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31 July 2004
21 July 2004
Seeking Balance To My Viewpoints
Seeking Balance To My Viewpoints
P. Scott Cummins © 2004 The UrbaneR
Knowledge will forever govern ignorance. And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.
-James Madison, The Writings of James Madison (1840)
A long time ago I was given volumes containing the ancient, almost-sacred linen pages and kidskin bindings of that quote - a gift from perhaps the most conservative thinker I have ever met. Yet he listens to public radio and reads Village Voice publications – despite what that may do to his blood pressure. The person who gave me those rare volumes of wisdom from one of our nation’s most revered founders is a business owner and friend, from right here in Magnolia. He gave me that treasure knowing full well that unlike him I am pro-reproductive choice, anti-death penalty, avowedly environmentalist – yet we are both staunchly Republican. He did so to symbolize that ideas matter, particularly when in the full cry of competition with other compelling notions. Like William F. Buckley, he wanted to say don’t take it for granted – that democracy will cease to exist when the interplay of ideas dissolves into a seething bonfire of rigid fundamentalist face off.
With these watchwords I listen carefully to many viewpoints. Particularly this year, when the over-heated feelings kindled by the presidential election have unfortunately led many to shrink at the sidelines and look away in disgust. The James Madison ‘effect’ tells me this is no time to pale – we should instead redouble efforts to be informed – to focus more on the ‘light’ of ideas than the ‘heat’ of debate. And hey, its summer – grab some books and get outside - that’s my watchword! In this political summer I have quite a few bestsellers on my reading list. Already a number of them have made it into that good ‘ole canvas tote bag for trips to the Karen’s Place Playground, Woodland Park or even (if I’m lucky) Alki Beach - and the remote possibility of a fresh cinnamon roll. One of those is A Patriot’s Handbook by Caroline Kennedy. Calling it a collage of America, Kennedy says “(i) t is for my children and others growing up in a world where being an American brings responsibilities as well as opportunities…” And so looking for more pre-teen parenting insight I went back down to ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore’ in search of Mary Matalin’s Letters to My Daughters – a source of great humor I’m told.
The problem was it wasn’t there. Caroline Kennedy, yes. Mary Matalin, no. At first I thought it was a question of being in bad taste (Ms. Matalin, like her husband James Carville, can be rather coarse at times). But then I saw books by Bill Maher, Al Franken and (even) Michael Moore. Groovy. So that wasn’t it. What’s going on here?
Look, I get most of my books from the library. But in the summer, it is all about schlepping children, dog, toys, sunscreen, snacks and any manner of kid-collected ‘found objects’ for later artistic display – in that ubiquitous canvas tote bag. I am not going to chance damage to hard-earned credit and good standing with my beloved Seattle Public Library. So I spring for a paperback – often at ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore’. Besides, one of the true joys of summer is to share a great read with friends, both new and old, in that rite of Seattle summer involving the exchange of books. If you haven’t tried it, you should. Summer reading got me started on the mind-blowing novels of Knut Hamsun over twenty five years ago, for example. And Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Oh, those were the days. Summer, just perfect for stealing a moment (and finding a treasure) at ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore’ – or at least so I thought.
Summer is also a time for travel, when (yes it’s true) I actually get out of Magnolia on rare occasion. And still wondering about the dearth of divergent viewpoints (though none may call it censorship) at ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore’ I wandered into a big box chain retailer and found the book department. And sure enough, there were the familiar groovy guys named Al and Bill and Michael – but mixed in among them were other names as well. Like Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity, Bernard Goldberg, Ann Coulter, James Hirsen, Dick Morris, Laura Ingraham, David Horowitz, even Alexander Solzhenitsyn. Bestsellers all. The funny thing was, they were all mixed in together – a hodgepodge of slants and rants that actually made me smile. I picked up a Horowitz - there has to be something to him because, like Dennis Miller, he is no longer respected by the French. He’s in there now, on duty in the canvas tote bag – waiting for – what do you have to trade? George Soros’ The Bubble of American Supremacy? And you want to get together to talk about it too? Awesome! I’d like to start with his experience in Nazi-era Europe, how one day books favorable to Judaica were no longer in the shops. And what intolerance does to society. Maybe we can meet at the bakery, you know, the one next to ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore.’ Now, about Ezra Pound...
P. Scott Cummins © 2004 The UrbaneR
Knowledge will forever govern ignorance. And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.
-James Madison, The Writings of James Madison (1840)
A long time ago I was given volumes containing the ancient, almost-sacred linen pages and kidskin bindings of that quote - a gift from perhaps the most conservative thinker I have ever met. Yet he listens to public radio and reads Village Voice publications – despite what that may do to his blood pressure. The person who gave me those rare volumes of wisdom from one of our nation’s most revered founders is a business owner and friend, from right here in Magnolia. He gave me that treasure knowing full well that unlike him I am pro-reproductive choice, anti-death penalty, avowedly environmentalist – yet we are both staunchly Republican. He did so to symbolize that ideas matter, particularly when in the full cry of competition with other compelling notions. Like William F. Buckley, he wanted to say don’t take it for granted – that democracy will cease to exist when the interplay of ideas dissolves into a seething bonfire of rigid fundamentalist face off.
