November 2010
November 30, 2010
Justice Douglas warned us
Justice William O. Douglas had many profound things to say, but the following hit me yesterday. Sent by a friend. Read and toughen up:
"As nightfall does not come all at once, neither does oppression. In both instances, there is a twilight when everything remains seemingly unchanged. And it is in such twilight that we all must be most aware of change in the air however slight lest we become unwitting victims of the darkness."
So, back to the millionaire's playpen called Congress. I am sure I must have missed something, but I thought I heard that millions of Americans will see their unemployment insurance payments die tonight unless the millionaires agree to extend the benefits, and the millionaires say they won't do so unless the unemployment benefits are linked to permanent tax cuts for the economic elite. Toto! Where are we?
Then I read that the governor came to the aid of our state's worst polluter, Didion Milling, to qualify for a large chunk of $5.6 million in federal grants as part of the stimulus package. Why? Jobs, I guess, but take a look at the jobs: With federal funding, Didion plans to hire 75 people--but only during construction, and, here it comes, "10 full-time employees" in the longer term. Yah sure, Ole. When no one is looking those 10 jobs can go out the window.
By the way, we can't blame Bradley/Walker for this woof ticket because Jim Doyle handled this travesty.
Just as suspected, the wild bunch called Supreme Court Justices, with Alito in the front, are moving in for the kill. "Justices to Assess Arizona Campaign Financing," is the headline. Here it comes---duck and cover. At stake? Public financing of elections as an "abuse" of the First Amendment.
Give me a break! If matching funds given to candidates who accept public financing and limits is unconstitutional, I hope Obama devotes his State of the Union address to the State of our plutocracy. Let's see. What did William O. have to say?
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November 29, 2010
How many jobs?
A few years ago, while representing workers at Golden Books in Racine County, we came across an agreement signed by Tommy Thompson and the new Canadian owners of the book publisher. The state "loaned" the new owners $3 million based on a promise to create hundreds of new jobs in the re-organized company. (Sound familiar?) Wouldn't you know, the new owners took the money and almost everything else that had value home to Canada with nary a job created! We pressed the Thompson administration to go after the $3 million based on non-performance--i.e., no new jobs and there never were any plans to create them. We called it "a fraud on the state." The Thompson administration called it good business. The workers could have used that money to re-open the plant and employ hundreds. Not to be.
Go after the money? Nothing doing! It was called a "loan" but it was really a "grant." How would anyone know? Well, the lawyers for the publisher knew that Tommy would not go after the 3 million bucks.
Lesson learned. When Bradley/Walker promises to create 250,000 permanent, family-supporting jobs over four years, they hope no one is counting! Well, we are and with no new jobs yesterday, Walker is already 4,602 new jobs behind. (Imagine the hoo-ha if Walker could claim more than 4,000 new jobs!) Are the jobs hiding in Canada? Time to go after the $3 million, Scott.
Beck is not dangerous? Read this: "Exposing George Soros. A Glenn Beck Special Event." Beck then rants, and it is obvious that anti-Semitism is the root of the Beck Experience. Shame on Beck, shame on Roger Ailes, shame on Rupert Murdoch.
TEXAS CHALLENGES EPA RULES: Remember when that goofy governor threatened to secede? Go, please, go for our sake. Catch this in Washington Post: "If Texas were a separate country, it would be the seventh-biggest emitter of stationary-site greenhouse gases in the world."
Something is dissonant. Norfolk is trying to battle rising sea levels while Texas sues to stop EPA from issuing new rules! And 200 countries will meet on Cancun to keep negotiations alive that began in Kyoto. No way will a new agreement emerge, but one can hope the Republicans will reassure delegates that sea evels are no problem. Why? God promised Noah--one cruise and no more! Take heart, Norfolk. Take heart.
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November 28, 2010
Bipartisan stitching, please
Someone hit the president in the mouth--likely story! The White House, despite evidence a GOP lobbyist joined the basketball game with the intent of giving Obama a sore mouth, claims it was an accident! My guess is the president requested a bipartisan stitching of his mouth issued in writing, "Now is not the time to place bame for pick-up game injuries," or to restrict GOP doctors.
KOREA: Why maneuver in the Yellow Sea? What will we learn about the coast of Korea? Nothing, for heaven's sake. With everyone commenting that the leadership crisis in North Korea is the real problem, step back and try diplomacy without threatening American intervention.
Hot news for the Pentagon: We're broke. We are bogged down in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Palestine. We cannot afford a war in Korea!
Chalmers Johnson, author of Blowback, died last week. Everyone in Washington should be forced to read Blowback and Washington Rules. There are limits on our power and consequences that flow from our actions. It is time for restraint not blustering.
JOBS JOBS IMMIGRATION PHOTO ID ABORTION GUNS STEM CELL RESEARCH GAYS GUNS DEATH PENALTY JOBS. A new horror movie? No, the GOP agenda in the GOP-dominated Legislature--not of Mississippi--of Wisconsin! Yikes!
So, how is Bradley Foundation/Walker doing to meet his goal of creating 250,000 permanent, family supporting jobs--with benefits? He must create 177 jobs every day to meet his promise. So far he has lost jobs, but wait until he really hits the ground, he pleads. Well, we would have, but he wanted to be treated as governor on day 1--November 3, so we started counting the new jobs. He is 4,425 behind schedule! Damn! C'mon, Bradley/Walker. C'mon!
Bradley/Walker tells us that reducing taxes for small business and a reduction in regulations will be an effective way to create 250,000 jobs. And the Bradley Foundation's Mike Grebe, our own Roger Ailes, adds that "when ifs and buts are candy and nuts it will be Christmas every day."
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November 27, 2010
Feel Good Bowl?
I admit to a Big 10 bias. I really do not care if Boise State exists, let alone is playing for the BCS Bowl--whatever that is. (In political Science terms, Boise State seems to be the equivalent of Quinnipiac--close to Boise State--in the polling sector or Harvard beats Yale for the Elitist Bowl.) But a couple of bowl games grabbed my attention. By losing yesterday, poor old Boise State is, according to the NY Times, relegated to the, catch this, the Humanitarian Bowl or the Fight Hunger Bowl. Wouldn't you know the Fight Hunger Bowl will be played in San Francisco. I am not kidding.
Couldn't we have a Goldman Sachs vs. the rest of America Bowl played on Wall Street? Winner gets a billion dollar bonus. Loser must survive on food stamps for a month.
