It's time to Break It Down!
As in the past, since it is Thanksgiving Week, this post will deviate from the standard fare. I know that travel schedules, meal planning, family time, shopping, football, parades, and if there is anytime remaining, relaxation, will dominate the next week. But it is Wednesday, so there shall be a blog! But it is definitely brief. ;-)
Those among us who have ascended to genuine righteousness and perfected humility have, no doubt, elevated giving thanks to an art form, also. The rest of us are left to fully vest our appreciation in the notion, “That’s why we have Thanksgiving!”
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day, which kicks of what we refer to commonly as the Holiday Season. Almost instinctively, Thanksgiving and Christmas come to mind. But there is so more than that to the Holiday Season. Over the next 54 days, many of us will enjoy succulent feasting at Thanksgiving, exchange gifts and contribute to those in need during Hanukkah, buy, give, exchange, and/or receive gifts at Christmas, eat, drink, and celebrate the 7 Principles of Kwanzaa, party and toast the dawn of 2011, on New Year’s Day, and honor the life and works of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on MLK Day. In addition, even in these tough economic times, millions of Americans will pay (literally) homage to our most celebrated of shoppers’ holidays, Black Friday, by rising early, and proceeding to scour the aisles for those perfect gifts…and if not perfect, at least cheap, relatively speaking.
In the past I have recounted my reasons for being thankful. While in many ways this has been a particularly challenging year for me, personally, perhaps the most challenging yet, I find that I have more reasons than ever to sit contemplatively in humble repose, and to affirm boldly, that I know, without caveat, not only the goodness of God, but of his inestimable and inexhaustible beneficence. I thank Him for deliverance, and for imbuing me with the sense and sensibility to discern the distinction between kairos and chronos; Greek concepts for God’s time, and man’s time, respectively.
Eons ago, when I was a college student, I joined a fraternity; the Oldest, Boldest, and Coldest…I digress. The point of this reference is that during what was known as the pledge process, prospective initiates were required to learn a series of poems. There were many, and each one was selected to convey a specific life lesson. Many of them have stayed with me, but none more than Invictus, written by English poet, William Ernest Henley (1849-1903), and never more than this year. The Latin translation for Invictus is undefeated. You may recall it, but just in case, see it below:
Invictus (Latin for Undefeated) By William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
So, as you go about your way tomorrow, and all the tomorrows that follow, recognize that Thanksgiving, at its core, is not a day on the calendar. It is a spirit that dwells within us, and that prompts us to thank God (for our being undefeated), and to share His blessings with our fellow men and women. Indeed, everyday is “A Time for Giving Thanks!”
I’m done; holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/. A new post is published each Wednesday. For more detailed information on a variety of aspects relating to this post, consult the links below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving_(United_States)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kairos
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronos
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Ernest_Henley
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invictus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanukkah
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year's_Day
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King,_Jr.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King,_Jr._Day
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Friday_(shopping)
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
No-Fly Zone: Can You Feel Me?
It's time to Break It Down!
“If you touch my junk, I’m gonna have you arrested!” Those now famous words were uttered by 31 year-old Oceanside, California resident, John Tyner, last Saturday morning at the San Diego Airport. The e-viral phrase is akin to “the shot heard ‘round the world,” or at least around America, in the rapidly escalating protest against TSA’s (Transportation Security Administration) latest efforts to increase the level and effectiveness of airport security.
Tyner, who maintained he was trying to keep it light when he uttered his response to the new-style pat down, taped the audio on his cell phone, and later posted his account of the events on his personal blog. His actions added fuel to an already rapidly growing controversy over the latest TSA rules.
While his initial intent may have been to down play the encounter, it is fair to say, the ensuing results have accorded Mr. Tyner his allotted “15 minutes of fame.” I am not a frequent flyer, so I do not have the best insight into the apparent increasing levels of difficulty confronting persons who fly regularly. With that point stipulated, I admit I find more than a little confounding, the rising decibel level accompanying the TSA rules.
What seems clear at this point is Mr. Tyner is likely to be viewed as the poster child for an emerging movement of guerilla tactics to push back against the most recent rules that the Homeland Security Department’s TSA has instituted, requiring full-body scanning, by machine or pat down. That is unfortunate. I am really focused not so much on Tyner, but upon the larger debate about the wide-spread resistance to the TSA rules.
The new rules have garnered unfavorable reactions from many sources, including some pilots’ groups, individual flyers, bloggers, various interest groups, and critics from other nations. Expressions of resistance were wide-spread before Tyner’s encounter. However, his audio recording made his experience effectively, “on the record.” That dimension creates the prospect of a proverbial game changer.
