Most people know it. Abortion has its foot on the throat of American politics in a way that no other issue does. The Culture Wars in general are bad. As Solon remarked to Harrogate on the phone the other day, Obama seems earnestly hopeful to tone down the culture wars, to get rid of the hate and the zealotry and to do the hard work of finding compromise on these boilerplate questions. But sadly, "Maverick" John McCain's pick of Sarah Palin pretty much demolished any possibility that the Culture Wars can be toned down any time soon.
Yea and verily, the Palin pick reinforces the fact that once again, Republicans will be given a reprieve, among many human beings in America, for any kind of accountability at all with respect to questions of war and peace, questions of economic justice, and questions of governmental transparency.
Now, as the New York Times has reported, and as TChris posted today on TalLeft, the Republican Party retained in its official platform bans on Abortion with NO EXCEPTION, including cases of Rape, Incest, or Even if the Life of the Mother hangs in the Balance.
This, despite the fact that McCain in 2000 and again as recently as May, argued that exceptions should be made in those cases.
(BTW, you have to give it to TalkLeft, especially Jeralyn Merritt and TChris. Both of them supported Hill full-throttle during the primary, and now, despite the persistent deluge of craziness in the site's comment box, Jeralyn has been calling McCain and Palin out on ideological grounds, wire to wire. She is, in other words, unlike the cartoonish "Hillary supporters" among her commenters, actually credible as a Hillary Clinton supporter. What has happened to that site, via the comments, is a sad, sad thing; under another moniker Harrogate used to post there copiously, and enjoyed the banter. Now it is on the verge of collapse. It is one of many things that makes Harrogate, who voted for her in the primary, wish that
Hillary Clinton would go on a little offense against the people who are overtly and cartoonishly exploiting her, and mocking her supporters. Sigh.)
But anyway. Seriously, where is this Abortion Train taking our politics? One very possible scenario is this:
1)McCain and Palin win. It is a vindication for those who see abortion as murder. (As per the status quo. Any Wars McCain starts along the way, any damage he does to the economy, he will not be held accountable for);
2)McCain puts two to three justices on the High Court. He has already stated that Scalia and Thomas are his models;
3)Roe v Wade finally goes down.
But what then? Guerilla warfare state-to-state. Hand to hand combat, literally.
Harrogate has come to believe that one way or the other, the Abortion Divide is going to lead to widespread outbreaks of violence and will further strangle our politics along the way.
Compromise would have been nice. Reasonable efforts to lessen unwanted pregnancy. Efforts to put in place social programs for the poor. Comprehensive sex education.
You took a laudable shot at it, Obama, but you failed on this one, even if you win the election. And solon is damned right. John McCain has shown himself bereft of even a scintilla of political or personal honor.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Palin and Institutionalizing Creationism; or, A Paraphrased Transcript From "Meet the Press"
Brokaw: Palin argues that Creationism and Evolution should be taught side by side in the public schools. Do you agree with that?
Pawlenty: Why not expose children to both views, or even more views than that?
Brokaw: Do you think that in the scientific community, that Creationism and Evolution are given the same weight? Is it wise to given them equal tracking at a time when American public education is already falling more and more behind.
Pawlenty: Well, it's a local decision. Personally I believe in Creationism. It does seem that the scientific community doesn't think much of Creationism. But why not teach both theories side by side, if that's what they want to do at a local level?
Maverick Politics: Ending the War
And the bankrupt intellectual tradition continues.
Over at The Weekly Standard, the Neo-Cons rejoice with glee over the Palin nomination, which makes as much sense as the nomination itself. "She turned me into a Newt" Gingrich states that this pick represents the "authenticity" that Obama-Biden does not as she relates to the common people since she played basketball, hunts, and is a hockey mom; she reformed Alaska, even as Troopergate hangs over her head. Read: she is a real religious conservative.
Stephen F. Hayes writes how unconventional the pick is. And when you think about it, the selection of a white, evangelical, Pro-Life, anti same-sex marriage, hunter is a very unconventional pick for a Republican. McCain could have selected Joe Lieberman, a Pro-Choice, Jewish Democrat-- a pick that would have challenged the Religious Right and the Conservative base and still made "sense" in terms of the War on Terror, remember that? However, as you can see, McCain bucked tradition with the selection of Palin, to advance its own form of identity politics. But this time it is better because she's a woman; her family represents her faith.
Rather than select Romney, wait the base would not approve of that choice. Rather than select Pawlenty, which would fulfill the desires of the base and nomiate someone who is known nationally, he chose Palin, a person that McCain met with only once before she was vetted. I wonder...I know it is for Palin's support, no rejection, no her keeping of money even though she eventually would not support the "Bridge to Nowhere." Nope, it is solely to attract the "Hillary" voters. And the best way to attract these voters is not to offer them policies they desire or represent their interests, but to nominate a woman.
Next on the list is William "more sophist than Plato" Kristol. He writes that in opposing the Pick of Palin, "liberals" will, "appeal, sometimes explicitly, to anti-small town and anti-religious prejudice. All of this will be in the cause of trying to prevent the American people from arriving at their own judgment of Sarah Palin." Kristol may be correct on this as there is absolutely nothing else on which to criticize. Since she has very little experience and there are few examples in which we can question her judgment, though Troopergate comes to mind, we can only wonder if she speaks in tongues and why conservatives believe religious tests are necessary for office.
Strangely enough, I must have missed the part where Kristol discussed her judgment to lead the country during the War on Terror and how her qualities represent that judgment. It must have been on the third page of a two page article.
Only Charles "I want war and I want it now" Krauthammer questions the pick because it ends the "is Obama ready to lead" argument.
The more I think of this pick, the more I despise the pick, especially the way in which the Republicans have destroyed the country since March of 2003. This pick is a symbolic end to the war on terror as it admits that judgment on foreign policy is not necessary as a prerequisite for office. This pick means that the existential threat of terrorism matters only in relation to winning an election. This pick means that the religious qualification is more important that knowing something about Iraq and Islam. There is no legitimate argument for the War on Terror if your number two person expresses no judgment on how to conduct the war and, consequently would not be able to conduct the war from day one. Appease the base and G-d will provide, I guess. Non-Republicans knew this, even if independents were to scared to vote for a Non-Republican. But this selection is more banal than banal; it represents the failure of War on Terror as it argues for how unnecessary it actually is.
The Neo-Cons love the pick because they know with McCain and Palin they will have two empty vessels to fill with noble lies; two people with no knowledge on the difference between a Shia and Sunni; two people that will follow ideological pursuits regardless of empirical consequences. Like they did with the Bush administration, the NeoCons can rely on the executive to make the world safe for Democracy even if spreading Democracy occurs from the barrel of a gun. This is the consequence of religious tests, faith-based realism, and the noble lie. This is what happens when education concerns whether or not there is prayer in public school rather than understanding the world.
And they way in which McCain is using Palin to advance an argument seriously disrespects Palin and reveals an arrogance that is unmatched. For McCain, Palin represents the argument if you object to a VP because of little experience you must then object to a President. Judgment does not matter for the presidency, only experience in terms of who has been elected the most, right President Lincoln? No matter how many errors, no matter how lapses in judgment or ethics, no matter how many of John McCain's laws get struck down by the Supreme Court for violating constitutional standards, experience to some is the most important qualification. Even though it is almost impossible to vote an incumbent out of office and experience refers only to time in office, "experience" still matters to people as if it is self-evident qualification for office.
If Palin does not bring votes because she is a woman and does not energize the Religious Right because she speaks in tongues, then the inexperience that she represents may help diminish votes from Obama. This demeans Palin- you bring very little to the ticket except for conservative identity politics and the possibility you can attract "Hillary" voters. Affirmative action in the face of racial discrimination is one thing. This is a Religious Right Legacy Nomination, which is similar to a legacy admission for college, an affirmative action policy that conservatives ignore as it helps them.
This is another sign the McCain lacks the judgment to be president and, most likely, lacks the judgment necessary to be a US Senator. The election of McCain represents an existential crisis for this country. Even President Bush showed some limits; McCain has yet to show any limits. He will contradict his "honor" to win an election no matter how devastating it is for the county.
And just think, his motto is "Country First." The selection of Palin is a rejection of Country First. It is McCain first, as it always is.
In a sense, McCain is a maverick. Yet, it is not because he selected a woman; it is not because he selected an "authentic" member of the Religious Right. McCain is a maverick because he undercuts the War on Terror and the reason for his nomination in the first place. For a temporary increase in enthusiasm, he selects someone he undercuts McCain's argument for being a president in the first place.
It may just be the economy, stupid.
Over at The Weekly Standard, the Neo-Cons rejoice with glee over the Palin nomination, which makes as much sense as the nomination itself. "She turned me into a Newt" Gingrich states that this pick represents the "authenticity" that Obama-Biden does not as she relates to the common people since she played basketball, hunts, and is a hockey mom; she reformed Alaska, even as Troopergate hangs over her head. Read: she is a real religious conservative.
Stephen F. Hayes writes how unconventional the pick is. And when you think about it, the selection of a white, evangelical, Pro-Life, anti same-sex marriage, hunter is a very unconventional pick for a Republican. McCain could have selected Joe Lieberman, a Pro-Choice, Jewish Democrat-- a pick that would have challenged the Religious Right and the Conservative base and still made "sense" in terms of the War on Terror, remember that? However, as you can see, McCain bucked tradition with the selection of Palin, to advance its own form of identity politics. But this time it is better because she's a woman; her family represents her faith.
Rather than select Romney, wait the base would not approve of that choice. Rather than select Pawlenty, which would fulfill the desires of the base and nomiate someone who is known nationally, he chose Palin, a person that McCain met with only once before she was vetted. I wonder...I know it is for Palin's support, no rejection, no her keeping of money even though she eventually would not support the "Bridge to Nowhere." Nope, it is solely to attract the "Hillary" voters. And the best way to attract these voters is not to offer them policies they desire or represent their interests, but to nominate a woman.
Next on the list is William "more sophist than Plato" Kristol. He writes that in opposing the Pick of Palin, "liberals" will, "appeal, sometimes explicitly, to anti-small town and anti-religious prejudice. All of this will be in the cause of trying to prevent the American people from arriving at their own judgment of Sarah Palin." Kristol may be correct on this as there is absolutely nothing else on which to criticize. Since she has very little experience and there are few examples in which we can question her judgment, though Troopergate comes to mind, we can only wonder if she speaks in tongues and why conservatives believe religious tests are necessary for office.
Strangely enough, I must have missed the part where Kristol discussed her judgment to lead the country during the War on Terror and how her qualities represent that judgment. It must have been on the third page of a two page article.
Only Charles "I want war and I want it now" Krauthammer questions the pick because it ends the "is Obama ready to lead" argument.
The more I think of this pick, the more I despise the pick, especially the way in which the Republicans have destroyed the country since March of 2003. This pick is a symbolic end to the war on terror as it admits that judgment on foreign policy is not necessary as a prerequisite for office. This pick means that the existential threat of terrorism matters only in relation to winning an election. This pick means that the religious qualification is more important that knowing something about Iraq and Islam. There is no legitimate argument for the War on Terror if your number two person expresses no judgment on how to conduct the war and, consequently would not be able to conduct the war from day one. Appease the base and G-d will provide, I guess. Non-Republicans knew this, even if independents were to scared to vote for a Non-Republican. But this selection is more banal than banal; it represents the failure of War on Terror as it argues for how unnecessary it actually is.
The Neo-Cons love the pick because they know with McCain and Palin they will have two empty vessels to fill with noble lies; two people with no knowledge on the difference between a Shia and Sunni; two people that will follow ideological pursuits regardless of empirical consequences. Like they did with the Bush administration, the NeoCons can rely on the executive to make the world safe for Democracy even if spreading Democracy occurs from the barrel of a gun. This is the consequence of religious tests, faith-based realism, and the noble lie. This is what happens when education concerns whether or not there is prayer in public school rather than understanding the world.
And they way in which McCain is using Palin to advance an argument seriously disrespects Palin and reveals an arrogance that is unmatched. For McCain, Palin represents the argument if you object to a VP because of little experience you must then object to a President. Judgment does not matter for the presidency, only experience in terms of who has been elected the most, right President Lincoln? No matter how many errors, no matter how lapses in judgment or ethics, no matter how many of John McCain's laws get struck down by the Supreme Court for violating constitutional standards, experience to some is the most important qualification. Even though it is almost impossible to vote an incumbent out of office and experience refers only to time in office, "experience" still matters to people as if it is self-evident qualification for office.
If Palin does not bring votes because she is a woman and does not energize the Religious Right because she speaks in tongues, then the inexperience that she represents may help diminish votes from Obama. This demeans Palin- you bring very little to the ticket except for conservative identity politics and the possibility you can attract "Hillary" voters. Affirmative action in the face of racial discrimination is one thing. This is a Religious Right Legacy Nomination, which is similar to a legacy admission for college, an affirmative action policy that conservatives ignore as it helps them.
This is another sign the McCain lacks the judgment to be president and, most likely, lacks the judgment necessary to be a US Senator. The election of McCain represents an existential crisis for this country. Even President Bush showed some limits; McCain has yet to show any limits. He will contradict his "honor" to win an election no matter how devastating it is for the county.
And just think, his motto is "Country First." The selection of Palin is a rejection of Country First. It is McCain first, as it always is.
In a sense, McCain is a maverick. Yet, it is not because he selected a woman; it is not because he selected an "authentic" member of the Religious Right. McCain is a maverick because he undercuts the War on Terror and the reason for his nomination in the first place. For a temporary increase in enthusiasm, he selects someone he undercuts McCain's argument for being a president in the first place.
It may just be the economy, stupid.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Worth the Consideration of Those Who Would Consider It Worth Considering
McCain Blogette: Musings and Pop Culture on the Political Trail. John McCain's daughter continues to blog the campaign trail. Harrogate found out about this months ago, and even linked to it once on the Situation. But then, he forgot all about it, what with the deluge of Breaking News that has Broken over the course of that period. But then today he remembered, and thought he'd post it again.
