most spectacular back yard, from Yellowstone on the Wyoming border north toward Canada. And to meet some truly interesting characters, and a fair share of nimrods. A menial job with some splendid percs.
The Georgetown Loop Railroad was completed in 1884 to transport silver from the steep crags of Clear Creek Canyon south toward Denver. A true engineering marvel of the day, it employed a corkscrew route of switchbacks, horseshoe curves, steep grades and 4 bridges across Clear Creek. It was abandoned in 1938 and rebuilt by the Colorado Historical Society in 1984. I’m told that my responsibilities will be diverse, from flogging subscriptions to the Historical Society to shooing critters off the tracks. http://www.georgetownlooprr.com/ All aboard!
#####
As American banks scurry to raise private capital, typically referred to as senior debt, I wonder if any investor in his/her right mind would advance a single sou. Because financial and economic considerations are no longer the determining factors in whether to invest. Preservation of capital and risk-reward ratios are now dwarfed by the question of whether our President will appear on TV to condemn and shame you from his bully pulpit.
Such was the outcome for Chrysler senior bond holders who balked at getting less return for their investment than junior debt holders or unions. Our normally ebullient Chief Executive appeared petulant in the nationally televised news conference, reflecting perhaps the first time in his initial 100 days that he had not received absolute obedience to his demands.
I possess neither the qualifications nor inclination to present a tutorial on Finance 101. Suffice to say that senior debt holders accept reduced reward in return for diminished risk. Our President has apparently decided to jettison this centuries-old pillar of capitalism and was aghast when someone had the temerity to say “Sorry, the real world isn’t supposed to work that way.” Then in classic fashion (you may have wondered why it’s called a “bully” pulpit), he labeled them “speculators” and “hedge fund operators,” a term which almost no one understands but has become emblematic of the worst of capitalist society.
#####
There are certain common and uncomplicated daily acts which I have been unable to master. Like smiling. It joins my love of good food and drink as traits I share with the French. I have nothing against the act, just that I find little to smile about. And hand-washing, which is much in fashion now that Swine Flu has become a staple of the planetary diet. Small talk as well (the refuge of small minds), and unrestrained laughter.
#####
The latest liberal sound bite is to christen the Republican establishment “The party of no.” I find the term perfectly acceptable in many situations. My namesake George Will supported this position on a recent Stephanopoulos Sunday talk show. Once again Paul Krugman distinguished himself by suggesting that the Republican party is in a “death spiral” while Mr. Will responded that after the Goldwater debacle of 1964 similar predictions were made by giddy liberals, yet 4 years later a resurgent GOP moved into the White House and stayed for 28 of the next 40 years.
And by the way, the much ballyhooed “bipartisanship” does not entail tossing overboard one’s core values and cherished principles. It has historically involved compromise and an honest search for middle ground. Contrary to “no,” Republicans have answered every Obama initiative (TALP, Stimulus, Budget) with alternatives that have been thoroughly and absolutely rejected by the Majority. One would think they could find some small area of agreement so at least to make a plausible case for cooperation across the aisle. Of course Republicans stand accused of similar tactics while in power, but so much for recent pledges to change the partisan culture of Washington.
#####
I have spoken of my admiration for my President’s grand plans coupled with my concern over their implementation. Naval Station Guantanamo is turning out to be illustrative. With great flourish just hours after the Inauguration he “closed” the asylum without a clue what to do with the remaining inmates. As with so much of his soaring rhetoric, there is far more in the elocution than the execution, leaving pesky details to be resolved in time.
Yet we now have a scarcity of allies willing to share in the incarceration going forward, and the few which might be interested dabble in torture. Not to mention the mad scramble of local and state officials and Congressfolk to declare “anywhere but NIMBY.” That is with the exception of Hardin, Montana, whose city fathers and mothers built a 400 bed jail to which they have been unsuccessful in enticing other jurisdictions to send their poor and huddled criminals.
Bring em on, they cry, while residents of nearby Billings, the state’s largest metropolis, twitch nervously. Grand plans absent commensurate solutions breed unpleasant consequences.
…Just a dusting of snow this morning, so perhaps Spring is truly on the way. All Aboard…
.
.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
2009-12 BOZEMAN
A new week and another depressing news cycle. While much of the planet is gearing up to panic over Swine Flu or reeling over the Spector/Souter bombshells, I am in haute colore over H and ZAP. These may not be familiar terms, as the networks, cable outlets, and New York Times apparently deem them unworthy of commentary. But the dread FOXNews, in yet another example of anti-politically correct hooliganism had the temerity to inform me of the latest feel-good craze sweeping our nation’s middle and high schools.
