Tretakoff Musings
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Right Place, Right Time, Right Precedent
There are certain historical moments that, in retrospect, could have only happened with the unique combination of circumstances, individuals, and timing. The saying "Only Nixon could have gone to China" exemplifies this: only a man who had been so rabidly anti-Communist could have been the one to reach out to the leader of the most populous Communist nation on Earth, at the time that war raged through proxies of each, to usher in a new détente. Only Lincoln could have ended slavery, and endured a civil war as a result. And only FDR could have led this nation back from the Great Depression with unprecedented powers we would have entrusted to no one else.
FDR's situation is particularly poignant today. He was a little-known politician, most famous for being a cousin of a former president. He was a member of a minority, being handicapped. He ran for office, promising change, in the worst economic time in the country's history. In fact, the country was so desperate for change, having endured 8 years of agony, that alone brought this unlikely leader into office on a new wave of optimism. Sound at all familiar?
FDR, like our newly elected President, faced a grave financial situation. With the nation's economy in free fall, and shrinking tax revenue to use to drive new initiatives, he was forced to look at new ways to address the problem. The question remained: how to get new tax revenue without putting an undue burden on an already suffering people? There was an easy solution: end Prohibition.
People clearly were already spending their money on this inexpensive release valve, and they were paying higher prices because of the illegality; the government was spending millions of dollars to police and enforce this, all for nothing. And alcohol had already been legal, and the world had not ended. By ending Prohibition, FDR would save the government money, reward the taxpayer with inexpensive access to a recreational mechanism that would help ease their pain, and would generate new tax income. In 1933, in his first year in office, FDR did just that. Unsurprisingly, this act succeeded in helping to lead the country out of the Depression, established Social Security, and, combined with a new spirit of contribution, arguably made the single biggest impact on the building of the true United States.
So, President Obama comes into office, faced with remarkably similar circumstances as FDR. Well, Mr. Obama, there is a simple solution for you, too, and best of all, it's already been proven successful by one of the greatest presidents ever: repeal the ban on marijuana.
Let me make my position clear. I do not smoke or use marijuana in any way. This is not out of some prurient interest; I simply am not fond of the effects, and I prefer to not inhale smoke (I stick to cigars for that reason). This is not to say that I have never done so; I certainly have, and quite extensively, though it has been more than 2 decades since I last did so. I am also absolutely not against anyone being denied their right to smoke pot: study after study has shown that it's effects are far better than our nation's drug of choice, alcohol, and it's far less addictive. It has positive medical uses, it's easier to consume, and it has far less long-term health impacts. And the hemp plant (a derivation) is incredibly robust: it can be used for clothing, building materials...it's the ultimate "green" substance, in a time we are trying to wean ourselves off of industrialism.
Repealing the ban on marijuana consumption would:
California's broke (the world's 8th largest economy); we've got massive layoffs in a sector that traditionally employs a far more educated consumer (tech) who would prefer pot over beer; and we are in a state that already is perceived by the world as wackos. We have medical marijuana laws on the books, and the north part of the state is one of the largest illegal suppliers of pot to the world today. Why not capitalize on all of that, and allow a governor who is barred by US law from serving in a higher office to take the risk as a pilot? As President, Obama would only have to agree to allow the experiment, not take the actions himself, but if it succeeds, he could take the credit. And Schwarzenegger? He's an actor; he'll play his part as the great outsider, as long as it gets him re-elected.
There are, of course, some thorny issues to resolve. How would production and distribution be set up? What happens to those in prison for marijuana offenses today? If it is California who takes the first step, how do we treat visitors from other states? But those are all issues we can resolve, and quickly. The sheer act of stopping enforcement will free up so much budget money that Californians can have their state fund for unemployment, emergency medical treatment, and eduction; the tax revenue it generates will help create jobs, repair critical infrastructure, and encourage new investment.
A few short days ago, this country celebrated a milestone, ushering in a President like no other in history to office on a wave of enthusisasm and faith not seen since JFK. Only Nixon could go to China, and only BHO could bring the THC.
FDR's situation is particularly poignant today. He was a little-known politician, most famous for being a cousin of a former president. He was a member of a minority, being handicapped. He ran for office, promising change, in the worst economic time in the country's history. In fact, the country was so desperate for change, having endured 8 years of agony, that alone brought this unlikely leader into office on a new wave of optimism. Sound at all familiar?FDR, like our newly elected President, faced a grave financial situation. With the nation's economy in free fall, and shrinking tax revenue to use to drive new initiatives, he was forced to look at new ways to address the problem. The question remained: how to get new tax revenue without putting an undue burden on an already suffering people? There was an easy solution: end Prohibition.
People clearly were already spending their money on this inexpensive release valve, and they were paying higher prices because of the illegality; the government was spending millions of dollars to police and enforce this, all for nothing. And alcohol had already been legal, and the world had not ended. By ending Prohibition, FDR would save the government money, reward the taxpayer with inexpensive access to a recreational mechanism that would help ease their pain, and would generate new tax income. In 1933, in his first year in office, FDR did just that. Unsurprisingly, this act succeeded in helping to lead the country out of the Depression, established Social Security, and, combined with a new spirit of contribution, arguably made the single biggest impact on the building of the true United States.