Odd question of the day:
When you home school, does your child move up from grade to grade or just move from room to room?
Smoke More Blog: Two Bloggers We're All Familiar With, Offering Takes on Palin
Literacy Chic celebrates Palin especially here; and also here.
Though apparently not a fan of the Alaska Governor, Anastasia Offers a Wag of the Finger at Sexism in the Palin Discourse
Though apparently not a fan of the Alaska Governor, Anastasia Offers a Wag of the Finger at Sexism in the Palin Discourse
Harrogate's Second Ever Tip of the Hat to Andrew "Reagan Was Awesome But Gays Should Have Rights" Sullivan
Harrogate's gotta hand it to Sully. Since the scope of Palin's social conservatism has begun to emerge centerstage, he's been going after her with everything he's got.
Nor is the "human interest" angle for attacking Palin, that Supa mentioned yesterday, lost on his Sullyness. Take this particular entry, for example.
Nor is the "human interest" angle for attacking Palin, that Supa mentioned yesterday, lost on his Sullyness. Take this particular entry, for example.
About that glass ceiling Schtick
In her speech of introduction, er, acceptance speech, Sarah Palin stated:
“It was rightly noted in Denver that Hillary made 18 million cracks in the highest, hardest glass ceiling in America. It turns out the women of America aren’t finished yet, and we can shatter that glass ceiling once and for all.”By shattering, she means that women can only hope o be VP so long as they are accompanied by their grandfather?
Palin; or, Gun Rights Explained, Iraq Solved, Change Delivered, Glass Ceilings Cracked, and Green M&Ms Eaten
So much bilge packed into only 46 seconds!
Friday, August 29, 2008
As Much as Harrogate Detests The Current Configuration Of Our Media......
He is still human. Does he not still bleed? Does he not feel the thorns of life? And verily, has he no sense of humor?
Because it is goddamned funny how MSNB has said "to hell with it, we're getting behind Obama the rest of the way, though we promise to be clumsy about it often, to the inadvertent detriment of the candidate we are supporting. Even Buchanan and Scarborough are going to come off, the rest of the way, as friendly old curmudgeons who just need more time around Rachel and Keith, and they might see the light yet." Etc.
Meanwhile FOX says, "whatever, duuuuude. You knew where we'd be the whole time."
Compare all this with the putridness of CNN as they continue to raise the brow and pretend to an above-it-all objecticity and journalistic integrity. But in reality, CNN runs mre fluff pieces, more human interest stories (heh), than the other two, and by a country mile.
FOX and MSNBC therefore win in terms of entertainment value. Flipping back and forth between them lately has been a real treat.
:-)
Because it is goddamned funny how MSNB has said "to hell with it, we're getting behind Obama the rest of the way, though we promise to be clumsy about it often, to the inadvertent detriment of the candidate we are supporting. Even Buchanan and Scarborough are going to come off, the rest of the way, as friendly old curmudgeons who just need more time around Rachel and Keith, and they might see the light yet." Etc.
Meanwhile FOX says, "whatever, duuuuude. You knew where we'd be the whole time."
Compare all this with the putridness of CNN as they continue to raise the brow and pretend to an above-it-all objecticity and journalistic integrity. But in reality, CNN runs mre fluff pieces, more human interest stories (heh), than the other two, and by a country mile.
FOX and MSNBC therefore win in terms of entertainment value. Flipping back and forth between them lately has been a real treat.
:-)
Breaking News: P. Diddy Impacted by Rising Fuel Costs
Poor P. Diddy. He's having to fly commercial airlines these days instead of trekking around the world on his private jet:
That's how high gas prices are. I'm at the gate right now. This is really happening, proof gas prices are too high. Tell whoever the next president is we need to bring gas prices down.Preach on, Diddy. Preach on.
"She's No Hillary"
Amen. Hillary, please don't let Sarah Palin ride your coattails. I can't believe she cited you as an inspiration. Doesn't she know that she's McCain's pawn? I'm so disgusted right now. I love Rachel Maddow: Sarah Palin is basically a "human interest story" right now in national media coverage. Awesome.
If you want to destroy my PUMA....
Pull this thread as I walk away....
Earlier today, I was about to nominate Mr. Howard "Nice Sweater" Wolfson for the coveted Assy McGee Award® for his completely obnoxious comments of
But, instead of Mr. Nice Sweaters Finish Last, I will promote Darragh Murphy, one of the leaders of the PUMA movement. On Hardball this evening, Murphy, as she is known on all the A list blogs or, Bat-Shit Murphy as she is known on this blog, is still in the grieving process of the Democratic Primary. Instead of having 16 years of a Democratic President, with Senator Obama knowing his place in society and waiting to run in 2016 even if Democracy screwed that up, Bat-Shit Murphy stated we'll probably have 16 years of a Republican presidency noe beacuse of the excellence (and ovaries) of Sarah Palin. Damn kids who voted in the Democratic primary, ruining the dreams of PUMA...how could you? McCain is too good and this ticket s too string to even cast a ballot.
But, for the person who donated to McCain in 2000, this is okay so long as you vote Democratic on the down-ticket. Well, Bat-Shit Murphy, by ignoring the top of the ticket, you are going to do a splendid job of advancing your goals of health care for all, equal rights, reproductive rights, worker protection, enviroment protection, help for college students, and good public schools. McCain and Palin are known for these issues.
We here hope you are wonderful towards one another...And we hope you support Palin, who clearly supports every one of your goals. Just ask the polar bears, Bat-Shit.
Earlier today, I was about to nominate Mr. Howard "Nice Sweater" Wolfson for the coveted Assy McGee Award® for his completely obnoxious comments of
If the pick is indeed Sarah Patlin you are going to have a lot of women voters wondering why Senator Obama didn't tap Senator Clinton as his running mate.Of course if Obama picked Clinton there would have been no need for Palin but...what do you expect from someone who works at Fox.
But, instead of Mr. Nice Sweaters Finish Last, I will promote Darragh Murphy, one of the leaders of the PUMA movement. On Hardball this evening, Murphy, as she is known on all the A list blogs or, Bat-Shit Murphy as she is known on this blog, is still in the grieving process of the Democratic Primary. Instead of having 16 years of a Democratic President, with Senator Obama knowing his place in society and waiting to run in 2016 even if Democracy screwed that up, Bat-Shit Murphy stated we'll probably have 16 years of a Republican presidency noe beacuse of the excellence (and ovaries) of Sarah Palin. Damn kids who voted in the Democratic primary, ruining the dreams of PUMA...how could you? McCain is too good and this ticket s too string to even cast a ballot.
But, for the person who donated to McCain in 2000, this is okay so long as you vote Democratic on the down-ticket. Well, Bat-Shit Murphy, by ignoring the top of the ticket, you are going to do a splendid job of advancing your goals of health care for all, equal rights, reproductive rights, worker protection, enviroment protection, help for college students, and good public schools. McCain and Palin are known for these issues.
We here hope you are wonderful towards one another...And we hope you support Palin, who clearly supports every one of your goals. Just ask the polar bears, Bat-Shit.
Today's Assy McGee Award®: Sean Hannity in a Walk
First off, let Harrogate Preface this by saying there were many fine contenders today. Including any Hillary Clinton "supporter" who is out there pimping for McCain, and definitely including the entire Townhall.com blogroll, which has been creaming all over itself over McCain's vacuous and overtly desperate Veep pick all day.
And so at first, Harrogate thought he'd just not give the award to anybody. But Harrogate and Supadiscomama turned on "Hannity and Colmes", and in the first five minutes Sean Hannity referenced five times the fact that Palin gave birth to a child she knew in advance had Down Syndrome. It was not a personal decision for Palin herself, you see, but an act of Political and Doctrinal vindication.
Yes. Hannity hailed this as a celebration of Palin's anti-abortion creds. That Palin will apparently put up with and even encourage this kind of framing all season (will she even do it herself?) says enough about her character.
Perhaps we will be hearing about this all season long. Nothing is too low, nothing is off limits for the GOP which has done so much damage in such a short period of history. Doctrinalization of every aspect of Life. This is What Sean Hannity and the GOP stand for.
Oh, Fuck It. There are no words. Just the Award.
And so at first, Harrogate thought he'd just not give the award to anybody. But Harrogate and Supadiscomama turned on "Hannity and Colmes", and in the first five minutes Sean Hannity referenced five times the fact that Palin gave birth to a child she knew in advance had Down Syndrome. It was not a personal decision for Palin herself, you see, but an act of Political and Doctrinal vindication.
Yes. Hannity hailed this as a celebration of Palin's anti-abortion creds. That Palin will apparently put up with and even encourage this kind of framing all season (will she even do it herself?) says enough about her character.
Perhaps we will be hearing about this all season long. Nothing is too low, nothing is off limits for the GOP which has done so much damage in such a short period of history. Doctrinalization of every aspect of Life. This is What Sean Hannity and the GOP stand for.
Oh, Fuck It. There are no words. Just the Award.
A Consideration of the Palin Pick
After thinking about the pick on the walk home, here are a few thoughts:
First, from McCain's perspective, it is a smart pick. It energizes the base (Christian Right, NRA, Pro-Life [Feminists for Life]; it reinforces the Maverick image, and it looks to keep the lower-middle class vote. It excludes Lieberman, Romney, and Ridge, as the Christian Right desires. It also saves Huckabee for 2012.
Second, it changed the narrative of the day though it did not change the terms of the fall campaign. Obama defined the campaign Thursday. There has been no rejection of those definitions. In fact, with the Palin pick,we are still discussing McCain's judgment.
Third, this may empower competing groups of women as an electorate. Thinking about women as a voting bloc is a mistake. I am sure that many social conservative women are thrilled with the pick as she "speaks for them," those who are forgotten in the culture wars.
Fourth, she reminds people of Tina Fey.
Fifth, McCain is attempting to appropriate the "change" argument. We know that the premise of the election is "change." The question McCain presents is how much change can you tolerate? Race will be the subtext to the question of change.
Sixth, the debate will go straight down hill. Even below the point at which we stand. Since the inexperience topos is effectively off the table, we have only Obama is "different." Obama's "otherness" is too much, ours is just right. As Time shows, McCain no longer has any honor left because of this election. I do not know if Palin has any, especially when she asks the American people to support her because she has ovaries...i mean to break the glass ceiling.
Seventh, this is an attempt for Ohio and Pennsylvania, but mainly Ohio. This is a completely defensive, and political, selection for John McCain. I repeat, he has no political honor.
A few things I cannot understand: Palin admitted she knows "nothing about Iraq." She has not thought about it with any depth.
The know nothing about one another as they only met once. This is a terrible sign of judgment.
McCain does not believe think highly of the American electorate. His arrogance is overwhelming at this point.
Finally. she opposes polar bears!!! (I wonder what her stance is on global warming?)
First, from McCain's perspective, it is a smart pick. It energizes the base (Christian Right, NRA, Pro-Life [Feminists for Life]; it reinforces the Maverick image, and it looks to keep the lower-middle class vote. It excludes Lieberman, Romney, and Ridge, as the Christian Right desires. It also saves Huckabee for 2012.
Second, it changed the narrative of the day though it did not change the terms of the fall campaign. Obama defined the campaign Thursday. There has been no rejection of those definitions. In fact, with the Palin pick,we are still discussing McCain's judgment.
Third, this may empower competing groups of women as an electorate. Thinking about women as a voting bloc is a mistake. I am sure that many social conservative women are thrilled with the pick as she "speaks for them," those who are forgotten in the culture wars.
Fourth, she reminds people of Tina Fey.
Fifth, McCain is attempting to appropriate the "change" argument. We know that the premise of the election is "change." The question McCain presents is how much change can you tolerate? Race will be the subtext to the question of change.
Sixth, the debate will go straight down hill. Even below the point at which we stand. Since the inexperience topos is effectively off the table, we have only Obama is "different." Obama's "otherness" is too much, ours is just right. As Time shows, McCain no longer has any honor left because of this election. I do not know if Palin has any, especially when she asks the American people to support her because she has ovaries...i mean to break the glass ceiling.
Seventh, this is an attempt for Ohio and Pennsylvania, but mainly Ohio. This is a completely defensive, and political, selection for John McCain. I repeat, he has no political honor.
A few things I cannot understand: Palin admitted she knows "nothing about Iraq." She has not thought about it with any depth.
The know nothing about one another as they only met once. This is a terrible sign of judgment.
McCain does not believe think highly of the American electorate. His arrogance is overwhelming at this point.
Finally. she opposes polar bears!!! (I wonder what her stance is on global warming?)
Harrogate: We must discuss this pick!!!
Sarah Palin, the Creationist. Let's here it for faith based reality:
No wonder why the country went to war in Iraq. Republicans do not know how to judge evidence in a debate.
Fucking Kids.
"Teach both. You know, don't be afraid of information. Healthy debate is so important, and it's so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both."
No wonder why the country went to war in Iraq. Republicans do not know how to judge evidence in a debate.
Fucking Kids.
My Love for Debbie Wasserman Schultz
It continues. Yesterday, or the day before, I noted her kick ass nomination address. According to The Washington Post (via TNR) here is her response to Palin:
"I know Hillary Clinton, and Sarah Palin is no Hillary Clinton."
Introducing Sarah "Barracuda" Palin
Ed Rollins, on CNN.com, offers this insight into Palin as VP candidate:
I love that last bit. Is there an implied comparison to Hillary here? That is, Palin is tough but also appropriately feminine? I'll bet she wears skirts to prove it.
The "who" is a young, articulate, smart, tough, pro-life woman who is the governor of our northernmost state. She is conservative and a mother of 5, including a son in the Army who is set to be deployed to Iraq on September 11. Her youngest child has Down syndrome.
