I have always regarded Thomas Jefferson-- author of the Declaration of Independence and third US President (1801-1809)-- as one of America's greatest leaders and statesmen. This view is of course shared by many millions of people around the world.
While most of his writings and beliefs always struck me as well deserving to be carved in stone and displayed as hallmarks of American liberty and democracy, there was one quotation that never ceased to trouble me. The remark I am referring to was his comment that Americans should revolt against their government every 20 years. Here is what he wrote: "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. Periodic revolution, at least once every 20 years, was a medicine necessary for the sound health of government. What country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms."
As a government major in college and for all the years since then, I chalked up this remark to showing that no one, even someone as great as Jefferson, can be right all the time. I belatedly recognize how right he was after all and how his comments should be an inspiration to the Occupy Wall Street movement.
I am delighted to see that Occupy Wall Street is back, hopefully in large numbers and force. It is clear that the disparity between the extremely wealthy in this country and the vast majority of the people is becoming greater all the time. There are no outstanding champions of the people to turn this situation around. So it is up to movements like Occupy Wall Street, which may constitute one of the people's last chances to restore balance in our economy and society.
Predictably, instead of being encouraged and supported, Occupy Wall Street is systematically beaten down by the power elite. It is imperative, however, that the movement succeed entirely by peaceful means. This is precisely how Occupy Wall Street operates, which makes their movement admirable as well as necessary. Occupy Wall Street can gather strength from Jefferson's vision and understanding that even a democratic country like ours can lose its way and needs a popular revolt to restore the right balance. With all due respect to Mr. Jefferson, I still take issue with his belief that armed rebellion and bloodshed are necessary. Recent leaders like Gandhi and Martin Luther King have shown that profound change can be brought about without violence.
People should recognize that Occupy Wall Street, like the Suffragettes and Civil Rights movements, lies within the mainstream spirit and traditions of America.
Toucan
Monday, September 17, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Tottenville
Here is an urban bike adventure you can enjoy in NYC involving three ferries and a "railroad". We did it yesterday and enjoyed a full day's worth of wonderful sightseeing and exercise, leaving at noon and returning close to midnight. Our destination was Tottenville, a small "town" with a quaint nineteenth century sounding name at the southern tip of Staten Island. We chose our route to maximize ferry rides and sightseeing in a part of the City unfamiliar to us.
The first leg of our journey, after travel by bike to Brooklyn Bridge Park, consisted of three free ferry rides: from Brooklyn to Governor's Island; a second ferry from there to Battery Park in Manhattan; and finally the Staten Island Ferry to St. George on Staten Island. We could have biked directly across the Brooklyn Bridge to the Staten Island Ferry, but chose the maritime route as more interesting.
The second leg was a 40 minute ride on the Staten Island Railroad across Staten Island to the last stop-- Tottenville. Despite being lifelong New Yorkers, my wife and I had never before visited Staten Island, except by car on a highway across Staten Island to or from New Jersey. This so-called railroad actually consists of MTA subway cars that travel exclusively on outdoor tracks. Both the ride and the passing neighborhoods were more reminiscent of Metro-North Railroad in Westchester than anything a subway rider would experience elsewhere in the City. Staten Island feels totally different from the other four boroughs: quieter, more suburban, and car-oriented.
On arrival in Tottenville, we found a very sleepy place, with few stores and little activity. One highlight, however, was the Conference Center, which we biked to in a few minutes. A pretty stone house there overlooking the water was the scene of an important pre-Revolutionary War conference attended by a British Admiral and three American negotiators, including John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. The purpose of the meeting was a final attempt to avoid war by a negotiated settlement. The effort failed and full-scale warfare quickly ensued, when the Americans refused to give in. The event is reenacted every year. We unknowingly missed the program by a few hours. Typical of the laid-back atmosphere on Staten Island, one of the women running the program gave us a supply of corn chowder, corn bread, and tomatoes grown on the grounds to take home. We plan to return next September for the full show.
Retracing our steps, we had dinner in an Indian restaurant in Manhattan before pedaling home across the Brooklyn Bridge and along mostly deserted and quiet Brooklyn streets.
The first leg of our journey, after travel by bike to Brooklyn Bridge Park, consisted of three free ferry rides: from Brooklyn to Governor's Island; a second ferry from there to Battery Park in Manhattan; and finally the Staten Island Ferry to St. George on Staten Island. We could have biked directly across the Brooklyn Bridge to the Staten Island Ferry, but chose the maritime route as more interesting.
The second leg was a 40 minute ride on the Staten Island Railroad across Staten Island to the last stop-- Tottenville. Despite being lifelong New Yorkers, my wife and I had never before visited Staten Island, except by car on a highway across Staten Island to or from New Jersey. This so-called railroad actually consists of MTA subway cars that travel exclusively on outdoor tracks. Both the ride and the passing neighborhoods were more reminiscent of Metro-North Railroad in Westchester than anything a subway rider would experience elsewhere in the City. Staten Island feels totally different from the other four boroughs: quieter, more suburban, and car-oriented.
On arrival in Tottenville, we found a very sleepy place, with few stores and little activity. One highlight, however, was the Conference Center, which we biked to in a few minutes. A pretty stone house there overlooking the water was the scene of an important pre-Revolutionary War conference attended by a British Admiral and three American negotiators, including John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. The purpose of the meeting was a final attempt to avoid war by a negotiated settlement. The effort failed and full-scale warfare quickly ensued, when the Americans refused to give in. The event is reenacted every year. We unknowingly missed the program by a few hours. Typical of the laid-back atmosphere on Staten Island, one of the women running the program gave us a supply of corn chowder, corn bread, and tomatoes grown on the grounds to take home. We plan to return next September for the full show.
Retracing our steps, we had dinner in an Indian restaurant in Manhattan before pedaling home across the Brooklyn Bridge and along mostly deserted and quiet Brooklyn streets.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
The Sidewalks of New York
The time has come to fix the sidewalk in front of our house so people will not trip and injure themselves. New sidewalks are not cheap. The going rate is at least $8 a square foot. With sidewalks usually being 10 feet wide and frontage of 17-20 feet or more, the cost can easily reach $1500-2000 plus. People often wait for the City to do the work, which then sends the homeowner a bill for reimbursement.
Like many others, we don't want to wait years until a City-hired contractor gets to our block. My neighbor got a notice for a defective sidewalk from a City inspector around the year 2000. The repairs were never made until he hired a private contractor last year to get the job done.
This being NYC, nothing is easy. Tomorrow afternoon I have a third potential contractor coming to submit a bid. I not only have to compare bids, but I also need to judge the quality of his work by hopefully looking at other jobs that he's done recently. I don't know the first thing about sidewalks, but by the time this is over I will have learned a lot. Three or four of my neighbors also need to have new sidewalks in front of their houses. They have graciously delegated to me all of the investigation and decision-making involved on this project. Lucky me !!
As I said, nothing is easy here. In my case, a huge 80 foot tree in front of our house has roots that are pushing up the pavement. However, the City prohibits cutting roots, so this morning a tree expert from the Parks Dept arrived to examine and provide directives to our contractor. We got on a list and waited a month for this consultation to occur.
In my imagination, it was much easier in the old days, say in turn-of-the-century London, where prices were more or less standard, there was integrity, and one licensed contractor was as good as another. Now it's much harder. You pay when the job is "done", the quality of materials and workmanship can vary, and there is no automatic City inspection to approve the work. If the work is defective, your only recourse is costly and time-consuming litigation for damages.
To demonstrate my growing knowledge in this area, do you know if sidewalks are paved with concrete or cement? The correct answer is concrete, which is made from cement.
Like many others, we don't want to wait years until a City-hired contractor gets to our block. My neighbor got a notice for a defective sidewalk from a City inspector around the year 2000. The repairs were never made until he hired a private contractor last year to get the job done.
This being NYC, nothing is easy. Tomorrow afternoon I have a third potential contractor coming to submit a bid. I not only have to compare bids, but I also need to judge the quality of his work by hopefully looking at other jobs that he's done recently. I don't know the first thing about sidewalks, but by the time this is over I will have learned a lot. Three or four of my neighbors also need to have new sidewalks in front of their houses. They have graciously delegated to me all of the investigation and decision-making involved on this project. Lucky me !!
As I said, nothing is easy here. In my case, a huge 80 foot tree in front of our house has roots that are pushing up the pavement. However, the City prohibits cutting roots, so this morning a tree expert from the Parks Dept arrived to examine and provide directives to our contractor. We got on a list and waited a month for this consultation to occur.
In my imagination, it was much easier in the old days, say in turn-of-the-century London, where prices were more or less standard, there was integrity, and one licensed contractor was as good as another. Now it's much harder. You pay when the job is "done", the quality of materials and workmanship can vary, and there is no automatic City inspection to approve the work. If the work is defective, your only recourse is costly and time-consuming litigation for damages.
To demonstrate my growing knowledge in this area, do you know if sidewalks are paved with concrete or cement? The correct answer is concrete, which is made from cement.
MAD
Last Friday evening I visited the Museum of Arts and Design, or as they say-- "MAD"-- located on Columbus Circle at 59th Street on the Upper West Side. ( As an unrelated but interesting piece of trivia, all distances from NYC are officially measured from this point.)
The museum occupies a building erected in the mid-twentieth century by a wealthy heir named Huntington Hartford. The structure, designed in the "modernist" style by famous architect Edward Durell Stone, came to be regarded by many as ugly and dysfunctional. It lay vacant for years until major alterations were made. More recently, MAD moved in.
Last week was the first time I stepped inside this building, despite living in NYC most of my life and visiting many city museums over the years. What prompted my visit was an extensive article in the NYTimes that morning about the opening of an exhibit at MAD showing some of Doris Duke's famous collection of Islamic Art, which decorated her home in Hawaii. Also included were video, photos, and architectural plans for the estate. As you may know, she was the heiress to a huge tobacco fortune and considered the richest woman in the world.
The exhibit was beautiful. Everyone--not just one-thousandth of 1%-- should live as she did on something like her five landscaped acres in a custom-built mansion facing the Pacific Ocean outside Honolulu; the world would be a better place for it. Her Islamic treasures were museum quality, and the entire compound exuded refined taste and elegance. The show, entitled "Doris Duke's Shangri La", will continue until February 2013.
The remainder of this blog expresses my surprises. First, one might think that a large and highly complimentary review in Friday's Arts Section would create a big turnout to see the show. On the contrary, I was nearly alone at the exhibition! Another surprise is how small this museum is. I am sure there are plenty of private residences in Manhattan that exceed the square footage of each floor by a lot. Another surprise was going up to the top floor, where a restaurant named Robert (!!) is located. After being practically alone downstairs, I encountered a fancy restaurant with prices to match and a breath-taking view of Central Park, filled with diners out for an elegant and romantic dinner. The final surprise was two lower floors devoted to art made by the undoubtedly very poor Northwest Native Americans.
Great juxtapositions in this building at every turn. It's MAD.
The museum occupies a building erected in the mid-twentieth century by a wealthy heir named Huntington Hartford. The structure, designed in the "modernist" style by famous architect Edward Durell Stone, came to be regarded by many as ugly and dysfunctional. It lay vacant for years until major alterations were made. More recently, MAD moved in.
Last week was the first time I stepped inside this building, despite living in NYC most of my life and visiting many city museums over the years. What prompted my visit was an extensive article in the NYTimes that morning about the opening of an exhibit at MAD showing some of Doris Duke's famous collection of Islamic Art, which decorated her home in Hawaii. Also included were video, photos, and architectural plans for the estate. As you may know, she was the heiress to a huge tobacco fortune and considered the richest woman in the world.
The exhibit was beautiful. Everyone--not just one-thousandth of 1%-- should live as she did on something like her five landscaped acres in a custom-built mansion facing the Pacific Ocean outside Honolulu; the world would be a better place for it. Her Islamic treasures were museum quality, and the entire compound exuded refined taste and elegance. The show, entitled "Doris Duke's Shangri La", will continue until February 2013.
The remainder of this blog expresses my surprises. First, one might think that a large and highly complimentary review in Friday's Arts Section would create a big turnout to see the show. On the contrary, I was nearly alone at the exhibition! Another surprise is how small this museum is. I am sure there are plenty of private residences in Manhattan that exceed the square footage of each floor by a lot. Another surprise was going up to the top floor, where a restaurant named Robert (!!) is located. After being practically alone downstairs, I encountered a fancy restaurant with prices to match and a breath-taking view of Central Park, filled with diners out for an elegant and romantic dinner. The final surprise was two lower floors devoted to art made by the undoubtedly very poor Northwest Native Americans.
