Today, I discovered a disappointing performance by the academic who chaired my thesis committee. (And working with this academic back in the day was a severely disappointing and disallusioning experience in itself, souring my taste for any more work in the "ivory tower.") Some things do not change, or more properly, some people never learn.
See: http://thedrunkablog.blogspot.com/2009/03/trial-highlights-for-children.html
or
http://www.theracetothebottom.org/ward-churchill/churchill-v-university-of-colorado-thursday-march-12-afterno.html
In my current profession, I get to hear about/observe academics who get pulled into cases as expert witnesses. Generally, they don't do well, at least not when our teams get done with them. Fact-checking seems to be a lost art in academia: the majority of reports we see (even some from fellow firms) have glaring errors, omissions, and generally get taken apart very quickly by anyone conversant with the primary documents. Granted, the universes of documents are huge, and take some little time to sort out and make sense of. But if you're an expert, this is your DUTY. And if you cannot substantiate your client's case, your DUTY requires you to present your evidence and report and work with the client, should the client want to involve you in further strategizing.
But that is the entire work of the expert witness-- to INFORM and BE ACCURATE. And above all, present tight, factual, and irreproachable testimony for the client.
I digress.
One would think that academics would be familiar with this procedure. After all, to be published in professional journals, aren't the articles reviewed by fellow scholars? Shouldn't even liberal arts academics be held to high standards of accuracy in their citations, primary documents, and other sources used to produce their work? And shouldn't the scrutiny of these works be held to the highest standards as well-- like the hard sciences?
I believe the answer to be a resounding YES. But the entire area of 'social sciences' seems to have lost this perspective. It is ideology that rules the roost. Instead of beginning with a hypothesis, gathering and analysing evidence surrounding the issue at hand, and writing up the results; academia is awash in poorly researched, ideology-driven work of a level of intellectual dishonesty that takes one breath away.
And what happens when one of the worst offenders is unmasked? Do the academics rally and say "yes, we need to adhere to strict standards and dismiss those who are not up to scratch!" Optimist No More has found that sadly, such honesty is sorely lacking, and more like completely absent.
Ward Churchill is, at best, a fraud. Mr. Churchill is, at worst, a charlatan imposter giving a black eye to social sciences in general and 'ethnic studies' programs in particular. Let's review some background information: Churchill does not possess a PhD. I have never heard of him possessing any higher education degree. None. Churchill is not an Indian. Enrolled, unenrolled, whatever-- he has NO Indian blood. He has a little card saying he's an honorary Keetowah Band member. Big deal, those are passed out freely to politicians, celebrities, etc. Only a fool would take that seriously. The Keetowahs are really sorry about that.
OK. This guy somehow gets appointed the HEAD of an academic department lacking: 1) actual academic credentials; and 2) is lying about his ethnicity as part of the fraud package that got him that position. His writings are actually some of the worst tripe ever presented as serious historical work. His citations are either secondary sources (many are misrepresentations of those works) or simply do not exist.
Here is a simple question to settle the teapot tempest: Wardie, where are your source documents? Show us PRIMARY source documents to substantiate your serious academic works.
Ideologues can, and do, write anything which falls into their imagined views. This is, to a large extent, what passes for academics in today's social sciences. Because that is all they are-- academics. NOT scholars. Scholars investigate, test, gather information and resources on the questions of their interest. When their initial ideas are not supported, they don't make up events or documents or use their imagination. Scholars go back, review evidence, and write up what they have found. Scholars do not lie about their creditials. Scholars welcome review of their work, and are ready to answer questions or take critical analysis.
Simple academics are not bound by scholarship, it seems. Academics don't have to admit they were wrong. Academics don't need to review others' professional backgrounds before casting aspersions.
Robert Williams-- FOR SHAME. In twenty years, have you really never learned to revise your positions when additional facts surface? In twenty years, have you not learned not to dump intellectually honest students and staff for taking a position which does not agree with yours? How can you honestly justify... oh, never mind.
I know there's no answer. Just rhetoric on my part.
I mean, really, come on. Even the AIM guys have jettisoned this (unprintable).
Monday, March 16, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
How far will all this go?
Unlike so many other Americans, I spent Jan. 20th feeling wave after wave of, well, let's face it, Fear washing over me as I played with my son, trying not to react to what was coming out of the radio. (We don't have cable/satellite tv.)