The "Barracuda" nickname came from her aggressive basketball play on the state championship basketball team. She is a hunter, pilot and lifetime member of the NRA.
She is blunt, outspoken and charming. And don't assume she can't stand toe-to-toe with Joe Biden. She is a great debater. And she was runner-up for the Miss Alaska title, won Miss Congeniality in that contest, and plays the flute.
I love that last bit. Is there an implied comparison to Hillary here? That is, Palin is tough but also appropriately feminine? I'll bet she wears skirts to prove it.
Identity Politics to be sure
But, he cautioned, “The huge gamble is that John McCain is 72, he’s had a couple of bouts with cancer.” If McCain wins the election, but then were to die or become disabled, Buchanan wondered, “Can this woman be President of the United States?”
So says Pat Buchanan about McCain's VP pick, Sarah Palin in an article on MSNBC. While think Buchanan's question is valid, I wish he had worded it another way--"Can this person be President of the United States?" would have been a better wording I think. Buchanan, however, (and believe me, I never, never thought I'd be saying this) articulates a point that I equally concerns me by highlighting Palin's sex. She is going to be questioned hard by Republicans and Democrats alike because of her sex and her position as a mother of 5. I imagine she (and McCain) will be asked the following question many, many times: "In the event that you become President, how will you juggle the Presidency and motherhood?" This questions angers me because it is inherently sexist, and here's why: no one has asked Barack Obama (or Bill Clinton for that matter) how he will juggle fatherhood and the Presidency?
McCain may have made a strategic pick, but as Solon and Harrogate have already pointed out, the VP campaign (such as it is) is now solely about identity politics. And while many conservative women may be thinking that McCain just did a great thing for American women, I actually think he has succeeded in screwing us over yet again.
So says Pat Buchanan about McCain's VP pick, Sarah Palin in an article on MSNBC. While think Buchanan's question is valid, I wish he had worded it another way--"Can this person be President of the United States?" would have been a better wording I think. Buchanan, however, (and believe me, I never, never thought I'd be saying this) articulates a point that I equally concerns me by highlighting Palin's sex. She is going to be questioned hard by Republicans and Democrats alike because of her sex and her position as a mother of 5. I imagine she (and McCain) will be asked the following question many, many times: "In the event that you become President, how will you juggle the Presidency and motherhood?" This questions angers me because it is inherently sexist, and here's why: no one has asked Barack Obama (or Bill Clinton for that matter) how he will juggle fatherhood and the Presidency?
McCain may have made a strategic pick, but as Solon and Harrogate have already pointed out, the VP campaign (such as it is) is now solely about identity politics. And while many conservative women may be thinking that McCain just did a great thing for American women, I actually think he has succeeded in screwing us over yet again.
Happy Friday Musical Tribute
Come on Oxymoron, don't let Mark Wahlberg tell ya what to do. You know you gotta give it up for "Rocket."
:-)
:-)
To Barack Obama--Thank You
A lot of people are writing a lot of things about Obama's speech last night, and understandably so. But for Harrogate, a lot of it is still sinking in. It did something no modern political speech has ever done for him--it put him on defense, it made him think seriously about what his politics really are, and where they are going from here.
It is hard to explain, but knowing Harrogate personally, perhaps some Board Members will sense what he's getting at. For example, there was a time when for Harrogate, the social conservative element in America was the most loathed of its parts. That has been eroded over the last eight years, and in ways that Harrogate cannot quite articulate, Obama reminded him of why that is. Obama also reminded Harrogate of the truism that total agreement is not necessarily the endgame for political affiliation. This is not to say policy doesn't have crucial importance. But sense of life is just as important, and while ideological differences abound between them, Barack Obama's sense of life is very appealing to Harrogate indeed.
At this point it is hard to imagine Nader peeling away Harrogate's vote from Obama, even if he gets on the ballot here.
It is hard to explain, but knowing Harrogate personally, perhaps some Board Members will sense what he's getting at. For example, there was a time when for Harrogate, the social conservative element in America was the most loathed of its parts. That has been eroded over the last eight years, and in ways that Harrogate cannot quite articulate, Obama reminded him of why that is. Obama also reminded Harrogate of the truism that total agreement is not necessarily the endgame for political affiliation. This is not to say policy doesn't have crucial importance. But sense of life is just as important, and while ideological differences abound between them, Barack Obama's sense of life is very appealing to Harrogate indeed.
At this point it is hard to imagine Nader peeling away Harrogate's vote from Obama, even if he gets on the ballot here.
A Moment in Women's History II
Sarah Palin, the first term of Alaska, is John McCain's choice for V.P.
A Moment in Women's History
My dad's significant other forwarded this link to me--an interesting reflection on Hillary's role in this election cycle.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The American Promise
The American Promise is the title and theme of Senator Obama's speech. It asks the country to renew that promise. Here are a few excerpts:
The speech will discuss economic policies and national defense. It is the culmination of the convention.
“Four years ago, I stood before you and told you my story – of the brief union between a young man from Kenya and a young woman from Kansas who weren’t well-off or well-known, but shared a belief that in America, their son could achieve whatever he put his mind to.
“It is that promise that has always set this country apart – that through hard work and sacrifice, each of us can pursue our individual dreams but still come together as one American family, to ensure that the next generation can pursue their dreams as well.
“It is why I stand here tonight. Because for two hundred and thirty two years, at each moment when that promise was in jeopardy, ordinary men and women – students and soldiers, farmers and teachers, nurses and janitors -- found the courage to keep it alive.
“We meet at one of those defining moments – a moment when our nation is at war, our economy is in turmoil, and the American promise has been threatened once more.
“Tonight, more Americans are out of work and more are working harder for less. More of you have lost your homes and more are watching your home values plummet. More of you have cars you can’t afford to drive, credit card bills you can’t afford to pay and tuition that is beyond your reach
“These challenges are not all of government’s making. But the failure to respond is a direct result of a broken politics in Washington and the failed presidency of George W. Bush.
“America, we are better than these last eight years. We are a better country than this.”
The speech will discuss economic policies and national defense. It is the culmination of the convention.
Whie Mile High?
Tonight will be the biggest attempt of community campaigning on the face of the planet. For the people in the crowd, they will register voters, text their friends, make phone cards, and receive cards showing them what to do next.
The Obama campaign has 200 offices in Montana. McCain, only a few. The Ground game matters on election day.
The Obama campaign has 200 offices in Montana. McCain, only a few. The Ground game matters on election day.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Oh the Irony...and the tragedy...
According to Politico:
And to save his candidacy, McCain may nominate Leiberman for VP. Well, it worked well for Gore, so it may work well for McCain. Oh.
Fate has a driver...
Update: "Conversations" are occurring. The president may not speak on Monday because it won't look good. Anyone see his poll numbers lately?
If I were religious, I would make some argument that G-D is punishing the Republican party for its sins. And just think, Focus on the Family asked for voters to pray for rain when Obama speak. Hmph.
Planners of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul held emergency conversations Wednesday about what to do if a tropical storm continues on its track as a potential Category 3 hurricane threatening New Orleans.
Gustav’s projected path suggests possible landfall on the convention’s opening day — Labor Day.
The storm could threaten everything from President Bush’s Monday night address to the broader Republican message of effective government management.
And to save his candidacy, McCain may nominate Leiberman for VP. Well, it worked well for Gore, so it may work well for McCain. Oh.
Fate has a driver...
Update: "Conversations" are occurring. The president may not speak on Monday because it won't look good. Anyone see his poll numbers lately?
If I were religious, I would make some argument that G-D is punishing the Republican party for its sins. And just think, Focus on the Family asked for voters to pray for rain when Obama speak. Hmph.
Do you any have plans next year?
Welcome to the Senate Beau Biden. If things go well, there will be a seat waiting for you. While I may not be too happy with legacy seats, I would move to Delaware to support him.
The text of the speech is here.
The text of the speech is here.
Random Thoughts on Days 1, 2, & 3
There may or may not be any connection to these topics but...
Yesterday was thee 8th anniversary of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment; tomorrow, the 45th Anniversary of MLK's "I Have A Dream." Today? LBJ's 100th birthday.
LBJ's presidency was terrible on many fronts. Yet, without the Voting Right Acts, blacks Americans would not possess political equality in the north and the south. I have been reading Nixonland in spare time (hah!). In many, usually forgotten, aspects, the North was not too much better than the South; Chicago was a nightmare.
Without the VRA in 1965 there would be a different nominee in 2008.
Pillars? Pillars will be the backdrop, connecting to vision of the Athenian democracy and the Lincoln Memorial. There is some criticism from the chattering class or the Cheetos Brigade. It must be terrible to hate symbols of democracy over aesthetics...
Overall, the convention is calm. No too mush Partisan ad hominems in the Zell Miller category. (See Part I, II, III; The "duel)."
We know that the Republicans will rely on ad hominems as they can rely on nothing else. With a strategy of inoculation, which is what former President Clinton is doing, and a more positive campaign, highlighting responsibility and actual difference, the Obama campaign will be making a well reasoned argument to the American public. Now, what is your view of the American public?
President Bill Clinton's speech was much better than Senator Hillary Clinton's. Sharp images of difference, sharp images of praise; discussed torture, subtlety; delivered with authority, though I doubt his conviction because of past comments.
Man MSNBC sucks. And I just saw the Hillary "Jilted" Ad, which really makes no sense because Bidden attacked Obama in the same way. Oh...I Forgot.
Just waiting for Bidden....
And Senator Kerry... if you are going to use the figure of correctio, you need to go, "The Bush...No, I'm sorry, I always make that mistake. The McCain..." Read Cicero, jackass. Oh, and you beating up on torture now? Four years ago it may have helped. But, when it is safe...
Okay, I take my criticisms back. Kerry does well with the McCain is "For it before he is against it" line and then hits McCain on the Rove tactics. That's cathartic. And, by the way, if you want to know, I did not write this speech even as I suggested the theme.
I do think this is one of the best speeches of the convention so far. Kerry may not have the best delivery, as years in the Senate will do that, but he delivers a forceful blow against McCain's "good moral character." Everything that McCain stood for, Kerry argues it is long gone. This is well done and it could only come from Kerry.
It is a good day for redemption...
And to have Claudia Kennedy speak, the first and only Three Star General. This is a coup d'état, especially because of the politicization of the military.
Torture is in almost every speech tonight. This is a big turn on the moral values debate.
Finally, Debbie Wasserman Schultz delivered an excellent nomination address for Senator Obama. I do not know if she had another opportunity to speak, but If not, that was a shame.
Finally, Finally. Whoop!!! Chet Edwards.
Biden accepted the nomination. What a surprise....
Yesterday was thee 8th anniversary of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment; tomorrow, the 45th Anniversary of MLK's "I Have A Dream." Today? LBJ's 100th birthday.
LBJ's presidency was terrible on many fronts. Yet, without the Voting Right Acts, blacks Americans would not possess political equality in the north and the south. I have been reading Nixonland in spare time (hah!). In many, usually forgotten, aspects, the North was not too much better than the South; Chicago was a nightmare.
Without the VRA in 1965 there would be a different nominee in 2008.
Pillars? Pillars will be the backdrop, connecting to vision of the Athenian democracy and the Lincoln Memorial. There is some criticism from the chattering class or the Cheetos Brigade. It must be terrible to hate symbols of democracy over aesthetics...
Overall, the convention is calm. No too mush Partisan ad hominems in the Zell Miller category. (See Part I, II, III; The "duel)."
We know that the Republicans will rely on ad hominems as they can rely on nothing else. With a strategy of inoculation, which is what former President Clinton is doing, and a more positive campaign, highlighting responsibility and actual difference, the Obama campaign will be making a well reasoned argument to the American public. Now, what is your view of the American public?
President Bill Clinton's speech was much better than Senator Hillary Clinton's. Sharp images of difference, sharp images of praise; discussed torture, subtlety; delivered with authority, though I doubt his conviction because of past comments.
Man MSNBC sucks. And I just saw the Hillary "Jilted" Ad, which really makes no sense because Bidden attacked Obama in the same way. Oh...I Forgot.
Just waiting for Bidden....
And Senator Kerry... if you are going to use the figure of correctio, you need to go, "The Bush...No, I'm sorry, I always make that mistake. The McCain..." Read Cicero, jackass. Oh, and you beating up on torture now? Four years ago it may have helped. But, when it is safe...
Okay, I take my criticisms back. Kerry does well with the McCain is "For it before he is against it" line and then hits McCain on the Rove tactics. That's cathartic. And, by the way, if you want to know, I did not write this speech even as I suggested the theme.
I do think this is one of the best speeches of the convention so far. Kerry may not have the best delivery, as years in the Senate will do that, but he delivers a forceful blow against McCain's "good moral character." Everything that McCain stood for, Kerry argues it is long gone. This is well done and it could only come from Kerry.
It is a good day for redemption...
And to have Claudia Kennedy speak, the first and only Three Star General. This is a coup d'état, especially because of the politicization of the military.
Torture is in almost every speech tonight. This is a big turn on the moral values debate.
Finally, Debbie Wasserman Schultz delivered an excellent nomination address for Senator Obama. I do not know if she had another opportunity to speak, but If not, that was a shame.
Finally, Finally. Whoop!!! Chet Edwards.
Biden accepted the nomination. What a surprise....
The Santorum
For today's Assy McGee Award®, Harrogate nominates Richard Olivastro, for having the temerity to suggest Rick Santorum as a good Vice-Presidential pick for McCain. A representative anecdote: Santorum responded to Lawrence Versus Texas, which finally banned the criminalization of homosexuality nationwide, by observing that the next thing would be to legalize bestiality.
Rick Santorum. If you google his name in quotes here is the first hit that you are given.
It is of course well within reach for John McCain to become the next President of the United States. Because of that, Olivastro's suggestion scares the hell out of Harrogate, even though in his heart, Harrogate retains hope that even McCain wouldn't go that low.