Great juxtapositions in this building at every turn. It's MAD.
Medea In Our Lives
I thought we finished with Medea after discovering she belonged to our next door neighbor. However, Medea-- the little black cat with yellow eyes-- apparently didn't get the news, or couldn't care less. She has continued to hang out in our backyard, seemingly all day and night, waiting for our back door to open so she can dash across the patio and into our house for a visit.
Yesterday was a particularly busy day. By the time we got home and finished dinner, it was about 11 pm and we were exhausted. Before going into the den off the kitchen, however, I opened the back door out of curiosity and immediately found Medea racing full speed inside. I never realized that a cat could react like a family dog. We promptly invited Medea to join us on the couch for the late news, which we enjoyed watching together. Unlike our dogs, we discerned an apparent interest in TV by the cat, who never stopped staring at the screen or purring.
After the news, I slumped in an armchair next to the couch and started to doze off. At that moment, Medea sized up the situation and with a single bound jumped from the floor to land precisely on top of me, between my chin and my chest. This was a leap worthy of a gymnastics medal winner at the recent Olympics. She then curled up, as if this silent and precision jump was nothing, and joined me for my brief nap.
Eventually, I woke up and regretfully put her back outside for the night. I suspect we were both disappointed that she couldn't stay the night. I must admit that a growing number of experiences such as these are changing our attitude toward cats. We can finally understand their attraction to lots of people. By the way, I just learned that Medea is not a young little cat, but rather is actually 14 years old. She is incredibly quick and mentally alert for such an advanced age.
My wife also seems to be succumbing to Medea's lovable ways. The previous night, for example, she permitted the cat to sleep inside overnight because the weather seemed to be a little nippy. I even walked into the kitchen on a previous occasion to find the cat strolling around on the kitchen table while my wife read the newspaper, something my cleaniness-conscious wife would normally never tolerate.
It all goes to show you how love conquers all and how misperceptions can be changed by real life experience.
Yesterday was a particularly busy day. By the time we got home and finished dinner, it was about 11 pm and we were exhausted. Before going into the den off the kitchen, however, I opened the back door out of curiosity and immediately found Medea racing full speed inside. I never realized that a cat could react like a family dog. We promptly invited Medea to join us on the couch for the late news, which we enjoyed watching together. Unlike our dogs, we discerned an apparent interest in TV by the cat, who never stopped staring at the screen or purring.
After the news, I slumped in an armchair next to the couch and started to doze off. At that moment, Medea sized up the situation and with a single bound jumped from the floor to land precisely on top of me, between my chin and my chest. This was a leap worthy of a gymnastics medal winner at the recent Olympics. She then curled up, as if this silent and precision jump was nothing, and joined me for my brief nap.
Eventually, I woke up and regretfully put her back outside for the night. I suspect we were both disappointed that she couldn't stay the night. I must admit that a growing number of experiences such as these are changing our attitude toward cats. We can finally understand their attraction to lots of people. By the way, I just learned that Medea is not a young little cat, but rather is actually 14 years old. She is incredibly quick and mentally alert for such an advanced age.
My wife also seems to be succumbing to Medea's lovable ways. The previous night, for example, she permitted the cat to sleep inside overnight because the weather seemed to be a little nippy. I even walked into the kitchen on a previous occasion to find the cat strolling around on the kitchen table while my wife read the newspaper, something my cleaniness-conscious wife would normally never tolerate.
It all goes to show you how love conquers all and how misperceptions can be changed by real life experience.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Bill Clinton's DNC Speech
Bill Clinton's speech last night at the Democratic National Convention was wonderful. It reminded me of the best lectures I heard at college or anywhere else. In a little under an hour, Clinton reviewed and analyzed all of the major provisions of the Romney-Ryan platform. He showed in detail how destructive, misguided, and misleading it really is. Best of all, he presented the facts in an entertaining manner, so what could have been boring policy details got transformed into an engaging discussion. Watch a rerun on You Tube if you missed it.
As a result of Clinton's talk, there is no doubt remaining regarding the destructive results to the country, and especially the middle class, in the event the Republican program were ever implemented. The details also graphically exposed Romney and Ryan, by chapter and verse, for the snake oil salesmen they really are. If I were Mitt Romney, I wouldn't want to show my face in public after Clinton's performance.
There are related matters worth discussing arising from Clinton's talk, which even David Brooks, the Republican-leaning columnist at the NYTimes, called an "effective speech". First, why did the electorate have to wait until now for an intelligent examination of the Republicans' platform? The two sides are spending $2 billion between them, and the media discusses the election non-stop. I think it reveals our shortcomings as a democracy, that we have to hope for the appearance of a single engaging orator to explain what is going on in a simple, coherent speech. No one can do it in a 30 second sound bite, which is what we've come to expect. Also, we dwell on a dog in a crate on top of a car or a candidate's hair rather than their proposals. Our impatience, lack of interest, and constant need for entertainment are costing us dearly. Hopefully, these Republican charlatans have been exposed in time.
Another aspect of this election which Clinton exposed concerned the number of misleading statements and outright lies coming from the Republicans. If perchance Romney-Ryan do win, we can expect the floodgates to open if the outcome demonstrates that Americans ignore untruths and that lying produces victory. Combined with unlimited campaign financing and undisclosed sources from super-PACs, we can say goodbye to democratic elections as a relic of the past. What makes me sad is remembering that Mitt Romney was once an effective, moderate Governor of Massachusetts, who instituted universal health care for its residents. I think he used to be a decent and pragmatic man who has become misguided by money, ambition, and power.
As a result of Clinton's talk, there is no doubt remaining regarding the destructive results to the country, and especially the middle class, in the event the Republican program were ever implemented. The details also graphically exposed Romney and Ryan, by chapter and verse, for the snake oil salesmen they really are. If I were Mitt Romney, I wouldn't want to show my face in public after Clinton's performance.
There are related matters worth discussing arising from Clinton's talk, which even David Brooks, the Republican-leaning columnist at the NYTimes, called an "effective speech". First, why did the electorate have to wait until now for an intelligent examination of the Republicans' platform? The two sides are spending $2 billion between them, and the media discusses the election non-stop. I think it reveals our shortcomings as a democracy, that we have to hope for the appearance of a single engaging orator to explain what is going on in a simple, coherent speech. No one can do it in a 30 second sound bite, which is what we've come to expect. Also, we dwell on a dog in a crate on top of a car or a candidate's hair rather than their proposals. Our impatience, lack of interest, and constant need for entertainment are costing us dearly. Hopefully, these Republican charlatans have been exposed in time.
Another aspect of this election which Clinton exposed concerned the number of misleading statements and outright lies coming from the Republicans. If perchance Romney-Ryan do win, we can expect the floodgates to open if the outcome demonstrates that Americans ignore untruths and that lying produces victory. Combined with unlimited campaign financing and undisclosed sources from super-PACs, we can say goodbye to democratic elections as a relic of the past. What makes me sad is remembering that Mitt Romney was once an effective, moderate Governor of Massachusetts, who instituted universal health care for its residents. I think he used to be a decent and pragmatic man who has become misguided by money, ambition, and power.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Crystallization
The Republicans sure make it easy for me. I'm a Democrat, and it would be hard, but I am somewhat open-minded and willing to listen. However, the Republicans don't even try to nominate someone appealing to me. It must be true that they see me as someone living on an island off the mainland (NYC) who isn't really part of America.
The current Romney-Ryan ticket is so off the wall that I can't imagine how it is possibly a close race, yet it apparently is. Their natural constituency is comparatively small-- millionaires, billionaires, the religious right, gun fanatics, libertarians, anti-blacks, strict Republican Party stalwarts, right-to-lifers --so I can't fathom how half the population is taken in by them. The only explanation that makes sense to me is that many voters expected the economy to improve under Obama and are desperate for an improvement. The latter group's anguish is real and understandable.
Things are definitely bad, but the Republicans caused a lot of our problems, stymied solutions, and would certainly not help the middle class recover. In fact, their stated policies would make things worse for everyone, including the rich in the long run. President Harry Truman had it right when he said, many years ago, that if you want to live like a Republican, vote for the Democrats!
I watched the Republican Convention and now the first day of the Democrats'. The difference to me is startling, and this is even before the Democrats finish. The Democratic delegates look and sound like the mix of races and colors that I see every day in New York. By contrast, the Republicans look homogenized, like white bread, regardless of whether they come from cities or small towns. The scripts seem similar-- everyone espouses wholesome American values and had forebears who were poor-- but it sounds phony and hollow to me when the Republicans try to pull it off. As former Texas Governor Ann Richards put it, Poppy (George Bush Sr.) was born with a silver foot in his mouth.
Republican candidates are a disgrace. The Romney-Ryan ticket lies, openly champions the rich, and proposes idiotic, unworkable policies. The previous candidate, John McCain, chose a running mate totally unqualified to be president. George W. Bush doubled the national debt, got us into two senseless wars, and presided over a vast financial collapse. Their Republican colleagues in Congress opposed everything Obama wanted to improve conditions. WHAT A CREW!!
The current Romney-Ryan ticket is so off the wall that I can't imagine how it is possibly a close race, yet it apparently is. Their natural constituency is comparatively small-- millionaires, billionaires, the religious right, gun fanatics, libertarians, anti-blacks, strict Republican Party stalwarts, right-to-lifers --so I can't fathom how half the population is taken in by them. The only explanation that makes sense to me is that many voters expected the economy to improve under Obama and are desperate for an improvement. The latter group's anguish is real and understandable.
Things are definitely bad, but the Republicans caused a lot of our problems, stymied solutions, and would certainly not help the middle class recover. In fact, their stated policies would make things worse for everyone, including the rich in the long run. President Harry Truman had it right when he said, many years ago, that if you want to live like a Republican, vote for the Democrats!
I watched the Republican Convention and now the first day of the Democrats'. The difference to me is startling, and this is even before the Democrats finish. The Democratic delegates look and sound like the mix of races and colors that I see every day in New York. By contrast, the Republicans look homogenized, like white bread, regardless of whether they come from cities or small towns. The scripts seem similar-- everyone espouses wholesome American values and had forebears who were poor-- but it sounds phony and hollow to me when the Republicans try to pull it off. As former Texas Governor Ann Richards put it, Poppy (George Bush Sr.) was born with a silver foot in his mouth.
Republican candidates are a disgrace. The Romney-Ryan ticket lies, openly champions the rich, and proposes idiotic, unworkable policies. The previous candidate, John McCain, chose a running mate totally unqualified to be president. George W. Bush doubled the national debt, got us into two senseless wars, and presided over a vast financial collapse. Their Republican colleagues in Congress opposed everything Obama wanted to improve conditions. WHAT A CREW!!
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Paul Samuelson (1915-2009).
When I was in college, the leading textbook used for Economics 101 was written by Paul A. Samuelson. The MIT professor's book championed Neo-Keynesian economics and became the best-selling introductory economics textbook of all time. The author's other achievements included winning the Nobel Prize in Economics (first American to do so), serving as an advisor to US presidents JFK and LBJ, and teaching students who went on to win Nobel prizes themselves, such as Paul Krugman and Joseph Stiglitz.
One of Samuelson's comments always stuck in my mind. He said anyone who believed that the low wages paid to an Indian worker had no relevance to the earnings of an American worker believed in the tooth fairy. He made this comment years ago, at a time when things were booming in the United States and outsourcing wasn't as serious a concern as it is today. I never imagined the impact his far-seeing remark would have on contemporary American life.
What he said lies at the heart of America's economic problems today. Unfortunately, the wage differential between workers in the developed world and those in emerging powers, like China and India, is so large that advanced Western nations are reeling from the consequences. In our current election debate, it must be admitted that neither party has a solution to this problem. Romney correctly points to the continuing millions of unemployed American workers. In response, Obama says that Romney has failed to reveal his "special sauce" to cure the problem. On other occasions, the president has labelled his opponent's proposals to reduce unemployment and restore economic vitality "Republican snake oil". Being a Democrat, I find Obama's phrasing funny. Nevertheless, the sad truth is neither man has a solution to offer. I've seen the results of this problem myself for years in upstate New York, once an industrial powerhouse for the entire world and now mostly a rusting shambles.