Looking at all the people willingly throwing themselves into a cult of personality. HOW could Americans, "rugged individualists," get suckered into worship of a man who hasn't had even one significant political/policy achievement in his career?? Someone who, despite promises of 'transparency,' doesn't seem to understand what the term means. Someone who has clamped down on press access even before taking the oath. ('Cause he doesn't do well with real journalists doing their job, asking good questions, trying to get clear answers. This does not please false idols.)
Ok, there's the word. Idol. Its a word I'm going to be thinking a lot during the next four years. Adults should know, particularly Jewish adults should know better than to look to another human for *anything.*
Looking at all the people willingly throwing themselves into a cult of personality. HOW could Americans, "rugged individualists," get suckered into worship of a man who hasn't had even one significant political/policy achievement in his career?? Someone who, despite promises of 'transparency,' doesn't seem to understand what the term means. Someone who has clamped down on press access even before taking the oath. ('Cause he doesn't do well with real journalists doing their job, asking good questions, trying to get clear answers. This does not please false idols.)
Ok, there's the word. Idol. Its a word I'm going to be thinking a lot during the next four years. Adults should know, particularly Jewish adults should know better than to look to another human for *anything.*
Put no trust in the powerful,
In mortals who cannot save,
Their breath departs, they return to dust
And that is the end of their grand designs.
Blessed are those whose help is Jacob's G-d
Whose hope is the Lord our G-d.
From Tehillim 146
Comforting, yet also a warning. We must be responsible for our own actions, direct our own lives-- this is the point of the free will Hashem endowed us with. To make our own choices, for good or bad; for us to fail and succeed. We need to struggle to deserve merit. No one 'deserves' anything from this life.
So I listened, surfed the 'net, and was truly taken aback by the herd mentality I saw that day, and still see now. Will anyone begin to wake when the cracks in the facade become too large to ignore?
This situation reminds me exactly of the "teen idols" my friends would gush over in late elementary/junior high school. Personally, those singers (most were singers & tried to be actors) mostly left me unmoved. They weren't all that talented, not all that 'cute,' and certainly not boys I was interested in meeting. But they had PR machines, cranking out all sorts of inane stories calculated to keep the interest up, the record sales going, the sighs and tears of young girls flowing. The same tactics are now being used by not only 'soft' outlets (Us, People, etc.) but even 'hard' MSM outlets are channeling "Tiger Beat" magazine. The Washington Post's coverage in particular has been disgraceful. Eli Saslow should be exiled to the Post's Style section.
Have we become such non-thinkers that we'll swallow any pap in front of us?? I shiver at the answer, because I think the majority of people have, but perhaps all is not lost.
Those of us who love America, who think our ideals and institutions are the best going, will need to continue to speak out. This will be difficult. It will get easier, as the mask cracks and begins to fall. Because it will. This adminstration is built on NOTHING, and with such a foundation, it will implode on its own emptiness. Please let that happen before they dismantle our institutions to the extent that we the people will have lost our nation.
So I've changed the name of this blog. I'm cured. January 10, January 20, first call of the POTUS to the head of a TERROR state, Samantha Power back in the inner circle with the ability to ride herd on Hilary-- the United States is in for a bumpy ride. (If you're scratching your head over the Jan. 10 reference, you are 1) probably not a Jew; and/or 2) NOT. PAYING. ATTENTION. I don't care how 'progressive' you are, how much you sympathize with terrorists instead of with victims-- WE ARE ALL TARGETED. How many will step back from this brink?
We live in interesting times.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
So, Everyone ready for "change?"
Did the American people really want to do this? I expect a whole lot of buyers' remorse around, oh say, April. The mask is going to come down, and people aren't going to like what's behind it.
Obama is NOT African American. He has no African American blood relatives, no deep standing ties to the black community. He is an American of mixed race, as quite a lot of us are. Big deal. He has no direct family or cultural ties to the African American experience. Which isn't to say he hasn't benefited from being seen as 'black' in America. To the contrary, his skin color has gotten him where he is today. Or so I see it, because the public has NOTHING else to judge his academic, professional, or political careers. Nothing. No transcripts. No law review articles. No clerkship. No authored legislation. No real voting record. No colleagues speaking about him. Little in the way of private legal practice. Two 'memoirs' of adolescent ruminating over skin color doesn't cut it.
