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"...you live in a nation where the vast majority of Americans are struggling every day to reach an ever-shifting and moving bar..." -Michelle Obama |
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Friday, May 09, 2008
A couple of points from a quick perusal of Michelle Obama's May 2nd stump speech.
I know that she's a very intelligent woman, but I'm not sure if she really gets irony. They move the bar. They raise it up. They shift it to the left and to the right. It's always just quite out of reach. And that's a little bit of what Barack has been experiencing. The bar is constantly changing for this man. Raise the money? Not enough. Build an organization? Not enough. Win a whole bunch of states? Not the right states. You got to win certain states. So the bar has been shifting and moving in this race, but the irony is, the sad irony is that that's exactly what's happening to most Americans in this country. The bar is shifting and moving on people all the time. And folks are struggling like never before, working harder than ever, believing that their hard work will lead to some reward, some payoff. But what they find is that they get there and the bar has changed, things are different, wasn't enough. So you have to work even harder. Even if what she says about all that confounded bar moving is true, is it in any way ironic? And see what happens when you live in a nation where the vast majority of Americans are struggling every day to reach an ever-shifting and moving bar, then what happens in that nation is that people do become isolated. I have to agree with her here. It's been my experience that when you're struggling to reach an ever-shifting and moving bar, you do become isolated. Once the bar starts moving, you usually find yourself cut off and booted out on the street in no time. If you're lucky, one of your friends will come out and pick you up from the sidewalk, but you're often on your own. By the way, she uses the word "bar" no less than thirty-one times in the speech. Unfortunately, it's never in the right context. Labels: 2008 Election
There was much talk this week about the special election in Louisiana's Sixth District, where Republican Woody Jenkins was knocked off by Don Cazayoux. The district had been in Republican hands for thirty-four years and many pundits divined that this election's outcome was a preview of a coming Republican debacle in the fall. In today's WSJ, Kimberly Strassel says that while there is a lesson for Republicans in Jenkins' defeat, it's not that all hope is lost:
Yet Mr. Jenkins was also a divisive firebrand. He was infamous for carrying around plastic fetuses, to demonstrate his opposition to abortion. He'd previously landed in a weird entanglement with former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke. This history made even conservatives fidgety, and crowded out anything Mr. Jenkins had to say on issues. More debilitating to the Jenkins campaign was a strong whiff of the ethical problems that have plagued Republicans. A labor union ran ads noting Mr. Jenkins's had seen 19 tax liens filed against him and his broadcasting company since 1990. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee pointed out that a murky Jenkins charity had paid him consulting fees, paid rent to his company, and paid more than a half-a-million dollars to his wife. He'd been in hot water over campaign contributions, and voted against financial disclosure. Democrats, meanwhile, have realized it's more important to win than to impose liberal litmus tests on candidates. Mr. Jenkins's opponent, Don Cazayoux, was pro-life and pro-gun. He had nice things to say about John McCain, and rarely mentioned Mr. Obama or Hillary Clinton. A self-styled "John Breaux Democrat," he focused on education and health care. As the polls deteriorated, the National Republican Congressional Committee ran desperate ads attempting to link Mr. Cazayoux to Mr. Obama. The comparison was ludicrous, and Louisiana voters knew it (even if the national press corps didn't). It failed to save Mr. Jenkins from a three percentage-point loss. Clearly in Jenkins case, there were problems with both the message and the messenger. In contrast to another GOP candidate in Louisiana: He might have also directed those listening to another Louisiana election this weekend, one that didn't get nearly the attention. The district is also conservative; Mr. Bush won 71% in 2004. The real difference was the campaign. The 43-year-old Republican, Steve Scalise, had pinpointed today's GOP vulnerabilities, and ran an anti-status-quo campaign. His focal point was wasteful spending, and he touted his legislation to reform Louisiana's earmark process. Another hallmark was ethics reform and his fight against public corruption. He talked up competitive private health care, lower taxes and school choice. Republicans looking for an Obama doppelganger would have been better served by his Democratic competitor, Gilda Reed. She campaigned on immediate withdrawal from Iraq and "universal" health care. Trade came in for a bashing, as did secret ballots in union-organizing elections. Ms. Reed explained she was personally pro-life, but felt abortion needed to remain legal. Her cause became that of the liberal left, with the Daily Kos hosting an online fund-raiser on her behalf. Mr. Scalise won 75% of the vote. Strassel summarizes what the real lessons of both campaigns should be for the GOP: With Democrats actively recruiting conservative candidates, it's no longer good enough for the GOP names to fall back on cultural credentials, to demagogue immigration, or to simply promise lower taxes. Voters care about the size of government, but they are equally worried about the cost of doctor visits and gas prices. The winners will be those who explain the merits of a private health-care reform, who talk about vouchers, who push for energy production. And given its reputation on ethics, it's clear the GOP has to recruit Mr. Cleans, who also make voters believe they are more interested in solving problems than bringing home pork. It's almost a cliché these days to say that politicians can't just be against something, they have to be for something, but Republican candidates need to beaten over the head with that simple message every day between now and November 4th. Labels: 2008 Election