Rick Santorum. If you google his name in quotes here is the first hit that you are given.
It is of course well within reach for John McCain to become the next President of the United States. Because of that, Olivastro's suggestion scares the hell out of Harrogate, even though in his heart, Harrogate retains hope that even McCain wouldn't go that low.
Anticipating Biden
We are told that Biden is Obama's lieutenant in charge of rallying blue-collar working class Americans to the Democratic nominee's cause.
Relatedly, Biden himself told us the day Obama introduced him as the Veep nominee, with his entrance music (a lot of times the line between politics and professional wrestling is pretty damned thin, no?), that he is a Springsteen fan.
So in anticipation of the task Biden faces tonight, Harrogate offers a great performance of one of Springsteen's most underrated working-class anthems. And, it's done the way Oxymoron likes it: just a man and his guitar.
No, the name of the song isn't "Scranton." It is "Youngstown,"* as in Youngstown, Ohio. But the political resonances are the same, as ye shall see.
Maybe this very morning Biden is relaxing with a cup of "Joe," contemplating the work ahead of him, and looking for a bit of intellectual stimulation at The Rhetorical Situation. Joe, this one's for you.
*From one of his quietest, most haunting albums, The Ghost of Tom Joad
Relatedly, Biden himself told us the day Obama introduced him as the Veep nominee, with his entrance music (a lot of times the line between politics and professional wrestling is pretty damned thin, no?), that he is a Springsteen fan.
So in anticipation of the task Biden faces tonight, Harrogate offers a great performance of one of Springsteen's most underrated working-class anthems. And, it's done the way Oxymoron likes it: just a man and his guitar.
No, the name of the song isn't "Scranton." It is "Youngstown,"* as in Youngstown, Ohio. But the political resonances are the same, as ye shall see.
Maybe this very morning Biden is relaxing with a cup of "Joe," contemplating the work ahead of him, and looking for a bit of intellectual stimulation at The Rhetorical Situation. Joe, this one's for you.
*From one of his quietest, most haunting albums, The Ghost of Tom Joad
Clinton's Speech
I watched Senator Clinton's speech last night but didn't know what to think about it. It was a good speech. Yet, it wasn't the right speech for the situation. It was an "endorsement with no embrace," as MSNBC's favorite right-wing nut-job stated.
Above all, it was a Democratic speech. The most important line:
The problem with the speech is that is was more of a stump speech than a case for Senator Obama as president. Maybe Clinton is not the best surrogate to praise Obama because her attacks during the primary limited her ethos is this regard, but to not address Obama in a personal way, after spending 18 months near him, seems a little odd to say the least. The purpose of the important speeches it to make the case for Senator Obama, especially when there is a lot of division Slate's Dahlia Lithwick :
Again, it was a good speech, probably a very good speech. However, it was not the speech for the occasion; it was not a convention speech. It reinforces why Clinton is not the VP as there is a lack of trust.
Above all, it was a Democratic speech. The most important line:
I want you to ask yourselves: Were you in this campaign just for me? Or were you in it for that young Marine and others like him? Were you in it for that mom struggling with cancer while raising her kids? Were you in it for that boy and his mom surviving on the minimum wage? Were you in it for all the people in this country who feel invisible?
The problem with the speech is that is was more of a stump speech than a case for Senator Obama as president. Maybe Clinton is not the best surrogate to praise Obama because her attacks during the primary limited her ethos is this regard, but to not address Obama in a personal way, after spending 18 months near him, seems a little odd to say the least. The purpose of the important speeches it to make the case for Senator Obama, especially when there is a lot of division Slate's Dahlia Lithwick :
Let’s give her credit for doing what she had to do: She lit up the crowd (and not a moment too soon) she reminded her supporters of the real stakes here; and she stuck a shrimp fork in John McCain’s eye enough times to really hurt a guy. So she didn’t sell the country on Obama. If he can’t manage to do that for himself, he’s got bigger problems than a bunch of put-out PUMAs.
Again, it was a good speech, probably a very good speech. However, it was not the speech for the occasion; it was not a convention speech. It reinforces why Clinton is not the VP as there is a lack of trust.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
And it just gets better....
And the Second Assy McGee Award® goes to....May I have the envelope please...
Debra Bartoshevich.
Yesterday, as Harrogate pointed out rather judiciously, Bartoshevich, a former Clinton delegate, is now shilling for Mr. McCain.
Well, according to Politico, Bartoshevich is not only shilling for McCain but lying about his record when doing it, suggesting that McCain supporters a woman's right to choose. Time has more if you would care to read.
Debra Bartoshevich.
Yesterday, as Harrogate pointed out rather judiciously, Bartoshevich, a former Clinton delegate, is now shilling for Mr. McCain.
Well, according to Politico, Bartoshevich is not only shilling for McCain but lying about his record when doing it, suggesting that McCain supporters a woman's right to choose. Time has more if you would care to read.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Michelle Obama's Speech
Well, the Democrats couldn't have asked for anything more from their headline speaker on this night. Midway through, Harrogate commented to Supadiscomama that Michelle Obama is as compelling a speaker as her husband.
For Harrogate's part, he still has serious ideological difficulties with the Democratic Party at this Moment, and this very much extends to the people at the top of the ticket. But this night went some ways towards reminding Harrogate that some progressivism is better than none at all. Sigh.
(By the way. Harrogate would be remiss this evening if he didn't throw a hearty shout-out, and a recognition that will only barely be granted by the television outlets covering this spectacle, to the protestors who have been sequestered over a mile away from the convention site, and some of whom have reportedly been pepper-sprayed by the police, this evening.)
But anyway. Harrogate is very curious what other Board Members, and our litany of Readers, thought about the two main speeches tonight.
For Harrogate's part, he still has serious ideological difficulties with the Democratic Party at this Moment, and this very much extends to the people at the top of the ticket. But this night went some ways towards reminding Harrogate that some progressivism is better than none at all. Sigh.
(By the way. Harrogate would be remiss this evening if he didn't throw a hearty shout-out, and a recognition that will only barely be granted by the television outlets covering this spectacle, to the protestors who have been sequestered over a mile away from the convention site, and some of whom have reportedly been pepper-sprayed by the police, this evening.)
But anyway. Harrogate is very curious what other Board Members, and our litany of Readers, thought about the two main speeches tonight.
For Ted Kennedy
One had no choice but to leave the cynicism at the door when he took the stage and gave the speech that he gave. His promise to return to the Senate in January, his words on Health Care. He electrified the crowd, making a worthy opening-night setup for Michelle indeed.
Nothing but respect for that man.
Nothing but respect for that man.
Blog Post of the Day: "The Details"
From Matthew Yglesias:
A voter goes into a bar, I mean focus group. I mean, Joe Klein at Time goes to a focus group and hears a voter say something about the need to clarify change. Joe Klein writes about said voter:
Yglesias' response:
I can only think of the movie Clerks, whch is a total non-sequitur.
Man (Who's looking for a set of keys asks one of the Clerks): "Have you seen a set of keys around here?"
Randall (Who is as annoying as bat-shit): No time for love Dr. Jones.
Man (Who is annoyed after receiving that response even though he asked a question to someone completely incompetent): "Fucking Kids."
This is what I have to say today: Fucking Kids.
A voter goes into a bar, I mean focus group. I mean, Joe Klein at Time goes to a focus group and hears a voter say something about the need to clarify change. Joe Klein writes about said voter:
“Change” as a theme is over. Too vague. And Obama’s rhetoric has begun to seriously cut against him. “No more oratory,” one woman said. “Give us details.”
Yglesias' response:
I always wonder about this stuff. I mean, it’s inconceivable to me that this woman is genuinely yearning to learn more about the details of Obama’s policy agenda. If she actually wanted to know, she could, you know, look into it. She could learn all about the differences between auctioning emissions permits and giving them away, about the implications of having the federal government provide reinsurance for catastrophic medical expenses, about the case for a permanent R&D tax credit, etc., etc. But all indications are that most people find politics boring, and policy details duller still. And swing voters, which is what this was a focus group of, are least interested of all.
I can only think of the movie Clerks, whch is a total non-sequitur.
Man (Who's looking for a set of keys asks one of the Clerks): "Have you seen a set of keys around here?"
Randall (Who is as annoying as bat-shit): No time for love Dr. Jones.
Man (Who is annoyed after receiving that response even though he asked a question to someone completely incompetent): "Fucking Kids."
This is what I have to say today: Fucking Kids.
DNC Protestors Versus Fox News
Already the DNC Protestors are out in force. Here's a confrontation they have already had with a FOX camerman/anchor/whatever. Apparently they didn't get Harrogate's Memo that the diff between FOX and the other cable media is no more profound than the diff between green M&Ms and other M&Ms....
For the first thirty seconds or so it is a bit hard to watch, as the suggestion of crowd violence is palpable. Nice job by whoever uploaded this video by the way. The Carlin-esque chant is in mid form, from the beginning.
And the guy at the end is priceless. Yea, Harrogate wants to go to Denver and buy this guy a drink. Check out his deadpan delivery of: "Some people say FOX is a corporate whore."
Somebody asks him, "some people say what?"
"FOX," he repeats, "is a corporate whore."
Well, there's no arguing with that, regardless of your individual position. Some people do, indeed, say that FOX is a corporate whore.
For the first thirty seconds or so it is a bit hard to watch, as the suggestion of crowd violence is palpable. Nice job by whoever uploaded this video by the way. The Carlin-esque chant is in mid form, from the beginning.
And the guy at the end is priceless. Yea, Harrogate wants to go to Denver and buy this guy a drink. Check out his deadpan delivery of: "Some people say FOX is a corporate whore."
Somebody asks him, "some people say what?"
"FOX," he repeats, "is a corporate whore."
Well, there's no arguing with that, regardless of your individual position. Some people do, indeed, say that FOX is a corporate whore.
Monday Musical Tribute
It is hard to believe that the Roseland performances are over a decade gone, now. For months Harrogate has been enjoying their most recent effort, Third, which kicks ever-loving ass. But still, it is the Roseland Concert that Harrogate thinks of first, when he thinks of this group.
Here is one of the reasons why.
If Harrogate ever made a list of the smokinist Female Rockers of His Generation, Beth Gibbons would finish first, second, third, fourth, and fifth.
And the Musical Force surrounding her would quite possibly finish second, behind only Radiohead, in a list of the smokinist Bands.
Here is one of the reasons why.
If Harrogate ever made a list of the smokinist Female Rockers of His Generation, Beth Gibbons would finish first, second, third, fourth, and fifth.
And the Musical Force surrounding her would quite possibly finish second, behind only Radiohead, in a list of the smokinist Bands.
A Few Convention-Day Ruminations, Opinions, Etc.
1)Word is, Biden is occasionally given to speaking in the Third Person, and also likes to say that his goal is to "Be the Best Biden I can Be." From an artistic standpoint, Harrogate heartily applauds both of these tendencies, although he would recommend Biden keep a wrap on such tendencies when in public.
2)Speaking of the Artistic Standpoint, Obama's selection of Biden underwhelmed everybody except Biden, which was probably the point. But at the same time, just about every pundit in the world is telling us that Obama needed a good attacker in the old-school, populist, union-hall, "lunch bucket," muscular Democrat mold, and most of these pundits are telling us that Obama got a good representative of this Norman Rockwell Demographic, in Biden. Who is Harrogate to disagree with all these oracles?
3)Biden came out of the gate breathing sentimental fire, and showed his determination to daisy-chain McCain to Bush. Whether or not this is fair, over the top, or both, people will now be forced to decide, because every time they see Biden speak, he'll be putting the daisy-chain front and center in their brains.
4)Some things Harrogate can't remember. In what town and state did Joe Biden grow up? As a Senator (can't remember how old he was when first elected to the Senate, either), where has Biden always gone after work, when the Senate is in session? How does he get there?
And where is Jerome Bettis from, again? To be continued........
2)Speaking of the Artistic Standpoint, Obama's selection of Biden underwhelmed everybody except Biden, which was probably the point. But at the same time, just about every pundit in the world is telling us that Obama needed a good attacker in the old-school, populist, union-hall, "lunch bucket," muscular Democrat mold, and most of these pundits are telling us that Obama got a good representative of this Norman Rockwell Demographic, in Biden. Who is Harrogate to disagree with all these oracles?
3)Biden came out of the gate breathing sentimental fire, and showed his determination to daisy-chain McCain to Bush. Whether or not this is fair, over the top, or both, people will now be forced to decide, because every time they see Biden speak, he'll be putting the daisy-chain front and center in their brains.
4)Some things Harrogate can't remember. In what town and state did Joe Biden grow up? As a Senator (can't remember how old he was when first elected to the Senate, either), where has Biden always gone after work, when the Senate is in session? How does he get there?
And where is Jerome Bettis from, again? To be continued........
God McCain is an Asshole
On the cusp of the Democratic National Convention, the winner of The Rhetorical Situation's Inaugural Assy McGee Award® goes to ..... John McCain
Solon has already posted, and rightly lambasted, one of the McCain Ads attempting to fan Clinton/Obama flames, and peel off voters who supported Hill in the Primary.
Here is another such Ad.
It didn't take them long, did it?
But in Harrogate's opinion these Ads went too far in the cartoonism, even for the Republicans. As Andrew "Reagan Was Awesome But Gays Should Have Rights" Sullivan and others have already stated, McCain has provided Hillary Clinton with a Golden Opportunity to hit him in the jugular on Wednesday night, for being the craven sonofabitch that he is. In fact, these Ads are so over the top that McCain has really left Hill no choice but to tee off on him.
(As a side note, it is is a bit amusing to see Sully, in his own passive/aggressive way, writing and/or linking to something regarding either Clinton, that is not total demonization.)
Solon has already posted, and rightly lambasted, one of the McCain Ads attempting to fan Clinton/Obama flames, and peel off voters who supported Hill in the Primary.
Here is another such Ad.
It didn't take them long, did it?