Nothing.
However, the press is not known for its loyalty. Now that the election is over, and 'teh one' is scheduled to take up the POTUS position, I'm betting its back to business as usual for the MSM. They love the bad stuff-- its going to help them sell papers/advertising and perhaps let them stay in business. And there's a whole lot for them to now 'discover.'
Once the press opens up and begins treating Obama like every other government figure, I truly think we're in for some public meltdowns. He has shown during this campaign that he can't take the hard questions. He can't take inquiry or POVs different from his own. He's going to need a much bigger bus. His behavior towards his opponents has been less than adult or professional, something to seriously think about as he steps onto the international stage.
So don't count on standard press conferences-- Obama can't take that format, and Biden's handlers probably aren't going to let their guy out alone for the next four years. Look for a lot more of the speeches, in code and/or full of platitudes.
Presidental appointee confirmations should be a good show as well. Obama's campaign couldn't seem to vet people tagged for important positions; and I don't see that track record improving. Once again, the MSM's love for the dirt should outweigh their infatuation. After all, in a tanking industry, they need the little circulation/advertising they have. So they need to sell papers or attract viewers. Chris Matthews will be in need of something else to make his leg tingle.
Oh, the stories they'll have. Not only the ones they've ignored for the past two years, but also the ones which will come spilling out of the cracks from people who get tossed under the bus.
You see, what Obama may not understand is that jilted followers will start talking-- and payoffs won't solve this problem. You can't send everyone to Barbados or Bermuda. From his actions during this campaign and what we know of his political career, he has always been able to secure new mentors, new supporters. "and then unto the ladder he turns his back, scorning the base means by which he did ascend" (Shakespeare)
Obama seems to believe his own PR-- and that is extremely dangerous. What happens when this image is questioned? Will he simply issue press releases after all the journalists have their press passes revoked for daring to write articles questioning or putting the administration in a less-than-flattering light? Will we begin seeing rallies of the faithful to make him feel better? The totalitarian slippery slope has never been closer to us in the United States than it is in this moment.
Seriously. Totalitarianism is threatening our democratic republic. The Patriot Act is nothing compared to the manipulations against our freedoms that are coming. Have you paid attention to the posters? Have you paid attention to the O-adulation? Have you paid attention to the targeting of children by this campaign?
And this is even before we get to policy formation/implementation by the new administration. Congressional sessions will become a real bruising match. There is still no 'filibuster' proof majority. Districts heavily reliant on industries targeted for 'bankrupting' will start to make noise, especially because there is no plan for alternative economic growth. The only growth I've found in his plans are for the government.
There. That's it for the reasonable analysis. On to some emoting.
What kind of electorate bring one of the oldest, most corrupt political machines into national power?? DC has enough problems with corruption, thank you, and bringing Chicago's problems here aren't going to make things better. Change, when undefined, usually means for the worse, and its coming into the federal structure. Look at how this man's followers behave. Is this rational? Is this intelligent, considered political discourse? Doesn't this remind you of something darker, other group hysterics??
Our staunch democratic ally in the Middle East is about to go down. This isn't hysteria, not an OTT statement. Obama will stand and watch as the ME's only democracy is torn apart and scattered by the jackels. I can't see that refugees will be welcomed here. Without Israel, where will Jews go? We will again lose control of our Holy and homeland. Disaster in the next Israeli election will only hasten this. As American Jews, we will bear responsibility for this. I suggest everyone get ready to sponsor a family NOW. There will be little opportunity to rejoin the diaspora. I pray for the strength and existence of Israel in the face of enemies within and without-- they are circling for the kill now.
OTOH, I hope the IAF will now get down to business and get rid of the Iranian nuclear threat. Do it now. America may not be behind you for long.
Now is the time to develop the loyal opposition. We need to define ourselves in keeping with American values and constructs. We need to ensure we do not censure ourselves because it is the easy thing to do. No. Now is the time to define and re-invigorate our commitment and dedication to Western Civilization, its enlightened values, our U.S. Constitution and its guarantees of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We do NOT have a guarantee of happiness. But we ARE guaranteed the right to pursue it and make our lives full and rich (not talking money here) through our OWN EFFORTS. I do not want the feds deciding for me what will make me happy, or what to do with the money I've earned. Centralized planning never works. Ever. And others dictating what should be done with individuals' lives or money is also not a good idea.
