Home » The Watercooler for 11/02/09 9:00 AM
The Watercooler for 11/02/09 9:00 AM
DFA's home for a free form, open-ended discussion of what matters most to committed progressive activists.
Watercooler resets everyday at 1am, 9am and 5pm. Past threads can be found in the Watercooler Archive
I was thinking what a unique place this blog has become. Certainly diminished in membership, but those who have stayed have brought much more than political opinions. We have recipes, cartoons, humor, dance, music, poetry, art, photography, weather, personal experiences, analysis of everything from the pharmaceuticial industry to economics, to stories, and more.
It has evolved on its own, persistent and cooperative. It is a work of art in itelf.
And yes, Annilow is here as is JC and others who have partidicipated so memorably.
KUNC, our public radio, is fundraising today, so very little news.
Have a good day today.
Off to a department offsite up in Napa, where it seems that the weather will be cooperating. But we need rain, so come on, bring it on!
Thought about Anni when I was falling asleep. She'd be happy to know that the Barry Manilow song I posted yesterday has been running constantly in my head.
Happy day to all
Public Funding Elections
By EMILIO R on Nov 2, 2009 1:58 AM EST
...the country is fallen apart because our leaders are not in the business of doing what is best for the country they are in politics for their own personal gain...
the solution is very simple PUBLIC FINANCING FOR ELECTIONS...
Note: Public Financing for elections would mean that someone who has the intelligence but not the money would be able to compete for public office
-----------------------
By FormerTurn on Nov 2, 2009 10:04 AM EST
You nailed it Emilio, imo!
Word "public" (anywhere either on health issues or election) is scaring hell out of those who knows what they are in politics for.
That's why this fight is so severe..., they are fighting for their very survival...but either should we, the People.
"Asleep at the switch"?
FDR type president....................wake me when it happens.......
In her last article for Newsweek, Anna Quindlin educated me on a topic I had never heard before. It seems that FDR was so discusted by the conservative members of his Party that he suggested to Wendell Wilkie, Republican moderate, that the liberal forces in their respective parties create a liberal party.
Interesting to ponder the ramifications if that would have happened. But FDR managed to get his policies through though, despite intraparty opposition, didn't he.
We can't repeat our lives. What's known seems safe, but the times have changed...and so must we.
it broke my heart to read the back threads today. my love to you, Anni and much love and healing to your family and friends for such a grreat loss. I can see JC welcoming you with arms wide and I think I can hear Barry crooning you a tune!
Rip Van Winkle comes to mind. Remember his shock at awakening after 20 years? It might be too much.
So Scozzafava has backed Democrat Bill Owens in the NY-23 district race. She was trailing badly, expected to finish third in a heavily Republican district. Those R's who supported her have thrown thier support to the right-wing nutcase who basically bought his way to the Conservative Party nomination and is being supported by the wealthy wing of the party, the radical right teabaggers and such diverse characters as Palin and Pawlenty.
Couple of issues here. Is this an anomoly? NY-23 has been securely R in its history but hasn't seemed truly conservative. Have the voters been swayed by anti-Obama sentiments from outside the district? Will Scozzofava's defacto endorsement assist Owens by persuading enough of her supporters to vote for Owens. Scozzofave is now being vilified by her party and her main backer, Gingrich, as thrown his support, as was expected, to Hoffman the weasel.
It should be noted that Hoffman's success to this point has become a national rallying cry around the country. Don't be surprised if Rubio in FL makes Crist sweat and even pulls off the upset.
The Dems need some monumentous legislation that offers "true" reform to activate the base for next ear. Since the Reconciliator-in-Chief will not take the leadership role the Party needs, Congress must do so.
They write the laws. We have already had one to many Unitary Executive this century (and it is not unreasonable to believe that a Constitutional scholar like Obama is proceeding as he is in part because he recognizes that truth).
That's a specious argument. The President is the leader of his party like it or not The President certainly can create policy and influence laws. If not, what's the point. We may as well have a 4-star general as President if he only functions as a commander-in-chief.
Anna Quindlin makes a point in her article in Newsweek last week. Obama's style is not forceful and if there is going to be true reform the public needs to demand it. And Congress will have to lead in the absence of leadership.
Constitutional scholarship cannot necessarily be an indicator of absolute knowledge. This document is always under fire and interpretation is fluid. That's the genius of the document.
- I had way to many decisive "leaders" as President in my lifetime.
By Phil Specht on Nov 2, 2009 1:45 PM ESTI want a partnership with the people and Congress. We are the ones that need to step up. just look at the wingnuts, Obama has put his life on the line, have you lately?
The President has been clear and Congress has been obstructionist. Who is to blame? cowardly American constituents who are terrified of a shackled prisoner in their state? and a Congress that reflects their will?
It isn't Obama.