But in Harrogate's opinion these Ads went too far in the cartoonism, even for the Republicans. As Andrew "Reagan Was Awesome But Gays Should Have Rights" Sullivan and others have already stated, McCain has provided Hillary Clinton with a Golden Opportunity to hit him in the jugular on Wednesday night, for being the craven sonofabitch that he is. In fact, these Ads are so over the top that McCain has really left Hill no choice but to tee off on him.
(As a side note, it is is a bit amusing to see Sully, in his own passive/aggressive way, writing and/or linking to something regarding either Clinton, that is not total demonization.)
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Pass the Salt...
And Pour it in his wounds....
Well, the campaign is officially underway. And nothing is better than to exploit perceived sexism. The add was inevitable, regardless if she was or was not on the ticket. Though there is something sinister behind this....
Here is the new ad from John McCain, which is looking to pick up votes from women despite his record of not supporting legislation the protects women.
I guess this means Huckabee is going to be on McCain's ticket then.
Update: I am sure this is just a total coincidence, but William Kristol at the Weekly Standard has a post, "The Democrats' Glass Ceiling" that argues that same point: it was sexist of Senator Obama not to pick Hillary.
I never knew Kristol or McCain were such devoted feminists. I bet they are working toward equal pay as we speak.
Well, the campaign is officially underway. And nothing is better than to exploit perceived sexism. The add was inevitable, regardless if she was or was not on the ticket. Though there is something sinister behind this....
Here is the new ad from John McCain, which is looking to pick up votes from women despite his record of not supporting legislation the protects women.
I guess this means Huckabee is going to be on McCain's ticket then.
Update: I am sure this is just a total coincidence, but William Kristol at the Weekly Standard has a post, "The Democrats' Glass Ceiling" that argues that same point: it was sexist of Senator Obama not to pick Hillary.
I never knew Kristol or McCain were such devoted feminists. I bet they are working toward equal pay as we speak.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Why Biden II
I am not even sure if I am sold on the ticket....
However, because of the humor... It is no longer the United States of America but Barak-America!!!
It's like SnoopLahoma, only different. (thanks Megs).
And, yes, if you read or listen to the speech, it is the Clinton message without Clintons, or, as Andrew Sullivan states, some aspects of "Clintonism without the Clintons." There is a very strong economic message without the Gas-Holiday Gimmicks.
And he can kick McBush around pretty well. I'm looking forward to a Biden & Romney debate.
Update: And someone's supporters are outraged. Oh Well. But a formal vetting process was not necessary since she was the main candidate throughout the primary. She was vetted, over and over. Besides, the basic lack of trust killed the deal. And the lack of trust goes way back to when Obama announced and the Senator from New York lashed out at him on the Senate floor and before Iowa. It's the entitlement...
However, because of the humor... It is no longer the United States of America but Barak-America!!!
It's like SnoopLahoma, only different. (thanks Megs).
And, yes, if you read or listen to the speech, it is the Clinton message without Clintons, or, as Andrew Sullivan states, some aspects of "Clintonism without the Clintons." There is a very strong economic message without the Gas-Holiday Gimmicks.
And he can kick McBush around pretty well. I'm looking forward to a Biden & Romney debate.
Update: And someone's supporters are outraged. Oh Well. But a formal vetting process was not necessary since she was the main candidate throughout the primary. She was vetted, over and over. Besides, the basic lack of trust killed the deal. And the lack of trust goes way back to when Obama announced and the Senator from New York lashed out at him on the Senate floor and before Iowa. It's the entitlement...
Why Biden
It is about having the right attitude. Remember this line:
"Rudy Giuliani... I mean, think about it! Rudy Giuliani. There's only three things he mentions in a sentence -- a noun, a verb, and 9/11. There's nothing else!"
Friday, August 22, 2008
Gig 'Em Edwards, Whoop!!
No not that Edwards. And not that Gig 'Em or that Whoop.
According to Politico, Chet Edwards made the VP final short-list. It may not be a bad choice.
He's a sleeper, as well as Jack Reed. Though signs point to Biden. Or worse.
I'm just saying...
According to Politico, Chet Edwards made the VP final short-list. It may not be a bad choice.
He's a sleeper, as well as Jack Reed. Though signs point to Biden. Or worse.
I'm just saying...
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The solution for bad guns is
more guns, apparently.
Concealed weapons in classrooms. This alters the way in which grade appeals are conducted.
I do not think I could allow this in my class. The power dynamic between student and professor could not exist in a way that would promote educational goals. Besides, I would not trust my students even if they were properly trained.
Concealed weapons in classrooms. This alters the way in which grade appeals are conducted.
I do not think I could allow this in my class. The power dynamic between student and professor could not exist in a way that would promote educational goals. Besides, I would not trust my students even if they were properly trained.
One of the Best Articles Yet, On Russia/Georgia
It is a bizarre moment indeed, that Harrogate finds something so quite near the truth of the matter in a Townhall columnist. But then, as Rusher himself says at one point, one supposes that when it comes to foreign policy, liberal spokespeople are all so scared to death that they will be perceived as "soft" on something, that they dare not speak reason on matters of foreign policy. Because it is taken for granted that they are so darned tough, Rightists, it follows, can in some ways better afford a moment of lucid argumentation on foreign policy.
The whole thing is a useful read for the 99% of us who are just beginning to learn of the dynamic between Georgia/Russia. But this blurb, in particular, seems like the only advice Harrogate has seen that is worth taking right now, both in terms of the Rhetoric our Politicos use, relatedly, and in terms of whatever strategies they are considering:
Cold War Nostalgists. That's nice. And doesn't it just sum up McCain to a freakin' tee? But what Rusher will not dare ask, is, what kind of a fundamentally indecent person must one be, if that is the sort of thing he is nostalgic about?
The whole thing is a useful read for the 99% of us who are just beginning to learn of the dynamic between Georgia/Russia. But this blurb, in particular, seems like the only advice Harrogate has seen that is worth taking right now, both in terms of the Rhetoric our Politicos use, relatedly, and in terms of whatever strategies they are considering:
Nostalgists for the Cold War may try to seize on this development to inflame Russia's relations with the West and revive the whole East-West struggle. But I think Russia is now quite likely to let matters quiet down again, having given a useful reminder to Georgia -- and all the other small neighbors on Russia's vast periphery -- that good behavior will be appreciated.
In reaching this conclusion, I recognize that there is an inescapable element of risk. But if Russia has indeed embarked on a new policy of aggression, there will be plenty of time to recognize that fact and respond accordingly. Meanwhile, I recommend staying cool.
Cold War Nostalgists. That's nice. And doesn't it just sum up McCain to a freakin' tee? But what Rusher will not dare ask, is, what kind of a fundamentally indecent person must one be, if that is the sort of thing he is nostalgic about?
Monday, August 18, 2008
"F*@k DC Comics"
So says Robert Downey, Jr. to conclude his comments about the "highbrow" Batman film. Apparently, RDJ felt that the film was too smart and that one needed a college education in order to understand what was happening in the movie. Is he just jealous that outperformed The Dark Knight outperformed Iron Man? Here's a snippet of the interview:
[Meanwhile, in Tropic Thunder, RDJ's character supposedly (I haven't seen the film) mocks method acting, Hollywood egos, and racial/ethnic stereotypes: "...you have an Australian, you have an African-American, you have him disguised as a Vietnamese, and in the beginning of the movie, you see him as an Irishman - a very gay Irishman..." The trailers are pretty damn funny--I look forward to seeing the movie when it's available on DVD.]
"My whole thing is that that I saw 'The Dark Knight'. I feel like I'm dumb because I feel like I don't get how many things that are so smart. It's like a Ferrari engine of storytelling and script writing and I'm like, 'That's not my idea of what I want to see in a movie.' I loved 'The Prestige' but didn't understand 'The Dark Knight'. Didn't get it, still can't tell you what happened in the movie, what happened to the character and in the end they need him to be a bad guy. I'm like, 'I get it. This is so high brow and so f--king smart, I clearly need a college education to understand this movie.' You know what? F-ck DC comics. That's all I have to say and that's where I'm really coming from."So, as someone in the film industry who fancies himself a serious actor, RDJ doesn't want to see really smart, complex movies. And the obvious response to something that one doesn't understand is, "Fuck [whatever it is]." Awesome.
[Meanwhile, in Tropic Thunder, RDJ's character supposedly (I haven't seen the film) mocks method acting, Hollywood egos, and racial/ethnic stereotypes: "...you have an Australian, you have an African-American, you have him disguised as a Vietnamese, and in the beginning of the movie, you see him as an Irishman - a very gay Irishman..." The trailers are pretty damn funny--I look forward to seeing the movie when it's available on DVD.]
Guess That VP
Since the time is almost upon us, anyone want to state who they think will be the next VP? Time has a list of those already scheduled to speak up until the potential VP will speak. Assuming that this list is correct and assuming that the VP will not speak twice, (I think only one person could possibly speak twice, more on that in a sec.), Mark Halperin has an updated short list.
This means that the real short-list includes: Tim Kaine, Chris Dodd, Wesley Clark, Michael Bloomburg, Jack Reed, Chet Edwards, John Kerry, and Sam Nunn. I would argue that Dodd (mortgage crisis), Kerry (2004), Clark (will be somewhere else), Bloomburg (um...no), and Sam Nunn (cabinent is better as he is too conservative) will not be the pick.
From this list that leaves, Chet Edwards (surprise!!!- he's a good debater, represents a military district, good experience, and is Washington outsider who may not hold his seat for long) and Tim Kaine (who I really do not know much about other than he is a semi-popular Gov. in a Red State that plays harmonica).
Oh, and for some reason, one of the most prominent Democrats, Al Gore, who opposed the war, has been outside of Washington for eight years, and who could do more for Global Warming inside the White House, is not scheduled to speak at the convention. Just saying, that seems odd.
Finally, if there is one person who would speak twice that would be (sigh) Senator Clinton. On Tuesday, she would address her campaign, release her supporters to Obama, and would address gender issues. On Wednesday, without the Obama campaign revealing who the pick would be beforehand, she would walk out on to the stage. Of course, Bill Clinton will be relocated to Antarctica to study penguins for the next 8 - 20 years.
Oh, and McCain will announce his VP pick in Ohio on Friday, August 29th, the day after the Democratic Convention ends to prevent a bounce. Good luck with that.
Sebelius (speaking)
Clinton (speaking)
Warner (keynote speaker)
Bayh (speaking)
Biden (speaking)
Richardson (speaking)
Strickland (speaking, took himself out)
Webb (took himself out)
Rendell (speaking*, took himself out, thanks ivb for the link)
John Edwards (took himself out)
Podesta (hosting a brunch)
Napolitano (speaking* and hosting a women governor’s event)
MacCaskill (speaking)
This means that the real short-list includes: Tim Kaine, Chris Dodd, Wesley Clark, Michael Bloomburg, Jack Reed, Chet Edwards, John Kerry, and Sam Nunn. I would argue that Dodd (mortgage crisis), Kerry (2004), Clark (will be somewhere else), Bloomburg (um...no), and Sam Nunn (cabinent is better as he is too conservative) will not be the pick.
From this list that leaves, Chet Edwards (surprise!!!- he's a good debater, represents a military district, good experience, and is Washington outsider who may not hold his seat for long) and Tim Kaine (who I really do not know much about other than he is a semi-popular Gov. in a Red State that plays harmonica).
Oh, and for some reason, one of the most prominent Democrats, Al Gore, who opposed the war, has been outside of Washington for eight years, and who could do more for Global Warming inside the White House, is not scheduled to speak at the convention. Just saying, that seems odd.
Finally, if there is one person who would speak twice that would be (sigh) Senator Clinton. On Tuesday, she would address her campaign, release her supporters to Obama, and would address gender issues. On Wednesday, without the Obama campaign revealing who the pick would be beforehand, she would walk out on to the stage. Of course, Bill Clinton will be relocated to Antarctica to study penguins for the next 8 - 20 years.
Oh, and McCain will announce his VP pick in Ohio on Friday, August 29th, the day after the Democratic Convention ends to prevent a bounce. Good luck with that.
The Roseanne Throws in On An Old Exchange Between Supadiscomama and Megs: Calls Angelina Jolie "Evil," Brad Pitt "Vacuous"
Some time ago Supadiscomama and Megs hashed out 'resentments' and 'loves' for Angelina Jolie. It was a complex discussion that spanned, if Harrogate remembers correctly, at least three different posts, one of which is provided here, free of charge.
But although that discussion has been over for several moons now, it left blogospheric tremors, the effects of which remain palpably with us to this day. And this past Friday, no less an Icon than The Roseanne, who clearly follows The Rhetorical Situation very closely, took up the issue of Brangelina with gusto.
But although that discussion has been over for several moons now, it left blogospheric tremors, the effects of which remain palpably with us to this day. And this past Friday, no less an Icon than The Roseanne, who clearly follows The Rhetorical Situation very closely, took up the issue of Brangelina with gusto.
jon voight your evil spawn angelina jolie and her vacuous hubby brad pitt make about forty million dollars a year in violent psychopathic movies and give away three of it to starving children trying to look as if they give a crap about humanity as they spit out more dunces that will consume more than their fair share and wreck the earth even more. (just sayin'). Also miss jolie says she likes mccain too and hasn't decided who to endorse....huh? Aren't you supposed to be somewhat enlightened, or do you not know that the african daughter you hold in every picture had parents who suffered and died because of the republican party's worldwide economic assault on africa over the last few decades since reagan? whaaaa...??????!!!!
Tip of the Hat for Armando
Armando (AKA Big Tent Democrat) over at TalkLeft has what will likely stand out as the Political Blog Post of the Day.
Now first of all, Harrogate is by no means a Clark cheerleader, but it is fair to say that he has been a voice of reason in the mainstream public discourse. Which aint exactly something we've got such a surplus of that we can afford to sideline such voices in the name of some perceived political expediency.