Apparently a growing number of our cradles of learning are scuttling the grade “F” in favor of “H” for Hold, and “ZAP” for Zeros Aren’t Permitted. It seems that massive studies conducted with federal grant money have determined that failure is generating angst in the nation’s young. So now when you miss the minimum work requirements in a class you receive an H, which I gather is saying “you failed but it doesn’t matter, so don’t let it upset you.”
Since zeros are typically assigned for failure to complete and turn in required assignments, you now avoid a goose egg and are assigned a ZAP. This affords the opportunity to express remorse and complete the requirement late. No deadlines are established of course, but there have been suggestions that a series of ZAPs could possibly lead to a final grade of H. No official response yet from the Obama Administration, but in its rush to create a blameless society (unless you are a banker or business executive, of course) I anticipate its tacit if not overt approval. And so we transition from “No child left behind” to “No youngster inconvenienced.”
The liberal Senator and Ambassador Daniel Patrick Monaghan addressed with eloquence and passion the debilitating “dumbing down of America” and its demoralizing effects on the body politic. But even more egregious than moral decay are the economic and social effects. Children in increasing numbers will graduate with a straight H average, but because they have not mastered the most basic of skills they are labeled victims, unable to find meaningful work, prime candidates to be scammed by unscrupulous businessfolk, and destined to be shunned by their more learned brethren and sistern. But, praise be, their psyches will remain intact. It hurts my head!
#####
Conscience or cacodoxy? Arlan Spector’s ship jump is cataclysmically good or bad depending on which side of the aisle you hang your hat. When Al Franken finally takes his seat in the Senate as most expect he eventually will, Democrats will control The White House and have veto-proof majorities in both Houses of Congress, the political nirvana of which most can only dream. Or so thought Bill Clinton when he was so anointed in 1992, only to watch in horror as significant defections from his own party torpedoed his healthcare initiative.
I have respected Spector even though we often disagreed. But the reality that he might have lost a conservative challenge from his own party taints the move a bit and suggests a wiff of self preservation. Party affiliation changes have occurred rarely but consistently throughout the history of our Republic, but never with such potential watershed effect as this. Two months ago he affirmed in plainspoken terms that he would forever remain a Republican. Then he reviewed polls which suggested he may have difficulty in the next Republican primary. Not the highest moral conviction on record nor a Profile in Courage. But in truth he has voted increasingly as a Democrat, and so the change was de facto in any event.
David Broder’s withering column in the NYT was captioned “Spector the Defector.” Perhaps the most respected journalist in America today, he noted an unbroken history of decisions based on what was best for Spector, not his constituents nor the country.
But now the stage is set for the perfect partisan political storm. Absolutely nothing stands in our President’s way to drive the country in any direction he so chooses. But be careful what you wish for. This move goes a long way toward finally transferring ownership of the nation from Bush to Obama. As I have said before, success will certainly reward the Democrats, but they may now find that the coin has a second side. The Democrat Party now has the absolute power to fix or further flummox the nation. When things go wrong for them, the standard plaint “we inherited a mess” will carry less weight. They are now in a position to make things right, and the electorate will judge them accordingly.
#####
Speaking of watersheds, If it transpires that Chrysler and GM unions gain majority ownership of the struggling automakers as it now appears, there will exist an historic opportunity to test the veracity of a century of bitter complaint. American unions cry consistent and loud that management deficiencies are the primary and perhaps only relevant factors in business failures, and level more powerful and incendiary charges that American business is the planetary Black Bart when dealing with the abused and downtrodden American worker. Perhaps now that they are poised to ascend to the driver’s seat we will have a chance to compare their stewardship to the oft discredited practices of the past. Be careful what you wish for…
#####
I have watched daily White House press briefings since they were first televised nearly a half century ago. Never have I witnessed such genial, even convivial interaction between Press Secretary and the press. The laughter and good-natured banter often sounds more like a cocktail gathering of close acquaintances than a forum for digging out the truth. Make of this what you will, but I think it not unreasonable to suggest it supports kvetching from the right that the nation’s press corps is overwhelmingly liberal and therefore inclined (whether overtly or subliminally) to favor progressive causes. In any event it is abundantly clear that our watchdog press is snoozing through the greatest political shift in America since FDR.
#####
May Day! Snow Day! Colorado is dry but as I depart the Gallatin Valley wending south, we may get an additional foot on the road today. I know I was just complaining about the lack of white precip, but I am ready for Spring. Be careful what you wish for…
.