Here are a couple of other trenchant comments by the master economist:
-- "If we made an income pyramid out of a child's blocks, with each layer portraying $1000 of income, the peak would be far higher than the Eiffel Tower, but almost all of us would be within a yard of the ground."
-- "The problem is no longer that with every pair of hands that comes into the world there comes a hungry stomach. Rather it is that attached to those hands are sharp elbows."
One of Samuelson's comments always stuck in my mind. He said anyone who believed that the low wages paid to an Indian worker had no relevance to the earnings of an American worker believed in the tooth fairy. He made this comment years ago, at a time when things were booming in the United States and outsourcing wasn't as serious a concern as it is today. I never imagined the impact his far-seeing remark would have on contemporary American life.
What he said lies at the heart of America's economic problems today. Unfortunately, the wage differential between workers in the developed world and those in emerging powers, like China and India, is so large that advanced Western nations are reeling from the consequences. In our current election debate, it must be admitted that neither party has a solution to this problem. Romney correctly points to the continuing millions of unemployed American workers. In response, Obama says that Romney has failed to reveal his "special sauce" to cure the problem. On other occasions, the president has labelled his opponent's proposals to reduce unemployment and restore economic vitality "Republican snake oil". Being a Democrat, I find Obama's phrasing funny. Nevertheless, the sad truth is neither man has a solution to offer. I've seen the results of this problem myself for years in upstate New York, once an industrial powerhouse for the entire world and now mostly a rusting shambles.
Here are a couple of other trenchant comments by the master economist:
-- "If we made an income pyramid out of a child's blocks, with each layer portraying $1000 of income, the peak would be far higher than the Eiffel Tower, but almost all of us would be within a yard of the ground."
-- "The problem is no longer that with every pair of hands that comes into the world there comes a hungry stomach. Rather it is that attached to those hands are sharp elbows."
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Further Adventures With Medea
Despite over 20 years' experience with dogs, I'm still getting used to my latest animal friend, the little black cat named Medea owned by my neighbor. After discovering her true home was right next door, I resolved never to feed her so her loyalty would not be in doubt. Notwithstanding strict adherence to this policy, which is not easy given the close linkage in my ethnic background between food and love, I have managed total compliance. Contrary to my expectations, Medea still returns every day and continues to spend most of her time in our backyard, with occasional visits inside.
Whenever I open our backdoor, Medea appears at the threshold within a couple of minutes. The back door is made of wood that expands in hot weather, so Medea can hear the door jerk open; she doesn't need to keep an eye on the entrance. She languidly arises from under the same bush on the left side of the yard, which provides dappled sunlight and some comfy grass and leaves on the ground, and strolls over for some extended petting and rubbing. The sound cats make when they are contented, like a low rumble from a well-tuned car engine, is audible non-stop.
On occasion, Medea decides to step inside. She's not looking around for food, since there isn't any. Instead, what Medea seeks is a moment when I'm not looking so she can quickly and silently rush up the stairs and explore the rest of the house. She has done this maneuver almost every time I drop surveillance to have a cup of coffee and read the newspaper at the kitchen table. What is so compelling a draw for her I just don't understand. I've heard the expression-- "Curiosity killed the cat"-- so I guess this is her nature. When I head her off in the hallway or rush upstairs to scoop her up and return her to the kitchen, she seems highly offended. Each time her house tour is aborted, she will stand momentarily in the kitchen, straighten her back and then walk slowly with offended dignity straight out the door without even a backward glance.
The other characteristic I've noticed, besides her quick movements and intelligence, is a constant awareness of security. When I carried her into the room next to the kitchen and put her down next to me on the couch, she watched me close the door to the room and immediately bolted to the screened window to identify a potential escape route. By comparison, our dogs would have been thrilled to be invited onto the couch for some quality time together.
Whenever I open our backdoor, Medea appears at the threshold within a couple of minutes. The back door is made of wood that expands in hot weather, so Medea can hear the door jerk open; she doesn't need to keep an eye on the entrance. She languidly arises from under the same bush on the left side of the yard, which provides dappled sunlight and some comfy grass and leaves on the ground, and strolls over for some extended petting and rubbing. The sound cats make when they are contented, like a low rumble from a well-tuned car engine, is audible non-stop.
On occasion, Medea decides to step inside. She's not looking around for food, since there isn't any. Instead, what Medea seeks is a moment when I'm not looking so she can quickly and silently rush up the stairs and explore the rest of the house. She has done this maneuver almost every time I drop surveillance to have a cup of coffee and read the newspaper at the kitchen table. What is so compelling a draw for her I just don't understand. I've heard the expression-- "Curiosity killed the cat"-- so I guess this is her nature. When I head her off in the hallway or rush upstairs to scoop her up and return her to the kitchen, she seems highly offended. Each time her house tour is aborted, she will stand momentarily in the kitchen, straighten her back and then walk slowly with offended dignity straight out the door without even a backward glance.
The other characteristic I've noticed, besides her quick movements and intelligence, is a constant awareness of security. When I carried her into the room next to the kitchen and put her down next to me on the couch, she watched me close the door to the room and immediately bolted to the screened window to identify a potential escape route. By comparison, our dogs would have been thrilled to be invited onto the couch for some quality time together.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Ave Atque Vale, Republicans
In Latin, it means hail and farewell! (From Catullus' Funeral Oration). The Republican Convention has now ended after three days of proceedings. Speaking objectively, I can't fathom what would have been accomplished with the originally-scheduled fourth day of any value besides Donald Trump's cancelled speech. I don't mean to mock, it's just that, if you are interested and follow current events regularly, the entire Convention left a lot to be desired.
As a Democrat, this outcome is a good thing, as it increases the chances for an Obama victory in November. However, I really want to make a broader point here. It's true I'm a liberal Democrat, but my interests as an American transcend my loyalty to any political party. On this basis, the Republican Convention was a sad disappointment. I would much prefer two outstanding candidates, who have real plans and contrasting visions, so that a real choice is presented to the electorate. Under those circumstances, I might actually prefer a Republican candidate and vote accordingly. In this case, however, there is not only no viable alternative, but instead a feeling from the Republicans of hypocrisy, untruths, and phony solutions. I think they have been totally captured by big donors, big business, and special interests, and have ceased responding to the legitimate needs of the majority of our citizens.
The only thing you can count on from Republicans these days are programs that foster the needs and interests of big business and the religious right. Seen from that perspective, their programs are coherent and make perfect sense. My outrage stems from their phony assertions that they're doing it to benefit the majority of Americans and get the country moving again. More importantly, their non-sensical programs are a recipe for disaster; it is so obvious that I continue to be amazed that most people don't see it and that the polls to date predict a close election.
Democracy is based on the proposition that more than 50% of the people are right more than 50% of the time. I hope the upcoming Democratic Convention will demonstrate a sharp contrast to what we have just witnessed, and that a solid majority of the American people will come to their senses in time. I had the same feeling of "dishonesty" about the McCain-Palin ticket in the last election, and a gut feeling they would ultimately lose. For the sake of our great country, I can only hope that my instincts are right once again about Romney-Ryan.
As a Democrat, this outcome is a good thing, as it increases the chances for an Obama victory in November. However, I really want to make a broader point here. It's true I'm a liberal Democrat, but my interests as an American transcend my loyalty to any political party. On this basis, the Republican Convention was a sad disappointment. I would much prefer two outstanding candidates, who have real plans and contrasting visions, so that a real choice is presented to the electorate. Under those circumstances, I might actually prefer a Republican candidate and vote accordingly. In this case, however, there is not only no viable alternative, but instead a feeling from the Republicans of hypocrisy, untruths, and phony solutions. I think they have been totally captured by big donors, big business, and special interests, and have ceased responding to the legitimate needs of the majority of our citizens.
The only thing you can count on from Republicans these days are programs that foster the needs and interests of big business and the religious right. Seen from that perspective, their programs are coherent and make perfect sense. My outrage stems from their phony assertions that they're doing it to benefit the majority of Americans and get the country moving again. More importantly, their non-sensical programs are a recipe for disaster; it is so obvious that I continue to be amazed that most people don't see it and that the polls to date predict a close election.
Democracy is based on the proposition that more than 50% of the people are right more than 50% of the time. I hope the upcoming Democratic Convention will demonstrate a sharp contrast to what we have just witnessed, and that a solid majority of the American people will come to their senses in time. I had the same feeling of "dishonesty" about the McCain-Palin ticket in the last election, and a gut feeling they would ultimately lose. For the sake of our great country, I can only hope that my instincts are right once again about Romney-Ryan.
Cat Mystery Solved
I am DELIGHTED to report that the cat mystery going on in our backyard has been solved! The small and lovable black cat with yellow eyes that has been living in our backyard actually belongs to our next door neighbor. She has been away visiting her son in Los Angeles, and hired someone to take care of her three dogs in her absence. The black cat preferred our company to the temporary live-in sitter, so moved over the tall wooden fence separating our properties to stay with us.
I finally got this story by calling my neighbor on the phone. After a few questions about her feline pets, it quickly became clear that Medea was staying nearly full time in our yard and returning for meals. I first considered this possibility when I overheard my neighbor addressing no one visible with great excitement in her backyard a couple of nights ago, about being so glad to see her again.
Medea's story is that she was a stray when my neighbor originally found her, and the cat retains her interest in roaming and staying outside as much as possible, except in winter. My neighbor provides food, medical care, and love. I assured her that Medea, as well as her big gray cat who also occasionally visits us, were welcome any time.
I was greatly relieved by this turn of events. I had been looking ahead to the cold weather coming up, and the prospect of adopting the cat against our will because we couldn't imagine letting the cat freeze to death outside. Instead, we can be close relatives without any responsibilities. If this is some version of what it's like to be a grandparent, I'll going to have a happy time someday.
I have been somewhat surprised by my positive reaction to having a cat as a potential pet. Heretofore, my wife and I were strictly dog people who would never consider a cat as a pet. But my experience with Medea has changed my attitude. I still prefer dogs, but I begin to see the appeal of cats as a runner-up. They are intelligent, quiet, very graceful, and affectionate.
I now keep our kitchen door open more often, looking in the backyard for Medea to return for a visit. I am relieved to know she has a very good home next door, and am careful not to feed her so her loyalties stay next door where they belong.
I finally got this story by calling my neighbor on the phone. After a few questions about her feline pets, it quickly became clear that Medea was staying nearly full time in our yard and returning for meals. I first considered this possibility when I overheard my neighbor addressing no one visible with great excitement in her backyard a couple of nights ago, about being so glad to see her again.
Medea's story is that she was a stray when my neighbor originally found her, and the cat retains her interest in roaming and staying outside as much as possible, except in winter. My neighbor provides food, medical care, and love. I assured her that Medea, as well as her big gray cat who also occasionally visits us, were welcome any time.
I was greatly relieved by this turn of events. I had been looking ahead to the cold weather coming up, and the prospect of adopting the cat against our will because we couldn't imagine letting the cat freeze to death outside. Instead, we can be close relatives without any responsibilities. If this is some version of what it's like to be a grandparent, I'll going to have a happy time someday.
I have been somewhat surprised by my positive reaction to having a cat as a potential pet. Heretofore, my wife and I were strictly dog people who would never consider a cat as a pet. But my experience with Medea has changed my attitude. I still prefer dogs, but I begin to see the appeal of cats as a runner-up. They are intelligent, quiet, very graceful, and affectionate.
I now keep our kitchen door open more often, looking in the backyard for Medea to return for a visit. I am relieved to know she has a very good home next door, and am careful not to feed her so her loyalties stay next door where they belong.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Ann, Chris, and The Donald
I watched the Republican Convention in Tampa last night for one key hour in prime time, starting at 10pm EST (7pm on the West Coast). Since the proceedings were cancelled on Monday due to Hurricane Isaac, it was do or die on Day 2. For that reason, the most interesting people were selected to speak: Ann Romney and Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey. The Donald (Donald Trump, in case you're one of the two people who don't know who I'm referring to) was dropped from Monday's roster and not rescheduled.)