The nanny state has intruded enough in the lives of American citizens. We are not the EU. There are too many people afraid in the United States. To live free, you must live with courage. Ignore the PC pressure. Think for yourself. Future generations depend on this.
Obama is NOT African American. He has no African American blood relatives, no deep standing ties to the black community. He is an American of mixed race, as quite a lot of us are. Big deal. He has no direct family or cultural ties to the African American experience. Which isn't to say he hasn't benefited from being seen as 'black' in America. To the contrary, his skin color has gotten him where he is today. Or so I see it, because the public has NOTHING else to judge his academic, professional, or political careers. Nothing. No transcripts. No law review articles. No clerkship. No authored legislation. No real voting record. No colleagues speaking about him. Little in the way of private legal practice. Two 'memoirs' of adolescent ruminating over skin color doesn't cut it.
Nothing.
However, the press is not known for its loyalty. Now that the election is over, and 'teh one' is scheduled to take up the POTUS position, I'm betting its back to business as usual for the MSM. They love the bad stuff-- its going to help them sell papers/advertising and perhaps let them stay in business. And there's a whole lot for them to now 'discover.'
Once the press opens up and begins treating Obama like every other government figure, I truly think we're in for some public meltdowns. He has shown during this campaign that he can't take the hard questions. He can't take inquiry or POVs different from his own. He's going to need a much bigger bus. His behavior towards his opponents has been less than adult or professional, something to seriously think about as he steps onto the international stage.
So don't count on standard press conferences-- Obama can't take that format, and Biden's handlers probably aren't going to let their guy out alone for the next four years. Look for a lot more of the speeches, in code and/or full of platitudes.
Presidental appointee confirmations should be a good show as well. Obama's campaign couldn't seem to vet people tagged for important positions; and I don't see that track record improving. Once again, the MSM's love for the dirt should outweigh their infatuation. After all, in a tanking industry, they need the little circulation/advertising they have. So they need to sell papers or attract viewers. Chris Matthews will be in need of something else to make his leg tingle.
Oh, the stories they'll have. Not only the ones they've ignored for the past two years, but also the ones which will come spilling out of the cracks from people who get tossed under the bus.
You see, what Obama may not understand is that jilted followers will start talking-- and payoffs won't solve this problem. You can't send everyone to Barbados or Bermuda. From his actions during this campaign and what we know of his political career, he has always been able to secure new mentors, new supporters. "and then unto the ladder he turns his back, scorning the base means by which he did ascend" (Shakespeare)
Obama seems to believe his own PR-- and that is extremely dangerous. What happens when this image is questioned? Will he simply issue press releases after all the journalists have their press passes revoked for daring to write articles questioning or putting the administration in a less-than-flattering light? Will we begin seeing rallies of the faithful to make him feel better? The totalitarian slippery slope has never been closer to us in the United States than it is in this moment.
Seriously. Totalitarianism is threatening our democratic republic. The Patriot Act is nothing compared to the manipulations against our freedoms that are coming. Have you paid attention to the posters? Have you paid attention to the O-adulation? Have you paid attention to the targeting of children by this campaign?
And this is even before we get to policy formation/implementation by the new administration. Congressional sessions will become a real bruising match. There is still no 'filibuster' proof majority. Districts heavily reliant on industries targeted for 'bankrupting' will start to make noise, especially because there is no plan for alternative economic growth. The only growth I've found in his plans are for the government.
There. That's it for the reasonable analysis. On to some emoting.
What kind of electorate bring one of the oldest, most corrupt political machines into national power?? DC has enough problems with corruption, thank you, and bringing Chicago's problems here aren't going to make things better. Change, when undefined, usually means for the worse, and its coming into the federal structure. Look at how this man's followers behave. Is this rational? Is this intelligent, considered political discourse? Doesn't this remind you of something darker, other group hysterics??