.
Apparently a growing number of our cradles of learning are scuttling the grade “F” in favor of “H” for Hold, and “ZAP” for Zeros Aren’t Permitted. It seems that massive studies conducted with federal grant money have determined that failure is generating angst in the nation’s young. So now when you miss the minimum work requirements in a class you receive an H, which I gather is saying “you failed but it doesn’t matter, so don’t let it upset you.”
Since zeros are typically assigned for failure to complete and turn in required assignments, you now avoid a goose egg and are assigned a ZAP. This affords the opportunity to express remorse and complete the requirement late. No deadlines are established of course, but there have been suggestions that a series of ZAPs could possibly lead to a final grade of H. No official response yet from the Obama Administration, but in its rush to create a blameless society (unless you are a banker or business executive, of course) I anticipate its tacit if not overt approval. And so we transition from “No child left behind” to “No youngster inconvenienced.”
The liberal Senator and Ambassador Daniel Patrick Monaghan addressed with eloquence and passion the debilitating “dumbing down of America” and its demoralizing effects on the body politic. But even more egregious than moral decay are the economic and social effects. Children in increasing numbers will graduate with a straight H average, but because they have not mastered the most basic of skills they are labeled victims, unable to find meaningful work, prime candidates to be scammed by unscrupulous businessfolk, and destined to be shunned by their more learned brethren and sistern. But, praise be, their psyches will remain intact. It hurts my head!
#####
Conscience or cacodoxy? Arlan Spector’s ship jump is cataclysmically good or bad depending on which side of the aisle you hang your hat. When Al Franken finally takes his seat in the Senate as most expect he eventually will, Democrats will control The White House and have veto-proof majorities in both Houses of Congress, the political nirvana of which most can only dream. Or so thought Bill Clinton when he was so anointed in 1992, only to watch in horror as significant defections from his own party torpedoed his healthcare initiative.
I have respected Spector even though we often disagreed. But the reality that he might have lost a conservative challenge from his own party taints the move a bit and suggests a wiff of self preservation. Party affiliation changes have occurred rarely but consistently throughout the history of our Republic, but never with such potential watershed effect as this. Two months ago he affirmed in plainspoken terms that he would forever remain a Republican. Then he reviewed polls which suggested he may have difficulty in the next Republican primary. Not the highest moral conviction on record nor a Profile in Courage. But in truth he has voted increasingly as a Democrat, and so the change was de facto in any event.
David Broder’s withering column in the NYT was captioned “Spector the Defector.” Perhaps the most respected journalist in America today, he noted an unbroken history of decisions based on what was best for Spector, not his constituents nor the country.
But now the stage is set for the perfect partisan political storm. Absolutely nothing stands in our President’s way to drive the country in any direction he so chooses. But be careful what you wish for. This move goes a long way toward finally transferring ownership of the nation from Bush to Obama. As I have said before, success will certainly reward the Democrats, but they may now find that the coin has a second side. The Democrat Party now has the absolute power to fix or further flummox the nation. When things go wrong for them, the standard plaint “we inherited a mess” will carry less weight. They are now in a position to make things right, and the electorate will judge them accordingly.
#####
Speaking of watersheds, If it transpires that Chrysler and GM unions gain majority ownership of the struggling automakers as it now appears, there will exist an historic opportunity to test the veracity of a century of bitter complaint. American unions cry consistent and loud that management deficiencies are the primary and perhaps only relevant factors in business failures, and level more powerful and incendiary charges that American business is the planetary Black Bart when dealing with the abused and downtrodden American worker. Perhaps now that they are poised to ascend to the driver’s seat we will have a chance to compare their stewardship to the oft discredited practices of the past. Be careful what you wish for…
#####
I have watched daily White House press briefings since they were first televised nearly a half century ago. Never have I witnessed such genial, even convivial interaction between Press Secretary and the press. The laughter and good-natured banter often sounds more like a cocktail gathering of close acquaintances than a forum for digging out the truth. Make of this what you will, but I think it not unreasonable to suggest it supports kvetching from the right that the nation’s press corps is overwhelmingly liberal and therefore inclined (whether overtly or subliminally) to favor progressive causes. In any event it is abundantly clear that our watchdog press is snoozing through the greatest political shift in America since FDR.
#####
May Day! Snow Day! Colorado is dry but as I depart the Gallatin Valley wending south, we may get an additional foot on the road today. I know I was just complaining about the lack of white precip, but I am ready for Spring. Be careful what you wish for…
.
.
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