Over the past few days, there has been an emerging conflict from a Democratic primary loser for the nomination to run against the current Republican Senator from South Carolina, James Demint. The story goes that the winner of the democratic nomination is a virtual unknown, and is claimed to be both mentally unstable and may be "unfit" for office. The presumptive "winner" was a four term incumbent holding another office, and had a sizable campaign war chest. Apparently, he believed that this money and name would be enough for him to win. He did little advertising or campaigning. The winner of this event was the first name on the ballot, and he apparently won by a sizable margin.
Not surprisingly, the power elite are now crying conspiracy. They are demanding an investigation, and will be doing everything they can to disqualify the winner of this democratically elected nominee.
This story further supports the notion that the two party system in our country has become too powerful, too complacent, and downright scary. The results will always be ok as long as "their" candidates win.
I can't say that I'm completely sold on everything the growing "tea" party stands for, with the important distinction of appreciating the move to something as an alternative to two powerful political parties. The blind faith that the American electorate has placed in this system is what has our country in the mess that it now is.
Perhaps our country in the past has done ok with this model. Politicians today have taken the word "partisan" to a new and dangerous level. Our officials seem not to be doing what is right or what the American people want, but are focused on being sure that one side wins, the other side loses, and damn the American People.
I'm not sure what the answer is going to be. I hope that this election in South Carolina sends a clear message that the American People are not afraid to thumb their nose at the establishment. I hope that the tea party will be the catalyst to create newer and better parties of people that are focused on doing what is right for our country, as opposed to spending so much time spewing about how their opposition is wrong.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Saturday, February 28, 2009
The Aftermath of my letter to the editor on Sean Penn and the Oscars
As some of you know, on Friday, March 27th, a letter that I wrote was published in the Chicago Tribune's Voice of the People. Based on the responses that I have received from both friends as well as those that have never met me, my position certainly leans in the minority. I'd say that at least 80% of those I don't know not only disagree with my position, but vehemently so. With regard to my friends, its about a 50/50 split. Accordingly, although it's a small subset of people who responded, the overwhelming sentiment thus far is:
1. If I don't like what people are saying, I should turn it off.
2. I should get a DVR and fast forward through that stuff and commercials.
3. Sean Penn should be my moral compass and that everything that he said was appropriate and relevant given the award he received.
4. I am bigoted.
5. I believe in censorship.
6. The Oscars are an appropriate venue given its size and scope to deliver any message that an actor or actress sees fit.
I was somewhat surprised by the overall sentiment. I've also realized that perception is reality, and that the intent of what I wrote may not have been completely realized. Overall, it thus far has been a very good learning experience for me.
1. If I don't like what people are saying, I should turn it off.
2. I should get a DVR and fast forward through that stuff and commercials.
3. Sean Penn should be my moral compass and that everything that he said was appropriate and relevant given the award he received.
4. I am bigoted.
5. I believe in censorship.
6. The Oscars are an appropriate venue given its size and scope to deliver any message that an actor or actress sees fit.
I was somewhat surprised by the overall sentiment. I've also realized that perception is reality, and that the intent of what I wrote may not have been completely realized. Overall, it thus far has been a very good learning experience for me.
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Oscars as a Political Platform?
I never requested nor do I desire for Sean Penn to be my moral compass. I respect his work as an actor, and I'm sure he is deserving for his award for best actor. However, what I don't like or appreciate is when any actor or actress, for any reason, chooses to use their acceptance speech as a political platform.
When I go to the movies, I like to do so for a couple hours of entertainment. Sean Penn and others have done a great job providing that for me over the years. I like them as actors and performers. However, what their political opinions are or are not is immaterial to me. I don't care. I don't want to know about it. I don't want to hear about it when one wins an award for something that is unrelated. Stick to the basics: discuss your appreciation for the role, what it has done for you as an actor or actress, and thank whomever helped you achieve it. I don't care about what your views are about anything in this venue. Keep your comments on these matters to yourself.
The Oscars have been pandering to actors and actresses with their pet causes, and have allowed them to use this venue as their bully pulpit. Clint Eastwood got shut out of the Oscars and nominations not because of the merits with "Gran Torino," but rather because his moral compass and political beliefs are not commensurate with that of Hollywood. This is completely unacceptable.
The Academy of Arts and Sciences should take a quick, swift, and unwavering approach to anyone in the future that attempts to do this: The moment one word comes out of any ones mouth that is unrelated to the award, the mic goes off, the broadcast goes to commercial, and the actor or actress is escorted off stage. This garbage needs to stop.