Our staunch democratic ally in the Middle East is about to go down. This isn't hysteria, not an OTT statement. Obama will stand and watch as the ME's only democracy is torn apart and scattered by the jackels. I can't see that refugees will be welcomed here. Without Israel, where will Jews go? We will again lose control of our Holy and homeland. Disaster in the next Israeli election will only hasten this. As American Jews, we will bear responsibility for this. I suggest everyone get ready to sponsor a family NOW. There will be little opportunity to rejoin the diaspora. I pray for the strength and existence of Israel in the face of enemies within and without-- they are circling for the kill now.
OTOH, I hope the IAF will now get down to business and get rid of the Iranian nuclear threat. Do it now. America may not be behind you for long.
Now is the time to develop the loyal opposition. We need to define ourselves in keeping with American values and constructs. We need to ensure we do not censure ourselves because it is the easy thing to do. No. Now is the time to define and re-invigorate our commitment and dedication to Western Civilization, its enlightened values, our U.S. Constitution and its guarantees of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We do NOT have a guarantee of happiness. But we ARE guaranteed the right to pursue it and make our lives full and rich (not talking money here) through our OWN EFFORTS. I do not want the feds deciding for me what will make me happy, or what to do with the money I've earned. Centralized planning never works. Ever. And others dictating what should be done with individuals' lives or money is also not a good idea.
The nanny state has intruded enough in the lives of American citizens. We are not the EU. There are too many people afraid in the United States. To live free, you must live with courage. Ignore the PC pressure. Think for yourself. Future generations depend on this.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Interesting times
It seems the old Chinese curse is true. "Interesting times" can be a bit much. Investment accounts tanking, rapidly rising food costs, daycare costs rising, private education costs, etc. And then there's the willful blindness of people, or at least, a predeliction for having selectively closed eyes.
Take, for instance, oh, say POLITICS. Now, I'm not saying either side is a perfect, 100% YES vote. But I'm not following the MSM viewpoint that "teh One" can do no wrong while the older warrior is down for the count. Or that the Palin 'scandals' overshadow or are more significant than Obama's truly significant problems.
I think the problem the MSM and indeed, most people identifying as 'liberal' have with Sarah Palin is that 1) she is a poster-woman for the liberated, go-for-it/do-it-all women of the present; and 2) (gasp!) she's definitely center-right. Oh, so now unless you're identifying as 'liberal' or 'progressive,' you can't be a feminist.
Ok, actually, according to most in the 'feminist' camp-- No. Just ask Phyllis Chesler, who has seen friends of decades turn on her once she began pointing out the dangers of islam to the West in general and women in particular. You'd think the McCain campaign would be taking a lot more heat from rank & file Repub. men about this decision. (Personally, I think some of the Repub guys are imagining going moose hunting with such a woman-- ok, I know this might be totally un-pc, but its my opinion & doesn't hurt or change a thing.)
So. On the one hand, we have a relative newbie on the political scene, someone who has made some questionable moves, but has also fought her own party over ethics violations and tightening the standards of ethics. She's started local and moved up as she's gained experience. All while having and raising five children with the same man.
On the other hand, there's a man who has lied about his academic career, doesn't know a LOT about stuff he should, as a DC insider, has taken credit for writing not his own, etc. And keeps spreading falsehoods about the man involved in the crash that killed family members.
Hmmm.
I'm not even going to compare the other two candidates-- in my mind, there just isn't the point. Right now, you're in the tank who you're in the tank for, and in discussions with friends and family, nothing I could point out here would make the slightest bit of difference.
With Palin, however, the rub seems to be that the active, bright, liberated woman has chosen to be (oh, the horror) a Republican. So much for freedom of thought-- I guess you're not supposed to do that.
I saw a quote of Winston Churchill's some time ago that I'm really liking, as it seems to have some amount of accuracy: "If you're not a liberal at 20, you have no heart. If you're not a conservative by 40, you have no brain."
Maybe not all the time, but I certainly am not going to buy into the whole victim-culture thing. Bad things happen in life, sometimes through our own choices, sometimes through events and other things we cannot control. But that doesn't mean that anyone 'owes' me or you anything.
Take, for instance, oh, say POLITICS. Now, I'm not saying either side is a perfect, 100% YES vote. But I'm not following the MSM viewpoint that "teh One" can do no wrong while the older warrior is down for the count. Or that the Palin 'scandals' overshadow or are more significant than Obama's truly significant problems.