There's been a sea change in American politics since the Baby Boomers were born. I can't conceive of Mamie Eisenhower or Pat Nixon leading off a Republican Convention in those days. They say Mrs. Romney was chosen specifically to humanize Mitt and to attract women voters. Up to a point, she succeeded. It was interesting to hear about their life together, but too sugar-coated to be truly revealing or memorable. Just an ordinary couple in love with five sons, working hard to succeed despite her serious illnesses. She spoke as a woman and mother, but failed to say a single word about the anti-abortion issue which has so many women upset. Likewise, she foresaw increased educational opportunities for kids, but failed to mention Republican plans to slash funding for education.
Next came Chris Christie, a bombastic and dramatic counterpoint to the prior speaker. If nothing else, the Governor of New Jersey is impassioned. He provides great theatre and is fun to listen to in a Rudy Giuliani kind of way. He steamrolls the audience with his brash assertions and New Jersey cockiness. I think this is the kind of performance that is appropriate for a keynote speaker, designed to fire up the Convention and inspire voters to the cause. His problem, however, was the absence of essential truths. He faulted the President for not instituting needed changes, but failed to acknowledge that Obama was stymied by Christie's Republican colleagues in Congress, who voted against every program the President proposed. It also sounded a lot like a rehearsal for his own envisioned acceptance speech for president in 2016. Hopefully, the obesity issue will be behind him by then; as you know, that look went out with President Taft.
Too bad the Donald was cancelled. He would have had a great one-liner: "Mr. President, you're fired!".
There's been a sea change in American politics since the Baby Boomers were born. I can't conceive of Mamie Eisenhower or Pat Nixon leading off a Republican Convention in those days. They say Mrs. Romney was chosen specifically to humanize Mitt and to attract women voters. Up to a point, she succeeded. It was interesting to hear about their life together, but too sugar-coated to be truly revealing or memorable. Just an ordinary couple in love with five sons, working hard to succeed despite her serious illnesses. She spoke as a woman and mother, but failed to say a single word about the anti-abortion issue which has so many women upset. Likewise, she foresaw increased educational opportunities for kids, but failed to mention Republican plans to slash funding for education.
Next came Chris Christie, a bombastic and dramatic counterpoint to the prior speaker. If nothing else, the Governor of New Jersey is impassioned. He provides great theatre and is fun to listen to in a Rudy Giuliani kind of way. He steamrolls the audience with his brash assertions and New Jersey cockiness. I think this is the kind of performance that is appropriate for a keynote speaker, designed to fire up the Convention and inspire voters to the cause. His problem, however, was the absence of essential truths. He faulted the President for not instituting needed changes, but failed to acknowledge that Obama was stymied by Christie's Republican colleagues in Congress, who voted against every program the President proposed. It also sounded a lot like a rehearsal for his own envisioned acceptance speech for president in 2016. Hopefully, the obesity issue will be behind him by then; as you know, that look went out with President Taft.
Too bad the Donald was cancelled. He would have had a great one-liner: "Mr. President, you're fired!".
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Homeless and Hopeless
Today in Manhattan, while waiting for an uptown Madison Avenue bus to arrive, I was approached by a man who started describing his problems to me. He never introduced himself, just started talking, so I never even got his name. The man was clearly not crazy, like some of the people who may suddenly start talking to you in New York. In fact, he was quite specific about his problems and the difficulties he was having in resolving them.
The crux of his problem was that he was homeless, living in shelters, and had no hope of finding employment to get himself out of the mess he had fallen into. What made his task especially impossible to overcome, he explained, was that he had recently been released from prison. He didn't say what his offense was, and I didn't ask. At this point, like any seasoned New Yorker, I was looking to make sure he wasn't carrying a knife or other weapon to potentially attack me. As a lifelong New Yorker, such wariness is inbred in our DNA.
But he didn't appear armed or dangerous or at all crazy; in fact, he sounded quite sane and articulate, telling me he was 60 years old and seemed hopelessly trapped by his circumstances. He was carrying a number of documents with him, which showed his status, his dealings with Legal Aid and, most striking to me, his prison release papers which warned potential employers in bold letters at the bottom to consider this man's record carefully before hiring him. We agreed that in today's economy, that comment was the kiss of death, even with someone who might have been willing to take a chance on him.
He looked thin but healthy. I wanted to ask about his eating habits, but obviously this was not an appropriate time. There was little I could do but listen and express my sympathy. When my bus arrived, I wished him good luck and left.
All day now, I have been thinking about him. Sooner or later, he will literally be "forced" to commit a crime to stay afloat. Already, he showed me his toothpaste and toothbrush, which he admitted to stealing. This is why the recidivism rate is so high.
It's not society's fault he committed a crime resulting in incarceration, but think of this. It costs New York about $50,000 per year to maintain each prisoner in jail. It would be a lot cheaper and productive to employ these people in some way instead of locking them up and throwing the key away, which accomplishes nothing of value to him or society.
The crux of his problem was that he was homeless, living in shelters, and had no hope of finding employment to get himself out of the mess he had fallen into. What made his task especially impossible to overcome, he explained, was that he had recently been released from prison. He didn't say what his offense was, and I didn't ask. At this point, like any seasoned New Yorker, I was looking to make sure he wasn't carrying a knife or other weapon to potentially attack me. As a lifelong New Yorker, such wariness is inbred in our DNA.
But he didn't appear armed or dangerous or at all crazy; in fact, he sounded quite sane and articulate, telling me he was 60 years old and seemed hopelessly trapped by his circumstances. He was carrying a number of documents with him, which showed his status, his dealings with Legal Aid and, most striking to me, his prison release papers which warned potential employers in bold letters at the bottom to consider this man's record carefully before hiring him. We agreed that in today's economy, that comment was the kiss of death, even with someone who might have been willing to take a chance on him.
He looked thin but healthy. I wanted to ask about his eating habits, but obviously this was not an appropriate time. There was little I could do but listen and express my sympathy. When my bus arrived, I wished him good luck and left.
All day now, I have been thinking about him. Sooner or later, he will literally be "forced" to commit a crime to stay afloat. Already, he showed me his toothpaste and toothbrush, which he admitted to stealing. This is why the recidivism rate is so high.
It's not society's fault he committed a crime resulting in incarceration, but think of this. It costs New York about $50,000 per year to maintain each prisoner in jail. It would be a lot cheaper and productive to employ these people in some way instead of locking them up and throwing the key away, which accomplishes nothing of value to him or society.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Gated Community
The metaphor is almost perfect. The Republicans are in the Tampa Convention Center, a kind of exclusive gated community accessible only to the wealthy, privileged, and powerful, while millions of ordinary people around the Gulf may soon be fighting to stay alive with Hurricane Isaac swirling around them. It's not a pretty picture, and Republican planners are well aware of how these scenes will look on a split-screen.
Republicans are only concerned about it now because the contrast in imagery will be so graphic. But in a very real sense, this is the picture of how a future America under right-wing Republicans will look all the time if they manage to take control of the Federal Government. The only thing that makes this worrisome to their leadership is that this picture will not require much imagination to envision, thanks to the weather.
The Republican Convention is truly like a heavily guarded, gated community, full of people not much involved with the problems of everyday folks. They will undoubtedly need to cut back on the lavish parties and festivities that would normally have taken place at the Convention. However, it's not much different, except more concentrated, compared to what goes on throughout the country all year.
I'm glad this dichotomy-- a 21st century tale of two cities-- will be on full view. If the message gets through, it may cement defeat for the Republicans in November. If disaster assistance is needed from Washington, as it likely will be, the competence of the Obama Administration could be showcased. Equally important, it would demonstrate that under the Democrats, ordinary people's needs are a top priority, and assistance is readily provided. Under Republican leadership, by comparison, this is the kind of problem that would be left to cash-strapped States and localities to handle by themselves--unless of course big business interests were involved.
Fend for yourselves, say these hard-hearted Republicans, professing over-riding concern about deficits. We've got ours and intend to keep it that way. In fact, we'll see if we can't increase our share of the pie even more if we succeed at the polls. Sorry about your problems; we'll have the clergymen doing the invocation and benediction at the Convention say a prayer for you. But don't try to get in here; it's invitation only. You won't see any of our delegates, privileged guests, or lobbyists struggling to stay alive in the face of a storm. That's the benefit of living in a gated community.
Republicans are only concerned about it now because the contrast in imagery will be so graphic. But in a very real sense, this is the picture of how a future America under right-wing Republicans will look all the time if they manage to take control of the Federal Government. The only thing that makes this worrisome to their leadership is that this picture will not require much imagination to envision, thanks to the weather.
The Republican Convention is truly like a heavily guarded, gated community, full of people not much involved with the problems of everyday folks. They will undoubtedly need to cut back on the lavish parties and festivities that would normally have taken place at the Convention. However, it's not much different, except more concentrated, compared to what goes on throughout the country all year.
I'm glad this dichotomy-- a 21st century tale of two cities-- will be on full view. If the message gets through, it may cement defeat for the Republicans in November. If disaster assistance is needed from Washington, as it likely will be, the competence of the Obama Administration could be showcased. Equally important, it would demonstrate that under the Democrats, ordinary people's needs are a top priority, and assistance is readily provided. Under Republican leadership, by comparison, this is the kind of problem that would be left to cash-strapped States and localities to handle by themselves--unless of course big business interests were involved.
Fend for yourselves, say these hard-hearted Republicans, professing over-riding concern about deficits. We've got ours and intend to keep it that way. In fact, we'll see if we can't increase our share of the pie even more if we succeed at the polls. Sorry about your problems; we'll have the clergymen doing the invocation and benediction at the Convention say a prayer for you. But don't try to get in here; it's invitation only. You won't see any of our delegates, privileged guests, or lobbyists struggling to stay alive in the face of a storm. That's the benefit of living in a gated community.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
NIMBY
There is a growing "humanitarian" problem developing right in my own backyard. I have recently concluded that the small black cat that has been staying in my backyard does not belong to any of my neighbors after all, but is a stray seeking refuge.
I like this young cat. It is small and attractive and brave, with big yellow eyes and shiny black fur. In the past few days, it has has made several attempts to come through the back door and slip quietly past when I wasn't looking and go on a self-directed tour of our home. Yesterday I spotted it slinking past me and finally found it stretched out on the middle of a comfy sofa like it belonged there. I immediately scooped it up and carried it, without resistance, back outside.
As previously observed, the cat has no collar or tag. I initially thought it belonged to a neighbor because it was so friendly and well groomed. Becoming curious, however, I watched and discovered the cat remains full-time in our backyard. I see it all the time under a particular bush early in the morning and late at night.
So, now what? We really don't want a cat or any other pet at this time. Our wonderful dog, Milo, died about a year ago at age 14 1/2, and we are not interested in a successor of any kind. Moreover, we are dog people, not cat people, and don't really understand a cat's appeal. The real problem, however, is the responsibility of taking care of a pet. With Milo, we were always conscious of the need to rush home and walk him before we were ready to return. The problem was compounded when it came time to go away on a trip.
I'm now thinking of which of my neighbors to approach about an adoption. Our friend John around the corner had a dog and two cats simultaneously. They have all now died, and he might consider this lovable and fearless little creature. One next door neighbor has three dogs and clearly likes animals; she might be interested. Our neighbor on the other side has gerbils; their two kids might be interested and the parents might agree.
I know I'm not obligated, but my bleeding heart Democratic instincts compel me to help. After rooting for illegal Mexicans entering across our southern border seeking a better life, it's the least I can do. I don't want to start providing real cat food, because then the cat might never want to leave. I'll just continue doing small snacks and milk in the interim. The weather is still sunny and mild and conducive to outdoor living.
I like this young cat. It is small and attractive and brave, with big yellow eyes and shiny black fur. In the past few days, it has has made several attempts to come through the back door and slip quietly past when I wasn't looking and go on a self-directed tour of our home. Yesterday I spotted it slinking past me and finally found it stretched out on the middle of a comfy sofa like it belonged there. I immediately scooped it up and carried it, without resistance, back outside.
As previously observed, the cat has no collar or tag. I initially thought it belonged to a neighbor because it was so friendly and well groomed. Becoming curious, however, I watched and discovered the cat remains full-time in our backyard. I see it all the time under a particular bush early in the morning and late at night.
So, now what? We really don't want a cat or any other pet at this time. Our wonderful dog, Milo, died about a year ago at age 14 1/2, and we are not interested in a successor of any kind. Moreover, we are dog people, not cat people, and don't really understand a cat's appeal. The real problem, however, is the responsibility of taking care of a pet. With Milo, we were always conscious of the need to rush home and walk him before we were ready to return. The problem was compounded when it came time to go away on a trip.