Commercial flying, as we knew it, forever changed September 11, 2001. That day, which became etched indelibly in the American psyche as simply, 9/11, ushered in a new age of complications for the flying public, and what would previously have been considered time-consuming inconveniences. Shortly after that time, I began flying at least twice a month to locations as near as Washington, DC (I flew into BWI six days after 9/11), and Atlanta, and as far away as Portland and San Diego. It is fair to say the culture of flying changed instantly, or at least as quickly as planes returned to the sky.
Since that day, nine years ago, the rules of engagement for flying have become increasing complex and unintuitive. Critics of the recent changes argue these most recent changes are unnecessary, inefficient, ineffective, and "waaay" too invasive. I know several individuals who read this post fly often. I heartily invite anyone, but especially that group to share your insights and reactions to today’s blog.
One of my favorite commercials from “back in the day,” included the tag-line, “This is not your father’s Oldsmobile.” Of course, given our current economic reality, a fair question would be, “What is an Oldsmobile?” Nevertheless, my point is commercial flying, as noted above, is not what it used to be. Moreover, it likely will never again be as it were, pre-9/11.
So, what about those guerrilla tactics I referenced earlier? Well, a number of individuals and groups are urging persons who will be flying on the day before Thanksgiving to opt-out of being screened by the full-body scanning machines. This year, that day falls on November 24th, and is also known to be the busiest flying day of the year.
The effect of opting-out en masse, as the proponents of the scheme envision, would be to clog up the aviation system for the day, by requiring all passengers to be patted down or strip-searched. By executing this mode of “creative resistance,” the flying public would send a message of protest about the untenable nature of the TSA rules and full-body scanning machines. Or so the proposal’s organizers and proponents argue. I suppose those who just happen to be flying the day before Thanksgiving, and have nothing better to do than spend an extra day in an airport, possibly miss your flight and or connections, and immerse yourself in the undeniable (and unavoidable) ambiance (ifyou would call it that) of the flyers who would rather not be impeded by this incredibly selfish diversion, it’s a great idea.
I have already admitted that I am not a frequent flyer; moreover, I have no plans to fly on November 24th. In that regard, the opt-out day should not impact me. That being said, it is my opinion that using the “reasonable person” test, due to current conditions, full-body scanners are a viable tool for helping to protect the flying public.
In a conversation with a person who flies more frequently than I, was told my view was intolerant, and did not allow space for people who maintained a different opinion. That individual added just because it was reasonable to me didn’t make it reasonable. Point taken; even though as a blog, this post is a “reflection of my opinion,” I labor under the illusion that when I make a reasonable person assessment, I am not the only person included. To that end, I note that in a recent CBS Poll, 81% of respondents indicated full-body scanners should be used, while 15% said no (3% margin of error). A separate poll conducted by TripAdvisor.com found that that 76% of those polled preferred the full-body scanning machine to pat downs.
Not surprisingly, Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, and John Pistole, TSA Administrator, have defended the use of the full-body scanner, and the practice of employing pat downs. These methods of maintaining airport security represent two components of a three-part menu of options provided to flyers. The third option is to choose not to fly. In the grand scheme of things, reasonable people can disagree. After nine years of living in a Post-9/11 world, this is the point at which we have arrived in the debate on maintaining safety for the public flying out of American airports.
Finally, the obvious should not be left unstated. We live in a politically charged environment. If and when another terror event is fielded domestically, there will be all manner of second guessing about what authorities did not do, did not do well, and/or did not do properly. Ms. Napolitano and Mr. Pistone are attempting to exercise leadership, take accountability, and act responsibly, in advance of potential terror-driven behavior, which intelligence agencies suggest is increasingly likely. It is also both plausible and likely that having devised and executed measures to systematically reduce safety will be characterized as careless and irresponsible in the wake of a disaster. Of course, it will be too late then.
Clearly, the debate on this subject is not over; the rules of the friendly skies may change. Secretary Napolitano has indicated that she is open to listening flyers' concerns. For now, however, the options are: entertain the full-body, scan, accept the pat down, or, welcome to the “"No-Fly Zone.” Can you feel me?"