So, President Obama comes into office, faced with remarkably similar circumstances as FDR. Well, Mr. Obama, there is a simple solution for you, too, and best of all, it's already been proven successful by one of the greatest presidents ever: repeal the ban on marijuana.
Let me make my position clear. I do not smoke or use marijuana in any way. This is not out of some prurient interest; I simply am not fond of the effects, and I prefer to not inhale smoke (I stick to cigars for that reason). This is not to say that I have never done so; I certainly have, and quite extensively, though it has been more than 2 decades since I last did so. I am also absolutely not against anyone being denied their right to smoke pot: study after study has shown that it's effects are far better than our nation's drug of choice, alcohol, and it's far less addictive. It has positive medical uses, it's easier to consume, and it has far less long-term health impacts. And the hemp plant (a derivation) is incredibly robust: it can be used for clothing, building materials...it's the ultimate "green" substance, in a time we are trying to wean ourselves off of industrialism.Repealing the ban on marijuana consumption would:
- Generate much needed tax revenue for an administration who needs it to help our economy transition to a new skill set
- Allow people who are paying, illegally, high prices to consume an extremely inexpensive resource, generating more capital for them to spend in the economy
- Create "green" jobs, as industries race to embrace the farming mechanisms needed to produce this on a consistent quality level
- End the billions of dollars being spent to police, jail, and fruitlessly pursue the current purveyors and consumers.
- Allow the suffering American a new way to ease the pain of living in such lean economic times at an inexpensive price.
California's broke (the world's 8th largest economy); we've got massive layoffs in a sector that traditionally employs a far more educated consumer (tech) who would prefer pot over beer; and we are in a state that already is perceived by the world as wackos. We have medical marijuana laws on the books, and the north part of the state is one of the largest illegal suppliers of pot to the world today. Why not capitalize on all of that, and allow a governor who is barred by US law from serving in a higher office to take the risk as a pilot? As President, Obama would only have to agree to allow the experiment, not take the actions himself, but if it succeeds, he could take the credit. And Schwarzenegger? He's an actor; he'll play his part as the great outsider, as long as it gets him re-elected.There are, of course, some thorny issues to resolve. How would production and distribution be set up? What happens to those in prison for marijuana offenses today? If it is California who takes the first step, how do we treat visitors from other states? But those are all issues we can resolve, and quickly. The sheer act of stopping enforcement will free up so much budget money that Californians can have their state fund for unemployment, emergency medical treatment, and eduction; the tax revenue it generates will help create jobs, repair critical infrastructure, and encourage new investment.
A few short days ago, this country celebrated a milestone, ushering in a President like no other in history to office on a wave of enthusisasm and faith not seen since JFK. Only Nixon could go to China, and only BHO could bring the THC.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Why I Won't Miss Bush 43
Slate V sums up the very reasons I still miss Clinton as President, and am hopeful for Obama. Is it so much to want to have the leader of the Free World be an inspiring speaker? If not, at least avoid these dunderheaded statements? Tuesday can't come soon enough...
Friday, November 21, 2008
Definition of Unaware
Ladies and Gentlemen, I present for you the former candidate for Vice President of the United States, sipping Starbucks and giggling, as she remains unaware of the darker side of the turkey grist mill behind her. Yep, she's that clueless.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I present for you the former candidate for Vice President of the United States, sipping Starbucks and giggling, as she remains unaware of the darker side of the turkey grist mill behind her. Yep, she's that clueless.Friday, November 07, 2008
Happily Railroaded
Gizmodo points out that, in all of the other high profile CA state issues that went down to defeat, one victory was lost in the shuffle: Proposition 1A, which lays the groundwork for a bullet train between Southern and Northern California. I am a huge fan of any rail transit, but this one simply makes sense.
Kudos to the supporters for making this excellent video which dramatically demonstrates the allure, the benefits, and the real expectations for what could be a monumental day of change for rail travel in this country.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Make Your Own Ad
Slate V, the video version of Slate Magazine, has a remarkable profile of Spot Runner, a site that allows you to make personalized television ads for $500. Using a mixture of stock video clips and professional voiceovers, you can easily produce ads designed to evoke just what you are looking to convey, complete with professional messaging. Want to get elected? Choose one of the political ads: from attack ads to messages of hope and change.
The disturbing part of this is just how generic the ad space has become for these specific issues, and how this "cut and paste" approach can now be so effective in today's market. Think of the great Apple ads (Think Different, 1984), or the classic political ads (Daisy, A Man From Hope): these are all replaced with these slick, professional and utterly effective ads that any candidate can run. No ad agencies, no creative: choose your theme, add some details, and enter your credit card.
