Sunday, May 18, 2008

McCain-O'Reilly in '08 -- The Ultimate Reality Show

Whether it's John McCain getting pissy with reporters, physically confronting his staff, or Bill O'Reilly's temper tantrums with guests who point out his shortcomings, this is the ultimate campaign for the Republicans. Thousands bet on horse racing, why not a campaign? Yes, these are both sadistic spectacles, but this might engage Americans in a positive way. Many still love watching American Idol to see when Simon will completely belittle a contestant. So, the same concept can be applied for this show. We can see who will have a meltdown first. Place your bets now.

The campaign will also feature private donations from folks just like you. Hey, it's worked well for McCain to this point -- flying his wife's corporate jet to campaign events. There's also a mystery element to the show. Contestants can be with McCain and O'Reilly in person. The one who unravels the most lies and deceptions within one week on the campaign trail will win a grand prize -- guest host anchor on Fox Noise.

Rachel Maddow, MSNBC contributor and host on Air America, filled in for Keith Olbermann Friday night. Robin (girlfriend) has a woman crush on her. Well, I guess I shouldn't go that far, but she finds Maddow attractive. "Ooh. She had her eyebrows done," she gawked with a twinkle in her eyes. Mmmhmm. I just can't compete with a woman. Ditto for Madonna. She knows more about Madonna than I think Madonna knows about herself. I did take Robin to see her in concert at the Fleet Center in Boston, and I was the tallest person in the first three rows. So, Madonna could see from a monitor that I obviously wasn't a big fan who danced to her music and sung along to the lyrics. At one point, she had on a denim jacket. She ripped it open and initially, I was hoping there was nothing underneathe. Damn it. She was wearing a tank-top T. One of her dancers (Nikki, Robin told me) pointed at me and laughed after my mouth was still wide open.

Back to Maddow. This was only the second time in about a month I was able to watch Olbermann's show. She showed this following clip of Bill O'Reilly's meltdown when he was an anchor on Inside Edition. It's a spoof of who and what the producer might've been telling Bill O. Enjoy.

http://www.barelypolitical.com/

Friday, May 16, 2008

A Retraction and Apology -- The Beautiful and Ugly Observances of Humanity

Yesterday, I mentioned I worked for two hick newspapers. It's untrue for the most part. Many were gracious to see themselves or those close to them receive coverage. During my first stint, I received an award by a small, private school for my persistent coverage. There were many great memories I shared with the staff, parents, and students. I wanted to see these young adults and children succeed. It was joyous to see how well students worked rehearsing and performing in their school play and saddening when their high school age girls basketball team lost their first game in the semifinals of Georgia's state tournament.

My bitterness for this newspaper was shared by those at this school. This was unfortunate but a mixed blessing. I worked for this publication for 10 months. The last few were hell. My second day on the job immediately raised a red flag. The publisher asked me to have a one-on-one conversation with her about another employee. This truly was a Fox Noise-like environment. I'm not repeating this verbatim, but here's what was said:

"Jenny (fake name) has a problem using the (police) scanner. You won't have a problem with this, will you?"

"No. As much as we want to see positive human events, we also have to face the reality that there is ugliness out there."

"That's right. I remember having to cover a murder investigation. When I walked into the house, the whole family was shot to death. There was blood everywhere."

"To be honest, this makes my blood boil (remember, I'm pandering). My adrenaline is pumping just thinking about having to rush to the scene when I get that call on the scanner."

"That's why I'm so fond of Augusta State University's journalism program. They prepare their students well for the workforce. Jenny got her degree in English from Georgia. So, she's used to writing about soft things like flowers."

I let my naivete get the best of me and didn't turn elsewhere. Eventually, this same attitude she had towards my colleauge was directed at me. She used her venomous hatred to do everything to make me feel insignificant and unwelcome. It's terrorism. Every article she presented to my attention was premised with the notion I can't write. Despite the vast majority of articles that were submitted, it was always those few that deemed my work a failure.

After my departure, I learned more people left the paper for similar reasons. They despised this woman's hostile, authoritarian persona. And those legal ads that they desperately fought over with its competitor, well, they lost that battle as well. Evil eventually turns on itself.