I’m done; holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com. A new post is published each Wednesday. For more detailed information on a variety of aspects relating to this post, consult the links below:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/15/AR2010111501824.html
http://community.nytimes.com/comments/fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/15/the-full-body-backlash/?sort=oldest&offset=2&scp=2&sq=airport%20security%20protests&st=cse
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/nov/14/tsa-ejects-oceanside-man-airport-refusing-security/
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-travel-briefcase-20101108,0,6689313.story
http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/fl-scan-opt-out-protest-20101116,0,5308482.story
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2010/11/16/airport_body_scans_patdowns_draw_fresh_complaints/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYykxMupiT0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8XnZPVcXhM
http://articles.cnn.com/2010-11-12/travel/travel.screening_1_body-scanners-pat-downs-travel-companies?_s=PM:TRAVEL
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2010/11/15/protesting-the-tsas-security-checks/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/15/john-tyner-videos_n_783678.html
http://www.wtsp.com/news/topstories/story.aspx?storyid=156163&catid=250
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/fl-scan-opt-out-protest-20101116,0,3041228.story
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/one_man_airport_body_scan_protest_8sYMhk7jvZIaNsCwOyGAAP
http://www.myfoxny.com/dpps/news/airport-body-scan-protest-becomes-internet-hit-dpgonc-20101115-fc_10625001
http://www.examiner.com/populist-in-national/stop-overreacting-to-tsa-screening-procedures
http://www.redstate.com/laborunionreport/2010/11/14/public-protests-as-tsa-torpedoes-constitution/
http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/national/one-man-airport-body-scan-protest-becomes-internet-hit-25-ncx-20101115
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janet_Napolitano
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_Homeland_Security
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation_Security_Administration
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ac/7190584_national_optout_day_is_a_revolt_against_tsaenhanced_pat_downs_and_naked_body_scans
http://www.optoutday.com/
http://wewontfly.com/opt-out-day/
http://www.smartertravel.com/blogs/today-in-travel/group-plans-national-opt-out-day-to-protest-airport-security.html?id=6240002
http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/11/15/napolitano-defends-body-scanners-and-pat-downs/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_S._Pistole
“If you touch my junk, I’m gonna have you arrested!” Those now famous words were uttered by 31 year-old Oceanside, California resident, John Tyner, last Saturday morning at the San Diego Airport. The e-viral phrase is akin to “the shot heard ‘round the world,” or at least around America, in the rapidly escalating protest against TSA’s (Transportation Security Administration) latest efforts to increase the level and effectiveness of airport security.
Tyner, who maintained he was trying to keep it light when he uttered his response to the new-style pat down, taped the audio on his cell phone, and later posted his account of the events on his personal blog. His actions added fuel to an already rapidly growing controversy over the latest TSA rules.
While his initial intent may have been to down play the encounter, it is fair to say, the ensuing results have accorded Mr. Tyner his allotted “15 minutes of fame.” I am not a frequent flyer, so I do not have the best insight into the apparent increasing levels of difficulty confronting persons who fly regularly. With that point stipulated, I admit I find more than a little confounding, the rising decibel level accompanying the TSA rules.
What seems clear at this point is Mr. Tyner is likely to be viewed as the poster child for an emerging movement of guerilla tactics to push back against the most recent rules that the Homeland Security Department’s TSA has instituted, requiring full-body scanning, by machine or pat down. That is unfortunate. I am really focused not so much on Tyner, but upon the larger debate about the wide-spread resistance to the TSA rules.
The new rules have garnered unfavorable reactions from many sources, including some pilots’ groups, individual flyers, bloggers, various interest groups, and critics from other nations. Expressions of resistance were wide-spread before Tyner’s encounter. However, his audio recording made his experience effectively, “on the record.” That dimension creates the prospect of a proverbial game changer.
Commercial flying, as we knew it, forever changed September 11, 2001. That day, which became etched indelibly in the American psyche as simply, 9/11, ushered in a new age of complications for the flying public, and what would previously have been considered time-consuming inconveniences. Shortly after that time, I began flying at least twice a month to locations as near as Washington, DC (I flew into BWI six days after 9/11), and Atlanta, and as far away as Portland and San Diego. It is fair to say the culture of flying changed instantly, or at least as quickly as planes returned to the sky.
Since that day, nine years ago, the rules of engagement for flying have become increasing complex and unintuitive. Critics of the recent changes argue these most recent changes are unnecessary, inefficient, ineffective, and "waaay" too invasive. I know several individuals who read this post fly often. I heartily invite anyone, but especially that group to share your insights and reactions to today’s blog.
One of my favorite commercials from “back in the day,” included the tag-line, “This is not your father’s Oldsmobile.” Of course, given our current economic reality, a fair question would be, “What is an Oldsmobile?” Nevertheless, my point is commercial flying, as noted above, is not what it used to be. Moreover, it likely will never again be as it were, pre-9/11.