But while that is the primary concern of BTD, it is by far the lesser concern for Harrogate. From a Rhetorical perspective, Harrogate isn't even sure what kind of Logical Fallacy this is, that Nicolle Wallace is pushing here. Christ on a crumb heap, it might be all of them.
The only comparable statement that Harrogate can think of is when Bush underling Karen Hughes said, in 2002, that after 9/11 more Americans were "valuing life," which meant, naturally, that a majority was now clamoring for Roe to be overturned. Hughes was not hammered for the statement, nor did she ever retract, or even qualify it. Remember, Readers, how Bush surrogates always referred to him as "Commander in Chief" to quell criticism of his domestic policies, ranging from Tax Policy to Education to Abortion to Faith Based Initiatives to Social Security? How dare they pick at the "Commander in Chief" during a time of war? Etc.
With McCain what we're going to get is, he got tortured and he's our "Commander in Chief" during a time of war. So, do the patriotic thing and stop making his Judiciary Appointments so difficult.
The Big Question is, Why O Why are people allowed to make public statements like Nicolle Wallace's, and then retain credibility? Indeed, one might ask, why don't they get hit with rotten tomatos everywhere they go?
After the Obama campaign tossed General Wes Clark under the bus for stating the obvious, that getting shot down in an airplane is not command experience, they better get used to this
[McCain spokeperson] Nicolle Wallace: ""The insinuation from the Obama campaign that John McCain, a former prisoner of war, cheated is outrageous."
Sure it's stupid, but stupid works when you don't push back
Now first of all, Harrogate is by no means a Clark cheerleader, but it is fair to say that he has been a voice of reason in the mainstream public discourse. Which aint exactly something we've got such a surplus of that we can afford to sideline such voices in the name of some perceived political expediency.
But while that is the primary concern of BTD, it is by far the lesser concern for Harrogate. From a Rhetorical perspective, Harrogate isn't even sure what kind of Logical Fallacy this is, that Nicolle Wallace is pushing here. Christ on a crumb heap, it might be all of them.
The only comparable statement that Harrogate can think of is when Bush underling Karen Hughes said, in 2002, that after 9/11 more Americans were "valuing life," which meant, naturally, that a majority was now clamoring for Roe to be overturned. Hughes was not hammered for the statement, nor did she ever retract, or even qualify it. Remember, Readers, how Bush surrogates always referred to him as "Commander in Chief" to quell criticism of his domestic policies, ranging from Tax Policy to Education to Abortion to Faith Based Initiatives to Social Security? How dare they pick at the "Commander in Chief" during a time of war? Etc.
With McCain what we're going to get is, he got tortured and he's our "Commander in Chief" during a time of war. So, do the patriotic thing and stop making his Judiciary Appointments so difficult.
The Big Question is, Why O Why are people allowed to make public statements like Nicolle Wallace's, and then retain credibility? Indeed, one might ask, why don't they get hit with rotten tomatos everywhere they go?
Obama and the Swiftboat Bankroller
Hmmmm. Wonder what John Kerry in his private heart, thinks about this. But then, Swiftboat Financier Pickens is after all a billionaire, one who's been buying up lots of national air time & just generally throwing money all over the place to put his stamp on the "Energy Debate."
This time around, there might be something in it for the Democrat.
Blech.
This time around, there might be something in it for the Democrat.
Blech.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Obama and Abortion Rights: After Saddleback
Last night, immediately after getting his turn at Rick Warren's event at Saddleback Church, Barack Obama granted a one on one interview with David Brody, of Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network.
If you have not seen the interview, which was apparently very, very brief, go here. The CBN site also provides a transcript below the video. When he gets the question about the Right to Life Committee, Obama answers it clearly and calmly, but you can tell he's had it with these people and starting to get a little pissed.
If you have not seen the interview, which was apparently very, very brief, go here. The CBN site also provides a transcript below the video. When he gets the question about the Right to Life Committee, Obama answers it clearly and calmly, but you can tell he's had it with these people and starting to get a little pissed.
For Supadiscomama, from her BFF Gwen
Gwen got in touch with me this morning, and she asked me to post this for her BFF Supadiscomama. Oh, and she'd like to arrange a playdate between Kingston and Supa-T.
Shopping Carts, Deposits, and Brilliance in Canada
As C and I get accustomed to our new home in CU Land, we're constantly noticing things that are different here than in the states. Most of these differences are not necessarily positive in our minds. For example, we cannot buy any sort of alcohol in the grocery store. Further, we can't buy beer and wine at the same store, which means we have to make two additional stops should we want both. The likelihood of us wanting to buy both, however, isn't very great considering beer is twice what it costs in the States. Wine, thankfully, is more reasonable, as is liquor. In fact, rather than buy beer last week, C actually purchased a liter of vodka last week because it was $10 cheaper than a 12-pack of any beer he was interested in.
We have found one custom that we think is absolutely brilliant and think it should be adopted in the States immediately. Let me give you a bit of background first.
Last week, in our attempts to find a nice and affordable grocery store (apparently the two are mutually exclusive in CU Land), we visited a discount store. The store was fittingly named "No Frills," and it had none. We were a bit appalled when we realized we'd have to pay for shopping bags; luckily I had just purchased a bunch of reuseable shopping bags, so this wasn't an issue. We were, however, equally appalled when we realized we had to pay 25 cents to use a shopping cart. After much digging for a Canadian quarter (we are, after all, still getting used to the currency), I went to get a shopping cart, muttering to myself that the savings at this store better be significant if I had to pay for a shopping cart. As I put the quarter into the slot and pulled the cart away from the others, I realized that I wasn't paying to use a cart; I was leaving the quarter as a deposit, which I would get back when I returned the cart to the proper location and reattached it to other carts. I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT! As I looked around the parking lot, I noticed there were absolutely no stray shopping carts anywhere. I hate it when people are too lazy to return shopping carts to the store or to the storage areas in the parking lots. This method ensures that people return their shopping carts, saving the company money as employees don't have to spends lots of time rounding up stray carts or haggling with customers whose cars have sustained damage from stray carts. In a week of learning odd customs, we found one that we love!
We have found one custom that we think is absolutely brilliant and think it should be adopted in the States immediately. Let me give you a bit of background first.
Last week, in our attempts to find a nice and affordable grocery store (apparently the two are mutually exclusive in CU Land), we visited a discount store. The store was fittingly named "No Frills," and it had none. We were a bit appalled when we realized we'd have to pay for shopping bags; luckily I had just purchased a bunch of reuseable shopping bags, so this wasn't an issue. We were, however, equally appalled when we realized we had to pay 25 cents to use a shopping cart. After much digging for a Canadian quarter (we are, after all, still getting used to the currency), I went to get a shopping cart, muttering to myself that the savings at this store better be significant if I had to pay for a shopping cart. As I put the quarter into the slot and pulled the cart away from the others, I realized that I wasn't paying to use a cart; I was leaving the quarter as a deposit, which I would get back when I returned the cart to the proper location and reattached it to other carts. I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT! As I looked around the parking lot, I noticed there were absolutely no stray shopping carts anywhere. I hate it when people are too lazy to return shopping carts to the store or to the storage areas in the parking lots. This method ensures that people return their shopping carts, saving the company money as employees don't have to spends lots of time rounding up stray carts or haggling with customers whose cars have sustained damage from stray carts. In a week of learning odd customs, we found one that we love!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Saturday Fun Time
E! Online has a "Which Celebrity MILF are You?" quiz. Obviously, I'm Gwen ;) Who are you?
Happy 50th, Madge!
Follow the linky-link to see what Entertainment Weekly considers her 27 best videos.
Verily, in the Grand Old Year of 1985 she Reprised that old adage:
A kiss on the hand may be quite continental
But Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend
Verily, in the Grand Old Year of 1985 she Reprised that old adage:
A kiss on the hand may be quite continental
But Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend
Our Retirement Fund, Ground Floor
If someone knows how to add this as a permanent button, 'twould be worth the trouble.
My blog is worth $5,080.86.
How much is your blog worth?
Friday, August 15, 2008
Bigfoot; or, No, Not That Georgia. That Georgia.
One more link to (must. make. it. through. post.) CNN. Because the new Bigfoot Discourse seems to be capturing a slice of the public imaginary, including, admittedly, on the most inexcusably banal level imaginable, Harrogate's.A policeman and a former corrections officer say that on Friday they will unveil evidence of what they claim is their biggest find ever: the body of Bigfoot.
Headline of the Day: "Cinderella, others arrested in Disneyland labor protest"
Some of Harrogate's Readers are going to be shocked at the following effusion, but: WAY TO GO AP! That there's a priceless photograph. (O how Harrogate wishes there was a photograph circulating of WALL-E in handcuffs, too!).
Also, it's always good when labor protests make it into Mainstream News, so Harrogate reluctantly offers a Tip of the Hat to CNN (now he needs a shower)
Linky link
The arrest of the 32 protesters, many of whom wore costumes representing famous Disney characters, came at the end of an hour-long march to Disneyland's gates from one of three Disney-owned hotels at the center of a labor dispute.
Those who were arrested sat in a circle on a busy intersection outside the park holding hands until they were placed in plastic handcuffs and led to two police vans while hundreds of hotel workers cheered and chanted.
And then:
Bewildered tourists in Disney T-shirts and caps, some pushing strollers, filed past the commotion and gawked at the costumed picketers getting hauled away. The protest shut down a major thoroughfare outside Disneyland and California Adventure for nearly an hour.
"It's changing my opinion of Disneyland," said tourist Amanda Kosato, who was visiting from north of Melbourne, Australia. "Taking away entitlements stinks."
The dispute involves about 2,300 maids, bell hops, cooks and dishwashers at three Disney-owned hotels: the Paradise Pier, the Grand Californian and the Disneyland Hotel.
UPDATE: Harrogate must extend his Tip of the Hat to Fox News also. One supposes that the sheer spectacle of the thing makes it an irresistable cover, even though the issue at stake is pretty anathematic to such coverage. How the Fox Pundits treat it is unsurprisingly smug and dismissive. Still, the video is there for viewers to see. Better than no coverage at all.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
He still loves Ambre
Admittedly I have never (and don't plan to ever) watched "Rock of Love," but when I found this article on People.com, I had to post a link to it for ardent "Rock of Love" fans P-duck and Oxymoron. Apparently Brett Michaels, in spite of the fact that he is embarking on Season 3 (really, is a 3rd season necessary? Isn't that sort of like a 10th season of "The Bachelor"?), is still in love with Ambre from Season 2. I especially like Big John Studd's comments that the winner of Season 3 will just have to accept Ambre's presence in Brett's life. Any one want to bet that Season 3's finale includes a threesome with Brett, Ambre, and Season 3's winner?
A Cindy McCain Wrist Scandal Follow up
I thought about including this image in my original post about Mrs. McCain's delicate hand, but I felt it was too cruel. Some prodding from Harrogate (surprise!) led me to reconsider. But really, how old are the McCains? Apparently, John is lifting his speeches from Wikipedia and Cindy is too fragile to touch--so how are these two viable candidates for President and First Lady? Actually, maybe they're perfect representatives...
A Mildly Interesting Question, Answered
Why Are Georgia and Georgia Both Named Georgia?
Which still leaves unanswered, of course, a Rhetorically similar question that has emerged in the current wake of Colbert's bashing of several towns named "Canton" throughout the United States.
So, Slate: Why are Canton and Canton and Canton and Canton and Canton, et. al, all named Canton?
Which still leaves unanswered, of course, a Rhetorically similar question that has emerged in the current wake of Colbert's bashing of several towns named "Canton" throughout the United States.
So, Slate: Why are Canton and Canton and Canton and Canton and Canton, et. al, all named Canton?
A Novel Idea to Make Harrogate Proud....
Maybe because its ratings suck or maybe because it is serious about politics, but regardless of why, CBS news has decided that it will cover the issues pertaining to the Presidential Election. According to Marc Ambinder, CBS news will run 35 separate segments, each 6 - 8 minutes in length, discussing one issue on its evening news program starting after the convention.
MSNBC has done this, somewhat, on "Super Tuesday," which happens to be every Tuesday. Each Tuesday, MSNBC picks a theme such as "economy," "Culture Wars," etc. Unfortunately, when they do this, the just have the same familiar people and the same familiar (shallow) arguments. Maybe this will be better. Maybe. Maybe Not.
MSNBC has done this, somewhat, on "Super Tuesday," which happens to be every Tuesday. Each Tuesday, MSNBC picks a theme such as "economy," "Culture Wars," etc. Unfortunately, when they do this, the just have the same familiar people and the same familiar (shallow) arguments. Maybe this will be better. Maybe. Maybe Not.
The Tropic Thunder Controversy
Is the movie guilty of hate speech?
This is obviously a sensitive issue on multiple levels. The very term "hate speech" is as infuritating to some, on free speech grounds, as is the word "retarded" to others.
But it is worth remembering that none except perhaps a few fringe elements have called for the movie to be shut down. What they want is social refuation in the form of a consumer boycott.
And, what of intent? Harrogate heard the interviewer on NPR ask the Chair of the Special Olympics committee if it mattered to him that the objects of mockery in Tropic Thunder are not those whom the movie actors denigrate, but the movie actors themselves. He said no, this does not matter. The sheer bandying about of the word "retard" some twenty times over the course of the movie is hurtful, regardless of context, he argued.
But regardless of what we think about the issue, perhaps we can at least all come together in giving thanks that neither Elisabeth Hasselbeck nor Whoopi Goldberg have (yet) emerged as representative interlocutors on the subject.
Everyone thought the lightning rod in Tropic Thunder would be Robert Downey Jr.'s comic turn in blackface. Instead, the American Association of People With Disabilities, the National Down Syndrome Congress, the Arc, Best Buddies, and a few other groups are up in arms over the film's perceived disrespect toward the mentally retarded. The coalition has put together an 11-page action kit (excerpts below and on the following five pages) urging supporters to "actively picket" movie theaters "with signs of protest urging patrons not to attend" in a nationwide "Rally for Respect," Aug. 13 through 17.