But sports is the gift that keeps flowing. A running back for the Giants got fined $20,000 by the commissioner of the NFL (how's that for a title?) for giving the finger to the Philadelphia fans. Heck, I think he should be sited for bravery--the Philadelphia fans are dangerous. I wonder if the commissioner will donate the 20K to the Humanitarian or Fight Hunger bowl? What is the fine for giving the finger to the Commissioner?
Outrageous! An educator will back up the non-educator head of NY Schools appointed by Prince Bloomberg. What's next? Linking her salary to student performance? And, whom, may I ask, has the balls to question the Prince?
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November 26, 2010
Norfolk awakens!
Indeed, front-page NYT: Front-line City Starts tackling Rise in Sea Level."
The Tea and Crumpets Party, along with the right wing of the Democratic Party, is in no hurry to act as our climate heats up. No, they would rather accuse scientists of fraud in warning that disaster is lurking. Sea level in Norfolk, Va, has gone up 14.5 inches since 1930. So, the city has decided to act--alone it appears. Norfolk is on the front lines of climate change, but it is absurd to think Norfolk can make a difference.
Read the article. I predict you will look back on this Thanksgiving as a day when one city woke up. Too late in all probability but we can't stop trying.
Meanwhile, with predictions of sea level rise of as much as 22-26 feet, the Congress dithers and gets ready to soak it's tea bags in brine.
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Open government? Really?
"U.S. warns allies about Wikileaks." Most of us have been critical of government throughout the Cold War period, because transparency is, at best, an after-thought. Wars are started with little reliable information on which we, the ones who will fight the wars, can depend. Gulf of Tonkin is example # 1. Then we look at the invasions of Afghanistan, Iraq and Grenada...and so it goes. (Urge you to see Fair Game, a movie that makes this point.)
Two days ago--or was it one or a was it a year or 50 years ago--somebody sent artillery shells crashing into civilians. A war did not start. Why not? This was an unprovoked act of aggression. Why would we turn the other cheek? Would our response have been different if Wikileaks had not been looking over our State Department cables?
I don't know but I suspect Wikileaks played a role. It seems easier for government to kill an opposition leader, make deals with opium dealers, start a revolution, or overthrow governments in Iran and Guatemala in secret than in open discussion.
So no wonder the State Department is nervous. The world's only super-duper power is about to be embarrassed. Truth could prove fatal.
Which side are we on in Pakistan? Or how about the battle with Turks and Kurdish rebels. Whom do we support? Did our CIA know there were no WMD in Iraq? What did the scoundrel Tony Blair say to Bush in secret cables? (Well, no longer secret.) I'll bet Tony B is nervous. The smoke rising does not signal election of a new pope--or were we involved in Vatican politics as well? Did the Vatican and the U.S. work to elect a particular president?
I can't say that the release of millions of documents will be all good but I doubt that the bad will out-weigh the good. You?
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November 25, 2010
Do not delay!
Off to prison! I doubt it, but a Texas jury shook the ground under old Tom, finding him guilty of "illegally plotting to funnel corporate contributions" to Texas legislative candidates. In other words "money laundering."
Tom was unhappy with the verdict, calling the jury verdict an "abuse of power" and a "miscarriage of justice!" And, in case you wondered, he maintained his innocence.
You had to smile at this DeLay charge: "The criminalization of politics undermines our very system." Will the Hammer appeal? You betcha. Will he be back dancing with the stars? Doubtful.
JOBS: Our Bradley Foundation governor-elect promised 250,000 permanent, family supporting new jobs over his four years. We are trying to keep track as a helper to Bradley/Walker. From a job-creation perspective, his resolve to kill high-speed trains is admirable to some, stupid to others. The JS reports that yesterday the Spanish car manufacturer Talgo wrote to Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce president Tim Sheehy. MMAC gave $381,500 to candidate Bradley/Walker. The letter urged MMAC to favor the high speed train. Imagine the affront to MMAC--to be put on the spot. Ouch.
Keeping track of jobs: The method is imperfect but may be useful in keeping track of promises. After 23 days, Bradley/Walker should have created 4,071 new permanent jobs (177 per day). But only a WPR report of 90 jobs coming from Minnesota has interrupted the goose eggs from Bradley/Walker. Assuming the 90 are permanent, family-supporting, let's give credit to Scott for 90 new jobs, while we check it out. OK? Only 3,981 behind. Go get 'em, Scott.
Korea: It appears that cooler heads have prevailed thus far. By now W and Dick might well have bombed North Korea! Not Palin, however--she said "we must support our North Korean ally." I am not making this up.
Happy Thanksgiving! Have a good one.
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November 24, 2010
Tragedy becomes farce--
It often does. About two weeks ago, we learned that secret peace negotiations between Karzai and the Taliban were on-going with the blessings of our government. Huzzah! Peace was suddenly possible. But then the tragedy slipped into farce. Turns out the Taliban representative, believed to be number 2 in the Taliban structure, was a fraud, a poseur, a spy, a con man. Was he sent by Goldman Sachs, Pakistan, Britain, CIA or a new Dancing with the Stars host?
"Put it this way." said a western diplomat. "It was not well handled." There you have it: the understatement if the decade.
Then we heard that the North Koreans fired on the South only to learn that the South shot first. The excuse? "The North Koreans knew we were having training exercises in the area." Shame on them.
Recall Jimmy Breslin's The Gang that Couldn't Shoot Straight? There you have it!
WPRI--AGAIN! Follow the bouncing poll. The Cap Times learned that Bradley/WalkerGov might consider an increase in the regressive sales tax to battle the hole in the budget. "Oh no! My friends! Not true." Who says so? None other than the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute. Just the other day, WPRI was speaking out against high speed rail--using the UW Poli Sci Department as cover. You can bet your bippy that another WPRI poll will soon be on the front burner.
Archbishop Dolan is appalled at the number of Catholics who are giving up on the church. Hint: his message to Catholic priests, carried in the NY Times was, "Have a healthy, happy celibacy."
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November 23, 2010
Will the Circle be Unbroken?
Ah, the old hymn seems to ask good questions. Here is my take on the incestuous "circle" involving the right-wing Bradley Foundation, the UW-Madison Political Science Department and the Walker "campaign." Did you know that about 52 percent of people in Wisconsin oppose high speed rail? Who asked? Who framed the questions? Who spun the results? Who paid? Ah, so nosy!