So, what about those guerrilla tactics I referenced earlier? Well, a number of individuals and groups are urging persons who will be flying on the day before Thanksgiving to opt-out of being screened by the full-body scanning machines. This year, that day falls on November 24th, and is also known to be the busiest flying day of the year.
The effect of opting-out en masse, as the proponents of the scheme envision, would be to clog up the aviation system for the day, by requiring all passengers to be patted down or strip-searched. By executing this mode of “creative resistance,” the flying public would send a message of protest about the untenable nature of the TSA rules and full-body scanning machines. Or so the proposal’s organizers and proponents argue. I suppose those who just happen to be flying the day before Thanksgiving, and have nothing better to do than spend an extra day in an airport, possibly miss your flight and or connections, and immerse yourself in the undeniable (and unavoidable) ambiance (ifyou would call it that) of the flyers who would rather not be impeded by this incredibly selfish diversion, it’s a great idea.
I have already admitted that I am not a frequent flyer; moreover, I have no plans to fly on November 24th. In that regard, the opt-out day should not impact me. That being said, it is my opinion that using the “reasonable person” test, due to current conditions, full-body scanners are a viable tool for helping to protect the flying public.
In a conversation with a person who flies more frequently than I, was told my view was intolerant, and did not allow space for people who maintained a different opinion. That individual added just because it was reasonable to me didn’t make it reasonable. Point taken; even though as a blog, this post is a “reflection of my opinion,” I labor under the illusion that when I make a reasonable person assessment, I am not the only person included. To that end, I note that in a recent CBS Poll, 81% of respondents indicated full-body scanners should be used, while 15% said no (3% margin of error). A separate poll conducted by TripAdvisor.com found that that 76% of those polled preferred the full-body scanning machine to pat downs.
Not surprisingly, Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, and John Pistole, TSA Administrator, have defended the use of the full-body scanner, and the practice of employing pat downs. These methods of maintaining airport security represent two components of a three-part menu of options provided to flyers. The third option is to choose not to fly. In the grand scheme of things, reasonable people can disagree. After nine years of living in a Post-9/11 world, this is the point at which we have arrived in the debate on maintaining safety for the public flying out of American airports.
Finally, the obvious should not be left unstated. We live in a politically charged environment. If and when another terror event is fielded domestically, there will be all manner of second guessing about what authorities did not do, did not do well, and/or did not do properly. Ms. Napolitano and Mr. Pistone are attempting to exercise leadership, take accountability, and act responsibly, in advance of potential terror-driven behavior, which intelligence agencies suggest is increasingly likely. It is also both plausible and likely that having devised and executed measures to systematically reduce safety will be characterized as careless and irresponsible in the wake of a disaster. Of course, it will be too late then.
Clearly, the debate on this subject is not over; the rules of the friendly skies may change. Secretary Napolitano has indicated that she is open to listening flyers' concerns. For now, however, the options are: entertain the full-body, scan, accept the pat down, or, welcome to the “"No-Fly Zone.” Can you feel me?"
I’m done; holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com. A new post is published each Wednesday. For more detailed information on a variety of aspects relating to this post, consult the links below:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/15/AR2010111501824.html
http://community.nytimes.com/comments/fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/15/the-full-body-backlash/?sort=oldest&offset=2&scp=2&sq=airport%20security%20protests&st=cse
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/nov/14/tsa-ejects-oceanside-man-airport-refusing-security/
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-travel-briefcase-20101108,0,6689313.story
http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/fl-scan-opt-out-protest-20101116,0,5308482.story
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2010/11/16/airport_body_scans_patdowns_draw_fresh_complaints/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYykxMupiT0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8XnZPVcXhM
http://articles.cnn.com/2010-11-12/travel/travel.screening_1_body-scanners-pat-downs-travel-companies?_s=PM:TRAVEL
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2010/11/15/protesting-the-tsas-security-checks/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/15/john-tyner-videos_n_783678.html
http://www.wtsp.com/news/topstories/story.aspx?storyid=156163&catid=250
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/fl-scan-opt-out-protest-20101116,0,3041228.story
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/one_man_airport_body_scan_protest_8sYMhk7jvZIaNsCwOyGAAP
http://www.myfoxny.com/dpps/news/airport-body-scan-protest-becomes-internet-hit-dpgonc-20101115-fc_10625001
http://www.examiner.com/populist-in-national/stop-overreacting-to-tsa-screening-procedures
http://www.redstate.com/laborunionreport/2010/11/14/public-protests-as-tsa-torpedoes-constitution/
http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/national/one-man-airport-body-scan-protest-becomes-internet-hit-25-ncx-20101115
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janet_Napolitano
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_Homeland_Security
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation_Security_Administration
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ac/7190584_national_optout_day_is_a_revolt_against_tsaenhanced_pat_downs_and_naked_body_scans
http://www.optoutday.com/
http://wewontfly.com/opt-out-day/
http://www.smartertravel.com/blogs/today-in-travel/group-plans-national-opt-out-day-to-protest-airport-security.html?id=6240002
http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/11/15/napolitano-defends-body-scanners-and-pat-downs/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_S._Pistole
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The Man of Steele vs. The GOP
It's time to Break It Down!
