ROCHESTER - Two related topics to cover here one a VP hopeful and one an ex-VP hopeful. So, in honor of the upcoming appearance of Riders on the Storm (featuring original Doors members Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek) in Rochester, I offer two 'sides' to this blog LP, inspired by the Doors' best studio album, Morrison Hotel.
SIDE A-Hard Rock Cafe-If Joe Lieberman was in the mafia instead of politics, he would be sleeping with the fishes. Or at least he should be. Right now he has turned informant, and will become a man with no country. I don't think he can ever be accepted by the Republicans, and I don't think he can ever regain the trust of Democrats. His speech was little more than a holier than thou enterprise to a lukewarm audience. Telling a distinctly partisan crowd the benefits of being non-partisan is a little silly at best. Sure, we all like a kiss ass. They tell us things we want to hear. But who believes or trusts a kiss ass? No one. Explaining his Michael Moore joke was downright sad and completely unnecessary. The crowd got it Joe, it just wasn't that funny. I can see why Al Gore chose this guy though, as he makes Gore look like Bill Clinton.
SIDE B-Morrison Hotel-Oh those hypocritical Republicans! For a party that once touted (correctly) George H.W. Bush as the 'longest resume in the West', Governor Sarah Palin is an interesting choice as certainly she has the shortest resume in the country. Not that VPs win or lose elections (as the aforementioned Bush proves), but I think they can have some effect if they are either really good choices, or really poor ones. I think Palin is the latter. For one, if they are to hammer Obama for being inexperienced, how can they have someone with less experience than he on their ticket? Furthermore, she is from a small town in a small (population wise) state. If she had been governor of California, Texas, New York or Pennsylvania, that might be okay. But two years in Alaska isn't too impressive, and I am not alone in thinking so. Add to that she has investigative baggage. She may or may not have abused her gubernatorial powers, but the fact she is under investigation should send the Republicans running away. I also don't buy her as a maverick. Fred Thompson says she stood up to the special interests in Alaska. Am I the only one that hasn't a clue to what that means? Dog sledders? Loggers? Crabbers? Honestly, I don't know. It could be true (although mixed in with Thompson's fragmented 1980's style stump speech doesn't give it great credence), but it sounds too generic for my taste. Just for good measure, she is tangled up in questionable lobbying and earmark practices, maybe including support for the famed 'Bridge to Nowhere.' I don't doubt this stuff came up when they searched her background, and altogether they amount to a whole lot, but with these flaws she was still the best choice? It begs the question, exactly how many candidates said no to McCain first?
I am glad Republicans are trying to be progressive, and I could care less about her family's personal issues, but I think she is a stretch for a party so adept at playing it safe. I just hope the debate centers around her amazing inexperience and avoids the tabloid junk that can give her sympathy. I also hope the media and country see McCain for what he really is, a power hungry kiss ass, trying to say what you want to hear until he gets what he wants.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Kucinich Rockin' the Rockies
ROCHESTER - I wish it started DENVER after watching Dennis Kucinich's speech at the Democratic National Convention. If you read my blog you know about my devotion (man crush, maybe?) to the gentleman from Cleveland, but unless you are heartless and or wealthy, his speech yesterday has to rile you up. Since you missed it, and I know you did because they did not air it on national TV, nor did the major news channels even include clips of his speech in their highlight reels, here is the link from youtube, a surprising frontrunner in saving our democracy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n9rOpC4gNk
Despite channeling Christopher Walken towards the end, Kucinich kept at his normal populist themes of fair trade, universal health care, no war, and education for all. He implores America to 'wake up' and see that we can not afford 4 more years of failed Republican policy. He contrasts the profiteering of oil and defense companies to the struggles of Middle America. He points out the 'Neo-con artists' manipulation of 9/11 to steal our freedoms and line their pockets with green. Kucinich showed his passion and heart, and why he is a truly great Democrat.
Despite channeling Christopher Walken towards the end, Kucinich kept at his normal populist themes of fair trade, universal health care, no war, and education for all. He implores America to 'wake up' and see that we can not afford 4 more years of failed Republican policy. He contrasts the profiteering of oil and defense companies to the struggles of Middle America. He points out the 'Neo-con artists' manipulation of 9/11 to steal our freedoms and line their pockets with green. Kucinich showed his passion and heart, and why he is a truly great Democrat.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Random Thoughts
ROCHESTER - The political world is a fun one right now. So much scandal, so many decisions to be made and all levels are in the news.
1. Clearly Tom Golisano thinks poorly of Albany politicians. He has endorsed "Baby" Joe Mesi's candidacy for state senate. That is right. Mr. G believes that a guy who gets punched in the head for a living is qualified to help run our state. Actually, he no longer gets punched in the face for a living because the Nevada Boxing Commission won't let him because of BRAIN BLEEDING. So his head is too messed up to box, yet he can solve Albany?