Part two will unravel my second stint which also revealed beauty and ugliness. I was blessed to interview innovators and leaders that included Rev. Jesse Jackson, one of the tobacco whistleblowers, and a highly renowned and innovative doctor who specializes in treating biomechanical structural abnormalities.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

President Bush has inflamed terrorism. He has no one else to blame but himself and his cronies

My favorite 15-minute break activity at work is reading the crooksandliars.com blog. It reminds me of my ole' community journalism days when investigative reporting to seek the truth was my burning desire. Harmless articles that didn't question authority i.e. government leaders worked well. However, whenever I caught someone (government official) misbehaving or knowingly using half-truths, I didn't hesitate to expose them. It's also partially why I was fired from two hick newspapers. Today, I was so incensed by an interview Bush delivered to a right wing website, Politico.com, and his outrageous insinuations that democrats are appeasing our enemies when delivering a speech in Israel to commemorate its 60th anniversary of independence, I needed something uplifting. So, I turned on a cd performed by my favorite muses -- U2.

The Iraq Conflict has taken such a toll on Bush. Aww. Poor baby. Would he like someone to spoonfeed him some applesauce? How about that recent $300 million contract your flunkees at the Dept. of Defense gave to a dopey 23-year-old who has made faulty ammunition and a MySpace page saying, "I'm a super nice guy?" How about your indifference to the thousands of Iraqis who have died, suffered life-altering injuries (mental and physical), and all those who are forced to take refuge, because their homes have been destroyed? You can't even take care of our own troops over there. And if you are an active listener, which you're not, nearly three-quarters of Iraqi citizens want us the hell out of their country. The following is a quick one-minute video:

watch video

And here's the CNN transcript of Bush completely going out of his way to take one for his team (we did talk to the Soviets for decades):

Bush suggests Obama wants 'appeasement' of terrorists
Posted: 10:48 AM ET
From

Bush aides say the President was aiming his remarks at Obama and other Democrats.

JERUSALEM (CNN) – President Bush launched a sharp but veiled attack Thursday on Sen. Barack Obama and other Democrats, suggesting they favor "appeasement" of terrorists in the same way some Western leaders appeased Hitler in the run-up to World War II.

The president did not name Obama or any other Democrat, but White House aides privately acknowledged the remarks were aimed at the presidential candidate and others in his party. Former President Jimmy Carter has called for talks with Hamas.

"Some seem to believe we should negotiate with terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along," Bush said at Israel's 60th anniversary celebration in Jerusalem.

"We have heard this foolish delusion before," Bush said in remarks to Israel's parliament, the Knesset. "As Nazi tanks crossed into Poland in 1939, an American senator declared: 'Lord, if only I could have talked to Hitler, all of this might have been avoided.' We have an obligation to call this what it is — the false comfort of appeasement, which has been repeatedly discredited by history."

The remarks seemed to be a not-so-subtle attempt to continue to raise doubts about Obama with Jewish Americans. Those doubts were earlier stoked by Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee in the 2008 presidential election, when he recently charged that Obama is the favored candidate of the Islamic fundamentalist group Hamas, which the U.S. government has listed as a terrorist group.

Obama last week called the Hamas allegation a "smear" and lashed out Thursday at Bush's speech in Israel.

"It is sad that President Bush would use a speech to the Knesset on the 60th anniversary of Israel's independence to launch a false political attack," Obama said in a statement released to CNN by his campaign. "It is time to turn the page on eight years of policies that have strengthened Iran and failed to secure America or our ally Israel…."

"George Bush knows that I have never supported engagement with terrorists, and the president's extraordinary politicization of foreign policy and the politics of fear do nothing to secure the American people or our stalwart ally Israel," Obama's statement said.

Obama favors "tough, direct presidential diplomacy with Iran without preconditions," according to his Web site, "and is willing to meet with the leaders of all nations, friend and foe." He does not favor talks with Hamas, which he has called a terrorist organization.

The Bush administration held three rounds of discussions with Iran about security in Iraq last year, including two at the ambassadorial level, and Defense Secretary Robert Gates Wednesday said Washington needed to "figure out a way to develop some leverage … and then sit down and talk with" Iran.
Bush largely focused his speech in Jerusalem on highlighting the American-Israeli partnership.