William Learned Marcy, U.S. Senator from New York is credited with having coined the phrase, “To the victor go the spoils.” This concept characterized the political patronage system that was emerging at that time, courtesy of Andrew Jackson, who campaigned against, and defeated then President John Quincy Adams to become the nation’s 7th President.
There has been a great deal of discussion about the “shellacking,” as President Obama called it, administered to the Democrats and the President, and rightfully so. As has been noted far and wide, it was a victory (or depending upon where you stand, a defeat) of historic proportions. But in the spirit of Senator Marcy, I would like to take a moment to see what the victors are up to. That is, aside from dividing all the loot from their monstrous win of course.
After checking the broad strokes of the GOP…which I suppose is about as much as one can be privy to without being an avowed card-carrying member, I gleaned that there is a movement afoot to divest the current RNC Chairman of his position. Perhaps the powers that be concluded, in President Obama’s metaphor about Republicans driving the car in the ditch, Michael Steele was behind the wheel. Hmm, better remedy that lickety-split.
If there is anyone who has, in the last two years, been allocated more blame for the faux pas or less credit for the accomplishments of his Party than President Obama, it is Michael Steele. If you follow these posts, you know I have written extensively about the clear, significant, and numerous achievements of President Obama’s policy and legislative initiatives. At the same time, I have cited a number of instances in which Mr. Steele has run afoul of the GOP “TIP” (Thought & Ideology Police).
However, as I suggested in last week's post, let us step back, reflect and reset. Despite having been under sporadic, and from some sources, constant attack, by his critics, there is no denying Mr. Steele’s vision and leadership has instrumental in catapulting Republicans from a deficit position in House, Senate, and State House (Governorships) seats to numerical advantages in the House (significant) and State Houses (commanding), and a near draw in the Senate. Indeed, the number seats added in the House of Representatives has been deemed historic, and with 35 Governorships, the GOP is in the catbird seat as Congress prepares for legislative redistricting.
The various Snafus, notwithstanding, the issue most frequently cited as Mr. Steele’s crowning egregious shortcoming is his strategic decision to construct a grassroots funding apparatus that targeted virtually all states; much like Howard Dean did for the Democrats in 2008, rather than target traditional "big donors." Although, Mr. Dean’s idea proved to be a master stroke for his Party, he did catch a good deal of flak for it from Party regulars…before success was evident. Oddly, or interestingly, depending upon your perspective, Mr. Steele is catching flak, even after the fact his Party was able to turn out voters in record numbers, all over the country.
I have no axe to grind, and really no desired outcome, as it relates to “The Man of Steele vs. The GOP!” In passing, it is worth noting that, as was the case with Mr. Obama, given what they had to work with; one could argue both have been wildly successful over the past two years. Of course, success, like beauty, often lies in the eyes of the beholder.
The nation considered Election 2010 a plebiscite on President Obama’s leadership. Based upon the results, it is clear the electorate gave him a failing grade at mid term. Laboring, as we are, under the weight of a 9.6% unemployment rate that virtually everyone agrees is really even higher, the President’s F is understandable, even if it is not fair, which is debatable. Alternately, it seems to me, flunking Mr. Steele at this point must be based on somewhat less objective criteria.
Without a doubt, there are different ways to view both of these cases. Eyes of the beholder and all; I am sure those of you who read this will be more than happy to weigh-in and let me know where I dropped the “logic ball.” Be my guest. Meanwhile, I’m done; holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/. A new post is published each Wednesday. For more detailed information on a variety of aspects relating to this post, consult the links below:
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/09/steele-lashes-out-at-gop-critics-defends-record/
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/10/us/politics/10repubs.html?src=twrhp
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_upshot/20101109/pl_yblog_upshot/michael-steele-slams-gop-critics-of-his-rnc-tenure
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101023/ap_on_el_ge/us_republican_chairman
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/09/rncs-steele-takes-victory_n_781199.html
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/republican-party/michael-steele.html
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/127465-steele-touts-rnc-efforts-but-says-wave-was-team-effort
http://thepage.time.com/2010/11/05/steele-vs-the-establishment-2/
http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2010/11/08/131169790/rnc-s-michael-steele-takes-victory-lap?ft=1&f=1014&sc=tw
http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheat-sheet/item/republicans-plot-to-ditch-steele/makeover/
William Learned Marcy, U.S. Senator from New York is credited with having coined the phrase, “To the victor go the spoils.” This concept characterized the political patronage system that was emerging at that time, courtesy of Andrew Jackson, who campaigned against, and defeated then President John Quincy Adams to become the nation’s 7th President.