Another poll was just released. We can't tell if the entire poll was released; we think we know who framed the questions; we don't know if some questions went unreported because Bradley/Walker didn't like the results. Other than Goldstein and Lightbourn, who must be viewed as part of the Bradley/Walker team, who handled the "spin"? (Our questions may have persuaded the funder of the poll, Bradley Foundation's Wisconsin Policy Research Institute (WPRI), to explain that if you have questions about the poll you can call UW Poli Sci professor Ken Goldstein (608-347-3510) or former Tommy Thompson staffer WPRI's George Lightbourn (608-220-6085).
WPRI, part of the Bradley Foundation propaganda machine, entered into a contract that they hoped would not be subject to Open Records (but the books had to open) with the UW Madison Poli Sci Department. As a result of Open Records requests, Fighting Bob and One Wisconsin Now got documents that are disturbing. WPRI is in charge and has final say on whether to conduct the poll and whether to release the poll results, and WPRI shapes the questions and designates the spin person. The agreement to, in effect, enlist the UW Poli Sci Department in right-wing politics is a shame.
You can bet the Walker transition team, headed by Bradley Foundation head Mike Grebe, who apparently decides if Lightbourn keeps his job, old friend of Roger Ailes, will make use of the Poli Sci department and the Poli Sci Department may adopt the new slogan "UW--Open for Business."
JOBS: How are you doin' on the new, permanent, family-supporting jobs, Governor Walker? I believe 250,000 was the promise--that's 177 new ones per day. Looks like no new jobs yet, so you are 3,894 behind where you need to be. Better get started! Another poll, perhaps? Maybe people don't want new jobs. Who knows? WPRI!
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November 22, 2010
November 22: Will we ever recover?
I am confident the nation will. Me? I don't think so. When Larry O'Brian talked to Ted Sorenson, or so the story goes, he said, "We will never laugh again." Oh. "Yes, we will laugh again," Sorenson responded, but "we will never be young again." I guess that sums up my generation. Such promise--such hope--and then JFK, RFK, MLK, Malcolm. No nation had it worse. And we have never been young again.
November 22. We all remember where we were and what we were doing.
James Carville: Did you have to say it? "If Hillary Clinton gave one of her balls to Obama, he would have two." Jaysus! You are not in junior high.
Now we have the anti-commonwealth crowd controlling Congress. Who cares if unemployment compensation runs out and millions suffer? Who cares about nuclear proliferation? Who cares about education or climate change? Who cares about war in Afghanistan and Iraq? Or hunger or poverty or evictions...
JFK and RFK and MLK cared. They would not tolerate this nonsense nor should we!
A word about Alan Simpson. He is a very nasty guy who hides behind humor most of the time, but now and then we catch a glimpse of the real SOB. He said, "I can't wait for the blood bath in April." Oh really, Alan? You can't wait for the country you love so much to collapse when the Tea Party-dominated GOP refuses to raise the debt ceiling? Can't wait? Whoa Nelly!
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November 21, 2010
Where to begin?
People througout the state rallied to "save the train." The Wisconsin State Journal (WSJ) could not totally ignore the spirited rally in Madison, so they did what WSJ does best: they ignored everything except that a rally was held in Madison. There was another with 200 or so in Milwaukee; more than 50 in Oshkosh, Ron Johnson's home base.
The Journal Sentinel one-upped WSJ. Not only did JS ignore the rally but JS published another WWPRI-JS poll. This one proclaiming that 52 percent of Badgers oppose one of Tommy Thompson's pet projects when he was governor and on AmTraK's Board--high speed train. How do they know so much? Aha! You forgot that the right-wing puppet, Wisconsin Policy Research Institute (WPRI) is in the polling business with UW-Madison Political Science Department. WPRI commissioned another UW Poli Sci poll. (They have no shame. Mike Grebe, lead Walker cheerleader, heads the Bradley Foundation.) Once again, UW Poli Sci prof Ken Goldstein was given credit for the poll--not mentioned? Oh, who paid for the poll, who wanted a poll: who shaped the questions, who handled the spin--the very issues we raised after catching a glimpse of the UW's bias months ago.
It looks bad for high speed rail, but keep up the pressure. This is the dumbest move made by a politician in memory. Turn down $800 million to please the Waukesha GOP? C'mon, Scott. Listen to your inner-Tommmy!
Democracy move over! Who runs for office today? Hint: not people who will lose UC benefits. Center for Responsive Politics reports that--261 members of Congress are millionaires--55 were worth more than $10 million. The median? OK, you asked: it's $911,000 without counting homes in the mix. (Ever wonder why poverty doesn't seem to galvanize Dems?)
Had fun yesterday. Went to a reading by Bill Lueders at Borders East. Watchdog is the book. Hope you get a copy for Christmas.
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November 20, 2010
JOBS JOBS JOBS
Was that it? I guess that sums up Scott W's campaign for governor. "I will create 250,000 jobs over the four years." We take it as a given he means full-time, family supporting jobs with benefits.
How is he doing? Well, don't ask and he won't tell. But to create 250,000 new, full-time, family supporting, jobs he needs to create 177 per day. On that basis he had better step it up. Eighteen days since election times 177 new family supporting jobs = 3,186 jobs that should have been created, but thus far nada! So now he must move the chains to 253,186 to meet his promise. No time to sit around.
"THEY ARE, OF COURSE, NAZIS," Roger Ailes said that about NPR! Whoa Nelly, Roger. You lied to elect Kasten, you lie every time you claim FOX is "fair and balanced." But Joy Cardin, Andy Moore, and Kathleen Dunne Nazis? They are "of course" Nazis. You said that, now get a grip, Roger, and resign from Fox "news" and wear a sandwich board asking for forgiveness at the Cathedral Sunday. You cheapen politics with such outrageous attacks. Oh, in case you missed it, Fox and the new GOP Congress tried to stop all future federal support to NPR and PBS--you know--the Nazis! Fox lost yesterday, but they will win soon.
Damn it! My invitation never arrived. You? The conference of Democratic Donors was held this week in Washington. I did not receive an invitation despite decades of giving money to Democrats, running for office, and creating Fighting Bob Fest. They forgot me! No, they will not "put down the tin cup," they will drink from a gold cup. Democrats will fight fire with fire, cash with cash, trash with trash, and continue issue-less campaigns to persuade big corporations to give truck loads of money to both parties for favors, so, ala Bullworth, both can pour money inito Rupert Murdoch's pockets!
The Democracy Alliance, formed by Rob Stein, whoever he is, was a sponsor, and he will lead the Democratic candidates to the promised land! And angels dance on the heads of pins.