I'm now thinking of which of my neighbors to approach about an adoption. Our friend John around the corner had a dog and two cats simultaneously. They have all now died, and he might consider this lovable and fearless little creature. One next door neighbor has three dogs and clearly likes animals; she might be interested. Our neighbor on the other side has gerbils; their two kids might be interested and the parents might agree.
I know I'm not obligated, but my bleeding heart Democratic instincts compel me to help. After rooting for illegal Mexicans entering across our southern border seeking a better life, it's the least I can do. I don't want to start providing real cat food, because then the cat might never want to leave. I'll just continue doing small snacks and milk in the interim. The weather is still sunny and mild and conducive to outdoor living.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Churchill, Indian Food, and The Black Cat.
You can have interesting experiences living in New York, even on a prosaic summer evening. Take last night, for instance, when my wife and I decided to visit the Churchill exhibit (through September 23) at the Morgan Library and Museum, located on Madison Avenue at 36th St.
The Churchill exhibit is essentially a reading show, in which original documents and papers relevant to the great statesman's life were exhibited under glass cases. With patience and a lot of close reading, this documentation was a revelation of materials written by Churchill or actual documents that he reviewed, primarily concerning WWII and his critical relationship with President Franklin Roosevelt.
The greatest discovery for me was visiting a small theatre area inside the exhibition, in which recordings of his famous speeches were played together with accompanying photos. His words were simultaneously displayed onscreen in "verses", as if they were free-verse poetry. Everyone knows of Churchill's eloquence, but I thought this manner of presentation was rather affected and uncalled for. Imagine my surprise when I saw the original drafts in the glass cases and discovered that this was actually the way he wrote his addresses!
That was not the only revelation in the show. Did you know that Churchill's mother, Jennie Jerome, was an American born and raised in Brooklyn? Or that Churchill was not the author of the phrase, the "Iron Curtain", although he appropriated and made it memorable? Many of his broadcast words-- "Give us the tools, and we will finish the job"-- are always inspiring and worth hearing.
After the show, we went to dinner. One of the many benefits of the City are the vast array of available cuisines. We chose Indian food, one of our favorites, and in a few minutes of walking came to dozens of Indian restaurants clustered along Lexington Avenue in the 20's, where we enjoyed authentic dishes inexpensively alongside many locals of Indian descent. Following a walk down to Greenwich Village, we went home.
The excitement unexpectedly continued. The neighborhood black cat I blogged about recently managed to get inside our house through an open window. In the pre-dawn hours, I encountered something black and alive next to me on the bed. My heart stopped momentarily until I realized what had happened and carried the silent intruder back outside.
Never a dull moment in New York.
The Churchill exhibit is essentially a reading show, in which original documents and papers relevant to the great statesman's life were exhibited under glass cases. With patience and a lot of close reading, this documentation was a revelation of materials written by Churchill or actual documents that he reviewed, primarily concerning WWII and his critical relationship with President Franklin Roosevelt.
The greatest discovery for me was visiting a small theatre area inside the exhibition, in which recordings of his famous speeches were played together with accompanying photos. His words were simultaneously displayed onscreen in "verses", as if they were free-verse poetry. Everyone knows of Churchill's eloquence, but I thought this manner of presentation was rather affected and uncalled for. Imagine my surprise when I saw the original drafts in the glass cases and discovered that this was actually the way he wrote his addresses!
That was not the only revelation in the show. Did you know that Churchill's mother, Jennie Jerome, was an American born and raised in Brooklyn? Or that Churchill was not the author of the phrase, the "Iron Curtain", although he appropriated and made it memorable? Many of his broadcast words-- "Give us the tools, and we will finish the job"-- are always inspiring and worth hearing.
After the show, we went to dinner. One of the many benefits of the City are the vast array of available cuisines. We chose Indian food, one of our favorites, and in a few minutes of walking came to dozens of Indian restaurants clustered along Lexington Avenue in the 20's, where we enjoyed authentic dishes inexpensively alongside many locals of Indian descent. Following a walk down to Greenwich Village, we went home.
The excitement unexpectedly continued. The neighborhood black cat I blogged about recently managed to get inside our house through an open window. In the pre-dawn hours, I encountered something black and alive next to me on the bed. My heart stopped momentarily until I realized what had happened and carried the silent intruder back outside.
Never a dull moment in New York.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Hurricane Isaac
I'm rooting for Hurricane Isaac. I hope it builds up as the meteorologists and their tracking computers project and hits the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, FL starting on Monday. In my humble opinion, the Republicans deserve it.
Normally, I would not wish a hurricane or even a tropical depression on anyone. Even in this case, I hope it doesn't cause physical injury or result in serious property damage. I do, however, hope it causes massive disruption of the Convention. I feel this way not because I am a life-long Democrat, but because the Republicans have become so sanctimonious and convinced that God is behind their movement that it is a pleasure to contemplate what God may really think about them.
I wonder whether any of the evangelicals or other factions of the Republican Party who regularly assert that they are carrying out God's will are pondering the implications of this impending storm. Do they consider, even fleetingly, that it may mean that God disapproves of them? In olden days, such a celestial demonstration would surely have been interpreted to mean divine disapproval. Consider the fate of Pharoah's chariots at the Red Sea or humanity's fate after Noah completed his Ark as indications of what God can readily accomplish with wind and water when He is displeased.
Besides their policies, which favor the rich over the poor and middle class, I am appalled by the Republican ticket's outright lying and twisting of the truth. Presenting themselves as the defenders of Medicare and claiming the President cut over $700 billion from the program are just the latest in a long series of deceptions to win votes. I have lost all respect for Messrs. Romney and Ryan, not only because people in their positions should not lie to the voters, but because in a democracy with only two parties their lack of credibility deprives the electorate of a meaningful debate of the issues.
Despite all their hundreds of millions in funding, Isaac threatens to lay them low in short order. I look at Isaac's projected course on my TV screen, which reminds me of the arc which a bowling ball traces to its target, and think this event might make these privileged Republicans recognize what it's like to be doing well one minute and to lose it all the next due to unexpected illness or economic downturn. Maybe God does follow our elections after all and has simply decided to shut that whole thing down.
Normally, I would not wish a hurricane or even a tropical depression on anyone. Even in this case, I hope it doesn't cause physical injury or result in serious property damage. I do, however, hope it causes massive disruption of the Convention. I feel this way not because I am a life-long Democrat, but because the Republicans have become so sanctimonious and convinced that God is behind their movement that it is a pleasure to contemplate what God may really think about them.
I wonder whether any of the evangelicals or other factions of the Republican Party who regularly assert that they are carrying out God's will are pondering the implications of this impending storm. Do they consider, even fleetingly, that it may mean that God disapproves of them? In olden days, such a celestial demonstration would surely have been interpreted to mean divine disapproval. Consider the fate of Pharoah's chariots at the Red Sea or humanity's fate after Noah completed his Ark as indications of what God can readily accomplish with wind and water when He is displeased.
Besides their policies, which favor the rich over the poor and middle class, I am appalled by the Republican ticket's outright lying and twisting of the truth. Presenting themselves as the defenders of Medicare and claiming the President cut over $700 billion from the program are just the latest in a long series of deceptions to win votes. I have lost all respect for Messrs. Romney and Ryan, not only because people in their positions should not lie to the voters, but because in a democracy with only two parties their lack of credibility deprives the electorate of a meaningful debate of the issues.
Despite all their hundreds of millions in funding, Isaac threatens to lay them low in short order. I look at Isaac's projected course on my TV screen, which reminds me of the arc which a bowling ball traces to its target, and think this event might make these privileged Republicans recognize what it's like to be doing well one minute and to lose it all the next due to unexpected illness or economic downturn. Maybe God does follow our elections after all and has simply decided to shut that whole thing down.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
GROUPONS
GROUPON and its cousins are the deal-of-the-day websites that offer a variety of goods and services at discounted prices, typically at half price. I subscribe to several, or at least I did, because I just unsubscribed from most. The sites said they were sorry to see me go and would welcome me back any time. I've kept GROUPON for now, but my enthusiasm has waned. I am clearly not alone; I noticed that GROUPON's stock price has steadily declined over the last year from around $20 a share to $4.50. Some would not be surprised if it declined further.
I see many reasons from my personal experience to account for the steady decline. Mostly I have used the site to get restaurant and food bargains. The goods and trips never really appealed to me, although my wife and I had a fine time at a discounted Hilton hotel in Princeton, NJ as part of a weekend bike trip. With food, I successfully avoided all of the fattening choices that regularly appear. However, I was introduced to an excellent take-out pasta store in Greenwich Village that now has a regular customer in me. Attracting new repeat customers is obviously a business' objective in using GROUPON.
As I said, my main reason for participating was to get bargain deals on restaurants. For several months, we did manage to get some good deals. Some of these places were new; others were places we would have gone to anyway. In general, there were only a few restaurants that we would consider good enough to revisit at full price. YELP reviewers often echoed the same sentiment: it was OK, but not something we'd be willing to pay full price for.
The economics simply don't work for many restaurants. GROUPON retains half of the discounted payment, so the restaurant owner is effectively serving meals at 75% off. Many dine at bargain prices, never intending to return. The result over time is that a greater number of unattractive places seem to be appearing, judging from YELP reviews. In one case, a Peruvian restaurant in Manhattan was so egregious-- giving GROUPON customers smaller plates and limiting choices-- that GROUPON gave me a full refund when I complained.
Another trend is GROUPON's steady migration to offerings exclusively for women. I don't mind, but as a male I'm not going to want many pedicures. I intend to use up my remaining backlog of GROUPON coupons soon.
I see many reasons from my personal experience to account for the steady decline. Mostly I have used the site to get restaurant and food bargains. The goods and trips never really appealed to me, although my wife and I had a fine time at a discounted Hilton hotel in Princeton, NJ as part of a weekend bike trip. With food, I successfully avoided all of the fattening choices that regularly appear. However, I was introduced to an excellent take-out pasta store in Greenwich Village that now has a regular customer in me. Attracting new repeat customers is obviously a business' objective in using GROUPON.
As I said, my main reason for participating was to get bargain deals on restaurants. For several months, we did manage to get some good deals. Some of these places were new; others were places we would have gone to anyway. In general, there were only a few restaurants that we would consider good enough to revisit at full price. YELP reviewers often echoed the same sentiment: it was OK, but not something we'd be willing to pay full price for.
The economics simply don't work for many restaurants. GROUPON retains half of the discounted payment, so the restaurant owner is effectively serving meals at 75% off. Many dine at bargain prices, never intending to return. The result over time is that a greater number of unattractive places seem to be appearing, judging from YELP reviews. In one case, a Peruvian restaurant in Manhattan was so egregious-- giving GROUPON customers smaller plates and limiting choices-- that GROUPON gave me a full refund when I complained.
Another trend is GROUPON's steady migration to offerings exclusively for women. I don't mind, but as a male I'm not going to want many pedicures. I intend to use up my remaining backlog of GROUPON coupons soon.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Cost of Batman
I just read the detailed story of a young woman, age 24, who suddenly and unexpectedly contracted severe leukemia. Needless to say, her life is now in a shambles. With intensive medical care, including treatments like chemo and radiation, she may survive. What caught my attention was the cost of her treatment. The cost will exceed $1 million, and even with her father's insurance plan covering her (thank God), the co-pays, deductibles, and lifetime limit already requires payment of tens of thousands of dollars. What she will do in two years when she turns 26 and is no longer eligible under her Dad's policy is too scary to contemplate.
What particularly caught my attention was her comment about lack of coverage for costly services provided by doctors not participating in her plan. As she noted, she is often groggy or in pain, lying in her hospital bed, when doctor(s) enter her room and provide some service. Bills constantly arrive from them for payment, and only then do she and her parents learn that these particular caregivers are "out-of-network" and thus must be paid in full. What a horrible and outrageous system ! The typical American is doomed to bankruptcy, death, or both with this system in operation until they reach 65. Paul Ryan is trying to close off that escape route for younger people like her as I write.
My "favorite" horror story is the poor man who went to see the opening of the new Batman flick at his mall theatre in Colorado. He had no idea what that movie would cost him. First, he was gunned down by the crazy shooter who had no trouble obtaining weapons under lenient state gun laws. Once transported to the hospital, his troubles multiplied. Not only could he no longer earn a living, due to his wounds, but impossible to pay medical bills started rolling in. From being a self-supporting independent Westerner with a job, a house, and a family, he was now permanently transformed into a bankrupt invalid owing over $1 million and counting in medical bills.