It's either a brave new world, or a sure sign of the apocalypse. Let the viewer decide: see the Slate V piece for yourself, and remember: This November, It's About Change.
Slate V, the video version of Slate Magazine, has a remarkable profile of Spot Runner, a site that allows you to make personalized television ads for $500. Using a mixture of stock video clips and professional voiceovers, you can easily produce ads designed to evoke just what you are looking to convey, complete with professional messaging. Want to get elected? Choose one of the political ads: from attack ads to messages of hope and change.The disturbing part of this is just how generic the ad space has become for these specific issues, and how this "cut and paste" approach can now be so effective in today's market. Think of the great Apple ads (Think Different, 1984), or the classic political ads (Daisy, A Man From Hope): these are all replaced with these slick, professional and utterly effective ads that any candidate can run. No ad agencies, no creative: choose your theme, add some details, and enter your credit card.
It's either a brave new world, or a sure sign of the apocalypse. Let the viewer decide: see the Slate V piece for yourself, and remember: This November, It's About Change.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Sweet Team Spirit
With the Olympics looming large, there's been a lot of discussion on my daily ferry commute about the rise of China in the international stage, and, of course, the debate if the USA has already gone past it's nadir as the pre-eminent international power. In other words, has the USA already begun its decline, like the great empires before it? Many factors lead to this possibility, primarily the lack of investment in a manufacturing base: when a society becomes so wealthy that they find it less expensive to send work to another country, or to employ illegal aliens, no matter how trivial or important the work, I maintain that it is officially on the decline.
As part of this exercise, we look at key indicators that might represent the telltale signs of when the USA "jumped the shark." For the Roman empire, it might have been the gladiatorial games and vomitoriums; the British empire saw the East India Company become it's de facto ambassador to the world. What might the USA have to offer? Well, you could argue Madonna's new video, watching her re-embrace her more sexually liberated self as she gyrates alongside Justin Timberlake (does this guy love cougars, or what? Janet Jackson AND Madge?) might qualify. Or, you might take a more serious note and find that the manufactured war of Iraq might be a key indicator; it's about as obvious as Madonna.
Me, I like to look at more subtle things. Exhibit A: you can now buy M & M's with your favorite baseball team's logo on it. Not just the logo, mind you: the M & M's are your team's colors, and there are three variations of the logo imprinted in delectable M & M sugary goodness. What's the part that makes me convinced this harbinger of our international descent is here? My first thought on seeing this was "Wow, if they only had the NFL teams and Dallas Cowboys ones, $269.95 isn't a bad deal for a 10 lb. Box."
My fellow Americans, I have seen the road to ruin, and it is paved with M & M's. For those who want a smaller taste of the decline, $13 will get you a palatable 7 oz. portion. I'm off to weep at my own moral decay.
As part of this exercise, we look at key indicators that might represent the telltale signs of when the USA "jumped the shark." For the Roman empire, it might have been the gladiatorial games and vomitoriums; the British empire saw the East India Company become it's de facto ambassador to the world. What might the USA have to offer? Well, you could argue Madonna's new video, watching her re-embrace her more sexually liberated self as she gyrates alongside Justin Timberlake (does this guy love cougars, or what? Janet Jackson AND Madge?) might qualify. Or, you might take a more serious note and find that the manufactured war of Iraq might be a key indicator; it's about as obvious as Madonna.
Me, I like to look at more subtle things. Exhibit A: you can now buy M & M's with your favorite baseball team's logo on it. Not just the logo, mind you: the M & M's are your team's colors, and there are three variations of the logo imprinted in delectable M & M sugary goodness. What's the part that makes me convinced this harbinger of our international descent is here? My first thought on seeing this was "Wow, if they only had the NFL teams and Dallas Cowboys ones, $269.95 isn't a bad deal for a 10 lb. Box."
My fellow Americans, I have seen the road to ruin, and it is paved with M & M's. For those who want a smaller taste of the decline, $13 will get you a palatable 7 oz. portion. I'm off to weep at my own moral decay.
Labels: 80's, Dallas Cowboys, ferry, fun, gifts, music, Politics, silly
Saturday, February 02, 2008
10 Minutes You Must Watch
Keith Olbermann. You may know him as just the guy who does the "Worst Person in the NFL" segments on Sunday Night Football. Or, if you are a long-time ESPN watcher, you may remember him for defining the hip SportsCenter anchor position. But he is so much more. Specifically, he is the Paul Revere of a new revolution. Think of him as the anti-Rush Limbaugh, or, as he would prefer, the perennial foil to blowhards like Bill O'Reilly.
Olbermann's speech tonight is the type of language people like me crave to hear from leaders. As we are left with a President who can't even properly pronounce "nuclear," it falls to men like Keith Olbermann to make those words reality. Take 10 minutes and listen for yourself:
The amazing prose that stands out for me:
- "You told Congress, if you do not act by Friday, our ability to track terrorist threats would be weakened, and our citizens would be in greater danger," Olbermann said. "Yet you you are willing to weaken that ability. You will subject us, your citizens, to that greater danger. This is simple enough for you to understand. If Congress approves a new FISA act without telecom immunity, and sends it to your desk, and you veto it, you, by your own terms and your own definitions, you will have just sided with the terrorists."