Canada has lost track of 41,000 illegals:
Auditor General Sheila Fraser is reporting that Canada's border agency has lost track of 41,000 people who have been ordered out of the country. In a report tabled Tuesday, Fraser said that the numbers of people in Canada illegally may be growing because the Canada Border Services Agency is failing to monitor its detention and removal decisions properly. I'm sure there's nothing to worry about here. Labels: Canada Thursday, May 08, 2008
Bert e-mails to hep us to a story on what sales of Scotch may tell us about the economy:
For those trying to see through the current global economic fog and work out how bad things may get, enlightenment can come in many forms. Sales of scotch whisky are regarded by some as a fair, if unusual, barometer of economic prospects and how confident people feel about the present and the future. "I tend to believe there is a correlation between the two," says Paul Hughes, director of the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling at Heriot Watt University. The reason for this is fairly simple. Scotch is a truly global product sold in more than 200 countries. Though it may not be a staple item Well maybe not in your house. or a commodity, like oil, which is traded by the second and whose price is tracked in minute detail, it is enjoyed in most corners of the world and therefore a decent indicator of broader buying patterns. Historically, scotch sales have tended to follow the global economic curve. In the last 30 years, the value of sales has only fallen three times: in 1983, 1998 and 2004. This makes sense. If you are going to cut back, one of the areas that would likely be impacted would be booze. Not that you would quit drinking, but instead of a fifty dollar bottle of single malt Scotch, you might opt for a fifteen dollar domestic whiskey instead. I used to think that the liquor industry was fairly recession proof, but a friend who owns a store here reports that rising gas prices and the softening economy have directly impacted his sales. Again, it's not that people aren't drinking anymore. They're just drinking more frugally. Labels: Economics
Dave Golokhov provides his list of the Top 10: Worst franchises in pro sports:
Every fan wants to cheer for a team that has the championship history of the New England Patriots, New York Yankees or Detroit Red Wings. Unfortunately, many get stuck with a long string of bad luck, like the Chicago Cubs; thrifty ownership, like the now-defunct Montreal Expos; or a dim-witted front office that is unable to make logical personnel decisions, like the current New York Knicks. Here is a list of the top 10 worst sports franchises currently in operation. 10. Los Angeles Clippers 9. Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies 8. Atlanta Hawks Three eternally crappy NBA teams. So far so good. 7. Minnesota Twins "Moneyball" is to baseball what frugal is to cheap; it's a creative way of saying, "we're not going to pay for our stars or reward our veterans who have earned their keep." Sabermetrics and scientific stats are used to evaluate players and give a better indication of their worth, but teams like the Minnesota Twins use this strategy to kiss their superstars goodbye at the trade deadline or the first day of free agency. The Twins constantly sell proven veterans for prospects and draft picks, but when those youngsters finally develop, they get shipped away to start the cycle again. The Twins incessantly look to the future and winning now is not a priority. Translation: the Twins care more about the dollars than about winning. Are you kidding? Sure, the Twins have made some questionable moves of late. Letting Hunter go. Trading Santana. Allowing a guy like Atomizer to help design their new stadium. But you can't seriously claim that they're the seventh worst franchise in all of pro sports. They're only the third worst franchise in Minnesota. Has Golokhov missed the clown show that plays at Target Center or the NFL team that's letting its Super Bowl dreams ride on the arm of Tavaris Jackson? How about the Brewers? The Cubs? The Florida Panthers? The Phoenix Coyotes? When's the last time any team from Cleveland's won anything? Worst list ever. Yes, that IS saying a lot. Labels: Baseball
The news that Robert Beale had been found guilty of tax evasion last week was cause for celebration among lefty bloggers. Robert is the father of Theodore Beale, better known as Vox Day and no doubt many were happy to use the sins of the father against the son, especially those who had oft felt the sting of the back of Vox's virtual hand in the past. The fact that Robert Beale was an outspoken Christian also contributed to the joy they felt as his downfall.