SAVE THE TRAIN--NOON--RAGING GRANNIES--SPEECHES--IRISH WHISKY (Ok, NO IRISH WHISKEY. SEE YOU THERE. Bill Lueders will read from his new must-read book; 3:00 today at Borders East in Madison.
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November 19, 2010
Dane County hits home run
Some people in the land of La Follette chuckle and chortle about Dane County being an island of illusion in a sea of reality. Well, check it out. Kathleen Falk's last budget maintained funding for the developmentally disabled--no cuts. The Dane County Board approved, in a gutsy vote. Next time someone chuckles at Dane County, tell them to check with the DD folks. Good for you, Dane County. Good for you. Home run.
Census Bureau: The nation's poverty rate rose to 14.3 percent--highest in 50 years. Black household income dropped 4.4 percent. Fifty million Americans went hungry at some point during the year. The Heritage Foundation, in an unusually cruel comment even for that heartless crew, urged calm--not chronic starvation. Just a few missed meals. Ho hum. OK, Heritage! See you at Chevy Chase Country Club.
Smart War Again: Look out, Taliban! Washington Post headline: "U.S. sending tanks to hit harder at Taliban." Each tank weighs 68 tons, is propelled by a jet engine, and, get this, "Can destroy a house one mile away!" OK, USA. USA!
Here are some words to remember. "The tanks bring shock, awe and firepower. Range is much greater than machine guns." My favorite was the explanation of how the tanks fit the counterinsurgency mold: "COIN does not mean you don't blow up stuff or kill people who need to be killed." OK, I get it. Those civilians deserved it.
One final plus. If a home is destroyed or a civilian injured, the citizen must go to the local governor to file a claim. (Are you sitting down?) "Filing the claim connects the government to the people." Mark Russell used to joke that he did not need writers during Watergate--just rip and read!
Thinking Mexico for less expensive surgery? Now and then I think Bill Bennett did not win the drug war. Too much time in Vegas perhaps? Doctors are leaving Mexico in large numbers. Why? Armed drug cartel soldiers go into hospitals to kill the wounded and shoot medical personnel. It is awful.
Say it ain't so, Joe. The headine reads, "Obama, Dems can't agree on tax cut."
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November 18, 2010
Fair and bitter
A "Blue Dog" Democrat who lost his seat said Nancy Pelosi "has the face of defeat." Really, Allen Boyd? All her fault? Really?
"PELOSI TO LEAD DEMOCRATS; PATH IS UNCLEAR." The Washington Post headline could have been written in the Blue Dog kennel. She "will oversee a shrunken and demoralized caucus."
The anti-Pelosi crowd may be right, but I don't think so. Jim Hightower, speaking at Fighting Bob Fest, suggested we give an antitrust waiver to drug companies that conspire to develop a Viagra pill for congressional backbones. Good idea. How about giving all unsold "energy drinks" to Congress or drop some Tabasco in the morning java?
GM MADE HOW MUCH? The IPO may be the largest in history; between $20 billion and $23 billion! As the deal goes forward, U.S. shares down to 33 percent and taxpayer debt about at $10 billion. Can you imagine the celebration of this success had W. been in the White House? WSJ would have passed out in ecstasy.
North Carolina to Badgers: "Eat our dust!" The secretary of Transportation hints part of money allocated for Wisconsin and Ohio would go to North Carolina. Not so fast says LaHood--no decision yet. And meanwhile GOP trogs are trying to reverse the whole idea! Yikes!
Rally to save the train: Almost everyone agrees trains are part of our future--everyone but Scott Walker that is. Even two of the three Republicans trying to spare Walker some embarassment--Petri and Sensenbrenner--had favored the high-speed train. Ryan? Not so sure. Walker might yet see the light, but hardline Republicans like Charlie Sykes would send him to RINO hell.
So rallies are scheduled for Saturday noon to save the train. Where to go: Madison--400 S.Hancock street; Milwaukee. 433 W.St. Paul Ave; Watertown, 624 Church St.; Eau Claire, 320 Putnam St.
Spread the word. Push Wisconsin into the next Century!
WARNING: Think there is no difference between the two parties? New Jersey Governor Christie just laid off 130 New Jersey Public Radio and TV employees as step one in a plan to do away with state-run, non-profit, radio and TV. Ouch! Walker? I guess Walker thinks Sykes and Belling are all we need!
Oh, and net neutrality? GOP doesn't like it. The GOP wants you to pay a premium! Whoa Nelly!
Why not send Alan Lasse to Iraq? Catch this. President Talabani will not sign any death sentences. "As a Social Democrat, I'm against the death penalty." Perhaps, as we spread democracy in Iraq, they could civilize proponents of the death penalty. (Just wait. Now Walker will propose bringing it back to progressive Wisconsin.)
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November 17, 2010
Ah, the pause that refreshes
Mayor Bloomberg, Mayor Bloomberg, you seemed so innocent as you looked for the best person to head New York city's public schools. It wasn't easy, I'm sure--always meeting potential educators in dark alleys, but better to meet in darkness than bright sunlight. Good lord, who knows who might have applied had you been open in your recruitment? You could have appointed a corporate bully! Whoa Nelly!
But, Mr. Mayor, paahhhleeeze! A 20-year member of the Coca-Cola board? Surely this is a joke or a test of some kind. As educators nationwide fought to get soft drinks out of schools, Coke took them on. Some local officials, says NYT, labeled the Coke campaign to keep sugar on the gums of our kids "unconscionable." And Coke was not shy in attacking the locals who oppposed Coke's campaign. Ms. Black sat on the committee that focused on policy issues including obesity and selling Coke to children. Think about it, Mayor Bloomberg. Pause and you might hit the reset button.
MAY DAY! MAY DAY! Ok, Gov-elect Walker is going to do it! Turn back $810 million, pay $100 million or so in damages, cost us thousands of jobs. Stubborn? Silly? Stupid? Your choice.
Paul Ryan, the one they tell us is the smart one, joined with not-so-smart Tom Petri and definitely-not-smart Jim Sensenbrenner in introducing a "bailout" for Walker. I'm not kidding. The three ask that Wisconsin be given an option--spend the billion on the train or conribute the money to reduce the deficit! OMG. Walker said he would spend it on roads; LaHood said "no you won't." So step up boys and take the medicine!
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November 16, 2010
Who asked you?
Why not delete the word "public" from NYC Public Schools? Mayor Bloomberg, the guy who spent more than $100 million in his re-election bid, who celebrated his victory by flying his top campaign staff to Paris (France not New York) for a three-star dinner, and who gave six-figure bonuses to his campaign staff, apparently missed the irony in his statement defending the way he chose the chairman of Hearst Magazines to head the public school system in New York City.