- "If you, sir, are asking Congress and us to join you in this shameless, breathless, literal textbook example of fascism, the merged efforts of government and corporations who answer to no government, you still don't have the guts to say the telecom companies did assist you in your efforts?" Olbermann asked. "Will you and the equivocators who surround you like a cocoon never go on the record about anything? Even the stuff you claim to believe in?"
Keith, no one could have ever said it better.
Olbermann's speech tonight is the type of language people like me crave to hear from leaders. As we are left with a President who can't even properly pronounce "nuclear," it falls to men like Keith Olbermann to make those words reality. Take 10 minutes and listen for yourself:
The amazing prose that stands out for me:
- "You told Congress, if you do not act by Friday, our ability to track terrorist threats would be weakened, and our citizens would be in greater danger," Olbermann said. "Yet you you are willing to weaken that ability. You will subject us, your citizens, to that greater danger. This is simple enough for you to understand. If Congress approves a new FISA act without telecom immunity, and sends it to your desk, and you veto it, you, by your own terms and your own definitions, you will have just sided with the terrorists."
- "If you, sir, are asking Congress and us to join you in this shameless, breathless, literal textbook example of fascism, the merged efforts of government and corporations who answer to no government, you still don't have the guts to say the telecom companies did assist you in your efforts?" Olbermann asked. "Will you and the equivocators who surround you like a cocoon never go on the record about anything? Even the stuff you claim to believe in?"
Keith, no one could have ever said it better.
Labels: Politics
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
If You Get Tired Of Bashing Them, Join Them
Al Franken has been a lot of things in his unusual career. A Saturday Night Live writer in the heyday of the "Not Ready For Prime Time Players," he went on to become a performer and sometime actor. But he really hit a nerve when he became an author of Rush Limbaugh Is A Big Fat Idiot, and the absolute perfect Lies (and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them) Fair and Balanced Look at the Right. Suddenly, the Left was not a meek hippie squawking about Greenpeace: Al was using the intellectual rapier of wit to combat absolute idiocy.
He became the signature of Air America, the radio network that counters the Right's mouthpiece, Fox. I used to listen to his show, via podcast, religiously, as it was not only humorous, and fun, but an absolute taskmaster for the outright lies spewed by the likes of O'Reilly and Ann Coulter. His show was always spot on. I say "was," as he ended it yesterday, after a long success. Why did he end it?
Al Franken is running for the Senate in Minnesota.
Ok, two things you are immediately thinking:
1) This is a joke or a publicity stunt. It's not. Al moved back to Minnesota a couple of years ago, shortly after the death of his friend and the Minn. senator, Paul Wellstone. He carefully considered this for over a year, using his show as a forum to air his decision making process. He knows he can best carry on the ideals Wellstone had by going after his seat in the Congress.
2) Only in Minnesota. Yes, they elected Jesse Ventura as Governor, and as an Independent, no less! Yes, this is Walter Mondale's and Hubert Humphrey's state. They are known for electing wacked out far left candidates, right? Yes, they are, but so is California (Schwarzenegger? Sonny Bono??), and Minnesota seems to be fiercely independent. That is exactly what the Senate needs to not only maintain a Democratic majority, but build on it.
Bottom line is that Al is hardly a slam dunk, even with his popularity and war chest. However, this is a man who has made his living beating up on the blowhards of the Right. Instead of just sitting on his ass and counting the money he makes from that, he's putting his money where his mouth is. He's getting in the game, not as a statement, but as a real movement. His wry intelligence, plain delivery, and honest approach is absolutely what is needed to make a difference, and I, for one, hope to hell he wins.
But you can be assured of one thing of Senator Franken: the floor debates will never be the same again.
Al Franken has been a lot of things in his unusual career. A Saturday Night Live writer in the heyday of the "Not Ready For Prime Time Players," he went on to become a performer and sometime actor. But he really hit a nerve when he became an author of Rush Limbaugh Is A Big Fat Idiot, and the absolute perfect Lies (and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them) Fair and Balanced Look at the Right. Suddenly, the Left was not a meek hippie squawking about Greenpeace: Al was using the intellectual rapier of wit to combat absolute idiocy.He became the signature of Air America, the radio network that counters the Right's mouthpiece, Fox. I used to listen to his show, via podcast, religiously, as it was not only humorous, and fun, but an absolute taskmaster for the outright lies spewed by the likes of O'Reilly and Ann Coulter. His show was always spot on. I say "was," as he ended it yesterday, after a long success. Why did he end it?
Al Franken is running for the Senate in Minnesota.