Some may critique my position and say this is a free speech issue. Anyone should be able to say anything at anytime. Here is my response: If I am receiving a business award for salesperson of the year, I'm not going to give a presentation about my experiences as a graduate student writing a masters thesis about riding along with the police. The context is off. It's not relevant. Simply put, it's wrong.
When I go to the movies, I like to do so for a couple hours of entertainment. Sean Penn and others have done a great job providing that for me over the years. I like them as actors and performers. However, what their political opinions are or are not is immaterial to me. I don't care. I don't want to know about it. I don't want to hear about it when one wins an award for something that is unrelated. Stick to the basics: discuss your appreciation for the role, what it has done for you as an actor or actress, and thank whomever helped you achieve it. I don't care about what your views are about anything in this venue. Keep your comments on these matters to yourself.
The Oscars have been pandering to actors and actresses with their pet causes, and have allowed them to use this venue as their bully pulpit. Clint Eastwood got shut out of the Oscars and nominations not because of the merits with "Gran Torino," but rather because his moral compass and political beliefs are not commensurate with that of Hollywood. This is completely unacceptable.
The Academy of Arts and Sciences should take a quick, swift, and unwavering approach to anyone in the future that attempts to do this: The moment one word comes out of any ones mouth that is unrelated to the award, the mic goes off, the broadcast goes to commercial, and the actor or actress is escorted off stage. This garbage needs to stop.
Some may critique my position and say this is a free speech issue. Anyone should be able to say anything at anytime. Here is my response: If I am receiving a business award for salesperson of the year, I'm not going to give a presentation about my experiences as a graduate student writing a masters thesis about riding along with the police. The context is off. It's not relevant. Simply put, it's wrong.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Musical musings
1. I became a fan of Johnny Cash after he died. I regret that I never took the time to see him in concert.
2. I became a fan of Chet Atkins after he died. Again, I regret that I never took the time to see him in concert. What is wrong with me?
3. The new Journey, as much as they try, are nothing like the Journey with Steve Perry.
4. Learning to play the acoustic guitar first will make you a better guitar player, even if you plan to play electric guitar.
5. I've become a fan of live, local music more that I ever have before.
6. Napster is the best value in musical download services. For $14.95 per month, you can use it on 3 computers and 3 mp3 portable players and have access to millions of songs? You have an Ipod why?
7. Contrary to the majority of Van Halen fans, I equally enjoyed Sammy Hagar to David Lee Roth, and thought OU812 was a great album. "Right Now" is a great video.
8. My son, Jacob, and I went to the Earth, Wind, and Fire concert in Chicago in the summer of 2008. He is a band magnet. He got both the guitar pick from the lead guitarist, and the drum sticks from the percussionist. Are you kidding me?
9. My guitar teacher inspires me to practice.
10. One of the best instrumental bands of all time is The Rippingtons.
2. I became a fan of Chet Atkins after he died. Again, I regret that I never took the time to see him in concert. What is wrong with me?
3. The new Journey, as much as they try, are nothing like the Journey with Steve Perry.
4. Learning to play the acoustic guitar first will make you a better guitar player, even if you plan to play electric guitar.
5. I've become a fan of live, local music more that I ever have before.
6. Napster is the best value in musical download services. For $14.95 per month, you can use it on 3 computers and 3 mp3 portable players and have access to millions of songs? You have an Ipod why?
7. Contrary to the majority of Van Halen fans, I equally enjoyed Sammy Hagar to David Lee Roth, and thought OU812 was a great album. "Right Now" is a great video.
8. My son, Jacob, and I went to the Earth, Wind, and Fire concert in Chicago in the summer of 2008. He is a band magnet. He got both the guitar pick from the lead guitarist, and the drum sticks from the percussionist. Are you kidding me?
9. My guitar teacher inspires me to practice.
10. One of the best instrumental bands of all time is The Rippingtons.
Yet another Illinois debacle
As I trust I don't have to tell any of you, Illinois is in a fiscal crisis. Part of this was caused by the waste of $480,000 in the Tollway signs that has our former governors name on it.
Today, I read that $15,000 per sign will be spent on every tollboth in the state to cover our former governor's name. Are you kidding me?
I have two solutions to this issue that can either cost our state nothing, or allow the state to generate some income as opposed to spending it with money we don't have.
The first solution is to allow advertisers to post their logo on some portion of the new sign. Something like "This sign is brought to you by......" I have a sneaking suspicion that firms would be lining up to purchase an opportunity as such. I would also bet that the money they would pay would far surpass the $15,000 each that the signs would cost to retrofit.