These are the results of just two programs strongly supported by your right-wing Republican candidates-- no gun control and reduced medical coverage for Americans. There are already 50 million Americans living without any health insurance. In Europe, everyone has coverage, the cost is half what we spend per capita, and their medical results are as good or better than ours. If just 2% of our 50 million uninsured get seriously ill like the two above, that's 1 million doomed people. Wake up America ! The life you save may be your own.
What particularly caught my attention was her comment about lack of coverage for costly services provided by doctors not participating in her plan. As she noted, she is often groggy or in pain, lying in her hospital bed, when doctor(s) enter her room and provide some service. Bills constantly arrive from them for payment, and only then do she and her parents learn that these particular caregivers are "out-of-network" and thus must be paid in full. What a horrible and outrageous system ! The typical American is doomed to bankruptcy, death, or both with this system in operation until they reach 65. Paul Ryan is trying to close off that escape route for younger people like her as I write.
My "favorite" horror story is the poor man who went to see the opening of the new Batman flick at his mall theatre in Colorado. He had no idea what that movie would cost him. First, he was gunned down by the crazy shooter who had no trouble obtaining weapons under lenient state gun laws. Once transported to the hospital, his troubles multiplied. Not only could he no longer earn a living, due to his wounds, but impossible to pay medical bills started rolling in. From being a self-supporting independent Westerner with a job, a house, and a family, he was now permanently transformed into a bankrupt invalid owing over $1 million and counting in medical bills.
These are the results of just two programs strongly supported by your right-wing Republican candidates-- no gun control and reduced medical coverage for Americans. There are already 50 million Americans living without any health insurance. In Europe, everyone has coverage, the cost is half what we spend per capita, and their medical results are as good or better than ours. If just 2% of our 50 million uninsured get seriously ill like the two above, that's 1 million doomed people. Wake up America ! The life you save may be your own.
Monday, August 20, 2012
St. Stephen of Hungary School
I sat across from a very fine man named Tom Downing at work a few years ago. He was very pleasant, straightforward and competent; everyone liked him. Unfortunately, he developed cancer and died within a year. I attended the funeral at his church, St. Stephen of Hungary R.C. Church on the Upper East Side, and was very impressed with everything I saw. It was a beautiful group of buildings, immaculately maintained.
Today I read in the newspaper about a 33 year old woman who is credited with saving the church's long-established school from closing. Like many Catholic schools today, budget shortfalls are forcing a steady number of Catholic schools to shut their doors. What this teacher did to salvage the situation was to make the school attractive to a wealthier demographic in the neighborhood. Catholic schools have historically provided a fine education and instilled good character traits in their students. I have worked with a number of their graduates, besides Tom Downing, throughout my life and seen first-hand the excellent results from these schools. One small tell-tale sign of many Catholic school grads, for example, is that their handwriting remains legible. According to my friend Joe Gallagher, in the old days you either wrote legibly or got severely punished by the nuns.
It's nice to see a good school survive, especially when so much is going wrong in many parts of our educational system. The wealthier parents could afford paying a higher tuition ($8000 per year), a bargain compared to elite private school tuitions in the City, and thereby make the school solvent again. Annual fund raising has also soared. Needless to say, St. Stephen is thrilled with their young educator.
Like many things, however, this story is not all good news. Catholic schools have historically been a haven and godsend for poor but very motivated students. It was a path for black, Hispanic, and other minorities out of poverty and onto good colleges. It was one of the great achievements of Catholic schools to educate disadvantaged youth at a bargain price; this was a task which the Church welcomed as part of its sacred mission. Now, through no fault of St. Stephen or others, that undertaking is endangered. Already, the percentage of its poor students has declined substantially. Similarly, modest tuition increases will probably be insufficient to provide the substantial pay and benefits which their fine teachers deserve.
Once again, money has reared its ugly head to undercut something truly great and inspiring.
Today I read in the newspaper about a 33 year old woman who is credited with saving the church's long-established school from closing. Like many Catholic schools today, budget shortfalls are forcing a steady number of Catholic schools to shut their doors. What this teacher did to salvage the situation was to make the school attractive to a wealthier demographic in the neighborhood. Catholic schools have historically provided a fine education and instilled good character traits in their students. I have worked with a number of their graduates, besides Tom Downing, throughout my life and seen first-hand the excellent results from these schools. One small tell-tale sign of many Catholic school grads, for example, is that their handwriting remains legible. According to my friend Joe Gallagher, in the old days you either wrote legibly or got severely punished by the nuns.
It's nice to see a good school survive, especially when so much is going wrong in many parts of our educational system. The wealthier parents could afford paying a higher tuition ($8000 per year), a bargain compared to elite private school tuitions in the City, and thereby make the school solvent again. Annual fund raising has also soared. Needless to say, St. Stephen is thrilled with their young educator.
Like many things, however, this story is not all good news. Catholic schools have historically been a haven and godsend for poor but very motivated students. It was a path for black, Hispanic, and other minorities out of poverty and onto good colleges. It was one of the great achievements of Catholic schools to educate disadvantaged youth at a bargain price; this was a task which the Church welcomed as part of its sacred mission. Now, through no fault of St. Stephen or others, that undertaking is endangered. Already, the percentage of its poor students has declined substantially. Similarly, modest tuition increases will probably be insufficient to provide the substantial pay and benefits which their fine teachers deserve.
Once again, money has reared its ugly head to undercut something truly great and inspiring.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Black Cat
During the last few weeks I've been developing a relationship with a small black cat. There are 2 or 3 neighborhood cats that hang out in our backyard during the day. Our block has a series of brownstones with backyards facing similar-sized backyards and brownstones across high stockade wooden fences for privacy. We know some of our neighbors, but to the cats and squirrels it's entirely a free trade zone without borders or boundaries.
The black cat that has been hanging out in our yard can't weigh more than a couple of pounds. It has shiny black hair and large yellow eyes; it's small and cuddly but has a dramatic look due to those eyes. I doubt it's a stray, even though it has no collar or tag, because it is well groomed and very comfortable around people. I suspect I will never know which of several dozen neighbors it belongs to, or even its name.
After sizing me up for a week or so, and permitting me to pet it in the garden, I was sitting inside recently at the kitchen table with our back door open and looked up by chance to confront the cat silently staring at me wide-eyed across the table, with its tail in the air like one of those old-time trolley poles that carries electricity down from an overhead cable. This unexpected "apparition" totally startled me; at the same time, I had to admire its gumption and silent arrival worthy of a Navy SEAL hunting Al Qaeda.
The cat had evidently sized me up, concluded I was friendly and therefore worthy to give it some attention and love. If I were a cat, I would never have the nerve to enter the house of a total stranger, considering how unpredictable things are these days. Anyway, we had a pleasant visit, with lots of purring, rubbing against my arms and legs, and even accepting a small snack with some milk before departing.
Since that first encounter, I have been treated to a steadily increasing number of visits. Sometimes I see the cat hanging out in the patio area, waiting patiently for me to notice and open the door so the cat can make a rushed entrance into what has now become familiar territory.
I enjoy these unscheduled drop-in visits, where we exchange meow sounds and some relaxing petting. Unlike a pet dog, however, this relationship seems more about what I can do for the cat rather than what the cat can do for me.
The black cat that has been hanging out in our yard can't weigh more than a couple of pounds. It has shiny black hair and large yellow eyes; it's small and cuddly but has a dramatic look due to those eyes. I doubt it's a stray, even though it has no collar or tag, because it is well groomed and very comfortable around people. I suspect I will never know which of several dozen neighbors it belongs to, or even its name.
After sizing me up for a week or so, and permitting me to pet it in the garden, I was sitting inside recently at the kitchen table with our back door open and looked up by chance to confront the cat silently staring at me wide-eyed across the table, with its tail in the air like one of those old-time trolley poles that carries electricity down from an overhead cable. This unexpected "apparition" totally startled me; at the same time, I had to admire its gumption and silent arrival worthy of a Navy SEAL hunting Al Qaeda.
The cat had evidently sized me up, concluded I was friendly and therefore worthy to give it some attention and love. If I were a cat, I would never have the nerve to enter the house of a total stranger, considering how unpredictable things are these days. Anyway, we had a pleasant visit, with lots of purring, rubbing against my arms and legs, and even accepting a small snack with some milk before departing.
Since that first encounter, I have been treated to a steadily increasing number of visits. Sometimes I see the cat hanging out in the patio area, waiting patiently for me to notice and open the door so the cat can make a rushed entrance into what has now become familiar territory.
I enjoy these unscheduled drop-in visits, where we exchange meow sounds and some relaxing petting. Unlike a pet dog, however, this relationship seems more about what I can do for the cat rather than what the cat can do for me.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Three Well-Behaved Ladies
Yesterday, after more than 25 years of marriage, my wife left me. That was not the first time that this occurred. The same thing happened last year. Each time, I accompanied her to the airport to say goodbye.
Actually, this is not as bad as it sounds; we have absolutely no plans to divorce, and we'll be apart for only one week while she enjoys what is becoming a regular event in our lives: her annual reunion and get-together with two of her best friends from high school. One lives in San Francisco, the other comes from outside Philadelphia. This year they are spending a week together in an apartment they rented in Vancouver, British Columbia. Last year it was a 19th century house in New Orleans, Louisiana. In both cases, although all three women are married, husbands were not invited.
Although they look innocuous, this is a very intelligent and high-powered group. You wouldn't necessarily know it if you met them, because they are all very unassuming and down-to-earth. The threesome includes two medical doctors (a psychiatrist and a drug researcher) and an attorney, with degrees from Yale, Columbia, and Washington University of St. Louis. On the lighter side, one of the three has a particular talent in addition to her profession. She has the abilities of the former Capt. James Kirk of the Starship Enterprise-- now familiar to everyone as the Negotiator in the Priceline ads. Not only does she plan and book the entire trip for the trio, including destination and restaurant reservations, but she also gets a bargain price on lodgings. She accomplishes the latter by calling luxury rental offerings listed online and convincing the owner to reduce his usual price because the premises will be occupied by "three very well-behaved middle-aged ladies".
So for a week, the other husbands and I will be on our own while the ladies dine out, relax and take in the sights of Vancouver. I can't help thinking how different this picture might be if these three well-behaved ladies were not Americans who grew up together in Brooklyn, New York in the latter half of the 20th century, but rather in some places overseas. In certain countries even today, they could never expect to become professionals or, if they tried to travel abroad without their husbands, they might soon be arrested and imprisoned. What a waste of talent and energy for these other societies. It is hard to imagine that even in America not so long ago, these women weren't considered qualified to vote.
Actually, this is not as bad as it sounds; we have absolutely no plans to divorce, and we'll be apart for only one week while she enjoys what is becoming a regular event in our lives: her annual reunion and get-together with two of her best friends from high school. One lives in San Francisco, the other comes from outside Philadelphia. This year they are spending a week together in an apartment they rented in Vancouver, British Columbia. Last year it was a 19th century house in New Orleans, Louisiana. In both cases, although all three women are married, husbands were not invited.
Although they look innocuous, this is a very intelligent and high-powered group. You wouldn't necessarily know it if you met them, because they are all very unassuming and down-to-earth. The threesome includes two medical doctors (a psychiatrist and a drug researcher) and an attorney, with degrees from Yale, Columbia, and Washington University of St. Louis. On the lighter side, one of the three has a particular talent in addition to her profession. She has the abilities of the former Capt. James Kirk of the Starship Enterprise-- now familiar to everyone as the Negotiator in the Priceline ads. Not only does she plan and book the entire trip for the trio, including destination and restaurant reservations, but she also gets a bargain price on lodgings. She accomplishes the latter by calling luxury rental offerings listed online and convincing the owner to reduce his usual price because the premises will be occupied by "three very well-behaved middle-aged ladies".