Ok, two things you are immediately thinking:
1) This is a joke or a publicity stunt. It's not. Al moved back to Minnesota a couple of years ago, shortly after the death of his friend and the Minn. senator, Paul Wellstone. He carefully considered this for over a year, using his show as a forum to air his decision making process. He knows he can best carry on the ideals Wellstone had by going after his seat in the Congress.
2) Only in Minnesota. Yes, they elected Jesse Ventura as Governor, and as an Independent, no less! Yes, this is Walter Mondale's and Hubert Humphrey's state. They are known for electing wacked out far left candidates, right? Yes, they are, but so is California (Schwarzenegger? Sonny Bono??), and Minnesota seems to be fiercely independent. That is exactly what the Senate needs to not only maintain a Democratic majority, but build on it.
Bottom line is that Al is hardly a slam dunk, even with his popularity and war chest. However, this is a man who has made his living beating up on the blowhards of the Right. Instead of just sitting on his ass and counting the money he makes from that, he's putting his money where his mouth is. He's getting in the game, not as a statement, but as a real movement. His wry intelligence, plain delivery, and honest approach is absolutely what is needed to make a difference, and I, for one, hope to hell he wins.
But you can be assured of one thing of Senator Franken: the floor debates will never be the same again.
Labels: Politics
Sunday, December 17, 2006
The First Amendment in Action
From the "I can't believe these concepts ever get put together" files, I present to you an excellent example of the First Amendment in action...courtesy of Danny Bonaduce. Yes, you read that right: the child star of the 1970's turned shock jock of the 80's and all around reality star of the 90's shows how you can absolutely have a cogent argument.
I'll say this: I disagree with what he is saying, but he handles the intrusion into his private time with class, politeness, and directness. He makes his case, and when he can stomach no more, he lets loose. Watch for the part where, before he decides to tell this conspiracy theorist what he really thinks, he first turns to a fellow diner to apologize in advance for his language.
Danny Bonaduce, 9/11, Free Speech, and YouTube. Man, the internet is a wonderful thing.
I'll say this: I disagree with what he is saying, but he handles the intrusion into his private time with class, politeness, and directness. He makes his case, and when he can stomach no more, he lets loose. Watch for the part where, before he decides to tell this conspiracy theorist what he really thinks, he first turns to a fellow diner to apologize in advance for his language.
Danny Bonaduce, 9/11, Free Speech, and YouTube. Man, the internet is a wonderful thing.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Who should be our next president?
Now that the Democrats are back in charge in Congress, and ready to screw things up as they are wont to do, we can cast our eyes to the next election that matters: 2008.
For the first time in many years, the President will not be running for re-election, nor will his Vice-President be running. The top candidates for the Democrats? Two rising stars: Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama; a woman and a black man, neither of which have yet to be elected to the highest office in the land. This is not to say they are not the best of the best, but there are added obstacles to overcome. On the Republican side, John McCain is the only good bet (though he's a warhawk and seriously damaged his "straight-talk" reputation by pandering to the religious Right). Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, is often mentioned: a Mormon and a sitting Republican Governor when his state legalized gay marriage. Yeah, that'll work.
It's time for a fresh new approach. In the last election, Michael Moore had a crazy idea that actually made sense: instead of running the usual wooden Democrat, draft Oprah Winfrey to run. She already has enough money, and is clearly beloved. Skeletons in the closet? She wears them proudly. I still think she'd be a viable candidate in this upcoming election: who could attack Oprah?
However, I am ready to concede that there is one other person who could inspire people from both parties, has a proven track record of success, and is clearly focused on world affairs. And some other folks have already started to draft him.
Bill Gates.
Let it sink in a second. Let the laughter die down. Get the "he could just BUY the country" jokes out of the way. Ok, feel better? Now think about it: why not? Could he not be just what this country needs in a globalized world? Who better understands the issues that need to be overcome, and can inspire with success and leadership?
Scott Adams of Dilbert fame is on board, and the more I think about it, the more I like it. Now, let's get Oprah as VP, and we have a slam dunk.
For the first time in many years, the President will not be running for re-election, nor will his Vice-President be running. The top candidates for the Democrats? Two rising stars: Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama; a woman and a black man, neither of which have yet to be elected to the highest office in the land. This is not to say they are not the best of the best, but there are added obstacles to overcome. On the Republican side, John McCain is the only good bet (though he's a warhawk and seriously damaged his "straight-talk" reputation by pandering to the religious Right). Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, is often mentioned: a Mormon and a sitting Republican Governor when his state legalized gay marriage. Yeah, that'll work.
It's time for a fresh new approach. In the last election, Michael Moore had a crazy idea that actually made sense: instead of running the usual wooden Democrat, draft Oprah Winfrey to run. She already has enough money, and is clearly beloved. Skeletons in the closet? She wears them proudly. I still think she'd be a viable candidate in this upcoming election: who could attack Oprah?
However, I am ready to concede that there is one other person who could inspire people from both parties, has a proven track record of success, and is clearly focused on world affairs. And some other folks have already started to draft him.