I think the problem the MSM and indeed, most people identifying as 'liberal' have with Sarah Palin is that 1) she is a poster-woman for the liberated, go-for-it/do-it-all women of the present; and 2) (gasp!) she's definitely center-right. Oh, so now unless you're identifying as 'liberal' or 'progressive,' you can't be a feminist.
Ok, actually, according to most in the 'feminist' camp-- No. Just ask Phyllis Chesler, who has seen friends of decades turn on her once she began pointing out the dangers of islam to the West in general and women in particular. You'd think the McCain campaign would be taking a lot more heat from rank & file Repub. men about this decision. (Personally, I think some of the Repub guys are imagining going moose hunting with such a woman-- ok, I know this might be totally un-pc, but its my opinion & doesn't hurt or change a thing.)
So. On the one hand, we have a relative newbie on the political scene, someone who has made some questionable moves, but has also fought her own party over ethics violations and tightening the standards of ethics. She's started local and moved up as she's gained experience. All while having and raising five children with the same man.
On the other hand, there's a man who has lied about his academic career, doesn't know a LOT about stuff he should, as a DC insider, has taken credit for writing not his own, etc. And keeps spreading falsehoods about the man involved in the crash that killed family members.
Hmmm.
I'm not even going to compare the other two candidates-- in my mind, there just isn't the point. Right now, you're in the tank who you're in the tank for, and in discussions with friends and family, nothing I could point out here would make the slightest bit of difference.
With Palin, however, the rub seems to be that the active, bright, liberated woman has chosen to be (oh, the horror) a Republican. So much for freedom of thought-- I guess you're not supposed to do that.
I saw a quote of Winston Churchill's some time ago that I'm really liking, as it seems to have some amount of accuracy: "If you're not a liberal at 20, you have no heart. If you're not a conservative by 40, you have no brain."
Maybe not all the time, but I certainly am not going to buy into the whole victim-culture thing. Bad things happen in life, sometimes through our own choices, sometimes through events and other things we cannot control. But that doesn't mean that anyone 'owes' me or you anything.
Monday, June 30, 2008
No posting, but for good reasons
I've been away for the last 3+ months, enjoying my new son. Baruch HaShem, he is healthy and growing fast. However, there is little time to devote to outside writing/blogging.
With so much going on the the world, its been wonderful to watch his first social smiles, hear his first giggles, watch him discover more and more of his world. There are the fussy times too, but its hard being a baby sometimes. I discovered things one *doesn't* want to hear from one's mohel (again, Baruch HaShem, everything is fine); that babies can have extrodinary powers of wakefulness and appetite; and that my son will nap for his babysitter, but prefers to be awake when he's with me.
Too funny!
That said, politics has in some ways become both more and less important to our lives. My position on the presumed Democratic nominee has, if anything, solidified. His supporters are now turning to censorship and other dirty tactics which have no place in democracy. This blog, as time goes on, could be targeted for shutdown. Go ahead. I'll find another outlet.
Read, read, read. Don't buy what the msm is trying to sell you.
With so much going on the the world, its been wonderful to watch his first social smiles, hear his first giggles, watch him discover more and more of his world. There are the fussy times too, but its hard being a baby sometimes. I discovered things one *doesn't* want to hear from one's mohel (again, Baruch HaShem, everything is fine); that babies can have extrodinary powers of wakefulness and appetite; and that my son will nap for his babysitter, but prefers to be awake when he's with me.
Too funny!
That said, politics has in some ways become both more and less important to our lives. My position on the presumed Democratic nominee has, if anything, solidified. His supporters are now turning to censorship and other dirty tactics which have no place in democracy. This blog, as time goes on, could be targeted for shutdown. Go ahead. I'll find another outlet.
Read, read, read. Don't buy what the msm is trying to sell you.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Racist hate knows no colour boundaries
Racism is racism. Period. It is not acceptable when white people engage in it. It is not acceptable when brown people engage in it. It is not acceptable when black people engage in it. It is not acceptable when *any* human being denigrates a whole race or community.
Unacceptable.
This is an especially troubling aspect of Sen. Obama and his candiacy, however, it is not the most alarming one. I've known about this particular nasty for many months now. Anyone paying attention and looking into presidential candidates can tell you this is just a beginning of the troublesome aspects of Obama the man and politician. People who have been paying attention have now saved the true faces of various websites that are even now being scrubbed before too much light can shine on them.