- Congress refuses to go as far as the Administration in new banking regulations as well.
By Phil Specht on Nov 2, 2009 1:50 PM ESTour job is to lean on the critters not blame the President
And yes for the past 30 years plus I have put my life on the line. I have been beaten by right wingers at peace protests. I have been arrested and harassed by the police. At one particular event in South Florida I was beaten, pushed to the ground and had a driver's license stolen, a document that had where I lived on it.
Don't ever - EVER - play that card on me.
The president choose to do what he is doing, just as I did. He was ambitious enough to get to the top. Good for him.
And good for anyone who takes to the streets and continues to call for true social justice, peace and reform. That takes more guts than making a phone call for money or a vote.
and yes action is called for
like I said I've had enough "forceful" Presidents for one lifetime
I've been there too, but I have John Lewis' book Walking With the Wind on the shelf above the computer so know I'll never measure up to that standard.
our country is stronger the more that do, but it rarely shapes laws like electing better representatives does
- lindab is doing more to hold the wingnuts at bay than any of the rest of us today
By Phil Specht on Nov 2, 2009 2:05 PM ESTten thousand more like her would go a long way
With a moderate to conservative coward like Creigh Deeds running things in Virginia? Please. Yes he fundamentally better than McDonnell, but do you actually think that he would be anything more than a status quo, blue-tintted Democrat?
But, I do agree with you. Ten-thousand lindab's working for social justice and progressive change would be a wave that would be darn near impossible to stop.
And Phil, why wouldn't you be able to measure up to John Lewis' standard? He is nothing more than a man who followed his passion by use of his courage, strength and character. Qualities that you obviously have in abundance, Phil, as both a man of conviction and a man of the land. Don't sell yourself short.
to work inside they system rather than protest against it. and feel it has been of value
my advice has been listened to by Governors,Senators and Congressmen in part because they know my dedication, but also because it is measured and reasonable
but I have marched as well and it is useful at times
I do not want the country run by a President who thinks he has all the answers because my experience with officer holders who hold that view has been negative.
Rubio is a radical right Republican. Crist is an empty shirt who does nothing but harm himself and the state.
If Rubio wins we figure Congressman Kendrick Meek, who will be the Dem nominee, will win the Senate seat here, especially given there are millions more Dems in this state than before the Obama win.
Radical right Republicans do quite well in Flori-DUH. I know 'cause I lived there for nearly 30 years.
And plenty of those new Dems were independents who put Jeb into power for two freakin' terms. Rubio is of the same mold as Jeb. And Jeb would have had a good chance at the seat had he run. Kendrick Meek? Really? As about as useless as his his mother, Carrie, was. And that's the best the Dems in Florida can produce. Rubio will be an less formidible opponent than Crist would be but to think that the Dem nominee will have it made if Rubio wins the Republican nomination is not good political thinking. After all Betty Castor wasn't supposed to lose to an unknown Martinez, either.
In contrast to factory farming, well-managed, non-industrialized animal farming minimizes greenhouse gases and can even benefit the environment. For example, properly timed cattle grazing can increase vegetation by as much as 45 percent, North Dakota State University researchers have found. And grazing by large herbivores (including cattle) is essential for well-functioning prairie ecosystems, research at Kansas State University has determined.
Additionally, several recent studies show that pasture and grassland areas used for livestock reduce global warming by acting as carbon sinks. Converting croplands to pasture, which reduces erosion, effectively sequesters significant amounts of carbon. One analysis published in the journal Global Change Biology showed a 19 percent increase in soil carbon after land changed from cropland to pasture. What’s more, animal grazing reduces the need for the fertilizers and fuel used by farm machinery
Compared to cropland, perennial pastures used for grazing can decrease soil erosion and markedly improve water quality, Minnesota’s Land Stewardship Project research has found. Even the United Nations report acknowledges, “There is growing evidence that both cattle ranching and pastoralism can have positive impacts on biodiversity.”
As the contrast between the environmental impact of traditional farming and industrial farming shows, efforts to minimize greenhouse gases need to be much more sophisticated than just making blanket condemnations of certain foods. Recent research in Sweden shows that, depending on how and where a food is produced, its carbon dioxide emissions vary by a factor of 10.
And it should also be noted that farmers bear only a portion of the blame for greenhouse gas emissions in the food system. one-fifth of the food system’s energy use is farm-related, according to University of Wisconsin research. Soil Association in Britain estimates that only half of food’s total greenhouse impact has any connection to farms. The rest comes from processing, transportation, storage, retailing and food preparation. Foods that are minimally processed, in season and locally grown, like available at farmers’ markets and gardens, are generally most climate-friendly.