With these watchwords I listen carefully to many viewpoints. Particularly this year, when the over-heated feelings kindled by the presidential election have unfortunately led many to shrink at the sidelines and look away in disgust. The James Madison ‘effect’ tells me this is no time to pale – we should instead redouble efforts to be informed – to focus more on the ‘light’ of ideas than the ‘heat’ of debate. And hey, its summer – grab some books and get outside - that’s my watchword! In this political summer I have quite a few bestsellers on my reading list. Already a number of them have made it into that good ‘ole canvas tote bag for trips to the Karen’s Place Playground, Woodland Park or even (if I’m lucky) Alki Beach - and the remote possibility of a fresh cinnamon roll. One of those is A Patriot’s Handbook by Caroline Kennedy. Calling it a collage of America, Kennedy says “(i) t is for my children and others growing up in a world where being an American brings responsibilities as well as opportunities…” And so looking for more pre-teen parenting insight I went back down to ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore’ in search of Mary Matalin’s Letters to My Daughters – a source of great humor I’m told.
The problem was it wasn’t there. Caroline Kennedy, yes. Mary Matalin, no. At first I thought it was a question of being in bad taste (Ms. Matalin, like her husband James Carville, can be rather coarse at times). But then I saw books by Bill Maher, Al Franken and (even) Michael Moore. Groovy. So that wasn’t it. What’s going on here?
Look, I get most of my books from the library. But in the summer, it is all about schlepping children, dog, toys, sunscreen, snacks and any manner of kid-collected ‘found objects’ for later artistic display – in that ubiquitous canvas tote bag. I am not going to chance damage to hard-earned credit and good standing with my beloved Seattle Public Library. So I spring for a paperback – often at ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore’. Besides, one of the true joys of summer is to share a great read with friends, both new and old, in that rite of Seattle summer involving the exchange of books. If you haven’t tried it, you should. Summer reading got me started on the mind-blowing novels of Knut Hamsun over twenty five years ago, for example. And Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Oh, those were the days. Summer, just perfect for stealing a moment (and finding a treasure) at ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore’ – or at least so I thought.
Summer is also a time for travel, when (yes it’s true) I actually get out of Magnolia on rare occasion. And still wondering about the dearth of divergent viewpoints (though none may call it censorship) at ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore’ I wandered into a big box chain retailer and found the book department. And sure enough, there were the familiar groovy guys named Al and Bill and Michael – but mixed in among them were other names as well. Like Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity, Bernard Goldberg, Ann Coulter, James Hirsen, Dick Morris, Laura Ingraham, David Horowitz, even Alexander Solzhenitsyn. Bestsellers all. The funny thing was, they were all mixed in together – a hodgepodge of slants and rants that actually made me smile. I picked up a Horowitz - there has to be something to him because, like Dennis Miller, he is no longer respected by the French. He’s in there now, on duty in the canvas tote bag – waiting for – what do you have to trade? George Soros’ The Bubble of American Supremacy? And you want to get together to talk about it too? Awesome! I’d like to start with his experience in Nazi-era Europe, how one day books favorable to Judaica were no longer in the shops. And what intolerance does to society. Maybe we can meet at the bakery, you know, the one next to ‘Our (convenient) Village Bookstore.’ Now, about Ezra Pound...
05 July 2004
Kerry’s Difficult Task Ahead
Swaying the Dean Faithful to Kerry
by Brendan Vaughn, Guest Blogger
Recently, I was reflecting on the great number of Bush Lied!!! yard signs and bumper stickers (and in one case, a bumper-yard-sign) and the definite lack of Kerry paraphernalia in Magnolia. In fact, I think Bush-Cheney support is easily trumping Kerry in 98199. So this leads me to wonder: Can the Anti-Bush be converted to Pro-Kerry?
How better to analyze such a question than with numbers, provided directly from the source, the Federal Elections Commission. Being an engineer, I’ll give you the facts in plain words and let you decide for yourself. I collected the information for contributions over $50 made in the 98199 zip code, 118 in total. In all, there were $88,546 total contributions ranging from $50 to $2,000, with an average contribution of $750.
Of these 118 contributions, 75% were to Democratic candidates, and 25% were to Bush; however, the Democrats only captured 61% of the total money contributed. This is more easily seen when one looks at the average contribution to both Democrats ($608) and Republicans ($1,188). Thus the Democrats are getting donations in larger numbers, but much smaller amounts.
If we look at specific candidates in the Democratic race, only three are truly worthy of any comment: Joe Lieberman, Howard Dean, and John F. Kerry. Joe Lieberman has perhaps the most interesting donation history in Magnolia, receiving only 6 donations. However, these donations were more than 17% of the total donations to Democrats. This is fairly astounding, considering Lieberman carried 0 delegates in the primaries and was quick to drop out after early defeats.