2. Monroe County Clerk Cheryl Dinolfo is a menace to society. She allows (yes, the actions of those under your employ reflect on you) residents' social security numbers to be posted online on the County Clerk's website. Her opponent calls her out on it and she claims politics. Uhh, do your job.
3. Vice presidential sweepstakes are at a fever pitch. I hope Obama goes for Kucinich. I know he won't, so I don't really care. Joe Biden would be funny, though. McCain can't find anyone to balance his ticket because he is on every side of every issue.
4. My new favorite athlete is Bolt of Jamaica. He is fun to watch and he is not Michael Phelps. I like Phelps' Baltimoreness, but I am sick of the hype. He is a swimmer. Win a decathlon and then you can be the greatest Olympian.
5. Lastly, Buffalo Assemblyman Sam Hoyt has no game, but won't likely pay for it. He may be a penguin boxer wearin', toe nail paintin', intern nailin' scumbag, but in a primary, he only has to convince half of people who are predisposed to liking him he shouldn't lose his job over marriage infidelity. Oh well.
1. Clearly Tom Golisano thinks poorly of Albany politicians. He has endorsed "Baby" Joe Mesi's candidacy for state senate. That is right. Mr. G believes that a guy who gets punched in the head for a living is qualified to help run our state. Actually, he no longer gets punched in the face for a living because the Nevada Boxing Commission won't let him because of BRAIN BLEEDING. So his head is too messed up to box, yet he can solve Albany?
2. Monroe County Clerk Cheryl Dinolfo is a menace to society. She allows (yes, the actions of those under your employ reflect on you) residents' social security numbers to be posted online on the County Clerk's website. Her opponent calls her out on it and she claims politics. Uhh, do your job.
3. Vice presidential sweepstakes are at a fever pitch. I hope Obama goes for Kucinich. I know he won't, so I don't really care. Joe Biden would be funny, though. McCain can't find anyone to balance his ticket because he is on every side of every issue.
4. My new favorite athlete is Bolt of Jamaica. He is fun to watch and he is not Michael Phelps. I like Phelps' Baltimoreness, but I am sick of the hype. He is a swimmer. Win a decathlon and then you can be the greatest Olympian.
5. Lastly, Buffalo Assemblyman Sam Hoyt has no game, but won't likely pay for it. He may be a penguin boxer wearin', toe nail paintin', intern nailin' scumbag, but in a primary, he only has to convince half of people who are predisposed to liking him he shouldn't lose his job over marriage infidelity. Oh well.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The Amazing Vision of a Blind Man
ROCHESTER - Leave it to New York's status quo culture to create an environment where the leading visionary in the state is a blind man. The legally blind leading the metaphorically blind, as it were. Governor Paterson has shown courage and wisdom since being thrust into the Governor's office. The accidental Governor has shown us that he can lead the state and tackle issues deemed too politically dangerous in the past. Aren't we lucky? We should be counting our blessings, but the coming months will prove whether or not we are willing to grin and bear it or not.
For years New Yorkers have complained about Albany's high taxing and big spending ways. People have paid lip service to correcting that, but it never happens. Lip service seems to be enough though, for New Yorkers, as we float along in the River Status Quo. We re-elect our leaders left and right because they say the right things, but far too many are content to say the right things and do the wrong things. Finally, a true leader has stepped up and promised to give us what we want. Massive cuts and less spending. Do we really want this? We shall see. It will be an adjustment for many and a shock for others.
Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy noted that every time the city tries to cut something, people come out of the woodwork to protest it. It seems that maybe we don't want to 'cut up NY's credit cards', as our fearless Governor proposed. Our Governor is right though, we have to. It is the only way. There was a time when we could afford to spend recklessly. Even recently there was a time when we could afford to spend somewhat lavishly. Those times are not now. We all have to suck it up and deal with more state level 800 hot lines, longer DMV lines, and more potholes on the Thruway. We will have to force our not-for-profits to go without the giant checks our elected officials like to give out. We may even have to force private companies to get back to good ol' capitalism instead of blackmailing the government for tax breaks.
Times get tough for governments like they do for families. We have to learn to say 'no' and I am happy to see our Governor showing courage in doing so. Many interests, many of them very powerful, will be lining up to take shots at him. He knows this and he is taking a stand anyway. He is also displaying his wisdom, because many political proposals do little but treat the symptoms of our problems in New York. Paterson is looking long term and trying to cure the disease, so that we may be healthier longer into the future. We are lucky to have Paterson as our Governor because with his vision, he will save us all.
For years New Yorkers have complained about Albany's high taxing and big spending ways. People have paid lip service to correcting that, but it never happens. Lip service seems to be enough though, for New Yorkers, as we float along in the River Status Quo. We re-elect our leaders left and right because they say the right things, but far too many are content to say the right things and do the wrong things. Finally, a true leader has stepped up and promised to give us what we want. Massive cuts and less spending. Do we really want this? We shall see. It will be an adjustment for many and a shock for others.
Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy noted that every time the city tries to cut something, people come out of the woodwork to protest it. It seems that maybe we don't want to 'cut up NY's credit cards', as our fearless Governor proposed. Our Governor is right though, we have to. It is the only way. There was a time when we could afford to spend recklessly. Even recently there was a time when we could afford to spend somewhat lavishly. Those times are not now. We all have to suck it up and deal with more state level 800 hot lines, longer DMV lines, and more potholes on the Thruway. We will have to force our not-for-profits to go without the giant checks our elected officials like to give out. We may even have to force private companies to get back to good ol' capitalism instead of blackmailing the government for tax breaks.
Times get tough for governments like they do for families. We have to learn to say 'no' and I am happy to see our Governor showing courage in doing so. Many interests, many of them very powerful, will be lining up to take shots at him. He knows this and he is taking a stand anyway. He is also displaying his wisdom, because many political proposals do little but treat the symptoms of our problems in New York. Paterson is looking long term and trying to cure the disease, so that we may be healthier longer into the future. We are lucky to have Paterson as our Governor because with his vision, he will save us all.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Reality TV in Rochester
ROCHESTER - Unfortunately Lou Gramm is not starting a show called 'Juke Box Hero' loaded with dumb ass contestants desperately trying to make a name for themselves. This reality TV comes courtesy of the Rochester Police Department. All out of ideas for combating crime, they have turned to Big Brother, and yes, he will be watching.
It is a sad day for a community as innovative and charitable that we have turned to watching people 24/7 because we can not stop crime. This is not the fault of the police, let me be clear. By segregating our city we have created areas of abject poverty. We all share the blame for this. The people who actually take the blame, however, are elected officials and the police. The distracted public looks for the short and easy answer. Never mind the fact it took half a generation to get us to this point. The public demands it be fixed overnight.
As a result, we get things like Zero Tolerance, Project Exile, curfews and now cameras. As we attempt to cure the symptoms, the disease ravages on. I think these ideas are somewhat lazy, even if sometimes somewhat successful. We need long term solutions to solve problems that are created over long periods of time. The idea of cameras strikes me as a complete lack of creativity and will power. As if we have given up. We can't prevent crime, but if we catch it on tape, we can lock someone up for it. I don't like the idea that innocent citizens are being watched along with their nefarious neighbors. Don't tell me that if you aren't doing anything wrong, you have nothing to hide. Going to the bathroom is legal, it doesn't mean I want someone to film me. But more realistically, do you want an officer to show up at midnight and ask to search your house for illegal stuff?
Watching the news the other night, though, softened my absolute disgust for policing cameras. The residents looked delighted to have them. They were excited about the possibility of having safer streets. I realized, my neighborhood is very safe, and I never feel any anxiety or fear about being out after dark, or that others hanging out are actually up to no good. I am lucky for that. I don't know what it is like to live without confidence in my neighborhood, and therefore I can not judge tactics employed in those areas. The woman's face lit up knowing that her street was getting cameras. She said she would once again feel safe walking at night, and she was happy with that.
I still feel that cameras are not a solution to crime. We need to reach for affordable housing, better and more jobs, and improving the access to and quality of public education. If we can improve on those fronts, crime will go down. If it helps people feel safer than before, however, I will have to accept them as band aids.
It is a sad day for a community as innovative and charitable that we have turned to watching people 24/7 because we can not stop crime. This is not the fault of the police, let me be clear. By segregating our city we have created areas of abject poverty. We all share the blame for this. The people who actually take the blame, however, are elected officials and the police. The distracted public looks for the short and easy answer. Never mind the fact it took half a generation to get us to this point. The public demands it be fixed overnight.
As a result, we get things like Zero Tolerance, Project Exile, curfews and now cameras. As we attempt to cure the symptoms, the disease ravages on. I think these ideas are somewhat lazy, even if sometimes somewhat successful. We need long term solutions to solve problems that are created over long periods of time. The idea of cameras strikes me as a complete lack of creativity and will power. As if we have given up. We can't prevent crime, but if we catch it on tape, we can lock someone up for it. I don't like the idea that innocent citizens are being watched along with their nefarious neighbors. Don't tell me that if you aren't doing anything wrong, you have nothing to hide. Going to the bathroom is legal, it doesn't mean I want someone to film me. But more realistically, do you want an officer to show up at midnight and ask to search your house for illegal stuff?
Watching the news the other night, though, softened my absolute disgust for policing cameras. The residents looked delighted to have them. They were excited about the possibility of having safer streets. I realized, my neighborhood is very safe, and I never feel any anxiety or fear about being out after dark, or that others hanging out are actually up to no good. I am lucky for that. I don't know what it is like to live without confidence in my neighborhood, and therefore I can not judge tactics employed in those areas. The woman's face lit up knowing that her street was getting cameras. She said she would once again feel safe walking at night, and she was happy with that.