There has been a great deal of discussion about the “shellacking,” as President Obama called it, administered to the Democrats and the President, and rightfully so. As has been noted far and wide, it was a victory (or depending upon where you stand, a defeat) of historic proportions. But in the spirit of Senator Marcy, I would like to take a moment to see what the victors are up to. That is, aside from dividing all the loot from their monstrous win of course.
After checking the broad strokes of the GOP…which I suppose is about as much as one can be privy to without being an avowed card-carrying member, I gleaned that there is a movement afoot to divest the current RNC Chairman of his position. Perhaps the powers that be concluded, in President Obama’s metaphor about Republicans driving the car in the ditch, Michael Steele was behind the wheel. Hmm, better remedy that lickety-split.
If there is anyone who has, in the last two years, been allocated more blame for the faux pas or less credit for the accomplishments of his Party than President Obama, it is Michael Steele. If you follow these posts, you know I have written extensively about the clear, significant, and numerous achievements of President Obama’s policy and legislative initiatives. At the same time, I have cited a number of instances in which Mr. Steele has run afoul of the GOP “TIP” (Thought & Ideology Police).
However, as I suggested in last week's post, let us step back, reflect and reset. Despite having been under sporadic, and from some sources, constant attack, by his critics, there is no denying Mr. Steele’s vision and leadership has instrumental in catapulting Republicans from a deficit position in House, Senate, and State House (Governorships) seats to numerical advantages in the House (significant) and State Houses (commanding), and a near draw in the Senate. Indeed, the number seats added in the House of Representatives has been deemed historic, and with 35 Governorships, the GOP is in the catbird seat as Congress prepares for legislative redistricting.
The various Snafus, notwithstanding, the issue most frequently cited as Mr. Steele’s crowning egregious shortcoming is his strategic decision to construct a grassroots funding apparatus that targeted virtually all states; much like Howard Dean did for the Democrats in 2008, rather than target traditional "big donors." Although, Mr. Dean’s idea proved to be a master stroke for his Party, he did catch a good deal of flak for it from Party regulars…before success was evident. Oddly, or interestingly, depending upon your perspective, Mr. Steele is catching flak, even after the fact his Party was able to turn out voters in record numbers, all over the country.
I have no axe to grind, and really no desired outcome, as it relates to “The Man of Steele vs. The GOP!” In passing, it is worth noting that, as was the case with Mr. Obama, given what they had to work with; one could argue both have been wildly successful over the past two years. Of course, success, like beauty, often lies in the eyes of the beholder.
The nation considered Election 2010 a plebiscite on President Obama’s leadership. Based upon the results, it is clear the electorate gave him a failing grade at mid term. Laboring, as we are, under the weight of a 9.6% unemployment rate that virtually everyone agrees is really even higher, the President’s F is understandable, even if it is not fair, which is debatable. Alternately, it seems to me, flunking Mr. Steele at this point must be based on somewhat less objective criteria.
Without a doubt, there are different ways to view both of these cases. Eyes of the beholder and all; I am sure those of you who read this will be more than happy to weigh-in and let me know where I dropped the “logic ball.” Be my guest. Meanwhile, I’m done; holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/. A new post is published each Wednesday. For more detailed information on a variety of aspects relating to this post, consult the links below:
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/09/steele-lashes-out-at-gop-critics-defends-record/
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/10/us/politics/10repubs.html?src=twrhp
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_upshot/20101109/pl_yblog_upshot/michael-steele-slams-gop-critics-of-his-rnc-tenure
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101023/ap_on_el_ge/us_republican_chairman
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/09/rncs-steele-takes-victory_n_781199.html
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/republican-party/michael-steele.html
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/127465-steele-touts-rnc-efforts-but-says-wave-was-team-effort
http://thepage.time.com/2010/11/05/steele-vs-the-establishment-2/
http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2010/11/08/131169790/rnc-s-michael-steele-takes-victory-lap?ft=1&f=1014&sc=tw
http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheat-sheet/item/republicans-plot-to-ditch-steele/makeover/
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Reset: Recognize The People Have Spoken!
It's time to Break It Down!