But I also believe part of the reason for their exuberant reaction and the level of opprobrium they directed at the elder Beale was that in their eyes he committed the ultimate crime against the state by refusing to pay his taxes. In no way am I defending Robert Beale's actions--it's pretty clear that he broke the law and should pay an appropriate penalty for it--but when it comes to heinous crimes against society, not paying your taxes isn't high on my list. If instead of refusing to pay his taxes because of fervently held beliefs, Beale had been a leftist radical whose revolutionary ideals lead him to try to blow up the Pentagon or plant bombs under police cars, he would have received a much more sympathetic ear in the media and among the left. Labels: Crime
From an article in yesterday's WSJ on China's softball team's attempt to Recapture Olympic Glory (sub req):
In December 2005, with the Beijing Olympics on the horizon, the Sports Administration's Small Balls Department abruptly replaced Ms. Lihong with an American, Michael Bastian. Hey Bill, congrats on the new job. Where you working again? Um...(lowers voice) the Small Balls Department. What? (coughs) The Small Balls Department. Still can't understand you man. (Much louder) I work in the Small Balls Department, okay? And it's a great place to work too. (snickers) Yeah, sounds perfect for you dude. Labels: China Wednesday, May 07, 2008
There's been some concern expressed about the welfare of Atomizer after he participated in last Sunday's National MS Society Walk. For most people, such a walk would not push them to their physical limits, but considering that Atomizer's body has been in a state of advanced atrophy for some time now, that fact that we haven't heard from him since does give us reason to worry.
The second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs proved to be a bit of a dud. Other than the four-overtime thriller that sent the Stars past the Sharks in six, the other series lacked excitement. Detroit throttled the Avs in four, proving just how pathetic it was that the Wild lost to the Avs in the first round. The Pens handled the Rangers without too much trouble in five games. While the Flyers taking out Montreal in five was an upset, it wasn't all that interesting of series. In summary, of the four second round series one was done in four games, two in five, and one in six.
Compare this to the first round where three series went the full seven games, three went six, and one each finished in five and four games respectively. Long series make for more drama, more intensity, and more interest. There's nothing better than a Game Seven, especially if it goes into overtime. Plus short series lead to ridiculous gaps in the NHL playoff schedule, as we're suffering through now with Sunday's Sharks-Stars game being followed by THREE DAYS of no hockey. Yeah, that helps create and hold interest. Let's hope that the third round matchups bring back the level of excitement that playoff hockey should have. I hate to say it, but I find myself in the uncomfortable position of pulling for Detroit in the Western Conference Finals. Two reasons: #1 The last three Stanley Cups have been won by Anaheim, Carolina, and Tampa Bay. If that doesn't make the hockey purist in you wince, I don't know what will. Thankfully, the only non-traditional hockey team still left in this year's Cup chase is Dallas. #2 From the perspective of purely entertaining hockey, the best Finals matchup would be Detroit and Pittsburgh. That would be a lot of fun to watch. Of course, I'd then be pulling for the Pens to knock off the Red Wings and win the Cup. In no less than seven games. Labels: Hockey Tuesday, May 06, 2008
If you missed our interview with Douglas Feith (the man who helped put the neo in neo-con) you can now listen to it in its entirety commercial-free here. John ended up asking most of the questions about Feith's new book "War and Decision," while Brian and I were able to sit back and listen to his account of what really happened in the run-up to the war in Iraq.