In viewing various tapes and listening to audios of the Rev. Wright, the hate comes through loud and clear. The hate and the rejection of personal responsibility to make one's life a good and healthy place plays into the 'eternal victim' mentality-- never a good thing. How can a person, indeed, a community advance if it is continually told they are *never* responsible for their own condition? How does one engage in positive, proactive ideas and plans for personal and communal living if they are told no matter what, someone is always keeping them down, out to get them?
And the language used. If I ever attended a service with such profanity, I would be leaving immediately. What does it say about people who sit through these 'sermons' week after week, and expose their children to such diatribes? Seems to explain the language I hear during my commutes. It breaks down basic human decency and respect, coarsens and limits people's ability to use language to effectively communicate. Not only for people 'outside' a preceived community, but within the community as well. It is NOT healthy. It is NOT a way to improve the individual, and certainly not a way to build a healthy community.
So why would two well-educated, well-off people attend a worship community like this? Perhaps Mrs. Obama was raised in a similar worship atmosphere. Sen. Obama, however, I fear has other, deeper issues focused on his mixed blood heritage. Does he feel he needs this community to verify his African heritage? Because it is African, NOT African American-- his heritage surrounding African American history is linked to his American European heritage. Would a more inclusive community not also celebrate his diverse background? Because, let's be very clear, Sen. Obama is a mixed blood. Lots of people in the U.S. are. I am. So the 'racial' aspect is not of real import. So he's a little darker, she's a little lighter, blah blah blah. Didn't we get over this yet?? Who cares? The Rev. M.L. King had it right when he spoke of the CONTENT OF CHARACTER being more important than the color of your skin.
I'm not sanguine about Sen. Obama's character, looking at the people he surrounds himself with and associates with. He has unsavory and distinctly anti-democratic connections in Kenya-- R. Odinga being at the top of the list. Odinga has orchestrated civil war in Kenya and is attempting to get his own way by killing and terror. The newest update to this story is here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/17/AR2008031700479.html
This Kenyan election was monitored by international groups, none of whom had a problem with the way the elections were conducted, and none reported widespread or significant corruption or fraud. Odinga decided to solve his problems the way many dictators enjoy-- whip up your supporters and go terrorize the general population. This is a man Sen. Obama considers a personal friend, and he took time out of campaigning in Iowa to be speaking with Odinga.
And then there are the Illinois political connections. There are bombshells dropping from the Tony Rezko trial almost daily now, it seems. Huge amounts of money were funneled from Rezko's connections into Obama campaign coffers. Rezko is NOT a minor player in Chicago. I have a suspicion that the Obamas' house deal will be the least of bad news to come to the campaign from this angle. This guy Rezko has fingers in a lot of pies, locally and internationally, with again, connections with suspected and proven anti-democratic and actual terror operations. Doesn't seem to bother Sen. Obama, as he has no problem meeting socially and/or politically with domestic terrorists in his ward (the Weathermen couple, proud and unapologetic domestic terrorists).
Add all these factors onto a campaign that has no substance, no clear policy agenda, and a political couple who do not seem to understand how well they have done in their lives and how U.S. laws and policies have helped them to do so; and this is a candidate I cannot support. Skin color has nothing to do with this. It is his own connections and statements that make him unsupportable. "Change" in and of itself is a double-edged sword, and I for one would like more substantive information about what this change is and how it will be good for everyone before I cast my vote.
Unacceptable.
This is an especially troubling aspect of Sen. Obama and his candiacy, however, it is not the most alarming one. I've known about this particular nasty for many months now. Anyone paying attention and looking into presidential candidates can tell you this is just a beginning of the troublesome aspects of Obama the man and politician. People who have been paying attention have now saved the true faces of various websites that are even now being scrubbed before too much light can shine on them.
In viewing various tapes and listening to audios of the Rev. Wright, the hate comes through loud and clear. The hate and the rejection of personal responsibility to make one's life a good and healthy place plays into the 'eternal victim' mentality-- never a good thing. How can a person, indeed, a community advance if it is continually told they are *never* responsible for their own condition? How does one engage in positive, proactive ideas and plans for personal and communal living if they are told no matter what, someone is always keeping them down, out to get them?