So for a week, the other husbands and I will be on our own while the ladies dine out, relax and take in the sights of Vancouver. I can't help thinking how different this picture might be if these three well-behaved ladies were not Americans who grew up together in Brooklyn, New York in the latter half of the 20th century, but rather in some places overseas. In certain countries even today, they could never expect to become professionals or, if they tried to travel abroad without their husbands, they might soon be arrested and imprisoned. What a waste of talent and energy for these other societies. It is hard to imagine that even in America not so long ago, these women weren't considered qualified to vote.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Trillions of Worlds
I just watched a TV interview on CNN with a well-known scientist discussing the recent discovery of a super-galaxy that makes our own Milky Way look tinier than ever. He concluded by estimating that the entire universe consisted of at least 100 billion galaxies each containing 100 billion stars. This calculation means there are literally trillions of planets out there. Think of a pizza, he said, with a pinprick somewhere on it; the pinprick represents all of the stars we can see or detect. Now imagine 100 similar pizzas scattered over an area the size of a football field; he said that is just the beginning in comprehending the true size of our cosmos.
This discussion made me think once again about how narrow-minded religions on Earth can be, and the probability of intelligent life existing elsewhere. This scientist felt the sheer number of heavenly bodies suggested earthlings would be arrogant to think we were the only game in town, as he said with a smile. In light of these discoveries, I find the dictates of leading religious groups astounding. Consider, for instance, the following examples from two representative Western religions:
Catholicism-- Galileo was imprisoned and forced to recant his finding that the earth travels around the sun, because it violated Church doctrine; priests must be celibate; birth control, contraception, and stem-cell research offend God; the Pope is infallible when speaking ex cathedra about God.
Judaism-- God cares what we eat, so non-kosher food like shrimp and pork must be avoided like the plague; God created the world in six days exactly 5,772 years ago; a snake talked intelligently in the Garden of Eden, Noah's Ark carried two of every living creature for forty days and nights, Jonah lived inside a whale for three days, and Moses held up his arms and delayed the sun from setting.
Both religions, like many others, claim they are the only path to God. In neither religion, however, has God ever spoken directly to mankind as a whole; there is always some intermediary. I have always believed that God is too busy to concern himself with the minutiae of our everyday lives. This is different from saying there is no God. This recent discovery about the overwhelming vastness and diversity of the universe makes me more convinced than ever that we're just inventing rules and dictates from God that simply don't exist.
This discussion made me think once again about how narrow-minded religions on Earth can be, and the probability of intelligent life existing elsewhere. This scientist felt the sheer number of heavenly bodies suggested earthlings would be arrogant to think we were the only game in town, as he said with a smile. In light of these discoveries, I find the dictates of leading religious groups astounding. Consider, for instance, the following examples from two representative Western religions:
Catholicism-- Galileo was imprisoned and forced to recant his finding that the earth travels around the sun, because it violated Church doctrine; priests must be celibate; birth control, contraception, and stem-cell research offend God; the Pope is infallible when speaking ex cathedra about God.
Judaism-- God cares what we eat, so non-kosher food like shrimp and pork must be avoided like the plague; God created the world in six days exactly 5,772 years ago; a snake talked intelligently in the Garden of Eden, Noah's Ark carried two of every living creature for forty days and nights, Jonah lived inside a whale for three days, and Moses held up his arms and delayed the sun from setting.
Both religions, like many others, claim they are the only path to God. In neither religion, however, has God ever spoken directly to mankind as a whole; there is always some intermediary. I have always believed that God is too busy to concern himself with the minutiae of our everyday lives. This is different from saying there is no God. This recent discovery about the overwhelming vastness and diversity of the universe makes me more convinced than ever that we're just inventing rules and dictates from God that simply don't exist.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
The Emperor's New Clothes
I wonder whether this generation is familiar with the story that is the title of this blog. As you probably know, the Emperor walks down the road in a parade completely naked, having been duped by two highly-paid rogues into believing he was wearing fine robes. The claim was that only stupid people couldn't see the clothes. Everyone ignores what their eyes clearly see except a young boy, who declares in a loud voice: "The Emperor is naked!" The fraud is then immediately acknowledged by everyone.
Who will it take to expose the Republican "recovery plan" for the fraud it is, so a majority of American voters will be sure to guarantee defeat of the Romney-Ryan ticket in November? Already, I have read critical analyses by Nobel Economist Paul Krugman; Times columnists such as Joe Nocera and Andrew Ross Sorkin; and even David Stockman, OMB director under Reagan. Their arguments confirmed what I already thought about Republican economic plans being just a lot of useless gibberish.
I think it would take someone special, who is recognized as an unquestioned authority in economic matters, above partisanship, and very patriotic. My nomination for this role would be Warren Buffett. If he denounced the Republican plan in the clearly understandable, folksy way that only he can do, I believe most people would see the light. I hope he does it, because there is a lot at stake here.
I am not writing now as a political partisan. If the Republican candidate had the answers, I'd vote for him irrespective of party affiliation. Obviously, this country is in trouble and millions of Americans are desperate for help. This is not the time to push policies that will accomplish nothing beyond blind ambition to win the presidency and serve the interests of the wealthy.
I am not going to rehash the arguments here; others have already done so in great detail. Suffice it to say that shredding the social safety net and giving more tax breaks to the wealthy are not going to produce economic prosperity. It's common sense and historical fact that this combo won't do it, yet that is the heart of the Republican program.
What disturbs me and what I want to convey here are the following thoughts: why aren't patriotic leaders like Warren Buffett speaking out? How can a great democracy like ours function when so many are so gullible? How short-sighted, greedy, and unconcerned about our fellow Americans can the rich be?
Who will it take to expose the Republican "recovery plan" for the fraud it is, so a majority of American voters will be sure to guarantee defeat of the Romney-Ryan ticket in November? Already, I have read critical analyses by Nobel Economist Paul Krugman; Times columnists such as Joe Nocera and Andrew Ross Sorkin; and even David Stockman, OMB director under Reagan. Their arguments confirmed what I already thought about Republican economic plans being just a lot of useless gibberish.
I think it would take someone special, who is recognized as an unquestioned authority in economic matters, above partisanship, and very patriotic. My nomination for this role would be Warren Buffett. If he denounced the Republican plan in the clearly understandable, folksy way that only he can do, I believe most people would see the light. I hope he does it, because there is a lot at stake here.
I am not writing now as a political partisan. If the Republican candidate had the answers, I'd vote for him irrespective of party affiliation. Obviously, this country is in trouble and millions of Americans are desperate for help. This is not the time to push policies that will accomplish nothing beyond blind ambition to win the presidency and serve the interests of the wealthy.
I am not going to rehash the arguments here; others have already done so in great detail. Suffice it to say that shredding the social safety net and giving more tax breaks to the wealthy are not going to produce economic prosperity. It's common sense and historical fact that this combo won't do it, yet that is the heart of the Republican program.
What disturbs me and what I want to convey here are the following thoughts: why aren't patriotic leaders like Warren Buffett speaking out? How can a great democracy like ours function when so many are so gullible? How short-sighted, greedy, and unconcerned about our fellow Americans can the rich be?
Monday, August 13, 2012
Baggage
At the end of a recent weekend trip to Boston, my wife and I packed our belongings and checked out of our hotel, which was outside downtown Boston. Our plan was to spend the day sightseeing and then pick up our luggage at the end of the day before beginning our trip home to New York. The problem was the luggage. The hotel was happy to store it for us all day if we wished, but then we'd have to double-back to pick it up. We finally took it with us; this was a real nuisance, since we came to Boston by public transit. Eventually, our problem resolved itself when we lugged it downtown and checked it with the bellhop at the downtown branch of the hotel.
Over this past weekend, as I watched Mitt Romney make appearances with his newly-chosen VP running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan, I found myself thinking about our luggage. The more I observed Romney and Ryan, the more I saw a similarity between them and our luggage. In a very real sense, Ryan was now Romney's luggage that Mitt will be forced to drag along wherever he goes until Election Day. I could easily be wrong-- maybe it's because I'm a liberal Democrat-- but to me it seemed that Romney's smile sometimes looked slightly like a rueful grin. I could swear I saw the same look on John McCain's face after he picked Sarah Palin for his ticket.
Make no mistake: this is baggage, not luggage! Already, Mitt is going to Florida, but Ryan has been detoured to the Midwest lest he offend the millions of Medicare retirees in South Florida. Mitt can go wherever he wants but, like us at the end of the day, he's got to reclaim his baggage.
Until now, Romney could bob and weave when it came to policy pronouncements and positions. I think he rather enjoyed being nimble and changing positions as circumstances dictated. It won't be so easy going forward from this point and, unlike my wife and me, he isn't going to find a friendly drop-off spot for the duration.
The rich elite, right-wing conservatives, and the Tea Partyers may be thrilled, but there are clearly more Obama supporters out there than loyal Republicans. Choosing Ryan won't overcome the gap, which Romney recognized and attempted to close with his VP pick. BTW, I've noticed that Romney's campaign photos in the papers and on TV always seem to be taken at an angle which mask the relatively small size of his crowds at campaign stops. I noticed the same treatment with the McCain campaign.
Over this past weekend, as I watched Mitt Romney make appearances with his newly-chosen VP running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan, I found myself thinking about our luggage. The more I observed Romney and Ryan, the more I saw a similarity between them and our luggage. In a very real sense, Ryan was now Romney's luggage that Mitt will be forced to drag along wherever he goes until Election Day. I could easily be wrong-- maybe it's because I'm a liberal Democrat-- but to me it seemed that Romney's smile sometimes looked slightly like a rueful grin. I could swear I saw the same look on John McCain's face after he picked Sarah Palin for his ticket.
Make no mistake: this is baggage, not luggage! Already, Mitt is going to Florida, but Ryan has been detoured to the Midwest lest he offend the millions of Medicare retirees in South Florida. Mitt can go wherever he wants but, like us at the end of the day, he's got to reclaim his baggage.
Until now, Romney could bob and weave when it came to policy pronouncements and positions. I think he rather enjoyed being nimble and changing positions as circumstances dictated. It won't be so easy going forward from this point and, unlike my wife and me, he isn't going to find a friendly drop-off spot for the duration.
The rich elite, right-wing conservatives, and the Tea Partyers may be thrilled, but there are clearly more Obama supporters out there than loyal Republicans. Choosing Ryan won't overcome the gap, which Romney recognized and attempted to close with his VP pick. BTW, I've noticed that Romney's campaign photos in the papers and on TV always seem to be taken at an angle which mask the relatively small size of his crowds at campaign stops. I noticed the same treatment with the McCain campaign.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Brooklyn ArtIsts
In 1997, when Arnold Lehman returned to Brooklyn to become Director of the Brooklyn Museum of Art, I suggested at a get-acquainted bagel breakfast that he consider showing and possibly making available for sale artwork by contemporary Brooklyn artists. I had seen this done successfully at other museums in and outside New York. I was disappointed that Dr. Lehman rejected my suggestion, saying it was the wrong business for the museum.
Today, only 15 years later, I received an email from the museum sponsoring a showing of artwork by Brooklyn artists in their studios next month! I am writing this blog to urge everyone who can to attend. With the prestige of the Brooklyn Museum behind this undertaking, over 1800 Brooklyn artists have signed up to participate. I know a number of these artists personally, and have seen work by many more at various venues over the years. I am delighted that Dr. Lehman and the museum have undertaken this project, and I anticipate that everyone involved will be happy with the results.
Google "Gobrooklynart" and you can get all the details. The Open Studio showings will take place on September 8 and 9, 2012, at locations throughout the borough. The website contains information about each artist and provides examples of their work. Given the large number of participants, I intend to spend some time before the opening reviewing their listings so I can try to determine the best artists to visit. It does not appear that the work will officially be available for sale. Tickets are not needed and the showings are free.
I intend to provide a list of artists whose work appeals to me from their online portfolios. For anyone who has similar art taste as me, my choices may be a useful supplement to your own selections.
I'm really excited about this exhibition. As you know, there are thousands of artists working in Brooklyn these days. Many of them have gallery and sometimes museum shows, but many more are talented without the opportunity to show their work. The chance to discover beautiful artwork has always been a thrill for me. This show will afford everyone who participates the same experience.
Today, only 15 years later, I received an email from the museum sponsoring a showing of artwork by Brooklyn artists in their studios next month! I am writing this blog to urge everyone who can to attend. With the prestige of the Brooklyn Museum behind this undertaking, over 1800 Brooklyn artists have signed up to participate. I know a number of these artists personally, and have seen work by many more at various venues over the years. I am delighted that Dr. Lehman and the museum have undertaken this project, and I anticipate that everyone involved will be happy with the results.