Feith also has created a website with the same name that includes links to many of the official documents referenced in the book. The site has a section listing some of common misconceptions about the war and the real facts behind them. The entire "Bush lied" narrative that is so widely accepted these days does not hold up under the scrutiny of the evidence that Feith presents. Labels: NARN
This year's Minnesota GOP state convention will be held on May 29th-31st at the Mayo Civic Center in downtown Rochester. Once again, the Northern Alliance Radio Network will be broadcasting live from the convention floor (or perhaps vertigo-inducingly high above it as in 2006). The current schedule calls for us be on the air from 5pm-7pm on Thursday and Friday (pre-empting some obscure national host) and doing our regular full slate of Saturday shows from 11am-5pm.
Taking the show on the road also provides an opportunity to organize a little gathering of hosts, bloggers, groupies, and other assorted hangers-on who congregate at such events. Since our own JB Doubtless is a proud Rochester resident, I asked him to come up with the manliest joint in town for us to get together at. Something along the lines of the Salty Spittoon. JB's suggestion? Whistle Binkies on the Lake. Hmmm...The name left me a little skeptical, but after checking out their selection of tap beers, it appears okay to trust JB's recommendation. This time. By the way, if any of the campaigns are looking to have a swinging good time at their convention hospitality suites, they should consider booking these good old boys. Contact Chad The Labels: Events
If you haven't checked it out lately, you may have missed the expansion of the RiffTrax Catalogue. There are now a score of movies to enjoy, including a number of recent releases such as "I Am Legend," "Cloverfield," and "Beowulf." You may also notice that one James Lileks has been added to roster of guest riffers. His profile includes a picture of him doing his best impersonation of Tom Cruise in "Top Gun" (nice try James):
James Lileks was born in Fargo North Dakota, the son of Norman Rockwell and Betty Crocker. He attended the University of Minnesota for seven years, attending class for five; at the Minnesota Daily he started writing a column that has continued in the Twin Cities market for thirty years. After college he used his English Major to find employment as a convenience store clerk, but soon left the world of actual labor for a series of jobs spent typing fiction in small, cloth-covered cubicles. He has been a columnist for City Pages, the Pioneer Press, Newhouse News Service and is presently a columnist for the Star-Tribune, where he also runs the buzz.mn blog. They've also come up with a RiffTrax player to make the entire synchronization process almost idiot proof. So idiot proof that I'm going to finally try it myself on the next bidness trip I take. Labels: Movies Monday, May 05, 2008
This Wednesday, Michael Medved and Ed Schultz will face off at the Northland Inn in a much anticipated debate. Pundits have already begun comparing it to the historic Lincoln-Douglas debates. Well, they would if Lincoln had debated Bobby Douglass. Unfortunately for Schultz the topic of the evening won't be the pros and cons of the spread offense, but rather the very future of America. Whispers from the Medved camp indicate that they are supremely confident, already labeling the contest "The Lark In Brooklyn Park."
The event is a co-production between AM1280 The Patriot and the local Air America affiliate, AM950. Sources in the know report that despite the station's promotional efforts, Air America listeners are not excited about the prospects for their man. While the Patriot has sold over 90% of their allotted tickets so far, AM950 has only been able to move 20% of theirs. I guess no one wants to show up to watch a friend take a beating. The unenthusiastic response from Air America listeners (and here I thought all the enthusiasm and energy was on the Left this year?) means that The Patriot is now going to step in and help sell the tickets that AM950 could not (there's a larger political metaphor somewhere here). If you want to enjoy an evening of debate in a first-class facility, you can still purchase tickets online for a mere twenty bones. Did I mention that drinks will be available? If the idea of Medved and Schultz verbally slugging it out isn't intriguing enough for you, the fact that the co-moderators for the debate will be Matt Entenza and Mitch Berg should raise your interest level. With four talkers like that on stage, I assume they'll be pumping some additional oxygen into the room. Labels: Events Sunday, May 04, 2008
This morning I will be participating in the 2008 MS Walk to raise money to pursue the prevention, treatment and a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. Some of you may remember that The Elder and I strapped on the in-line skates and rolled ourselves 75 miles for the same cause several years ago. That particular event is no longer part of the Minnesota MS Chapter's schedule so I'm tossing the skates aside and I'm lacing up my walking shoes to help fight this devastating disease.