Rampant waste at the processing, retail and household stages compounds the problem. Nicolette Hahn Niman Righteous Porkchop: Finding a Life and Good Food Beyond Factory Farms
Well Margaret. Harold is doing well. We have a long way to go, but the doctors say it is going the way they had hoped. I read in the newspaper today that the House of Representatives has finally put forth a bill on healthcare reform that might go to vote next week. Evidently there is still much work to be done to reconcile differences between this version and the one the Senate is working on, but it seems to be another milestone in what has otherwise been miles of stones. I find it odd that we expected instant gratification on something this important. Of course it was going to take more than a few months to work on. Thank you for reminding me to read the paper and get off the 24-hour boob- tube news channels. The paper is just so much more civilized – and you are right - I was getting a bit bitchy in my old age.
http://margaretandhelen.wordpress.com/
This time it's not going to be a desert in Peru. The whole planet. . . . Wonder why we don't learn?
and there was an ad for McDonnell. Lindab must be going krezzy today!! Bless her heart!!
(McDonnell is winding up campaign in Virginia Beach tonight!)
When calling for more political courage I don't think that people are referring to the fact that an African-American had the courage to run for president in a country where, sadly, racism is still very prevalent. Most of us applaud his courage on that and pray for his continued safety.
False choices: It isn't *strong presidential leadership = unitary executive*. That is a false dichotomy and a weak argument.
I agree with the clip from Margaret and Helen that puddle posted but in all honesty he could be stronger in a number of leadership opportunities where stepping up certainly wouldn't be equivalent to the dreaded *unitary executive*.
I think we should leave the sound bite material to the Repugs.
mho.
Obama has shown amazing leadership. We just don't agree where he is going with some things, like restoration of the crashed financial system rather than a radical overhaul of a system of too big to fail and $500 trillion dollars worth of global derivatives..
- The Murderous Thugs We are Supporting in Afghanistan--and Why a Heroine Wants Us Out
By cChal on Nov 2, 2009 2:47 PM EST
Malalai
Joya is an incredibly courageous Afghan woman, only 30 years old,
living under the constant threat of being killed because she dares to
speak the truth. The people who want to kill her are the people we put into power in Afghanistan.
Ms.
Joya lived in refugee camps in Iran and Pakistan during Taliban rule.
She loved to read and wished to share this gift with other Afghan
women. With the support of a charity, Ms. Joya snuck back into
Afghanistan and opened a secret school to teach young girls to read.
This was at great risk to her personal safety, for the Taliban would
have punished her severely if they found her out, which nearly occurred
on a number of occasions.
One would think, given this history, that she would be pleased about the ejection of the Taliban and its aftermath. Not so:
Dust
has been thrown into the eyes of the world by your governments
[speaking to a British reporter]. You have not been told the truth. The
situation now is as catastrophic as it was under the Taliban for women.
Your governments have replaced the fundamentalist rule of the Taliban
with another fundamentalist regime of warlords. [That is] what your
soldiers are dying for. (quote from this piece in The Independent, October 21, 2009, which provides the material about Joya for this post).
The warlords of whom she speaks—our allies—are the ones who have openly threatened to kill her. She expects that they may well succeed.
(more at the link)
- Consider the views expressed by Mr. Matthew Hoh, a combat veteran in Iraq, and former high ranking Foreign Service official in Afghanistan.
By cChal on Nov 2, 2009 2:50 PM ESTAs recently reported, Hoh resigned his position (despite career inducements to remain) because he thinks our mission there is fated to be a disaster. Here is an except from his resignation letter:
The Pashtun insurgency, which is composed of multiple, seemingly infinite, local groups, is fed by what is perceived by Pashtun people as a continued and sustained assault, going back centuries, on Pashtun land, culture, traditions and religion by internal and external enemies. The U.S. and NATO presence and operations in Pashtun valleys and villages, as well as Afghan army and police units that are led and composed of non-Pashtun soliers and police, provide an occupation force against which the insurgency is justified. In both RC East and South, I have observed that the bulk of the insurgency fights not for the white banner of the Taliban, but rather against the presence of foreign soldiers and taxes imposed by an unrepresentative government in Kabul.
The United States military presence in Afghanistan greatly contributes to the legitimacy and strategic message of the Pashtun insurgency. In a like manner our backing of the Afghan governmnet in its current form continues to distance the goverment from the people. The Afghan government's failings, particularly when weighed against the sacrifice of American lives and dollars, appear legion and metastatic:
* Glaring corruption and unabashed graft;
* A President whose confidants and chief advisors comprise drug lords and war crimes villains, who mock our own rule of law and counternarcotics efforts;
* A system of provincial and district leaders constituted of local power brokers, opportunists and strongmen allied to the United States solely for, and limited by, the value of our USAID and CERP contracts and whose own political and economic interests stand nothing to gain from any positive or genuine attempts at reconciliation; and
* The recent election process dominated by fraud and discredited by low voter turnout, which has created an enormous victory for our enemy who now claims a popular boycott and will call into question worldwide our government's military, economic, and diplomatic support for an invalid and illegitimate Afghan government.