The other option is to just leave the signs alone, and focus on other more pressing issues with the state. This is such a waste of money, I just can't believe it.
Oh, and I'm just wondering on this one...but wasn't the original intent of the toll system to pay for construction of the road and then go away?
Given irresponsible spending like this, I now understand why tolls are still here.
Today, I read that $15,000 per sign will be spent on every tollboth in the state to cover our former governor's name. Are you kidding me?
I have two solutions to this issue that can either cost our state nothing, or allow the state to generate some income as opposed to spending it with money we don't have.
The first solution is to allow advertisers to post their logo on some portion of the new sign. Something like "This sign is brought to you by......" I have a sneaking suspicion that firms would be lining up to purchase an opportunity as such. I would also bet that the money they would pay would far surpass the $15,000 each that the signs would cost to retrofit.
The other option is to just leave the signs alone, and focus on other more pressing issues with the state. This is such a waste of money, I just can't believe it.
Oh, and I'm just wondering on this one...but wasn't the original intent of the toll system to pay for construction of the road and then go away?
Given irresponsible spending like this, I now understand why tolls are still here.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Carpe Diem
So yesterday evening, I'm sitting around in the living room and watching some TV. More frequently that I should, I looked at my Blackberry and saw the red light flashing. I then look at my e-mail and see in the subject line the name of someone. I knew it was not good news. It was the name of a neighbor of mine who, in his mid 30's, had succumbed to cancer. He leaves behind a wonderful and young family who hardly had spent enough time together on this earth.
I was especially moved by the following words from one of the family members: "My heart is heavy, my heart broken, my world shattered, but again am overcome by the kindness and thoughtfulness of the outpouring of support. Tonight hug your spouses a little harder, hug your children a little more."
Nearly a year ago, I know that I wrote something about living for today. This story, yet again, reminds us that we are all on borrowed time. It just doesn't matter who you are, how old you are, how good you are, how bad you are, etc. etc. Life throws so many curve balls that you just don't know what the day will bring.
I remember many many years ago, some of the advice my wife and I received from a relative about married life: "Always give your spouse a kiss at night before bed, tell them that you love them, and never go to bed angry at them." I'd be lying if I said that I have been able to do that all the time. However, I can tell you that I will be more sensitive about doing this will all members of my family.
It's awesome to have such a great family. I appreciate them more each day, and especially am blessed to have had them for as long as I have. It's also been very warm to the heart to see the sense of community and how it comes together when people are at their most vulnerable.
I was especially moved by the following words from one of the family members: "My heart is heavy, my heart broken, my world shattered, but again am overcome by the kindness and thoughtfulness of the outpouring of support. Tonight hug your spouses a little harder, hug your children a little more."
Nearly a year ago, I know that I wrote something about living for today. This story, yet again, reminds us that we are all on borrowed time. It just doesn't matter who you are, how old you are, how good you are, how bad you are, etc. etc. Life throws so many curve balls that you just don't know what the day will bring.
I remember many many years ago, some of the advice my wife and I received from a relative about married life: "Always give your spouse a kiss at night before bed, tell them that you love them, and never go to bed angry at them." I'd be lying if I said that I have been able to do that all the time. However, I can tell you that I will be more sensitive about doing this will all members of my family.
It's awesome to have such a great family. I appreciate them more each day, and especially am blessed to have had them for as long as I have. It's also been very warm to the heart to see the sense of community and how it comes together when people are at their most vulnerable.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Random Thoughts
1. Happy New Year!
2. Quality is always better than quantity.
3. I have a beautiful wife, both inside and out.
4. I have great children that are growing up too fast.
5. I need to spend more time learning guitar chords.
6. Novi's beef in Berwyn, IL is the best in Chicagoland.
7. The Northwest Suburbs of Chicago cannot figure out how to make a Pizza.
8. I need to appreciate the things that I have now, and not worry about replacing them with something better.
9. High definition television is addictive.
10. Music is the passageway to the soul.
2. Quality is always better than quantity.
3. I have a beautiful wife, both inside and out.
4. I have great children that are growing up too fast.
5. I need to spend more time learning guitar chords.
6. Novi's beef in Berwyn, IL is the best in Chicagoland.
7. The Northwest Suburbs of Chicago cannot figure out how to make a Pizza.
8. I need to appreciate the things that I have now, and not worry about replacing them with something better.
9. High definition television is addictive.
10. Music is the passageway to the soul.
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