This is not the Voice of the American Public

Whether you watch the news on TV, listen to it on the radio, or read it online, you are very likely not getting the whole story. Case in point are the "spontaneous protests" at health care town hall events, such as an event held by HHS Secretary Sebelius and Senator Specter in Pennyslvania. Another disruption also took place at a congressman's district in Texas. The goal is to create a sense that the Democrats are acting against the "will of the people".

If you had read the New York Times, it would appear that the Democrats have a problem. Without doing any sort of research, the reporter decided that these angry folks were the unassailable vox populi of the American people. And if they had just shown up and were indiciative of a popular movement in these locales, it would be news, and would be something for Democrats to consider.

However, this is clearly not the case. These aren't groups of citizens trying to make their voice heard in a legitimate matter. These are nothing more than mobs meant to disrupt the meetings and stifle any meaningful discussions of the issues. They have no desire to hear the other side, to them the other side isn't worth debating. They are just there to make sure the Democrats can't get anything done.

To them, debate and compromise are weaknesses, not the foundation of a functioning government. Hell, to most of these people (The supposed patriots known as "Tea-Baggers"), a functioning government is not a desirable goal. They believe any government is unproductive, and as little as possible needs to be put into place. Its a breed of fanaticism that has nothing to do with religion, but has everything to do with the mythical infallibilty of the high holy market. Anything they don't like is tarred and feathered with the word "socialism", and anyone they disagree with is called less than patriotic.

The strategies employed by these mobs are not indicative of what democracy should be. Democracy is built upon the free exchange of ideas, on the grand process of taking many different perspectives and ideas and turning them into functioning policy and law. These town halls are meant to be open forums, where people can get answers from those who represent them in our government. It quite obvious that the tactics of these groups show their desire to be destructive instead of constructive. If they decide to stop attacking and start delivering real alternatives, we'll be waiting for them.

Simply Shameful

Fact: Barack Hussein Obama was born in Hawaii.

Get used to it birthers.

Because you don't like that colored fella with that Islamocommunofascioexistentialpost-modernistic name being elected President, you will believe any crap you are fed, especially if it feeds into your own preconceptions about the man. I'm sure the color of his skin, or his name, or his unique history plays no role in your decision. After all, you are just looking out for the Constitution. I'm sure you were also looking out for the Constitution when President Dubya and his buddy Cheney were shredding it. I'm also sure you applied the same "thorough" research into John McCain's birth.

Shame on you for propagating this crap. It is one thing to criticize a President due to ideological differences. Don't believe the government should fund or play a role in health care? Fine. Believe the deficit should be our highest financial priority? Sure thing. Believe that we should sell Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Gettysburg battlefield to amusement parks? As bad as this idea is, you're entitled to it.

But ignore every piece of legitimate evidence, such as the birth notices in the Honolulu papers, the testimony of Hawaiian Officials, or the the fact that he has produced the same fucking form that EVERY PERSON IN THE STATE OF HAWAII GETS WHEN THEY REQUEST THEIR BIRTH CERTIFICATE ARGGGHGHHHHH5t43530-59375%#%(#%_#%0-%^560qa...

(calm.......)

(calm.......)

Sorry about that.

Of course, this is what conspiracy theorys are built upon. Come up with solid evidence that disputes their "theory"? Nuh-uh, it ain't real. The Honolulu Newspapers, Obama's relatives, the state of Hawaii, the FBI, the CIA, the NSA, every fucking other media outlet this side of the National Review, the Bilderbergers, and Guild of Calamitous Intent are clearly behind this. Show us some form that nobody ever gets to see, and we'll be satisfied. Except of course, that form you just showed us clearly is a forgery of the fuschia triplicated super XL long form for the birth of unicorn babies.

That is what you expect from conspiracists. From JFK and Lincoln, to the Moon Landing deniers and the Truthers, those who hold conspiracy theories as gospel are a dime a dozen. In and of themselves they aren't dangerous.

The real problem is this isn't just that crazy guy on the corner. According to this poll, 23% of the country either believes Obama isn't a natural born US citizen, or aren't sure what to think. Unsurprisingly, the majority of those "patriotic Real Amurcans" are found in the GOP. Sadly, more of those who identify with the once great political party are likely to have doubts about his citizenship than not. Why is that?