....
Our forces, devoted and faithful, have been committed to conflict in an indefinite and unplanned manner that has become a cavalier, politically expedient and Pollyannaish misadventure.
Mr. Hoh is an avowedly gung ho American patriot who believes in the U.S. military and wants us to succeed. Ms. Joya is fighting for women and the Afghan people at risk to her life. Although coming from such radically different perspectives, their respective analyses of the situation are precisely the same. And both urge us to get out--Mr. Hoh for the sake of America, Ms. Joya for the sake of the Afghan people.
In considering the qualities of effective and ineffective U.S. presidents, Fred I. Greenstein focused on the twelve modern presidents from FDR to George W. Bush, and used six criteria: Public communication, organizational capacity, political skill, vision, cognitive style, and emotional intelligence.* And there is one attribute on his list to which he gives special emphasis, noting that without it, "all else may turn to ashes." Greenstein is author or editor of eight books on the U.S. presidency and is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Princeton University.
-see link for article-
www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/choice2004/leadership/greenstein.html
*my edit
Joya says that, at this point, "I realised women's rights had been sold out completely... Most people in the West have been led to believe that the intolerance and brutality towards women in Afghanistan began with the Taliban regime. But this is a lie. Many of the worst atrocities were committed by the fundamentalist mujahedin during the civil war between 1992 and 1996. They introduced the laws oppressing women followed by the Taliban – and now they were marching back to power, backed by the United States. They immediately went back to their old habit of using rape to punish their enemies and reward their fighters."
The warlords "have ruled Afghanistan ever since," she adds. While a "showcase parliament has been created for the benefit of the US in Kabul", the real power "is with these fundamentalists who rule everywhere outside Kabul". As an example, she names the former governor of Herat, Ismail Khan. He set up his own "vice and virtue" squads which terrorised women and smashed up video and music cassettes. He had his own "private militias, private jails". The constitution of Afghanistan is irrelevant in these private fiefdoms.
Wow, another ad for McDonnell on the moonphases site. He must be rolling in dough. And *we're* running a DINO. . . . Why do we NOT LEARN?!!
included a debate between the three front runners that featured healthcare reform proposals that are remarkably similar to what has come out of the Congressional bills
a President Clinton or Edwards would be happy to have gotten this far with what we have in front of us and on this timetable our expectations were so high in part because President Bush set new lows, but the system is still the same way I learned how a bill becomes a law in the one room school I attended in grade school, because that is our Constitution.
remember we went through a summer of angry armed teabaggers shouting at town halls
I consider it the conservative last gasp, but that is in part because Americans resist shouted solutions.
My concern is the what the people are up against. The wealth and power of the Corporate State grew exponentially in the the last 25 years. They ,I believe, won't stop until they win.
And, sometimes I get melancholy about whether they can be stopped.
(thanks cC and others).
I don't think we're going to get our President to change who he *is* ~~ He has his own strengths and weaknesses. But one could hope that *we* could learn to make hay with that instead of expecting him to do as we tell him to. If we wanted pushy and arm-twisting, then we shoulda stuck with Hillary -- the original directive Daddy, as opposed to the listening, peacemaking Mommy (Obama).
bbl
better use of the bully pulpit.
Moreso, I've become contemptuous of the chicken Dems that have opposed the public option. Ours is supposed to be the party of the people.
- I know this is a sound bite but I just call them corporate whores
By Phil Specht on Nov 2, 2009 3:31 PM ESTnot chickens (bought and paid for politicians are in both Parties, luckily fewer in ours)
... another indulgence...
The only hope for those rooting against the Evil Empire may be letting the Phillies know what their winning would mean. See link below.
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/feature?section=news/sports&id=6476903
Send a message for the Phillies!
 |
|
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Truth is, I rootin' *for* the Phillies rather than against the Yankees (who were the pick of my childhood: always for the underdog, I figured they were it: they were universally hated, and if that doesn't make you the underdog, what does, lol!? )
may be a problem w/link on previous post. see repost below.
heah - whad'da youse want ? - I aian't no computer geek !
... another indulgence...
The only hope for those rooting against the Evil Empire may be letting the Phillies know what their winning would mean. See link below.
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/feature?section=news/sports&id=6476903
worked for me - let me know
Send a message for the Phillies!
"Missed something here, Tom [about Annilow's cereal purchases.] Help me ~~ "
I thought the cereal wars were near legend.
Fruit Loops. Oh, that kind of serial!
once, in March. Two months later mainefem was *still* harping on it, lol! This is not to deny that Anni's comments about jobs and job hunting weren't, erm, insensitive, to say the least. . . .
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