His defense in appointing Cathleen Black in secret? He said, "You don't go and call everybody and say, 'Do you want to apply publicly?' That's just not the way you get the best and the brightest." (I guess he never read David Halbestram's The Best and the Brightest.)
Actually, Mr. Mayor, that is the way public officials operate. They do call everyone to ask for applications. And there is a process to be followed, and yes, the public, the great unwashed, have a stake in the outcome! They are the ones with kids in those schools not the out-of-reach private prep schools. And, yes, they are the teachers and staff. They know a lot about education.
Who did Mayor Mike and the Hearst exec reach out to? One name stuck in my craw: Michelle A. Rhee, the former head if education in Washington, D.C. I wonder if Michelle can do for Bloomberg what she did for the outgoing mayor of D.C. Outgoing thanks to the public's view of Ms. Rhee.
Bargains galore: The NY Yankees announced ticket prices for next year. Best field-level seats will rise to $250...the $100 tickets will remain at one-hundred bucks. Talk about relief! Imagine how many poor parents can now plan to take a family of four to a game for one hundred bucks a ticket! There to get an expensive hot dog not to mention a five-dollar coke! Okay Yankees!
TRAIN LEAVING THE STATION: Everyone who calls Scott Walker to urge him to regain his senses and go with the fast-speed train is greeted by an abrupt, nasty operative who makes it clear you should shut up. Keep hiring 'em, Scott. Keep hiring them.
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November 15, 2010
Select your parents
But be careful. Think about former Supreme Court Justice Louis Butler, waiting to be confirmed by the Senate to a federal judgeship in Wisconsin. He has been nominated not once but twice by president Obama, but Louis was not careful about selecting his parents--he is African American. Not many of those in the U.S.Senate. So, Butler sits and waits.
Herb Kohl predicted confirmation but nothing yet. Is there no civility left in the Senate? The answer will be obvious soon.
Final Score? What was the final score in the UW vs. Indiana game? Eighty-three to something? Yikes. While Indiana is a red state and may deserve to lose, 83 points? C'mon!
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November 14, 2010
Stop the train!
It is the number one bad judgment call by a governor in my lifetime. Somehow, Scott has managed to look like a fool and a whiner. Did he honestly think that Obama would permit Wisconsin to keep the money for high speed trains to use on highways? Whoa Nelly!
Good read: Frank Rich's "Who Will Stand up to the Super rich?"
If you read the NYT feature on climate change you won't purchase ocean-front property in South Carolina. Scary. And have we brought our best minds to the table? You guessed it. And God promised Noah...no second flood! I am not kidding.
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November 13, 2010
Not so fast, Scott
Scott Walker, acting the part of a spoiled brat who won't share his new toy with the neighbor kids, shouts to Doyle, "Hey, I bought the chair now get out!" Stop the train, stop talking about the $810 million we are sending back; stop negotiating with the public employees; stop meeting with people; and, for heaven's sake, no more appointments!
Doyle, awakening from a long nap, in the genre of Woody Allen in Sleepers, said "no." AFSCME's Marty Beil said "hell no and "put up your dukes." Beil was firm in warning Scott that he will not roll over for Scott or permit him to treat public employees like rag dolls.
Good for Marty. As for returning the 800+ million dollars to Washington for the non-starting train, Louis Fortis summed it up on Joy Cardin's "Week in Review": "Wisconsin is the laughing stock of the country."
Bipartisan has such a nice ring, but who said Erskine Bowles should be "our" partisan? He worked for Morgan Stanley, has his own investment firm, is at best a DLC Democrat--certainly no small 'd' democrat. So, while the talking heads, including, Mark Shields, start drooling over the bipartisan approach, I think Pelosi should demand that Obama appoint a real Democrat to offset hard-right "Tits" Simpson. Russ Feingold? Why not?
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November 12, 2010
Hey Scott! How ya doin?
Governor-elect Scott Walker, with his Bradley Foundation brain Mike Grebe by his side, has not exactly dazzled us coming out of the gate. His goal of "Wisconsin Open for Business," 250,000 new, permanent, good-paying jobs (with benefits?) reminds me of the horse "Beetle Bomb," created by Spike Jones. First, he has found himself wondering and muttering about the $810 million he insists he will "return to sender" unless the mean old sender permits him to take the high-speed train money and put it into highways to keep the road builders happy while Walker sneaks his hand into their pockets for campaign cash!
Why would Obama or Congress permit that when lots of states are eager to take our near-billion for themselves? High speed rail is the future.
For openers, Grebe thinks Obama will flinch. One cannot discount that possibility. David "Let's Make a Deal" Axelrod might give in to pressure from Walker. Hells bells, he is ready to throw in the towel on the Bush tax cuts for zillionaires, a Korean NAFTA, and social security cuts, so why not bail out Walker? Yikes! Keep your eyes open wide.
Krugman on target again: Our guru writes that the "supposedly bipartisan panel" headed by DLC-supported Erskine Bowles joins with the nasty and surprisingly bitter Alan Simpson, appointed by Axelrod-Obama to lead us out of the deficit thicket, is a bad joke.
Simpson's letter to Older Women's League in which he described Social Security as being "like a milk cow with 310 million tits" is outrageous.
Instead of focusing on the Bush tax cuts and Simpson's nasty jokes during the lame suck session, we are treated to a sleep-inducing lecture from Bowles on taxes. Save it, Erskine! We ain't buying! Pelosi quickly and correctly labled the Bowles-Simpson-Axelrod idea "unacceptable."
We are now 10 days into Walker's job-creation period. Report? No new jobs yet; Kohler to reduce by 300 or so; the Spanish high speed train car builder is headed to Illinois; and Walker's favorite company Harley has rejected strings on $25 million in state tax credits. This rejection comes after the union gave big concessions including a seven-year wage freeze and the election of WMC's gubernatorial nominee, Walker.
By now, job creator "Open for Business" Walker should have created 1,770 new permanent family-supporting jobs but, alas, he has lost more than he has created. C'mon, Scott. Time's a wastin!
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[7 letters]
November 11, 2010
They did it again!
Democrats in Congress have two months or so to pass legislation before the corporations take over the agenda. Will the Dems do anything? Your letters suggest you doubt anything good will happen. Same 'ol, same ol'. I think we will be lucky if nothing happens!
The South Korean free trade agreement is a priority of the Chamber of Commerce, led by its hard-to-swallow president, Thomas Donohue. He wants it. Obama wants it. We don't.