Please take some time to visit my homepage and donate whatever you can to help the cause. Thanks. Labels: Good Works Friday, May 02, 2008
After a hectic and exhausting week, we're on the last downhill of the moving roller coaster. Except for a few remaining heavy items that will be moved tomorrow (lift with your back not your legs Saint Paul), one POD is empty. The other mostly contains small boxes (diapers--$$$) of less critical items. By Monday, both PODS will be gone from our driveway and everything will be unloaded. Not put away mind you, but unloaded.
We spent a day without the internet or television (still having flashbacks), before the cable guy arrived on Wednesday and wired us up. Yes, the cable guy. After much debate and deliberation, we elected to remain with Comcast. The primary factor was concern about the DSL internet speed. Such speed is all relative of course. Back in the days of dial up, you thought nothing of waiting while web pages loaded. Now, if one doesn't appear within three seconds of my mouse click, I get agitated. DSL might be just a bit slower than cable, but I didn't think I would be able to handle any backsliding in this area. And I must say that my relocation experiences with Comcast have been quite good so far. The customer service rep I spoke with to set up the new service was friendly, informative, and thorough. The installer showed up ten minutes into his two hour window and was also friendly and accommodating of my questions and requests. It was hard to believe I was dealing with a cable company at all. Having just said that, I'm probably setting myself up for the mother of all customer support nightmares, but so far so good. The new neighbors have been very friendly and I'm discovered a local liquor store with an excellent selection of beer, which along with pizza is a staple of moving. Even better, it's open until 10pm on weeknights. Local readers will appreciate the joy I felt upon realizing that I was freed from the tyranny of the 8pm close. Welcome to the neighborhood. Labels: Domestic Tranquility
David Brooks has an interesting column on the realities and challenges of The Cognitive Age:
Globalization is real and important. It's just not the central force driving economic change. Some Americans have seen their jobs shipped overseas, but global competition has accounted for a small share of job creation and destruction over the past few decades. Capital does indeed flow around the world. But as Pankaj Ghemawat of the Harvard Business School has observed, 90 percent of fixed investment around the world is domestic. Companies open plants overseas, but that's mainly so their production facilities can be close to local markets. Nor is the globalization paradigm even accurate when applied to manufacturing. Instead of fleeing to Asia, U.S. manufacturing output is up over recent decades. As Thomas Duesterberg of Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI, a research firm, has pointed out, the U.S.'s share of global manufacturing output has actually increased slightly since 1980. The chief force reshaping manufacturing is technological change (hastened by competition with other companies in Canada, Germany or down the street). Thanks to innovation, manufacturing productivity has doubled over two decades. Employers now require fewer but more highly skilled workers. Technological change affects China just as it does the America. William Overholt of the RAND Corporation has noted that between 1994 and 2004 the Chinese shed 25 million manufacturing jobs, 10 times more than the U.S. The central process driving this is not globalization. It's the skills revolution. We're moving into a more demanding cognitive age. In order to thrive, people are compelled to become better at absorbing, processing and combining information. This is happening in localized and globalized sectors, and it would be happening even if you tore up every free trade deal ever inked. Trying to stop or even slow this transition into the cognitive age is not only futile, but could have disastrous consequences for the United States. Politicians who pander by pretending that we can return to the "good old days" of relatively high-paying, low-cognitively-skilled jobs are doing a disservice both to the voters they claim to care about and the country itself. Instead of attempting to halt the inevitable, it would be better for all to accept the new reality and make plans for how we are going to adopt to it. Labels: Economics
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