"The alliance between our governments is unbreakable, yet the source of our friendship runs deeper than any treaty," he said.

Bush said the United States and Israel are locked in an ideological struggle with radicals in the Middle East, using the speech to tie al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden to the terror groups Hamas and Hezbollah.

"That is why the founding charter of Hamas calls for the 'elimination' of Israel," said Bush. "That is why the followers of Hezbollah chant 'Death to Israel, Death to America!' That is why Osama bin Laden teaches that 'the killing of Jews and Americans is one of the biggest duties.' And that is why the president of Iran dreams of returning the Middle East to the Middle Ages and calls for Israel to be wiped off the map."

Bush then made his transition to Obama and other Democrats without naming names, raising the specter of the Holocaust to make his point.

"There are good and decent people who cannot fathom the darkness in these men and try to explain their words away," said Bush. "This is natural. But it is deadly wrong.

"As witnesses to evil in the past, we carry a solemn responsibility to take these words seriously. Jews and Americans have seen the consequences of disregarding the words of leaders who espouse hatred. And that is a mistake the world must not repeat in the 21st century," the president said.

This country still does business with Iran. So, words by Ahmadinejad directed at Israel is basis for deeming him and the country an imminent threat? Bush needs to go back to his ranch in Crawford, TX, and finish reading "My Pet Goat." Perhaps, he can accelerate his reading comprehension to that of a fourth grader.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Bill Moyers on Countdown with Keith Olbermann

While the rest of the media continues condensing information into soundbytes, Keith Olbermann and Bill Moyers prove why they're great essayists in today's American political discourse. Olbermann and Moyers discuss this very issue at length, Hillary Clinton's ridiculous federal gas tax holiday, and Moyers' critique of Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8vZST3RU9k

Sunday, May 11, 2008

'Different doesn't mean deficient'

Somewhere in the celestial, heavenly sky, George Orwell is looking down at us and simply saying, "I told you so." His timeless classic 1984 resonates today with many actions this administration and media has applied: wireless surveillance without a warrant (or as our deputy attorney general said, "The fourth amendment doesn't apply." Down goes habeas corpus, down goes habeas corpus), war and peace coexist, slavery is freedom (continue ignoring the working poor by failing to provide health insurance and a minimum wage equivalent to a CEO's salary which by the Service Employees International Union president's estimate will amount to a little over $24 per hour), and have our media depict who a blue collar working man is (white male who drinks heavily after work based on Hillary's ridiculous drinking binge at a bar), a sinewy or anorexic woman is beauty, and continue consuming needless products because you're never o.k. without them.

Rev. Jeremiah Wright was introduced at the NAACP Detroit Branch as its keynote speaker. I luckily saw this in its entirety. One of the first statements he made still resonates: Just my appearance here may be viewed by some as well, "he's being bombastic." This man is a well-read, highly thoughtful person who sees the world as one. In his speech, which I often imitate at work, he mentioned the phobia some people have over Barack Hussein Obama's name. In a loud, boisterous tone, he yelled Barack's full name three times and then said it's an Arabic name. "Arabic is a language, it's not a religion. So, stop treating his name like it's a disease." How did he not go to bat for Obama on this?

I can also understand how Obama's camp does want to distance themselves from Wright's appearances. He did speak in the past tense and Obama is wanting to move forward despite our differences. However, I do feel this was imposed on Obama by our media. The only statement Wright made in his three appearances that was controversial was comparing The Tuskeegee Experiment to our government's willingness to start and spread the AIDS virus. Poor choice of words. The Reagan administration did neglect to inform us for three years after its outbreak what AIDS was. Massive phobias spread throughout this country (remember the Ryan White story) and many believed it started in the gay bath houses in San Fransisco. Every individual infected with AIDS received unimaginable treatment by others. We all freaked out and believed just coming in contact with someone infected may mean we can become infected. Meanwhile, our own government along with France, continued performing tests. I knew after he made this comment he would be demonized and his previous appearances were like they never happened. So, Wright wasn't even entirely wrong on this statement.