The results are in; at least the partial results. From California to the Carolinas, and within North Carolina, from Murphy to Manteo, the political landscape reformatted itself as a byproduct of Election 2010.
On January 20, 2008, the Republican Party unofficially became the “Party of No,” with President Obama's Inauguration. Shortly thereafter, the GOP received an ideological boost from the Tea Party Movement. On November 2, 2010, Election Day, the Earth’s axis shifted…Hard Right!
Like most national elections, there will be a few contests in which the outcome will remain unclear, perhaps for days. Still, this much is clear. The U.S. States House of Representatives' Majority Party will change, shifting from Democrat to Republican.
Representative Nancy Pelosi, characterized as the most evil, or at least the most budgetarily insensitive woman in the history of the world, will be stepping down as the Speaker of the House. In all likelihood, she will be replaced by Representative John Boehner, who promises to usher in a new era of fiscal sanity, and social policy restraint, repealing health care reform, and financial reform, while ensuring the wealthiest Americans continue to receive Change…I mean “tax cuts they can believe in.”
Also clear is the fact the U.S. Senate will continue to maintain a Democratic majority for two more years, at least. Representative Pelosi’s evil, or rather, budgetarily insensitive twin, Harry Reid, survived in his bid win re-election to the Senate. There is significant speculation about whether he will retain his position as Senate Majority Leader, however. Working with a smaller majority, and a more conservative Senate, Mr. Reid may not survive a secret ballot vote among his own colleagues. We’ll see.
In North Carolina, the call for change was as irresistible as elsewhere in the nation. Both chambers of the North Carolina Legislature moved into the Red States’ zone. And how odd is that, you may ask? It is the first time since 1898 that Republicans will control the State Senate in The Old North State. That’s one hundred twelve years.
In local elections, the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) was not immune, but did prove to be not quite as susceptible to the tsunami of political change. At this hour, it appears Democrats will retain a majority, though by a slimmer margin; in fact, by the slimmest margin possible, 5-4.
So what have we learned from this anti-2008 change in the national, statewide, and local political landscape? As non-committal as it may seem, the answer is, “It’s too early to tell.” Oh one can be certain the spinners are already busy at work telling us what it means. There has been already, a speech by John Boehner to establish his role as House Majority Leader-in-Waiting, a Sarah Palin Tweet, essentially telling President Obama to surrender and relinquish his “transformational” agenda, and the President has scheduled a 1:00 P.M. press conference this afternoon (Wednesday), undoubtedly to reveal his take on where we go from here. Moreover, the Parties will both restructure their leadership, and the GOP and the Tea Party will have to develop a framework for coexisting, while the Democrats will have to now engage the GOP-Tea Party to formulate, vet, and execute a power-sharing model.
Many analysts have concluded the Tea Party movement will arrive on the scene feeling they are there to fight, without compromise, for the issues, that propelled them to prominence, including limited government, lower taxes, repealing health care and financial reform, and ensuring that President Obama is a 1-term President. Some of these same analysts believe relentless adherence to these talking points is a formula for gridlock, and argue mainstream Republicans who have a close affiliation with big business interests will want to be somewhat more flexible, if for no other reason than doing so, might produce more Republican victories, which will put the Party in better stead for the 2012 elections.
Given those parameters, it really is “Too early to tell” what we have learned. There is great deal of intra & inter-Party interplay that must unfold before learning results are evident. So in lieu of having a complete and detailed narrative about the definitive lessons of Election 2010, what appears to be clear, is that after yet another nearly 180 degree pivot, the American system of governance has proved that it is agile, adaptive, and able to absorb abrupt and fundamental change with crises ensuing. At the back end of the most expensive mid term election (nearly $4 billion) in American History, we will observe a contentious, but peaceful transition. We will “Reset: Recognize The People Have Spoken!”
I’m done; holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/. A new post is published each Wednesday. For more detailed information on a variety of aspects relating to this post, consult the links below:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/11/02/election.main/index.html?hpt=T1
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/11/03/obama.boehner.call/index.html?hpt=Sbin
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/11/03/nevada.senate/index.html?hpt=Sbin
http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/11/02/zelizer.midterms.partisan.gridlock/index.html?hpt=Sbin
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/11/03/1807436/gop-gains-in-both-chambers.html
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/category/the-live-blog/?hpt=Sbin
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/01/whats-at-stake-in-the-house-and-senate/
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/11/02/tea.party/index.html
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/11/02/1807161/gop-gives-democrats-a-tough-time.html
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/11/02/1807326/gop-poised-to-regain-control-of.html
The results are in; at least the partial results. From California to the Carolinas, and within North Carolina, from Murphy to Manteo, the political landscape reformatted itself as a byproduct of Election 2010.