In the comedy, Ben Stiller (who also directed and co-authored the script) plays a movie action star named Tugg Speedman who (taking a leaf from Tom Hanks, Dustin Hoffman, Sir John Mills, and Cliff Robertson) tries to win an Oscar by playing a mentally disabled character in a movie called Simple Jack. This gives rise in Tropic Thunder to various jokes, including a review that declares Speedman's "one of the most retarded performances in cinema history" (Page 6).
This is obviously a sensitive issue on multiple levels. The very term "hate speech" is as infuritating to some, on free speech grounds, as is the word "retarded" to others.
But it is worth remembering that none except perhaps a few fringe elements have called for the movie to be shut down. What they want is social refuation in the form of a consumer boycott.
And, what of intent? Harrogate heard the interviewer on NPR ask the Chair of the Special Olympics committee if it mattered to him that the objects of mockery in Tropic Thunder are not those whom the movie actors denigrate, but the movie actors themselves. He said no, this does not matter. The sheer bandying about of the word "retard" some twenty times over the course of the movie is hurtful, regardless of context, he argued.
But regardless of what we think about the issue, perhaps we can at least all come together in giving thanks that neither Elisabeth Hasselbeck nor Whoopi Goldberg have (yet) emerged as representative interlocutors on the subject.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
And Now a Moment of Therapeutic Cleansing
:-)
Billy Joel's "Prelude/Angry Young Man"
There's a place in the world for the angry young man
With his working class ties and his radical plans
He refuses to bend, he refuses to crawl,
And He's always at home with his back to the wall.
And he's proud of his scars and the battles he's lost,
And he struggles and bleeds as he hangs on his cross-
And he likes to be known as the angry young man.
Give a moment or two to the angry young man,
With his foot in his mouth and his heart in his hand.
He's been stabbed in the back, he's been misunderstood,
It's a comfort to know his intentions are good.
And he sits in a room with a lock on the door,
With his maps and his medals laid out on the floor-
And he likes to be known as the angry young man.
I believe I've passed the age
Of consciousness and righteous rage
I found that just surviving was a noble fight.
I once believed in causes too,
I had my pointless point of view,
And life went on no matter who was wrong or right. OHHHHHHHH
And there's always a place for the angry young man,
With his fist in the air and his head in the sand.
And he's never been able to learn from mistakes,
So he can't understand why his heart always breaks.
And his honor is pure and his courage as well,
And he's fair and he's true and he's boring as hell-
And he'll go to the grave as an angry old man.
There's always a place for the angry young man
With his working class ties and his radical plans
He refuses to bend, he refuses to crawl,
And He's always at home with his back to the wall.
And he's proud of his scars and the battles he's lost,
And he struggles and bleeds as he hangs on his cross-
And he likes to be known as the angry young man.
Billy Joel's "Prelude/Angry Young Man"
There's a place in the world for the angry young man
With his working class ties and his radical plans
He refuses to bend, he refuses to crawl,
And He's always at home with his back to the wall.
And he's proud of his scars and the battles he's lost,
And he struggles and bleeds as he hangs on his cross-
And he likes to be known as the angry young man.
Give a moment or two to the angry young man,
With his foot in his mouth and his heart in his hand.
He's been stabbed in the back, he's been misunderstood,
It's a comfort to know his intentions are good.
And he sits in a room with a lock on the door,
With his maps and his medals laid out on the floor-
And he likes to be known as the angry young man.
I believe I've passed the age
Of consciousness and righteous rage
I found that just surviving was a noble fight.
I once believed in causes too,
I had my pointless point of view,
And life went on no matter who was wrong or right. OHHHHHHHH
And there's always a place for the angry young man,
With his fist in the air and his head in the sand.
And he's never been able to learn from mistakes,
So he can't understand why his heart always breaks.
And his honor is pure and his courage as well,
And he's fair and he's true and he's boring as hell-
And he'll go to the grave as an angry old man.
There's always a place for the angry young man
With his working class ties and his radical plans
He refuses to bend, he refuses to crawl,
And He's always at home with his back to the wall.
And he's proud of his scars and the battles he's lost,
And he struggles and bleeds as he hangs on his cross-
And he likes to be known as the angry young man.
Seriously?
So, Cindy McCain took a trip to the hospital after an overzealous supporter sprained her hand when he shook it.
I really don't know what else I can add to this...
I really don't know what else I can add to this...
Colin Powell Versus William Kristol, With a Dash of Obama
Rhetorical Pyrotechnics, Colin Powell Style
No time for Kristol's musings!!!! O, the humanity!!! What gravitas! How statesmanly!!!! Too bad he had so much time to waste on Kristol and the other neocons leading into the Iraq Stoopidity, when it actually counted for something.
He's a proven and confirmed liar. When ye think bloody hands, think Powell. Don't believe the hype about his "behind-the-scenes opposition" to Rummy anbd Cheney. He gave the UN speech didn't he? And, his lies helped get over a million killed, didn't they? And yet if he endorses Obama, he'll be able to 'disappear' that truth in the hearts and minds of millions.
ABC News' Teddy Davis and David Chalian Report: Gen. Colin Powell told ABC News on Wednesday that he will not be going to the Democratic National Convention, disputing a suggestion made earlier in the day on the Fox News Channel by Weekly Standard editor Bill Kristol.
"I do not have time to waste on Bill Kristol's musings,” Powell told ABC News. “I am not going to the convention. I have made this clear."
No time for Kristol's musings!!!! O, the humanity!!! What gravitas! How statesmanly!!!! Too bad he had so much time to waste on Kristol and the other neocons leading into the Iraq Stoopidity, when it actually counted for something.
He's a proven and confirmed liar. When ye think bloody hands, think Powell. Don't believe the hype about his "behind-the-scenes opposition" to Rummy anbd Cheney. He gave the UN speech didn't he? And, his lies helped get over a million killed, didn't they? And yet if he endorses Obama, he'll be able to 'disappear' that truth in the hearts and minds of millions.
A Word on Fox News' Exclusion From the Debate
Lots of bloggers are no doubt pleased with the fact that Fox News got 'snubbed' by the Commission that selected Presidential Debate Moderators.
There was a time, not at all so long ago, when Harrogate would have been pleased too. But that was before he finally gave in and recognized the Writing on The Wall: far from exceptional, Fox has been and remains little more than a scapegoat for the broader Rhetorical Situation in which it participates. Verily, singling out Fox makes about as much sense as singling out Green M&Ms with the warrrant that they somehow taste differently than other M&Ms.
There was a time, not at all so long ago, when Harrogate would have been pleased too. But that was before he finally gave in and recognized the Writing on The Wall: far from exceptional, Fox has been and remains little more than a scapegoat for the broader Rhetorical Situation in which it participates. Verily, singling out Fox makes about as much sense as singling out Green M&Ms with the warrrant that they somehow taste differently than other M&Ms.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
The Hagel Talk Still Won't Go Away
Well, given the proximity of the convention, Obama's text message announcement of his Veep pick ought to be coming in any day. Speaking of: Have any Board Members signed up to get the text message as soon as he sends it?
Whatever the case may be, until that hallowed moment descends upon us like golden raindrops from above, the Hagel talk follows Tim Gunn's advice, and carries on.
This has been going on for a while. And Hagel as the Dems' VP nominee would be Theater of the Absurd Indeed, sort of an ecstatic mix of Brecht and Mamet and then whoever it was that wrote Legally Blonde 2, all rolled into one.
Harrogate's prediction: No Way in Hell Obama will do it. But even that seems less a product of ideological conviction than because of the sheer hubris it would take.
Whatever the case may be, until that hallowed moment descends upon us like golden raindrops from above, the Hagel talk follows Tim Gunn's advice, and carries on.
This has been going on for a while. And Hagel as the Dems' VP nominee would be Theater of the Absurd Indeed, sort of an ecstatic mix of Brecht and Mamet and then whoever it was that wrote Legally Blonde 2, all rolled into one.
Harrogate's prediction: No Way in Hell Obama will do it. But even that seems less a product of ideological conviction than because of the sheer hubris it would take.
Dog Bites Man; or, Most U.S. Corporations Do Not Pay Any Income Tax
Hmmmm. Linking to ABC, Harrogate wonders if he isn't taking ye to one of the two-thirds of the corporations that got Representation without taxation.
The only surprise is, the story came out at all.
The only surprise is, the story came out at all.
The Slender "Two Americas" Narrative: Now Completely 'Disappeared,' with Edwards' Political Judgment and Personal Cred, Into Rielle Hunter's Vagina
Papa Bear O'Reilly makes the move Harrogate has been expecting him to make since the Rielle Hunter story finally broke out of the tabloids and into the MSM.
It was out of respect for Elizabeth Edwards that O'Reilly, and other "responsible" guardians of the National Framejob known as Our Fourth Estate, had refused to run this story way back then. But no matter, quoth Papa Bear:
Here he's telling the truth. Harrogate is not being sarcastic. Here Papa Bear is telling the Truth that throughout the Spring he attacked Edwards' "prepostorous theory."
Only much deeper into the Memo does O'Reilly actually Lie. It always makes Harrogate a Sad Panda to see Papa Bear lie, when he already has so much to Crow about, what with "Robin Hood" being dead and all. But here is the Lie:
Really. It really really really doesn't get any worse than this. Even he ought to be ashamed of himself; knowing full well that there was no point during the Primary where Edwards or his arguments receieved more than a sound-blip, unless it was some Talking Head (like O'Reilly) trying to smash those arguments to smithereens.
What's that? The media is "politically correct" and therefore, Edwards was doomed as a white man running against "history"? Ovaries and pigmentation being more important than questions of social and economic justice? No, these ravings might sound good on a reflexive level, but the real reason they buried Edwards' message from the get-go is that no industry, including the Oil Industry, stands as much to lose by the ascendance of Progressive Politics, than the Media.
Anywho. Thank God nobody has to listen to Edwards anymore. That nobody is really left to take up the mantle of even tangentially challenging the further consolidation of wealth, unless you count Nader (heh). For example, Disney-ABC-ESPN-Anaheim Angels-Etc-Etc-Etc., was tiring of the compulsion to run a sound bite every few months.
It was out of respect for Elizabeth Edwards that O'Reilly, and other "responsible" guardians of the National Framejob known as Our Fourth Estate, had refused to run this story way back then. But no matter, quoth Papa Bear:
What we did do was expose Edwards as a dishonest politician, a man who tried to exploit American military people to prop up his preposterous theory that the United States economy punishes the poor.
Here he's telling the truth. Harrogate is not being sarcastic. Here Papa Bear is telling the Truth that throughout the Spring he attacked Edwards' "prepostorous theory."
Only much deeper into the Memo does O'Reilly actually Lie. It always makes Harrogate a Sad Panda to see Papa Bear lie, when he already has so much to Crow about, what with "Robin Hood" being dead and all. But here is the Lie:
There's no question the liberal media loved the message Edwards was putting out there that America is a place that caters to the rich and hammers the poor. That's why the committed left press ignored the National Enquirer investigation that proved to be true.
Really. It really really really doesn't get any worse than this. Even he ought to be ashamed of himself; knowing full well that there was no point during the Primary where Edwards or his arguments receieved more than a sound-blip, unless it was some Talking Head (like O'Reilly) trying to smash those arguments to smithereens.
What's that? The media is "politically correct" and therefore, Edwards was doomed as a white man running against "history"? Ovaries and pigmentation being more important than questions of social and economic justice? No, these ravings might sound good on a reflexive level, but the real reason they buried Edwards' message from the get-go is that no industry, including the Oil Industry, stands as much to lose by the ascendance of Progressive Politics, than the Media.
Anywho. Thank God nobody has to listen to Edwards anymore. That nobody is really left to take up the mantle of even tangentially challenging the further consolidation of wealth, unless you count Nader (heh). For example, Disney-ABC-ESPN-Anaheim Angels-Etc-Etc-Etc., was tiring of the compulsion to run a sound bite every few months.
Why I Love Gwen Stefani (and why I hate her just a little bit)
I'm a great fan of Gwen Stefani's music (both solo and with No Doubt), and I love her style. As a kind of response to P-Duck's most recent post, I thought I'd add another reason: she actually gains a normal amount of weight when she's pregnant! Unlike some celebs, who try to gain as little weight as possible (dubbed pregorexia by the media), Gwen lets her belly and her baby grow!
At the same time, though, Gwen also ended up looking like this after her first baby:
Granted, she probably worked out like a madwoman and was hungry a lot of the time (breastfeeding doesn't burn that many calories, ladies). I have "no doubt" that Gwen will be baring her famous abs at some point after the birth of baby #2 as well. Good for her. I will eat an extra slice of pizza on her behalf--and I won't run an extra 5 miles to burn it off!
P.S. Kingston is totally Supa-T's long lost twin! Gwen and I should be BFF :)
At the same time, though, Gwen also ended up looking like this after her first baby:
Granted, she probably worked out like a madwoman and was hungry a lot of the time (breastfeeding doesn't burn that many calories, ladies). I have "no doubt" that Gwen will be baring her famous abs at some point after the birth of baby #2 as well. Good for her. I will eat an extra slice of pizza on her behalf--and I won't run an extra 5 miles to burn it off!P.S. Kingston is totally Supa-T's long lost twin! Gwen and I should be BFF :)
Beauty VS Baby
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26081703/
If you watch this article’s accompanying video about celebrity moms, the rhetoric is overwhelmingly congratulatory to the celebrity moms who lost weight fast (for some, within 2 weeks after giving birth) and got back to their pre-baby weight. In the video (not article), exercise and diet are encouraged for the benefit of the mother, but nothing is said about how excessive exercise/diet can in some situations prove harmful to developing fetuses, or, how too much exercise too fast can prove detrimental to a woman’s healing body. The uterus must contract, ab muscles must heal and reattach, etc. Moreover, the push to exercise and diet immediately after birth runs counter to the advice of most doctors.