Like NAFTA, this proposed free-trade deal will cost us thousands of good, family supporting jobs in America. (I can hear Pete Seeger singing "Which Side are You On?")
Before we could absorb the news that another job-killer is pushed by Obama, the forces of "Wait, wait, don't do anything yet" hauled a huge red herring across the stage, demanding that we keep our eyes on the herring rather than health care, fixing Social Security, Bush tax cuts, and doing something for working families, the loopy Alan Simpson-Erskine Bowles quinella surprised everyone (yah, sure) by dropping the neutron bomb on Washington. Cut, cut, cut--reform, reform, reform--more breaks for the wealthy--obscene gesture to working families!
One fascinating note. President Obama announced that we won the Korean War. OK! I was in doubt, but now I know. Well done, HST. Well done.
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[4 letters]
November 10, 2010
Ah, the rule of law!
A federal judge ruled that "don't ask don't tell" was and is discriminatory and was, therefore unconstitutional. Stop now, said the judge! Well, if not now, how about "stop if military brass and soldiers agree" some day?
And, of course, John McCain must give his blessing because he was a POW. What that has to do with constitutional law is beyond me, but because the president won't act, as commander-in-chief, gay soldiers are in a bind.
If they come out, they could be fired; if they don't come out, the homophobes triumph and unconstitutional discrimination continues. But what about the order of the court? Oh, I get it, federal judges are not supposed to get involved. Whoa Nelly!
Then there is the incredible story of tapes of torture being burned by the CIA despite an order from a federal judge that the tapes, as evidence of torture by our side, were to be preserved!
Criminal charges will not be brought by the Justice Department although 92 tapes were intentionally destroyed. The reaction of the ACLU was appropriate: "This decision is stunning. There is ample evidence of a coverup," said Anthony Romero. The "Bush administration was instructed by a court of law not to destroy evidence of torture but that's exactly what they did."
Only a fool would believe the destruction was accidental. Why would Obama not prosecute these scoflaws? Eric Holder knows but we don't! Something is very wrong. We even know the name of the CIA official who authorized the destruction of the evidence. But no charges will be brought, period.
When did we decide that court orders are only recommendations?
Lame duck my eye: The Democrats are in charge of Congress until January. What can Congress do? A lot. How about voting to implement the middle-class tax cuts permanently? Then, when the corporate-sponsored new Congress is seated it can tackle the Bush tax cuts for the super rich. Welcome!
What else? How about repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell? What will the Democrats do? The Blue Dogs, who were trounced in the election, will try to put Steny Hoyer in leadership as a signal that there ain't no fight in blue dogs. Like goood DLC Democrats they are expected to do nothing while in control. Just wait until the gavel passes. Issa and others will not be so nice to Democrats.
Business as usual for the Dems. Take care of incumbents and contributors--then raise money. Business as usual.
MJS seeking Truth! The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, owned and operated by Journal Communications, sponsors Bradley Foundation fellow Charie Sykes five days a week, hour after hour, is calling for honesty in government. MJS, which appears comfortable that Bradley Foundation boss Mike Grebe will head the transition team for Walker writes, "The nation needs to have an adult conversation about taxation and spending."
I am not making this up. Missing are MJS's nominees for the adult conversation. Sykes, Grebe, Walker...others? Mark Belling, Alan Borsuk and Howard Fuller perhaps? Wow! MJS is remarkable. Time for fairness, some balance and some adult supervision at MJS! Then an adult conversation might help.
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[7 letters]
November 9, 2010
Fantasyland
With the promise to keep prison spending at the same level while cutting taxes and creating 250,000 new jobs still on our radar screen in Wisconsin, Bob Herbert hit the nail on the head in this morning's column about the national budget "debate": "You can't have a coherent conversation about deficit reduction if tax increases are off the table and the country is still at war. This is fantasyland economics." Indeed!
And how is Scott Walker doing on his mission to create 177 new jobs every day that leads to the promised land where 250,000 Badgers will have newly created, family supporting, permanent employment? Well, nothing for nine days so it looks like he is 1,593 down!
But that's not all. He again demanded that Doyle turn back $810 million to the feds because Scott only likes cars and Harleys and perhaps slow trains. For comic relief, Walker asked the feds to let him spend the $810 million on highways! Whoa Nelly. Better get busy finding 177 new jobs today, Scott. Time is money. Add 400 lost jobs on the high speed rail decision and you are almost at 2,000 jobs in the lost column. So far onbody is biting on gimmicks like "tax holidays" or catchy slogans like "Wisconsin: Open for Business."
And other states are standing still? Sure, Scott. Sure. I'll bet New York takes our money. Wanna bet?
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[10 letters]
November 8, 2010
Buckle your seat belts. We are in for a rough ride!
Do you wonder what the insiders really think about our Wisconsin economy? Can they really believe they can eliminate thousands of state workers, layoff teachers, cut programs, privatize everything in site and still add 250,000 jobs in four years?
That is 177 new jobs every day, including weekends. So far Walker has lost 300 at Kohler and lost 500-1,000 at the Spanish fast train car manufacturer. To keep pace with his 250,000 pledge, he should be able to point to creation of 1,242 new jobs in his first week, but, alas, he has lost the jobs listed above and has not created any new ones unless he is hiding them for a big announcement!
Here is the scary part. Walker does not have a plan of action to add 177 jobs per day. He has no idea how he can possibly create 250,000 jobs in four years. He knows that taxes must be raised or all hell will break loose. If he enacts his right-to-life agenda, thousands of great jobs with promising futures researching stem cells will leave Wisconsin for California, New York and Boston.
So what is the real plan? It was announced years ago by that nut Grover Norquist: "Reduce government to the point where it can be drowned in the bathtub." It is the triumph of the "greed is good" philosophy of Wall Street. Scott and his lawyer pal Michael Grebe want to destroy government and return to the good old days of the Depression. This time, they won't let some rich SOB like FDR ruin their plot.
Goodness I miss the Cap Times!
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[9 letters]
November 7, 2010
Laugh or cry?
Every question asked of candidates during the just-concluded campaign had one answer: "Jobs!" Some candidates were better liars than others and they did fine on November 2. Scott Walker was top drawer on this one. He will, if you followed his rhetoric, eliminate thousands of public employees, and create 250,000 more jobs by 2015 despite the cuts.
It is unclear if these will be good family supporting jobs or sub-minimum wage temporary jobs. It is highly unlikely that the two people he appointed to head his transition team--one a lawyer with Foley & Lardner, and the other a realtor--have ever created a job.