On January 20, 2008, the Republican Party unofficially became the “Party of No,” with President Obama's Inauguration. Shortly thereafter, the GOP received an ideological boost from the Tea Party Movement. On November 2, 2010, Election Day, the Earth’s axis shifted…Hard Right!
Like most national elections, there will be a few contests in which the outcome will remain unclear, perhaps for days. Still, this much is clear. The U.S. States House of Representatives' Majority Party will change, shifting from Democrat to Republican.
Representative Nancy Pelosi, characterized as the most evil, or at least the most budgetarily insensitive woman in the history of the world, will be stepping down as the Speaker of the House. In all likelihood, she will be replaced by Representative John Boehner, who promises to usher in a new era of fiscal sanity, and social policy restraint, repealing health care reform, and financial reform, while ensuring the wealthiest Americans continue to receive Change…I mean “tax cuts they can believe in.”
Also clear is the fact the U.S. Senate will continue to maintain a Democratic majority for two more years, at least. Representative Pelosi’s evil, or rather, budgetarily insensitive twin, Harry Reid, survived in his bid win re-election to the Senate. There is significant speculation about whether he will retain his position as Senate Majority Leader, however. Working with a smaller majority, and a more conservative Senate, Mr. Reid may not survive a secret ballot vote among his own colleagues. We’ll see.
In North Carolina, the call for change was as irresistible as elsewhere in the nation. Both chambers of the North Carolina Legislature moved into the Red States’ zone. And how odd is that, you may ask? It is the first time since 1898 that Republicans will control the State Senate in The Old North State. That’s one hundred twelve years.
In local elections, the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) was not immune, but did prove to be not quite as susceptible to the tsunami of political change. At this hour, it appears Democrats will retain a majority, though by a slimmer margin; in fact, by the slimmest margin possible, 5-4.
So what have we learned from this anti-2008 change in the national, statewide, and local political landscape? As non-committal as it may seem, the answer is, “It’s too early to tell.” Oh one can be certain the spinners are already busy at work telling us what it means. There has been already, a speech by John Boehner to establish his role as House Majority Leader-in-Waiting, a Sarah Palin Tweet, essentially telling President Obama to surrender and relinquish his “transformational” agenda, and the President has scheduled a 1:00 P.M. press conference this afternoon (Wednesday), undoubtedly to reveal his take on where we go from here. Moreover, the Parties will both restructure their leadership, and the GOP and the Tea Party will have to develop a framework for coexisting, while the Democrats will have to now engage the GOP-Tea Party to formulate, vet, and execute a power-sharing model.
Many analysts have concluded the Tea Party movement will arrive on the scene feeling they are there to fight, without compromise, for the issues, that propelled them to prominence, including limited government, lower taxes, repealing health care and financial reform, and ensuring that President Obama is a 1-term President. Some of these same analysts believe relentless adherence to these talking points is a formula for gridlock, and argue mainstream Republicans who have a close affiliation with big business interests will want to be somewhat more flexible, if for no other reason than doing so, might produce more Republican victories, which will put the Party in better stead for the 2012 elections.
Given those parameters, it really is “Too early to tell” what we have learned. There is great deal of intra & inter-Party interplay that must unfold before learning results are evident. So in lieu of having a complete and detailed narrative about the definitive lessons of Election 2010, what appears to be clear, is that after yet another nearly 180 degree pivot, the American system of governance has proved that it is agile, adaptive, and able to absorb abrupt and fundamental change with crises ensuing. At the back end of the most expensive mid term election (nearly $4 billion) in American History, we will observe a contentious, but peaceful transition. We will “Reset: Recognize The People Have Spoken!”
I’m done; holla back!
Read my blog anytime by clicking the link: http://thesphinxofcharlotte.blogspot.com/. A new post is published each Wednesday. For more detailed information on a variety of aspects relating to this post, consult the links below:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/11/02/election.main/index.html?hpt=T1
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/11/03/obama.boehner.call/index.html?hpt=Sbin
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/11/03/nevada.senate/index.html?hpt=Sbin
http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/11/02/zelizer.midterms.partisan.gridlock/index.html?hpt=Sbin
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/11/03/1807436/gop-gains-in-both-chambers.html
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/category/the-live-blog/?hpt=Sbin
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/01/whats-at-stake-in-the-house-and-senate/
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/11/02/tea.party/index.html
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/11/02/1807161/gop-gives-democrats-a-tough-time.html
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/11/02/1807326/gop-poised-to-regain-control-of.html
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