Bill Gates.Let it sink in a second. Let the laughter die down. Get the "he could just BUY the country" jokes out of the way. Ok, feel better? Now think about it: why not? Could he not be just what this country needs in a globalized world? Who better understands the issues that need to be overcome, and can inspire with success and leadership?
Scott Adams of Dilbert fame is on board, and the more I think about it, the more I like it. Now, let's get Oprah as VP, and we have a slam dunk.
Labels: Politics
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Michael Moore rubs it in
In the wake of the Democratic retaking of the Congress, Michael Moore decided to rub it in this week:
"In fact, those of us on the other side of the fence don't really know what it's like to win, so if we seem a bit awkward right now (were we supposed to vote for the majority leader the speaker said to vote for, or stick to our promise to the other guy?), forgive us."
I used to really like Moore's work. I found him slightly grating. But when I watched Michael Moore Hates America, it opened up a whole other side for me. He's been using the same deceptive tactics as he decried for years. Worse, he does not live by the ideals he espouses.
Hopefully the Democrats will distance themselves from him, and let him get back to just being a filmmaker.
In the wake of the Democratic retaking of the Congress, Michael Moore decided to rub it in this week:"In fact, those of us on the other side of the fence don't really know what it's like to win, so if we seem a bit awkward right now (were we supposed to vote for the majority leader the speaker said to vote for, or stick to our promise to the other guy?), forgive us."
I used to really like Moore's work. I found him slightly grating. But when I watched Michael Moore Hates America, it opened up a whole other side for me. He's been using the same deceptive tactics as he decried for years. Worse, he does not live by the ideals he espouses.
Hopefully the Democrats will distance themselves from him, and let him get back to just being a filmmaker.
Labels: Politics
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Not so SMART. Turns out the train measure I blogged about needs a 2/3 majority to pass. Over 60 percent said yes, but that's not enough. Embarassing.
[Posted with hblogger 2.0 http://www.normsoft.com/hblogger/]
[Posted with hblogger 2.0 http://www.normsoft.com/hblogger/]
Labels: Politics
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Civil Liberties: we have not learned a THING
Out of character, Amy insisted I blog this, as I am so frustrated, I can't contain it. Maybe it's because I listen to so much Penn Jillette. Maybe it's because of my experience at seeing my neighbors do unspeakable things to a locally registered sex offender. Maybe it's because I am a student of history, and have seen time and time again Americans handing over their freedoms, without understanding they did not have to. Yet tonight, we Californians have gone and done it again.
Tonight, we passed Proposition 83, heaping a ton of penalties on sex offenders. Why, you are asking, is a man of reasonable intellect stupidly arguing AGAINST a proposition that punishes violent sex offenders? Many reasons: these are penalties put on them AFTER they are released from prison, and they are attempting to somehow dissuade these sick individuals from offending again, even though we all acknowledge they have a sickness, not a choice, and penalties will not dissuade that.
But the real reason I am incensed is this one piece of the Proposition: "Requires lifetime Global Positioning System monitoring of felony registered sex offenders."
Now, think 1984. George Orwell. The USA PATRIOT act. Ok, you're saying...that's a little creepy, but hey, it's for sex offenders, the most vile of the vile. Surely, you can't be against that?
I am.
Why? Two major reasons.
1) Once the technology is in place for law enforcement to GPS track a sex offender, exactly what are the provisions that say this technology can not be used for anything else? Drunk drivers? Philanderers? How about speeders? Tax evaders? There is NOTHING that restricts this use, nor makes any provisions for any governance of this technology. NOTHING. And remember, this is post-conviction and sentencing. You run a red light, get pulled over. You pleas guilty, pay a fine. There is NOTHING stopping the judge from LoJacking you with a GPS tracker for the rest of your days, AFTER you have paid the fine. And if there is one thing we know, it's that government is pretty good at pushing the boundaries of the tools they have.
2) Assume, for the sake of argument, that there was some sort of restriction to keep this on sex offenders only. How, exactly, does this help? Yes, you always know where the person is. Well, you always have access to the data on where they are. Well, you always have access to the people who have access to the data. Ok, so, how does this help? Is your son/daughter LoJacked, as well? Can you see when the two are in proximity? Is there any sort of proactive alert that gets fired? The answer is, of course, NO. That means, in order for this to have any sort of preventative value, you need to monitor this person 24x7, AND you need to monitor your children in the same fashion. In other words, NO VALUE.
I have no children, so I am obviously not qualified to make judgment on this. 70% of my fellow Californians, most of whom have kids, did. Yet I bet NONE of those thought through points 1 & 2 above. To me, this is just another excuse for bad parenting. With Megan's Law, you already know where these people live, and can tell your kids to stay away from them (that is, if you and your fellow neighbors have not yet taken your torches and pitchforks to the crappy motel they live in and forced them to move out of your town). You teach your children to NOT talk to strangers, and come right home. It worked for hundreds of years; why not now? You already have more than enough of the information you need to be informed; it's up to you to instill these values in your kids. My friend Stephanie has two young kids: when one, who is learning to speak, wants something and makes frustrated noises, she patiently asks him what he wants, until he finds the words, and rewards him when he does. It's called education, and she is a master of applying it to the real world. every parent needs to educate their kids, and take the most aggressive, reasonable precautions, to ensure their children know right from wrong: the government will not do it for you.