And the language used. If I ever attended a service with such profanity, I would be leaving immediately. What does it say about people who sit through these 'sermons' week after week, and expose their children to such diatribes? Seems to explain the language I hear during my commutes. It breaks down basic human decency and respect, coarsens and limits people's ability to use language to effectively communicate. Not only for people 'outside' a preceived community, but within the community as well. It is NOT healthy. It is NOT a way to improve the individual, and certainly not a way to build a healthy community.
So why would two well-educated, well-off people attend a worship community like this? Perhaps Mrs. Obama was raised in a similar worship atmosphere. Sen. Obama, however, I fear has other, deeper issues focused on his mixed blood heritage. Does he feel he needs this community to verify his African heritage? Because it is African, NOT African American-- his heritage surrounding African American history is linked to his American European heritage. Would a more inclusive community not also celebrate his diverse background? Because, let's be very clear, Sen. Obama is a mixed blood. Lots of people in the U.S. are. I am. So the 'racial' aspect is not of real import. So he's a little darker, she's a little lighter, blah blah blah. Didn't we get over this yet?? Who cares? The Rev. M.L. King had it right when he spoke of the CONTENT OF CHARACTER being more important than the color of your skin.
I'm not sanguine about Sen. Obama's character, looking at the people he surrounds himself with and associates with. He has unsavory and distinctly anti-democratic connections in Kenya-- R. Odinga being at the top of the list. Odinga has orchestrated civil war in Kenya and is attempting to get his own way by killing and terror. The newest update to this story is here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/17/AR2008031700479.html
This Kenyan election was monitored by international groups, none of whom had a problem with the way the elections were conducted, and none reported widespread or significant corruption or fraud. Odinga decided to solve his problems the way many dictators enjoy-- whip up your supporters and go terrorize the general population. This is a man Sen. Obama considers a personal friend, and he took time out of campaigning in Iowa to be speaking with Odinga.
And then there are the Illinois political connections. There are bombshells dropping from the Tony Rezko trial almost daily now, it seems. Huge amounts of money were funneled from Rezko's connections into Obama campaign coffers. Rezko is NOT a minor player in Chicago. I have a suspicion that the Obamas' house deal will be the least of bad news to come to the campaign from this angle. This guy Rezko has fingers in a lot of pies, locally and internationally, with again, connections with suspected and proven anti-democratic and actual terror operations. Doesn't seem to bother Sen. Obama, as he has no problem meeting socially and/or politically with domestic terrorists in his ward (the Weathermen couple, proud and unapologetic domestic terrorists).
Add all these factors onto a campaign that has no substance, no clear policy agenda, and a political couple who do not seem to understand how well they have done in their lives and how U.S. laws and policies have helped them to do so; and this is a candidate I cannot support. Skin color has nothing to do with this. It is his own connections and statements that make him unsupportable. "Change" in and of itself is a double-edged sword, and I for one would like more substantive information about what this change is and how it will be good for everyone before I cast my vote.
Monday, March 10, 2008
The morass of Illinois political life, or, Obama finally gets some scrutiny
Very, very interesting investigative journalism from the Chicago SunTimes.
And given the swamp that is Illinois party politics, in all likelyhood the tip of the iceberg. No, no candidates are clean, but if you're going to *claim* you're different, don't have situations like this in your financial dossier.
And given the swamp that is Illinois party politics, in all likelyhood the tip of the iceberg. No, no candidates are clean, but if you're going to *claim* you're different, don't have situations like this in your financial dossier.
"During his 12 years in politics, Sen. Barack Obama has received nearly three times more campaign cash from indicted businessman Tony Rezko and his associates than he has publicly acknowledged, the Chicago Sun-Times has found.
Obama has collected at least $168,308 from Rezko and his circle. Obama also has taken in an unknown amount of money from people who attended fund-raising events hosted by Rezko since the mid-1990s."
Obama has collected at least $168,308 from Rezko and his circle. Obama also has taken in an unknown amount of money from people who attended fund-raising events hosted by Rezko since the mid-1990s."
Too many questions. Too many unconvincing denials. Too much whining now from Obama, now that he's being subjected to real scrutiny-- c'mon, who thinks 8 questions amounts to *anything* approaching a press conference??? Too many un-democratic connections (small "d" here).
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)