Howard Dean’s story is quite interesting too, proving his true grassroots support. Howard Dean received 48% of the 89 contributions to Democrats, but that only amounted to 26% of the $54,000 sent their way. Hence, he was getting widespread funding in low numbers, truly grassroots. His average contribution was only $326; the lowest in Magnolia save for Dick Gephardt’s two paltry contributions of $275 total.
John F. Kerry only captured 53% of the dollar amount contributed to the Democrats in Magnolia, not exactly a ringing endorsement. Though this was more than twice what Howard Dean received, we have yet to see those Kerry faithful being vocal about their support.
Yard signs in Magnolia six months ago were resoundingly in favor of Howard Dean. Even that notable duct-taped bumper-yard-sign was for Howard Dean. Now, the owner of the red sports car has elected to devalue his car now with a Bush Lied!!! yard sign. Perhaps, in time, the owner will switch to a duct-taped Kerry sign.
So back to the question at hand: Can the Anti-Bush be converted to Pro-Kerry? My conclusion: Perhaps, but probably not in time for November; though will this affect the political outcome in Magnolia? Nope.
Guest Blogger Brendan Vaughn lives with a silly grin on his face, in Magnolia.
All data was from fundrace.org, which provided a snapshot from 1/1/03 to 4/30/04, the most recently updated funding provided by the FEC.
by Brendan Vaughn, Guest Blogger
Recently, I was reflecting on the great number of Bush Lied!!! yard signs and bumper stickers (and in one case, a bumper-yard-sign) and the definite lack of Kerry paraphernalia in Magnolia. In fact, I think Bush-Cheney support is easily trumping Kerry in 98199. So this leads me to wonder: Can the Anti-Bush be converted to Pro-Kerry?
How better to analyze such a question than with numbers, provided directly from the source, the Federal Elections Commission. Being an engineer, I’ll give you the facts in plain words and let you decide for yourself. I collected the information for contributions over $50 made in the 98199 zip code, 118 in total. In all, there were $88,546 total contributions ranging from $50 to $2,000, with an average contribution of $750.
Of these 118 contributions, 75% were to Democratic candidates, and 25% were to Bush; however, the Democrats only captured 61% of the total money contributed. This is more easily seen when one looks at the average contribution to both Democrats ($608) and Republicans ($1,188). Thus the Democrats are getting donations in larger numbers, but much smaller amounts.
If we look at specific candidates in the Democratic race, only three are truly worthy of any comment: Joe Lieberman, Howard Dean, and John F. Kerry. Joe Lieberman has perhaps the most interesting donation history in Magnolia, receiving only 6 donations. However, these donations were more than 17% of the total donations to Democrats. This is fairly astounding, considering Lieberman carried 0 delegates in the primaries and was quick to drop out after early defeats.
Howard Dean’s story is quite interesting too, proving his true grassroots support. Howard Dean received 48% of the 89 contributions to Democrats, but that only amounted to 26% of the $54,000 sent their way. Hence, he was getting widespread funding in low numbers, truly grassroots. His average contribution was only $326; the lowest in Magnolia save for Dick Gephardt’s two paltry contributions of $275 total.
John F. Kerry only captured 53% of the dollar amount contributed to the Democrats in Magnolia, not exactly a ringing endorsement. Though this was more than twice what Howard Dean received, we have yet to see those Kerry faithful being vocal about their support.
Yard signs in Magnolia six months ago were resoundingly in favor of Howard Dean. Even that notable duct-taped bumper-yard-sign was for Howard Dean. Now, the owner of the red sports car has elected to devalue his car now with a Bush Lied!!! yard sign. Perhaps, in time, the owner will switch to a duct-taped Kerry sign.
So back to the question at hand: Can the Anti-Bush be converted to Pro-Kerry? My conclusion: Perhaps, but probably not in time for November; though will this affect the political outcome in Magnolia? Nope.
Guest Blogger Brendan Vaughn lives with a silly grin on his face, in Magnolia.
All data was from fundrace.org, which provided a snapshot from 1/1/03 to 4/30/04, the most recently updated funding provided by the FEC.
03 July 2004
Well, Sure, Arab Muslims Practice Slavery, But...
An Associated Press apologia for ongoing black African slavery by Muslim masters in today's Sahara region utilizing the convenient artifice of 'aren't we just so bad' hate-America-first references to American slavery banished 140 years ago. And what's worse, an 'always been that way' tone of resigned acceptance. And insult to injury, the creepy 'we can't even tell them apart' discussion of racial characteristics wrapped up in smug 'they're just so dum' allusion.
All in all, just another day in the liberal media. The 'don't bother us until there is genocide so we can blame it on the Administration' attitude is alive and well. For balance, check this perspective found on Rosenblog.
All in all, just another day in the liberal media. The 'don't bother us until there is genocide so we can blame it on the Administration' attitude is alive and well. For balance, check this perspective found on Rosenblog.
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