5 years ago, we gave George W. Bush a blank check and a poorly worded bill to go stop terrorists. 5 years later, he used it to invade a sovereign nation who posed no direct threat to us, used it to hold hundreds of prisoners, without trial or legal representation in Guantanamo Bay, used it to torture US citizens in far of nations, and used it to spy on your conversations. Tonight, this country elected a Democratic House to reject those abuses of power. We look back now and say, "How could we have put such power in the hands of this man, with no way to limit the power to terrorists?" We all have learned from 5 years of history, and we vowed to never let it happen again.
In California, with Proposition 83, we just did. We should all be ashamed of what we just did to ourselves: a nation that is the "home of the brave" just gave into irrational fear, without understanding what we were allowing. That tearing sound? That's the Bill of Rights ripping up, under the buckle of a GPS locator. As Penn says, defending freedom for the law-abiding citizen is not the need; it's defending it for the worst of our society, as governments will continually use the same repressive measures for that population on anyone it sees fit to. In other words, today paroled sex offenders; tomorrow: you.
Out of character, Amy insisted I blog this, as I am so frustrated, I can't contain it. Maybe it's because I listen to so much Penn Jillette. Maybe it's because of my experience at seeing my neighbors do unspeakable things to a locally registered sex offender. Maybe it's because I am a student of history, and have seen time and time again Americans handing over their freedoms, without understanding they did not have to. Yet tonight, we Californians have gone and done it again.Tonight, we passed Proposition 83, heaping a ton of penalties on sex offenders. Why, you are asking, is a man of reasonable intellect stupidly arguing AGAINST a proposition that punishes violent sex offenders? Many reasons: these are penalties put on them AFTER they are released from prison, and they are attempting to somehow dissuade these sick individuals from offending again, even though we all acknowledge they have a sickness, not a choice, and penalties will not dissuade that.
But the real reason I am incensed is this one piece of the Proposition: "Requires lifetime Global Positioning System monitoring of felony registered sex offenders."
Now, think 1984. George Orwell. The USA PATRIOT act. Ok, you're saying...that's a little creepy, but hey, it's for sex offenders, the most vile of the vile. Surely, you can't be against that?
I am.
Why? Two major reasons.
1) Once the technology is in place for law enforcement to GPS track a sex offender, exactly what are the provisions that say this technology can not be used for anything else? Drunk drivers? Philanderers? How about speeders? Tax evaders? There is NOTHING that restricts this use, nor makes any provisions for any governance of this technology. NOTHING. And remember, this is post-conviction and sentencing. You run a red light, get pulled over. You pleas guilty, pay a fine. There is NOTHING stopping the judge from LoJacking you with a GPS tracker for the rest of your days, AFTER you have paid the fine. And if there is one thing we know, it's that government is pretty good at pushing the boundaries of the tools they have.
2) Assume, for the sake of argument, that there was some sort of restriction to keep this on sex offenders only. How, exactly, does this help? Yes, you always know where the person is. Well, you always have access to the data on where they are. Well, you always have access to the people who have access to the data. Ok, so, how does this help? Is your son/daughter LoJacked, as well? Can you see when the two are in proximity? Is there any sort of proactive alert that gets fired? The answer is, of course, NO. That means, in order for this to have any sort of preventative value, you need to monitor this person 24x7, AND you need to monitor your children in the same fashion. In other words, NO VALUE.
I have no children, so I am obviously not qualified to make judgment on this. 70% of my fellow Californians, most of whom have kids, did. Yet I bet NONE of those thought through points 1 & 2 above. To me, this is just another excuse for bad parenting. With Megan's Law, you already know where these people live, and can tell your kids to stay away from them (that is, if you and your fellow neighbors have not yet taken your torches and pitchforks to the crappy motel they live in and forced them to move out of your town). You teach your children to NOT talk to strangers, and come right home. It worked for hundreds of years; why not now? You already have more than enough of the information you need to be informed; it's up to you to instill these values in your kids. My friend Stephanie has two young kids: when one, who is learning to speak, wants something and makes frustrated noises, she patiently asks him what he wants, until he finds the words, and rewards him when he does. It's called education, and she is a master of applying it to the real world. every parent needs to educate their kids, and take the most aggressive, reasonable precautions, to ensure their children know right from wrong: the government will not do it for you.
5 years ago, we gave George W. Bush a blank check and a poorly worded bill to go stop terrorists. 5 years later, he used it to invade a sovereign nation who posed no direct threat to us, used it to hold hundreds of prisoners, without trial or legal representation in Guantanamo Bay, used it to torture US citizens in far of nations, and used it to spy on your conversations. Tonight, this country elected a Democratic House to reject those abuses of power. We look back now and say, "How could we have put such power in the hands of this man, with no way to limit the power to terrorists?" We all have learned from 5 years of history, and we vowed to never let it happen again.