Wright is a pastor and Obama is a politician. Both have good intentions. There's nothing condescending or remotely bashing about Wright pointing this out. Sorry, Bill Maher (finally saw one of his shows and he said Wright was a "dick" for mentioning this). Different doesn't mean deficient is a great theme to move ahead. Sometimes, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions."

Friday, May 9, 2008

Some goofy observations and upcoming post on why Rev. Jeremiah Wright shouldn't be demonized by our lame-brain media

What's the difference between a Democrat and Republican Congressman? The Democrat keeps his feet inside his public bathroom's stahl dividers.

Robin (girlfriend) and I want to help promote the best interests of our Columbia County's Chamber of Commerce. So, let's get right to it, shall we? First, there is Platt Funeral Home. It's a beautiful beaulding tucked away from a major road. There's just one thing. A large clock engraved into a stone column stands amid its courtyard. Why stop there? This is a time for some creative advertising to help boost the dying business' clientel. I've got a punchy one. "We're watching your time, so you don't have to."

We also have Buffalo Vince, a fake cowboy who appears on T.V. from time to time sporting a white cowboy resitol hat, Wrangler jeans, and a god awful plaid shirt. Here's my feminine moment: Fashion Alert! Fashion Alert! It turns out Vince's business, Buffalo Brakes, feels Jesus and his disciples need a tune up and new brake pads. When driving down our busiest road, Washington Road, I see they enjoy proselytizing on their sign. This begs to ask this question: Would Jesus prefer Vince's brake pads over the other guys? It's possible Jesus might even be disappointed with Vince's business after he finds his transmission or radiator hose is malfunctioning after that routine tune up. Many auto service shops in this area are notorious for that and just about every service business for that matter. Albeit this, I'm sure Jesus doesn't want to be lectured on his own sermons; he just wants his oil changed before preaching down the road.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Congrats to my colleague who finally was hired on full-time

I consider myself blessed to work in a family-like environment each and every day. Shorty, our dimunitive 5' and few inches 47-year-old black guy (or as he decribes himself as butter pecan while I say I'm bananna coconut), finally was hired on full-time by our company this past week. He is one of our hardest working employees. The company didn't hire him on during his several years due to his absenteeism and chronic asthma disorder. After one of my other favorite colleagues decided not to call or show up after he was hurt on the job, Shorty was granted full-time. It's a mixed blessing. I miss Kobi though. He and I hung out and shared the same interests -- movies, Boston sports teams, and perceive the South as extremely backwards.

Shorty is happy-go-lucky with different tastes for music, T.V. shows, movies, and listening to right-wing noise pollution. He watches unreality shows -- American Idol, Survivor, etc., which I sincerely believe has lowered America's IQ. The only show I enjoy is Lost. I think it's brilliantly written and filmed with good acting.

Since Shorty's work station is adjacent to mine, we have radio wars some days. He continues to turn up the volume on his old-fashioned radio blaring the Neal Boortz show, while I play one of my indie CDs or what he calls, "You're listening to that acid music again (mocking with a hand gesture indicating it's music you jerk off to)." He listens to a variety of music, but it's just crap. Sorry. Take your local pop music station as an example. Every time his radio is turned up, I hear that damn whiny song, "When it goes from my toes, I twinkle my nose..." Hey, I'm picky with my entertainment just like my foods.

We've had a good friendship despite our differences. A few times we played basketball against each other. Unfortunately, we got out on the court during those steamy, summer Southern evenings and followed that by drinking a few beers (His idea. I only like to drink when I'm not, oh, let's see, DEHYDRATED). It was nearly unbearable for me to drink alcohol after an intense workout. He brags to the other guys at work how he beat me. Stop. All of my energy was expended after two games when I imposed my long, lanky arms on defense and impeccable outside shooting. I was tired in the third game and heat and I don't mix.

I'm glad to have a great colleague and friend finally receive his just due. Congrats and I'm ready to cherish these moments before my time comes when there is an opening that will fit my communications niche. I'm ambivalent about my future and begrudge the office atmospheres I've worked in thus far. Physical labor is something I enjoy and yes, perhaps I did waste five years of my life to earn a Bachelor's Degree. If I can return to working on my novel and it gets published, my preferred career choice is teaching creative writing at the college level.