Its not blatant racism. I don't believe 58% of the GOP are out their in Klan outfits trying to put the "negrahs in thur place". I don't think the vast majority are truly racist, in that they believe that people of a certain race are inferior or superior to another. The racial dialouge of this country is so screwed up that it just can't be that simple, except for the most hateful slugs and gentle innocents at the ends of the spectrum.

No, I think it rests on pure opportunism by the forces that have constantly milked the undereducated rank and file of the Republican party. The blame for this disgusting trend falls on the shoulders of men like Rush Limbaugh, Lou Dobbs, and Glenn "I think the President is a Racist" Beck. I'm not sure these men believe their talking points (I'm not even sure Beck is legally sane), as I truly believe if Obama came out for all of their "positions" tomorrow they would suddenly become strong believers in global warming, single payer health-care, and diplomacy instead of cowboy posturing. However, they certainly do know how to fan the flames, while whistling all the way to the bank.

I understand the appeal of people like Limbaugh, Dobbs, and Beck. We live in a complicated world, one where you are lucky if you do your job competently, keep your marriage running, and raise your children to be good adults. Democracy was complicated in 1789, and it has only gotten more complicated over the last 220 years. Most political experts really don't know what the hell they're doing, so why would you expect to understand it? These men offer you simple dichotomys, good guys and bad guys, and easy to understand talking points that stir your emotions, while absolving yourself of any guilt or responsibility for the greater good.

Hell, I can't really say the left isn't without its own versions of these guys. It isn't like Keith Olbermann is known for inviting those on the other side of an issue, even when that issue has a true opposite argument, to appear on his show. As much as I enjoy his comments, he is certainly preaching to his own choir.

But nothing on the left exists that compares to the disgraceful "birther" movement. I don't recall large groups of Democrats questioning Senator John McCain's citizenship due to his being born in Panama. I certainly don't remember Rachel Maddow, Keith Olbermann, or Paul Krugman constantly demand to see the Senator's long-form birth certificate. And I certainly didn't see Dennis Kucinich or Bernie Sanders get mealy-mouthed and non-committal about their own beliefs on McCain's citizenship.

Which brings me to those Republican members of Congress, the supposed august legislative body of this country, who have never answered straight the question of their belief of Obama's citizenship. Like the bloviators, I highly doubt any of these legislators believe Obama was born anywhere other than the State of Hawaii. Their lack of a spine and unwillingness to commit to a position is very evocative of their Bogeyman from Hope. They don't want to anger his high holy lord Limbaugh and his dittoheads by speaking their mind. Or (I hope this certainly isn't the case), they are too cowardly to admit they are on board with the Birthers, lest they be scorned by the establishment (read: lobbyists, influencers, and fundraisers) who would be scared away from whacked-out nutjobs.

I honestly think this is a serious issue for the Republicans. Some of their more respected and senior members should call a press conference and state emphatically that President Obama is constitutionally qualified to be President, even if we have severe ideological differences with his administration. It would marginalize whackos, bring some fence setters back from the ledge, and show some less extreme Republicans who are tired of Limbaugh and his ilk that Republicans can be independent of the Right Wing Media Mafia. Most of all, the move would take away a potential perception coup for the Democrats. After all, although many Republicans believe this crap, its clear that the majority of this country does not. If the Republicans keep kow-towing to their extreme right (which they are guilty of unlike the Democrats), they will soon find themselves as marginalized as the Prohibition party, or maybe even the unlamented and mostly forgotten Know-Nothings.

SUPER SPECIAL ADDITIONAL LINK - Apparently Eric Cantor couldn't quite grasp the entirety of my point above about appropriate response.

And That's the Way It Is

Although the bulk of his career took place before I was born, and he clearly lived a long and interesting life, I was saddened to see that Walter Cronkite had passed away. He appeared to be an excellent news anchor, and was unique to his time. If only more journalists were like him, instead of the moronic gasbags that fill up cable TV.

As I said before, I wasn't able to experience his news broadcasting first hand. His final sign off was just months before I was born. However, he certainly affected my life. One of my most vivid memories was of watching him on a laser disc of a special about the Apollo XI Moon landing from about 20 years ago. Obviously I remember him from films such as Apollo 13, and from the various clips of his career. Mention the assassination of JFK to me, and the first image to pop into my head will probably be his announcement of the President's death. I even ended a high school oral report with his famous sign-off.