In California, with Proposition 83, we just did. We should all be ashamed of what we just did to ourselves: a nation that is the "home of the brave" just gave into irrational fear, without understanding what we were allowing. That tearing sound? That's the Bill of Rights ripping up, under the buckle of a GPS locator. As Penn says, defending freedom for the law-abiding citizen is not the need; it's defending it for the worst of our society, as governments will continually use the same repressive measures for that population on anyone it sees fit to. In other words, today paroled sex offenders; tomorrow: you.
Labels: Politics
"Hacking Democracy" HBO Special on Google Video
I caught the tail end of this, this morning on HBO. For those of us who thought the 2000 and 2004 elections had more than a few discrepancies, this documentary is an amazing eye opener about the supposed security of voting machines...including those that are used in the elections today.
Your vote...may not count. Absolutely amazing to watch.
read more | digg story.
Your vote...may not count. Absolutely amazing to watch.
read more | digg story.
Labels: Politics
Now that's SMART.
In addition to the overwhelming victory of the Democrats in the House elections tonight, a more local victory was won. I live in Marin County, CA: one of the most desirable places to live on the planet. Yet the public transportation we have here is next to none. Want to go to San Francisco? Hop on a Ferry (which, while decadently enjoyable, is completely focused on commuters only and is expensive) or grab a bus (if you are lucky to find one that runs the time you want...and it's a bus). Yet our neighbors in the East Bay have one of the most luxurious train systems in the world, BART. Peninsula? Hop on the Baby Bullet Train on CalTrain, or drive up to the airport for BART. Marin? Sad. And Sonoma county? NOTHING.
Not after tonight. The SMART train, from Northern Sonoma to Larkspur (where the aforementioned ferry leaves from) passed this evening. In typical Marin style, Larkspur is fighting the last, most key station in the plan. With such a resounding victory tonight, I hope Larkspur realizes their insular attitude towards Sonoma has to come to an end, and embraces rail transportation as the solution it is.
The rails are there: the train line stopped running in the 1960's. It just takes some refurbishing, and a new station in Larkspur to make this a success. In my old state of Massachusetts, the Old Colony line was similarly refurbished in the late 1990's, bringing South Shore commuters into Boston in comfort and low cost. Result? Housing and economic development boomed in the previously depressed markets that bordered Cape Cod, and allowed people like my best friend Charles to build a fantastic home for his family in an area that would never have been available to develop.
In 10 years, when Cloverdale becomes the hottest new market for housing and economic development, and the previously failed retail environment of Larkspur Landing becomes the fastest growing shopping destination in Marin (see the Ferry Building in San Francisco for an example of what happens with good public transportation and retail), we'll be talking about expanding SMART to connect to Richmond or Vallejo, and everyone will forget it almost got derailed by shortsighted Marinites, who need to realize the world needs to come through Marin...and we need the world.
In addition to the overwhelming victory of the Democrats in the House elections tonight, a more local victory was won. I live in Marin County, CA: one of the most desirable places to live on the planet. Yet the public transportation we have here is next to none. Want to go to San Francisco? Hop on a Ferry (which, while decadently enjoyable, is completely focused on commuters only and is expensive) or grab a bus (if you are lucky to find one that runs the time you want...and it's a bus). Yet our neighbors in the East Bay have one of the most luxurious train systems in the world, BART. Peninsula? Hop on the Baby Bullet Train on CalTrain, or drive up to the airport for BART. Marin? Sad. And Sonoma county? NOTHING.Not after tonight. The SMART train, from Northern Sonoma to Larkspur (where the aforementioned ferry leaves from) passed this evening. In typical Marin style, Larkspur is fighting the last, most key station in the plan. With such a resounding victory tonight, I hope Larkspur realizes their insular attitude towards Sonoma has to come to an end, and embraces rail transportation as the solution it is.
The rails are there: the train line stopped running in the 1960's. It just takes some refurbishing, and a new station in Larkspur to make this a success. In my old state of Massachusetts, the Old Colony line was similarly refurbished in the late 1990's, bringing South Shore commuters into Boston in comfort and low cost. Result? Housing and economic development boomed in the previously depressed markets that bordered Cape Cod, and allowed people like my best friend Charles to build a fantastic home for his family in an area that would never have been available to develop.
In 10 years, when Cloverdale becomes the hottest new market for housing and economic development, and the previously failed retail environment of Larkspur Landing becomes the fastest growing shopping destination in Marin (see the Ferry Building in San Francisco for an example of what happens with good public transportation and retail), we'll be talking about expanding SMART to connect to Richmond or Vallejo, and everyone will forget it almost got derailed by shortsighted Marinites, who need to realize the world needs to come through Marin...and we need the world.
Labels: Politics