I still feel that cameras are not a solution to crime. We need to reach for affordable housing, better and more jobs, and improving the access to and quality of public education. If we can improve on those fronts, crime will go down. If it helps people feel safer than before, however, I will have to accept them as band aids.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Good For Paterson
ROCHESTER - God Bless David Paterson! Finally a true leader steps up for ALL New Yorkers and directs state agencies to recognize same sex marriages. This should be law and New York should be allowing municipalities to perform them as well, but let us celebrate the battle before continuing the war.
Not allowing two consenting adults to marry on the basis of sexual orientation is discrimination and immoral. It is not 'more complicated' than that. The State is allowed to step on religion's toes all it wants because the two don't answer to each other. I don't care if the church of some saint won't perform a ceremony (that is their right as a private club), but every city hall government that can perform weddings, must.
If you use an ancient religious text as the basis for a modern argument, you are in trouble. I don't think I need to list the accepted 'outdated' readings, but if some can be ignored, all can be ignored. Don't take the 'high' road with me selectively. If you think same sex marriage is wrong because of the Bible, then, logically, you must believe slavery and human sacrifice are acceptable.
Lastly, marriage is a wonderful institution. It is a bond shared between two people who are in love. We should be promoting marriage, not denying it. The less people are married, the more marriage becomes socially irrelevant.
I don't mean for this to be some anger filled, bitter rant against religion. Some churches are at the forefront of civil rights history and continue to be there. Others used to be progressive, yet have lost their way. The Bible tells me that one should fight injustice, help others that need help, and judge no one. I think most people would agree they get similar lessons. Let us use religion as a unifying force, not a divisive one, as a select few would do.
Not allowing two consenting adults to marry on the basis of sexual orientation is discrimination and immoral. It is not 'more complicated' than that. The State is allowed to step on religion's toes all it wants because the two don't answer to each other. I don't care if the church of some saint won't perform a ceremony (that is their right as a private club), but every city hall government that can perform weddings, must.
If you use an ancient religious text as the basis for a modern argument, you are in trouble. I don't think I need to list the accepted 'outdated' readings, but if some can be ignored, all can be ignored. Don't take the 'high' road with me selectively. If you think same sex marriage is wrong because of the Bible, then, logically, you must believe slavery and human sacrifice are acceptable.
Lastly, marriage is a wonderful institution. It is a bond shared between two people who are in love. We should be promoting marriage, not denying it. The less people are married, the more marriage becomes socially irrelevant.
I don't mean for this to be some anger filled, bitter rant against religion. Some churches are at the forefront of civil rights history and continue to be there. Others used to be progressive, yet have lost their way. The Bible tells me that one should fight injustice, help others that need help, and judge no one. I think most people would agree they get similar lessons. Let us use religion as a unifying force, not a divisive one, as a select few would do.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Random Thoughts: May 20th
ROCHESTER - Like I promised, every now and again I create curiosities for myself, or quick thoughts, that aren't exactly suited for full blown rants. This is another small offering of random thoughts:
1. Does Bush even care if we catch Osama bin Laden? I am guessing no, and I am also guessing that John McCain doesn't either.
2. Shouldn't the media be asking why we can't catch bin Laden? Oops, I forgot, the media is conservative and do all they can to protect themselves by protecting Republicans.
3. Why are people obsessed with Hillary dropping out before convention? Isn't that what conventions are for, to figure this stuff out?
4. Cheers to Rochester's Tim Redding for helping Brian Gionta, Ryan Callahan and Abby Wambach for giving us some hometown heroes to root for on the national sports scene.
5. Lastly, all my prayers go out to my hero, Senator Ted Kennedy. Looks like he is recovering well from seizures suffered over the weekend. You know he will be the first to point out that every American should get the kind of health care he received, which likely helped minimize the effects of the seizures.
1. Does Bush even care if we catch Osama bin Laden? I am guessing no, and I am also guessing that John McCain doesn't either.
2. Shouldn't the media be asking why we can't catch bin Laden? Oops, I forgot, the media is conservative and do all they can to protect themselves by protecting Republicans.
3. Why are people obsessed with Hillary dropping out before convention? Isn't that what conventions are for, to figure this stuff out?
4. Cheers to Rochester's Tim Redding for helping Brian Gionta, Ryan Callahan and Abby Wambach for giving us some hometown heroes to root for on the national sports scene.
5. Lastly, all my prayers go out to my hero, Senator Ted Kennedy. Looks like he is recovering well from seizures suffered over the weekend. You know he will be the first to point out that every American should get the kind of health care he received, which likely helped minimize the effects of the seizures.
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