Later on in his life, I enjoyed listening to him play Benjamin Franklin on Liberty's Kids. Cronkite's voice was probably a bit too refined or Dr. Franklin, but his warmth was probably dead on. He was certainly better than the Governator's Baron Von Steuben.

I'm certain there never will be another anchor like him. Not in this era of high profit pressures on journalism, infotainment, and bloviating airheads. I suppose that is a good thing, as a decentralization of the news can certainly lead to a more skeptical public. If an anchor as trusted as Cronkite was to reappear, and be the mouthpiece of the government, it could be a very bad thing. Still, I would like to hope that someone trustworthy would not be bought.

What America Means to Me

On this two hundred thirty third birthday of the United States, I wish to take the time to write down some thoughts about my country. I suppose this is the obligatory "what America means to me" piece that everybody does this time of year. However, despite often thinking over this question, I feel that this time of year is a good way of focusing those thoughts.

First off, I can't shake the dark chapters of the history of the United States. Very often we have failed to live up to the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence, or in our Constitution. The scars of slavery and the prolonged war against the native people of this continent will never fully heal, and nor should they. For a country as prosperous as we are, there is far too much poverty, not only along the avenues of cities like Baltimore and Detroit, but the streets of small towns such as Georgetown and Ridge Farm, Illinois. Our lack of foresight and willingness to compromise our ideals abroad, although at time necessary, are still causing us troubles in areas across the globe.

With that being said, I still think this country is something to be proud of, even if the past 8 years made me hang my head in shame far too often. We may have slipped up in attempting to live up to our high ideals, but we certainly keep trying. The United States is constantly in a state of perfection, attempting to right the wrongs of our past, while also striving to leave a better tomorrow for our posterity. At a time when absolutism was the dominant political theory, we said "no thanks", and created a republic. Flawed though it was, requiring us to fight a bitter civil war to fix the evil of slavery, and flawed though it still is, we continue moving forward, asking "Why not?" when others ask "why?"

Ours is a nation teeming with bounty and natural beauty. Whether you marvel at the beauty of Yellowstone and Yosemite, or stand atop a ridge and peer over vast acreages of crops in the Midwest, the United States is a sight to see. We were the first nation to establish a National Park, and our current system is one of the finest in the world. If you get a chance, I suggest you visit a national park at least sometime this year.

I am proud of those who fought on the battlefields from Concord to Gettysburg, from the Ardennes to Normandy, and from Inchon to Afghanistan. Although I may disagree with the conflicts these men and women are thrown into, let it be known that they have willfully volunteered to give the last full measure of devotion to our country. In addition to our regular forces, I must not forget to honor the men and women of the National Guard. After all, these units are the descendants of our citizen volunteer and militia units, the successors to the farmers, tradesmen, and workers who laid down their tools to pick up their rifles in defense of our nation.

But one must rememeber that democracies are not built on the battlefields. The words, sacrifices, and actions of our civilians are just as important in establishing our current nation as our armed forces. I think about John Adams, a man who successfully defended the British soldiers who were involved in the Boston Massacre. His case showed that even those who oppose us deserve their day in court. I think about the abolitionists, the women's sufferagists, and the civil rights activists who fought the good fight, even if it wasn't popular. I think about Rosa Parks, a woman who set off a new era in the United States just by refusing to move on a bus. I think about the various anonymous people who go about their lives, making sure they leave this country a better place than the one they found.

The recent election of Barack Obama as our 44th President was an awesome step forward, as he and his family now live in a house that just 150 years ago they couldn't have entered unless they were servants. So far he has taken some critical steps to remove us from the mess that the previous administration created. However, we still have a long way to go. Great questions about health care, poverty, immigration, the environment, and GLBT rights still have to be answered. Above all of that is the question of what the role of our nation in this century will be. Not all of these will be answered completely, or at all in the short term, but I am confident that we are on the right track in dealing with these issues. The great experiment continues, forever attempting to correct its mistakes and make this a place where truly all men are created equal.