In a rather uncomfortable moment in the interview, the fitness expert questions how the pregnant interviewer manages to look so fantastic and mentions how great she looked after her first child's birth. The interviewer clearly looks uncomfortable, perhaps aware that she too may be judged by celebrity standards.
I understand that it is celebrities’’ “jobs” to look good, but I find the pressure to look good as a new mom too much. Logically, I know their lives are very different from mine. Celebrity moms have an entourage of individuals who take care of the day-to-day things that often bog the rest of us down. I went to Target yesterday, only to have bought the wrong thing, and now I have to go back. Had I an entourage, I’d send some poor fool to do the task for me while I consumed a smoothie made by my nutritionist, check in with my daughter and the nanny, and then hit the gym for 2 hours with my personal trainer. Instead, duckling and I will trek out in the rain in search of BPA-free sippy cups. If I’m lucky, she’ll nap today allowing me to get some work done.
Furthermore, the visual rhetoric of contrasting the pregnant female body with a post-partum body implies that the pregnant body is far from the ideal. A sample magazine cover in the article announces “How I got my body back” and later includes a before/after picture of Heidi Klum. The before/after images suggest that Heidi Klum in a bikini is far more attractive than Heidi Klum pregnant (isn’t she always attractive?). These images are all over the tabloids and news, celebrating a new mom’s return to her “normal” body. Cameras scrutinize tummies both for baby-bumps (always on the lookout for the next pregnant star) and for any remaining flab after childbirth. When celebrity tummies are deemed “normal” and “fabulous” so soon after birth, it implies that the poochy belly I had while my abs were healing and my uterus was contracting to its normal size in the few weeks (okay, months) after childbirth was neither normal nor fantastic (admittedly, I have never had, nor will I ever have, Klum’s abs).
For many of us moms, our bodies will never be “normal” again. Instead, they bear the marks of pregnancy – stretch marks and sometimes a new element of squishiness. Perhaps we should learn to celebrate these changes as badges of honor rather than shameful reminders of the pregnant—read, “fat”—body. This website is trying to do just that: http://theshapeofamother.com/
If you watch this article’s accompanying video about celebrity moms, the rhetoric is overwhelmingly congratulatory to the celebrity moms who lost weight fast (for some, within 2 weeks after giving birth) and got back to their pre-baby weight. In the video (not article), exercise and diet are encouraged for the benefit of the mother, but nothing is said about how excessive exercise/diet can in some situations prove harmful to developing fetuses, or, how too much exercise too fast can prove detrimental to a woman’s healing body. The uterus must contract, ab muscles must heal and reattach, etc. Moreover, the push to exercise and diet immediately after birth runs counter to the advice of most doctors.
In a rather uncomfortable moment in the interview, the fitness expert questions how the pregnant interviewer manages to look so fantastic and mentions how great she looked after her first child's birth. The interviewer clearly looks uncomfortable, perhaps aware that she too may be judged by celebrity standards.
I understand that it is celebrities’’ “jobs” to look good, but I find the pressure to look good as a new mom too much. Logically, I know their lives are very different from mine. Celebrity moms have an entourage of individuals who take care of the day-to-day things that often bog the rest of us down. I went to Target yesterday, only to have bought the wrong thing, and now I have to go back. Had I an entourage, I’d send some poor fool to do the task for me while I consumed a smoothie made by my nutritionist, check in with my daughter and the nanny, and then hit the gym for 2 hours with my personal trainer. Instead, duckling and I will trek out in the rain in search of BPA-free sippy cups. If I’m lucky, she’ll nap today allowing me to get some work done.
Furthermore, the visual rhetoric of contrasting the pregnant female body with a post-partum body implies that the pregnant body is far from the ideal. A sample magazine cover in the article announces “How I got my body back” and later includes a before/after picture of Heidi Klum. The before/after images suggest that Heidi Klum in a bikini is far more attractive than Heidi Klum pregnant (isn’t she always attractive?). These images are all over the tabloids and news, celebrating a new mom’s return to her “normal” body. Cameras scrutinize tummies both for baby-bumps (always on the lookout for the next pregnant star) and for any remaining flab after childbirth. When celebrity tummies are deemed “normal” and “fabulous” so soon after birth, it implies that the poochy belly I had while my abs were healing and my uterus was contracting to its normal size in the few weeks (okay, months) after childbirth was neither normal nor fantastic (admittedly, I have never had, nor will I ever have, Klum’s abs).
For many of us moms, our bodies will never be “normal” again. Instead, they bear the marks of pregnancy – stretch marks and sometimes a new element of squishiness. Perhaps we should learn to celebrate these changes as badges of honor rather than shameful reminders of the pregnant—read, “fat”—body. This website is trying to do just that: http://theshapeofamother.com/
"College Classes for Conservatives to Avoid"; or, Oxyomoron Had Better Hope His Prospective Students Don't Read Ashley Herzog
Not too long ago, word was that Oxymoron almost made it onto Horowitz's list of the 100 most dangerous college professors. Now, though, Oxymoron is surely being targeted.
But to be fair, it's not just oxymoron, he's only the most obvious culprit. In truth all Board Members of The Rhetorical Situation had better look out. Even as we speak Harrogate himself is putting together a syllabus the sole purpose of which is to destroy Western Culture.
Don’t register for English classes that revolve around the writings of some allegedly oppressed group, such as “Gay and Lesbian Literature” or “Women and Writing.” These classes typically have nothing to do with great, or even good, literature. I once signed up for a Women’s Writing class to fill a requirement. Did we study the classic works of history’s best female authors, such as the Bronte sisters and Jane Austen? Nah. Instead, the class mostly revolved around short pieces by untalented women who whined about America’s “sex/gender system.” The only assigned book was the biography of Assata Shakur, a female Black Panther who fled to Cuba after she was convicted of murdering a cop.
But to be fair, it's not just oxymoron, he's only the most obvious culprit. In truth all Board Members of The Rhetorical Situation had better look out. Even as we speak Harrogate himself is putting together a syllabus the sole purpose of which is to destroy Western Culture.
Monday, August 11, 2008
The Clinton Campaign
In the September issue of Atlantic Magazine, Joshua Green provides an incredibly in-depth report about the problems and divisions within the Clinton campaign leading to the fall. What may be even better than the article, "The Front Runner's Fall," Green scanned in volumes of the email he relied upon to write the article.
Rarely do we get a look at the author's non-artistic proofs to see how the author wrote the article. This could be a very interesting pedagogical tool for teaching argumentation.
Green's method:
What would be useful about these non-artistic proofs is that this evidence does not concern after the fact justification to a large public in the way that an interview is a newspaper article would.
Instead, Green provides is with the emails from major players in the campaign as they attempt to persuade one another over the direction of the campaign. This could be a great resource to see how the arguments developed internally, especially in relation to what arguments and strategies were selected, as well as the consequences of those arguments.
Again, I cannot explain how amazing this resource is. Check it out. Click on the summaries to examine the actually documents.
After a quick read, here are a few thoughts:
1) Not running in 2004. I thought this would be her best bet since 2004 presented a weak field. It would have been close though, maybe too close for because of war. Yet, according to the article, polling numbers were there. One of the main problems of her campaign is she never could master kairos.
2) Target audience: women, lower & middle income, and play defense with men and upper class. A memo by Penn suggests to tap into the consciousness of sexism:
3) The odd connection between Edwards and Clinton, especially in light of his recent allegations... Edwards says his vote on Iraq was wrong but Clinton does not. This is tragic for her. Edwards hurts her in Iowa, which hurts her nationally.
I do not believe in what ifs, especially about Iowa since the people there were not going to vote for her. He populist personae for Pennsylvania would not translate there because of demographics and ideology. Her best bet would have been to avoid Iowa as it proved too costly. But Edwards did hurt here there in perception...
One interesting point on the press and the Clinton campaign (and there are many) that concerns the pre-Iowa time frame: "The more the Clinton team became paralyzed by conflict, the more it was forced to rely on the press to write negative stories that would weaken Obama—to, in effect, perform the very function it was unable to do for itself." The failure of Clinton was the failure to drive the narrative. This explanation doesn't occur, well it doesn't occur here. Well, maybe because focusing on Obama's 3rd grade essay "I want to be President" is the reason. Poor judgment.
And the beginning of the end was Iowa. No matter how the media tried, the race was not competitive throughout the primary.
Update II:
This article has a terrible ending. Maybe it is because of space requirements but it is still terrible.
Rarely do we get a look at the author's non-artistic proofs to see how the author wrote the article. This could be a very interesting pedagogical tool for teaching argumentation.
Green's method:
To find out, I approached a number of current and former Clinton staffers and outside consultants and asked them to share memos, e-mails, meeting minutes, diaries—anything that would offer a contemporaneous account. The result demonstrates that paranoid dysfunction breeds the impulse to hoard. Everything from major strategic plans to bitchy staff e-mail feuds was handed over.
What would be useful about these non-artistic proofs is that this evidence does not concern after the fact justification to a large public in the way that an interview is a newspaper article would.
Instead, Green provides is with the emails from major players in the campaign as they attempt to persuade one another over the direction of the campaign. This could be a great resource to see how the arguments developed internally, especially in relation to what arguments and strategies were selected, as well as the consequences of those arguments.
Again, I cannot explain how amazing this resource is. Check it out. Click on the summaries to examine the actually documents.
After a quick read, here are a few thoughts:
1) Not running in 2004. I thought this would be her best bet since 2004 presented a weak field. It would have been close though, maybe too close for because of war. Yet, according to the article, polling numbers were there. One of the main problems of her campaign is she never could master kairos.
2) Target audience: women, lower & middle income, and play defense with men and upper class. A memo by Penn suggests to tap into the consciousness of sexism:
"1) Start with a base of women. a. For these women you represent a breaking of barriers. b. The winnowing out of the most competent and qualified in an unfair, male dominated world. c. The infusion of a woman and a mother’s sensibilities into a world of war and neglectTo counter this theme of division, Penn focuses on the Lower and Middle Class to show you care, you are one of them, and you support their goals. Additionally, Penn's strategy was to, "Contest the black vote at every opportunity. Keep him pinned down there," meaning make Obama defend this vote to cut in his base and... prevent him from expanding. Green notes that this is the coalition that worked for Clinton and this memo, "reinforces rather than confronts the Clintons’ biases."
3) The odd connection between Edwards and Clinton, especially in light of his recent allegations... Edwards says his vote on Iraq was wrong but Clinton does not. This is tragic for her. Edwards hurts her in Iowa, which hurts her nationally.
I do not believe in what ifs, especially about Iowa since the people there were not going to vote for her. He populist personae for Pennsylvania would not translate there because of demographics and ideology. Her best bet would have been to avoid Iowa as it proved too costly. But Edwards did hurt here there in perception...
One interesting point on the press and the Clinton campaign (and there are many) that concerns the pre-Iowa time frame: "The more the Clinton team became paralyzed by conflict, the more it was forced to rely on the press to write negative stories that would weaken Obama—to, in effect, perform the very function it was unable to do for itself." The failure of Clinton was the failure to drive the narrative. This explanation doesn't occur, well it doesn't occur here. Well, maybe because focusing on Obama's 3rd grade essay "I want to be President" is the reason. Poor judgment.
And the beginning of the end was Iowa. No matter how the media tried, the race was not competitive throughout the primary.
Update II:
This article has a terrible ending. Maybe it is because of space requirements but it is still terrible.
Insomnia and Celebrites...
Tonight may be possibly the last night that I will get a full night's sleep for the next year. But instead of sleeping, I have insomnia...
To honor that occasion, here is the new round of celebrity ads. The first is by John McCain and it is quite funny in that 1980s movie promo kind of way. I would not vote for a candidate to allow that ad, especially with the blatant lies in it, but it made me chuckle. It is no way to run a presidential candidate but I guess McCain is attempting to stop the youth vote turning out for Obama-- at least this is the only guess I have over the campaign's strategy because it is an incredible stupid strategy as tax increase line would not hit that audience. Or maybe it is trying to create a generation crisis in that the fans of the teenagers in love have parents and those parents will see how stupid their kids are acting and do the opposite. Instead of people voting on policy issues or even values, we get vote this way because your kids will vote another way.
The second ad is Obama's response, "Emcraced." While McCain's ad is the campy 1980s movie trailer, Obama's style is Oceans Twelve. The ad just attacks McCain's hypocrisy since McCain is the real celebrity in the campaign. Its strategy is to argue that with McCain it will be the same old crap. At least there are some nice photos with McCain and Bush.
While these ads are humorous, the level of discourse in the election hit a new brand new low. Sigh. Listen to Harrogate gently whimper.
To honor that occasion, here is the new round of celebrity ads. The first is by John McCain and it is quite funny in that 1980s movie promo kind of way. I would not vote for a candidate to allow that ad, especially with the blatant lies in it, but it made me chuckle. It is no way to run a presidential candidate but I guess McCain is attempting to stop the youth vote turning out for Obama-- at least this is the only guess I have over the campaign's strategy because it is an incredible stupid strategy as tax increase line would not hit that audience. Or maybe it is trying to create a generation crisis in that the fans of the teenagers in love have parents and those parents will see how stupid their kids are acting and do the opposite. Instead of people voting on policy issues or even values, we get vote this way because your kids will vote another way.
The second ad is Obama's response, "Emcraced." While McCain's ad is the campy 1980s movie trailer, Obama's style is Oceans Twelve. The ad just attacks McCain's hypocrisy since McCain is the real celebrity in the campaign. Its strategy is to argue that with McCain it will be the same old crap. At least there are some nice photos with McCain and Bush.
While these ads are humorous, the level of discourse in the election hit a new brand new low. Sigh. Listen to Harrogate gently whimper.
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