It is interesting to track Walker's post-election progress. No, it isn't fair to expect much a week later, but he did issue the challenge to start work "tomorrow!" So we are.
He promised 250,000 jobs. That is 62,500 per year, 5,208 per month, 186 per day. And this while he blows jobs at Talgo, the Spanish company lured to Wisconsin by Tom Barrett. Why? Well, of course Scott opposes high speed rail! Talgo builds cars for high speed trains. So, Walker-the-flexible, met with Talgo and, depending on which version you believe, Scott said he might reconsider his opposition to high speed trains but that is dangerous. In the other version he made no promises but urged the company to remain anyway. (This is comparable to asking Colonel Sanders to care for the chickens.)
Anyway, assume he "lost" the Talgo jobs--thus he must create 255,000 jobs. Oh, and arch-reactionary Kohler Company has announced it is placing 300 jobs in the toilet. Now Walker must create 255,300 jobs. Apparently Herb Kohler was so busy working as greenskeeper at his "public" golf courses he didn't hear the governor elect's message "WISCONSIN IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS" Damn it!
Walker announced that we face "an economic emergency." OK. Now what? How about toll lanes? More tax breaks for Kohler--oops! Too late! He could sell Mitchell Airport...the Zoo...our parks, the Dells...
Right-turn: Obama has quickly signaled a right turn as he wipes the shellac off his jacket. It looks like it will be impossible for real Democrats to unite behind him in two years. How to accomplish that task? I know: How about a NAFTA-like treaty with Korea. Do what Clinton did. He said screw the jobs, led the fight for NAFTA, looked moderate and won a second term!
Catch these gems. Obama indicated he would compromise on the Bush tax cuts! Whoa Nelly! And on his ill-timed trip to call-center India, he has made nice to the captain of industry who poured millions into GOP coffers to defeat his party. CEO of GE Jeffrey Immelt was on Air Force 1. Who welcomed Air Force 1 to India? I am not making this up: the CEO of Boeing, Jim McNerney. His reward? He flew downtown on the presidential helicopter.
Obama said, according to the New York Times, "He hopes to come home with a renegotiated free trade deal with Korea." While he might surprise us with a tough new agreement, I doubt it. No labor leaders were spotted on the plane.
Now what? Why was the new Speaker crying? Well, maybe his feet hurt or perhaps because he watched Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee wither under examination by Chris Matthews. How will they cut billions, trillions if the tax cuts and military spending are off the table? She looked like a deer in the headlights and sounded worse. Her only answer--words to live by---"We will have an adult conversation with Americans." Oh, good. Next?
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[2 letters]
November 6, 2010
Bradley uber alles!
You thought to yourself, "Well Walker is not an intellectual giant so we should not worry too much." I am here to tell you: worry a lot, go to bed early, get up early, keep notes, go to public meetings and be alert. Why? Mike Grebe will be Walker's de facto chief of staff. Whoa Nelly!
Tommy had Klauser and Walker has Grebe-Sykes. (Not legally hyphenated but connected at hip and lip, WTMJ's whiner-in-chief, Charles "I'm an intellectual" Sykes, and extreme right-wing Bradley Foundation's Mike Grebe will systematically destroy all the good that we count on in Wisconsin.)
This is an invasion worthy of a 911 call. And Grebe was the CEO of the state's largest law firm, so the lawyers at Foley can look forward to cases sent their way by Chief Grebe to help them through the economic downturn.
Google Bradley Foundation and view an almost complete list of wing-nuts from all over the country. Alexander Hamilton Society, Alliance for School Choice, American Center for School Choice, American Civil Rights Institute...and there are the jornalists with out-stretched palms to get the Bradley Foundation's quarter million dollar reward for excellence.
A coup occured while Wisconsin Democrats slept. Mike Tate? Don't wake him yet.
What do we have to look forward to? How about capital punishment; a phase-out of Badgercare; the end of Wisconsin Public Radio and public television; abortion will be illegal; schools will be run by the voucher folks in Milwaukee (Susan Mitchell and her spouse) while public schools become "charity schools"; privatization of the UW-Madison; QEO or worse for public schools; re-districting that will guarantee Republican control of the Legislature for a decade.
Blue Dogs' bark is mute: Most progressive caucus Dems were elected and a majority of the Blue Dogs went down! OK! Good for Pelosi! Forward not backward.
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[6 letters]
November 5, 2010
Off to a slow start
If the Packers' first round draft choice announced he would get ready for the season "on his own," outside the prying eyes of the media, football fans and those who write about football would go nuts.
How is first round choice for the United States Senate, Ron Johnson doing? Glad you asked.
I am not making this up--couldn't do it--"As for Johnson," his campaign said "he plans to prepare to take office out of the public eye." The Wisconsin State Journal goes on: "The media-shy plastic company owner gave his last press conference" before being sworn in. Johnson's agent--Oops! Spokesperson--said late Tuesday, "Johnson will spend the next several weeks 'assembling a team' and be unavailable for media interviews." Whoa Nelly--trade him to "da bears"!
While other new senators are in Washington hiring staff, pushing for appointments to good Senate committees--you know, where the work gets done (hint: Agriculture)--Johnson will do what a "hard working CEO" would do: take some time for himself.
While the struggle for the soul of the Senate Republicans between his Tea Baggers and the traditional Republicans is raging in Washington, our guy takes a vacation! No "career politician" would stumble this badly coming out of the gate, but "Senator CEO" needs time to find out which committees he wants. By the time he and his all-rookie staff figure it out none of the good ones are going to be left. Unbelievable.
Wisconsin Dems finish last! The chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin (DPW) has emerged from Doyle's bunker. He slowly opened his eyes and asked, "How did we do?" Well, Mike Tate, we lost both houses of the Legislature; we lost the governor's office; we lost two congressional seats; we lost the Feingold seat. (Remember when we knew Russ could not possibly lose to plastic man? Well we did.)
How did we do? Well, there are 50 states and we were number 50! No Democratic Party did as poorly as we did. So get a memo out quickly: "We still have Doug LaFollette and Herb. Be positive."
So DPW Chair Tate wrote this for the ages: "Fellow Democrats: First let me start by thanking you for the money you gave." Good god why would he start with that? "And the calls." Now for the inspiration to fight on: "Facing stiff headwinds that howled against us across the nation [I am not makng this up] we absorbed an electoral defeat." Sure did!