Of Gettysburg

One hundred and forty-six years ago today the bloody middle day of the battle of Gettysburg took place. Although it wasn't the day of the most famous event of the battle (Pickett's Charge), many important events took place on this day. Whether it was the charge of the 20th Maine, the sacrifice of the 2nd Minnesota, or the desperate overnight fighting around Culps HIll, it was a close struggle. Utlimately, however, the Union held its line, setting up the famous and unsucessful charge on July 3. Four and a half months later Abraham Lincoln would give his famous Address at the newly dedicated cemetery.

If you can only visit one National Battlefield, I would recommend Gettysburg. Few other battlefields give you as good of a sense of the ground, of what each army was fighting for. Several states have monuments, some of which are absolutely amazing and pieces of history by themselves. It is simply amazing to stand atop Little Round Top and wonder at the sheer strength of will it took the soldiers of the Confederacy to charge that steep hill, or the soldiers of the Union to hold it.

The Civil War was then, and still is, the great tragedy of the United States. The Battle of Gettysburg, combined with the surrender of Vicksburg on July 4, were effective turning points in the great conflict. At that point, the Union may still have lost the war, but it became almost impossible for the Confederacy to win. In the fields and forests outside of that small Pennsylvania town, the fate of our nation was quite possibly decided. Walking on that hallowed ground today, the peace and serenity contrasts greatly with the cacaphonous hell that was the battlefield that terrible July day.

A Month of Writing: 31 Posts in 31 Days

Welcome one and all, to my latest experiment on my great blogpire. In order to find my writing voice, and just to see if I can stay committed to something, I am going to write one blog post a day during the month of July, the result being 31 total posts.

This experiment will have a few ground rules. First off, the one post a day is one post total, and not 1 each on the four blogs I (in theory) maintain. This limit is in place because I really haven't shown an ability to keep up with the one post a day goal before. Other more economically beneficial commitments must be kept, and I want to do the best job possible with these posts, so I need to keep the goal somewhat realistic.

Second, each post won't just be a link and a quick blurb. Each post will be at least three paragraphs long. I intend to keep the posts to the point and as entertaining as possible. I've gotten rather rusty in the writing game, being out of it for a while. By July 31, I hope my work will be an improvement over the earliest pieces.

Finally, each post will be on the appropriate blog. If it is political, historical, or another serious topic of that nature, it will go on August Prairie. If it is related to movies, sports, games, web development, or just general ruminations, it will go on Quo Vadimus. Travel stories will go on Prairie Traveler Guide, and Vermilion County related posts will go up on the Vermilion Expat. If you wish to see a list of the posted stories in a central location, I have a page here. Each blog will have a link to the 31 Days of Writing page.

Please keep checking back every day. I hope to have the next story up by 5:00 (although tomorrow's post won't be up until later in the evening). And don't hesitate to offer feedback, as comments will be open for business on every post.

One down, 30 to go. Let it begin!

The Presidents: #39

#39 George W. Bush
Jan 20 2001 to Jan 20 2009
Grade: F

Unlike the rest of the Presidents at this end of the pool, the only one I've had the ignominy of having to live under is George W. Bush. Unfortunately, I have to admit that I played a role in putting him where he was, voting for him in 2000. Fortunately, I didn't vote for him in 2004, not that it did much good.

Who knows when we will finally understand just how corrupt, malevolent and incompetent his administration was. Whether it was his dumb-assery, Grand Vice-Chancellor Cheney, or his incompetence minions, the first eight years of the 21st century won't go down as a time of inspired government in the U.S. Heck, President Obama could call his term a success just cleaning half the mess the Bushies made in Washington.

There was a time (From 1/20/2001 to the first time I heard about the Axis of Evil) that I gave President Bush the benefit of the doubt. He seemed solid enough as a responder to the fanatics in Afghanistan that supported the fanatics who attacked the United States. However, any capital he had gained with me was lost by the pointless and obvious imperial move towards attacking Iraq. I cannot forgive him for the over 4,000 American deaths caused by that unnecessary and unprovoked conflict.

Before his administration, I was a solid Republican. Now, I doubt I will ever go back to the party. This wasn't entirely his doing (the Evangelist/Racist/Amoral Capitalist Wings of the party helped as well), but he helped bring about my party switch. About the only thing good I can say about him is that he did have a somewhat reasonable immigration. Unfortunately, he couldn't get any major Republicans not named John McCain to support it, and it was a failure. Just like his term in office.