Now before you get all negative about finishing last, remember it was no fun for me in Doyle's bunker! But someone had to be there!
"...the Republican campaign of dissembling (whatever that means) of fear mongering, of division was rocketed along [rather creative use of language] by an unprecedented flood of shady money." No need to go on. It gets worse if you can imagine that!
Time to bid farewell, Mike. Oh, by the way, was there a game plan or was it always creative detruction? Or do we refer to it as organized chaos?
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[8 letters]
November 4, 2010
What he didn't learn first time around
President Obama called the class together, apologized for historic losses in Congress, took the blame, and assured the students that he is, above all else, a good sport, a team player, and a nice guy! Hey, said the president, "they shellacked us" and they announced that defeating me in two years is their number one agenda. So, I say, "C'mon. Let's all get along. You refused to support anything for two years, challenged my citizenship, called me a Muslim, a Kenyan, and a liar, so. OK, that's behind us. Now let me come over to your house for a sleep-over!"
Not, "Put up your dukes." It is, "Let me help you defeat me. We don't deserve to win."
Note to the president: We do deserve to win if we are to end the wars, cut Pentagon spending, save Social Security, provide first-rate benefits to to returning veterans. Stop with the sad sack routine and drop your gloves. One haymaker on Boehner's nose might do wonders. (If a haymaker is too radical, steal his tanning studio keys or sneak in and change his color from orange to purple.)
Meanwhile, Jim Doyle must be the most flexible guy in Madison. The Walker campaign was centered on attacking the missing governor. The huge postcard, with unflattering pictures of Doyle and Barrett, hollered: "Now playing: Jim Doyle in Jobs Killer. Coming next: Tom Barrett in Jobs Killer Part II."
Doyle's response the day after the election? "We will work with governor-elect Walker on a smooth transition." Yah. Sure. How about us, Jim?
Somehow I think this palsy-wallsey stuff is what turns off young people from politics. It is so damned phony. On Monday he is a tax and spend monster; on Wednesday he is arm-in-arm with the guy who won by trashing him.
Chairman Ryan: The "intellectual" in the Party of Palin: It is true. Paul Ryan is the bright bulb in the GOP chandelier. His competition? Michelle Bachman, Palin, Eric Cantor, Jim DeMint, the would-be Senator from Nevada, Sharon Angle. No question. Ryan is the bright one in that group and he says he has a plan that will save America but President Obama must come over to their side.
Ryan said, "I've been trying to indict the entire vision of progressivism because I see progressivism as the intellectual source for big government." Glenn Beck was so enthused he responded, "I love you."
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[7 letters]
November 3, 2010
OK, now what?
As my mother used to say, "OK, Mr. Know-It-All, now what?" A very good question. As we watched the Democratic Party sink in the quicksand last night, that question haunted me. Now what?
First we must face the truth. The disease is money in politics unleashed by the Citizens United decison. That did us in and there is no easy remedy for the illness. The Tea Partiers will defend their god-given right to buy elections with the ferocity employed against Harry Reid. Once in power they will remain in power until we take it back.
Some will argue that politics is a pendulum so, sit back, relax, the brass ring will return soon so get ready to grab it. No pendulum. Sorry about that, but the vast sums spent--more than $3 billion--defy the old bromides, including the swinging pendulum theory and the one that goes, "Raise more small amounts from the little people and we can beat them."
If I were to give you $2 billion, and your mission was to persuade 52 percent of the voters that the guy getting ready too pull a rabbit out of a hat has the best answer to complex economic issues, you could do it.
Here is the real news: The unemployment rate is unlikely to decline simply because we have "unleashed the entrepreneurial spirit of America" (Rand Paul). And poverty, lousy trade deals and failing education won't turn around because of the Tea Party. What have we in store for us? Well, let's save that for now.
At this moment one must congratulate the campaign consultants who would give us a destroy-it-to-save-it attitude. Bill Kraus often takes on this crowd, but, like them or hate them they won yesterday.
Russ Feingold said, "On to the next battle." He is, of course, right, but who is on our side? Are we battling the Congressional Democrats, captives of the big money, or can we do better? I think we must do better.
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[10 letters]
November 2, 2010
Just in time!
Surprise! Just when you think you have seen it all, turns out you haven't. Sit before reading, but yesterday, just a few hours from the polls opening, Herb Kohl made an endorsement. I am not making this up. Senator Kohl, our senior senator, endorsed Russ Feingold. Huzzah! Herb, how about the governor's race? Lassa, Kagan, etc.?
The big ones I will watch in addition to Wisconsin's races: Brown/Boxer in California; Conway/Ayn Rand in Kentucky; Patty Murray in Washington; Harry Reid? Nah. Joe Sestak in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and of course the Senate race in Illinois.
Oh boy! The headline said it all for our "smart war" in Afghanistan: "Afghan Police Unit Defects to Taliban, Leaving Burning Station Behind." Wanna bet that is already in the can for a TV spot to kick-off the impeachment of our president?
The worst campaign(s) in history are mercifully over, and the good news? The Giants win the World Series. Bush appeal to Supreme Court unlikely. Roberts reminds us he is only an umpire.
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[2 letters]
November 1, 2010
What happened?
Some blame young people for not showing sufficient enthusiasm. They "abandoned ship" just when Captain Obama needed them the most, dudes and dudesses. Isn't that something?
I don't buy that one. Enthusiasm in politics, love and sports is a tough thing to predict or generate. In sports the announcers love to talk about momentum--"Big Mo"--and for good reason. It happens and it cannot be manufactured. It is the wind at your back, or call it the "enthusiasm gap" or whatever, but Obama had Big Mo two years ago and he and his party lost it two years later.
Despite losing it, the party elders acted like the athletic director at Austin Peay the night before the Wisconsin game. That little school took on one of the nation's best football teams and prayed for a miracle. One can almost hear them; "Please Lord, let Big Mo bring victory to our Little school." Wisconsin beat them 70 to 3. Big Mo never arrived. I guess it was those darned young people again! Damn them!
Perhaps it was really up to Jim Doyle in Wisconsin to explain what Democrats were for rather than praying for Big Mo to rescue them. The idea is to provide a program young and old could be enthused about! Not a phony pep rally to demand super-human strength.
I don't know, but I do sense that the time has come to build rather than destroy, to seek genuine solutions, to stand on the side of families facing eviction not those lenders who lied and cheated. Time to cut our prison population not engage in tough senseless truth-in-sentencing talk. Give those youngsters something to be enthused about and Big Mo will find them.
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[9 letters]
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