Google "Gobrooklynart" and you can get all the details. The Open Studio showings will take place on September 8 and 9, 2012, at locations throughout the borough. The website contains information about each artist and provides examples of their work. Given the large number of participants, I intend to spend some time before the opening reviewing their listings so I can try to determine the best artists to visit. It does not appear that the work will officially be available for sale. Tickets are not needed and the showings are free.
I intend to provide a list of artists whose work appeals to me from their online portfolios. For anyone who has similar art taste as me, my choices may be a useful supplement to your own selections.
I'm really excited about this exhibition. As you know, there are thousands of artists working in Brooklyn these days. Many of them have gallery and sometimes museum shows, but many more are talented without the opportunity to show their work. The chance to discover beautiful artwork has always been a thrill for me. This show will afford everyone who participates the same experience.
Paul Ryan
Paul Ryan!
The 42 year old Republican Congressman, Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, who currently serves as Chairman of the House Budget Committee, is Mitt Romney's choice for Vice President on the Repulican ticket. This is wonderful! This is the best thing that has happened to the Republicans since John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate and, before that, Newt Gingrich and his Contract With America.
As a Democrat and Obama supporter, I couldn't be happier. I already thought Mitt Romney was going to lose the election, but now I'm sure of it. As an American first, I'm even happier, because Mitt's endorsement of Ryan will demonstrate the stupidity and potential destructiveness of their policies for the country. Mitt has irrevocably opened a huge sinkhole, as McCain did, and irrevocably fallen into it. Hallelujah!
Specifically, the reason I am so thrilled is that Paul Ryan's theories are an impossible combination of unappealing and unworkable-- except to the rich and the ignorant. His basic program is to stop federal borrowing and reduce the federal deficit by a dramatic reduction in federal spending. To accomplish this goal, a drastic reduction in social programs would be enacted. In some form or other, programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, would be drastically changed and/or cut back. The next idea would be to privatize many government programs. The key concept will be to make individual Americans take greater responsibility for their own welfare and fate. Think Ayn Rand (who Ryan greatly admires) and the Western frontier spirit.
Along the way, Ryan's policies would result, unbelievably and incredibly, in further tax reductions for the wealthy. His selection heralds victory for the rich, the Tea Party, and the right wing of the Republican Party. For the majority of Americans, it's not so good. Hopefully, the Republicans will not be able to hide the popular deductions his plan would need to eliminate, such as the mortgage interest deduction, in order to balance a Ryan budget, or the lasting damage it would do to most Americans and the nation itself.
Now Americans have a clear and stark choice. In the end, I believe the 99% will see the light and reject this ticket and its program, despite massive Republican advertising. As the fat cats say on Wall Street, you can dress up a pig with lipstick, but it's still a pig. Let the games begin!
The 42 year old Republican Congressman, Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, who currently serves as Chairman of the House Budget Committee, is Mitt Romney's choice for Vice President on the Repulican ticket. This is wonderful! This is the best thing that has happened to the Republicans since John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate and, before that, Newt Gingrich and his Contract With America.
As a Democrat and Obama supporter, I couldn't be happier. I already thought Mitt Romney was going to lose the election, but now I'm sure of it. As an American first, I'm even happier, because Mitt's endorsement of Ryan will demonstrate the stupidity and potential destructiveness of their policies for the country. Mitt has irrevocably opened a huge sinkhole, as McCain did, and irrevocably fallen into it. Hallelujah!
Specifically, the reason I am so thrilled is that Paul Ryan's theories are an impossible combination of unappealing and unworkable-- except to the rich and the ignorant. His basic program is to stop federal borrowing and reduce the federal deficit by a dramatic reduction in federal spending. To accomplish this goal, a drastic reduction in social programs would be enacted. In some form or other, programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, would be drastically changed and/or cut back. The next idea would be to privatize many government programs. The key concept will be to make individual Americans take greater responsibility for their own welfare and fate. Think Ayn Rand (who Ryan greatly admires) and the Western frontier spirit.
Along the way, Ryan's policies would result, unbelievably and incredibly, in further tax reductions for the wealthy. His selection heralds victory for the rich, the Tea Party, and the right wing of the Republican Party. For the majority of Americans, it's not so good. Hopefully, the Republicans will not be able to hide the popular deductions his plan would need to eliminate, such as the mortgage interest deduction, in order to balance a Ryan budget, or the lasting damage it would do to most Americans and the nation itself.
Now Americans have a clear and stark choice. In the end, I believe the 99% will see the light and reject this ticket and its program, despite massive Republican advertising. As the fat cats say on Wall Street, you can dress up a pig with lipstick, but it's still a pig. Let the games begin!
Friday, August 10, 2012
Orthodox Judaism
The most important thing to say is that if it were not for the Orthodox, Judaism in America might by now be approaching life support. I am referring here to Jews who may be proud of their heritage, contribute to Israel through UJA, and attend synogogue on High Holy Days, but are not strictly observant. There is about a 50% rate of intermarriage among the offspring of "secular" Jews; this typically results in assimilation into the American mainstream and the disappearance of passionate religious belief and practice.
Having given due respect and credit to Orthodox Judaism, I have never been able to understand some of their practices and beliefs. For example, do religious Jews really believe that the Earth is only 5,772 years old? Similarly, do they really believe that God would be offended if women served as rabbis, were called to the Torah, or sat next to their husbands in synagogue? The irrationality of some of these practices was brought home to me last weekend while I waited in a subway station for the train to arrive. Everyone was appropriately dressed for a summer heat wave in shorts and short sleeve shirts except an Orthodox Jewish man and his young son. Despite heat approaching 100 degrees, this gentleman was dressed in a long black suit and signature black hat. It gets more serious when one remembers that Orthodox Jews in Israel have physically harassed female children for wearing what they considered "immodest" clothing.
Some of the practices seem outright looney to me. My favorite was the time Orthodox Jews in New York City ran out to buy expensive water filters when microscopic organisms, invisible to the naked eye, were reported to exist in the City's drinking water. These creatures were not considered a health hazard but simply non-kosher. It is more serious when Orthodox Jews in Israel believe they should be exempt from military service so they can study Torah full time. It is also totally unfair to say that an Orthodox Jewish woman cannot get divorced these days without obtaining a "get" from her husband, which he may arbitrarily refuse to give. My understanding is also that the Orthodox rabbis in Israel assert the right to decide who is a Jew, and that anyone who is not Orthodox does not qualify.
It is time to modernize and liberalize some customs of this ancient and beautiful religion. Tikkun olam-- repairing the world-- can usefully start at home. Fortunately, most of their practices are peaceful and harm no one, but change is sometimes good.
Having given due respect and credit to Orthodox Judaism, I have never been able to understand some of their practices and beliefs. For example, do religious Jews really believe that the Earth is only 5,772 years old? Similarly, do they really believe that God would be offended if women served as rabbis, were called to the Torah, or sat next to their husbands in synagogue? The irrationality of some of these practices was brought home to me last weekend while I waited in a subway station for the train to arrive. Everyone was appropriately dressed for a summer heat wave in shorts and short sleeve shirts except an Orthodox Jewish man and his young son. Despite heat approaching 100 degrees, this gentleman was dressed in a long black suit and signature black hat. It gets more serious when one remembers that Orthodox Jews in Israel have physically harassed female children for wearing what they considered "immodest" clothing.
Some of the practices seem outright looney to me. My favorite was the time Orthodox Jews in New York City ran out to buy expensive water filters when microscopic organisms, invisible to the naked eye, were reported to exist in the City's drinking water. These creatures were not considered a health hazard but simply non-kosher. It is more serious when Orthodox Jews in Israel believe they should be exempt from military service so they can study Torah full time. It is also totally unfair to say that an Orthodox Jewish woman cannot get divorced these days without obtaining a "get" from her husband, which he may arbitrarily refuse to give. My understanding is also that the Orthodox rabbis in Israel assert the right to decide who is a Jew, and that anyone who is not Orthodox does not qualify.
It is time to modernize and liberalize some customs of this ancient and beautiful religion. Tikkun olam-- repairing the world-- can usefully start at home. Fortunately, most of their practices are peaceful and harm no one, but change is sometimes good.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Change
They say the one constant you can always rely on is change. Things were not always this way. I recently saw an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum entitled "The Dawn of Egyptian Art". The show displayed the art produced by Egyptians for a couple of thousand years before the pharaohs. Very little changed for centuries, although even there a gradual evolution took place. It's fortunate that some things change over time. For instance, in those days the local rulers wore a bull's tail from their behinds to represent their power and position of leadership. Can you imagine Barack Obama or Mitt Romney going around like that today?
I was thinking about dramatic changes in my everyday life. On top of my list would be cellphones, a dramatic change from stationary phones. The ability to keep in touch after you've left home is a godsend. I remember trips abroad or just meeting up in a huge crowd. Now it's a no-brainer; formerly it was nearly impossible.
The Internet would likewise be at the top of anyone's list. This development has literally changed the world. The idea that entire revolutions could be organized and carried out on laptops or mobile devices would have been inconceivable a few years ago. I would like to mention Yelp here, which has made printed restaurant guides obsolete. I've never had better meals out since following their online reviews. I've even become a reviewer myself.
Some changes are going to be a mixed bag for me. For example, I love that you can get books and tapes online. On the other hand, I can envision a day when having a home library may appear hopelessly old-fashioned and a stupid waste of space. The trend has already adversely affected newspapers, book publishers, and bookstores.
I close by relating a small exchange I overheard this past weekend between a mother and her young son at a local flea market. "What's this?", the boy wanted to know, pointing to a black piece of machinery on the antique dealer's table. "That's a typewriter", the mother replied, as the boy continued to stare at this archaic object from the distant 20th century.
I believe the saying I selected as the motto appearing at the top of my Yelp reviews says it all. It reads: "Change is inevitable, except from vending machines."
I was thinking about dramatic changes in my everyday life. On top of my list would be cellphones, a dramatic change from stationary phones. The ability to keep in touch after you've left home is a godsend. I remember trips abroad or just meeting up in a huge crowd. Now it's a no-brainer; formerly it was nearly impossible.
The Internet would likewise be at the top of anyone's list. This development has literally changed the world. The idea that entire revolutions could be organized and carried out on laptops or mobile devices would have been inconceivable a few years ago. I would like to mention Yelp here, which has made printed restaurant guides obsolete. I've never had better meals out since following their online reviews. I've even become a reviewer myself.
Some changes are going to be a mixed bag for me. For example, I love that you can get books and tapes online. On the other hand, I can envision a day when having a home library may appear hopelessly old-fashioned and a stupid waste of space. The trend has already adversely affected newspapers, book publishers, and bookstores.
I close by relating a small exchange I overheard this past weekend between a mother and her young son at a local flea market. "What's this?", the boy wanted to know, pointing to a black piece of machinery on the antique dealer's table. "That's a typewriter", the mother replied, as the boy continued to stare at this archaic object from the distant 20th century.
I believe the saying I selected as the motto appearing at the top of my Yelp reviews says it all. It reads: "Change is inevitable, except from vending machines."
Cybersecurity
In the Godfather saga, one of the recurring concerns was security. They were endlessly arranging meetings, and the issue of who was providing security was a vital question. In fact, interfamily mob warfare first broke out after a careless comment made by Sonny Corleone about who was guaranteeing security for a proposed meeting.
Sad to say, this country has apparently still not learned its lesson, despite Pearl Harbor and more recently the World Trade Center. The latest news is that a bill in the US Senate to increase funding for cybersecurity was defeated this week. As a result, our nation will remain open and vulnerable to computer attacks by our enemies, whether it be state-sponsored or by terrorists. To make matters worse, everyone is in complete agreement concerning our vulnerability and the possibility of a crippling attack at any time. Despite agreement by all parties, we are going to leave ourselves open to attack for the foreseeable future. When asked about this state of affairs, the Administration official in charge of cyberwarfare stated bluntly that he was surprised a crippling attack had not yet occurred.
Apparently, a cyberattack could take the form of a computer attack against our electrical grid, which could have the effect of creating a blackout that would affect anything dependent upon electricity to function. I am no expert, but this would seem to cover almost everything imaginable in a modern society. From what I read, such a crippling blow could not easily or quickly be rectified.
We spend over a half trillion dollars every year on our military for security, an amount equal to the next 10 nations combined, yet we leave ourselves open to cyberattack because of political differences! Typically, it seems another disaster will be required before we can get moving on this problem. In the meantime, we will remain painfully vulnerable to disaster.
Something like this-- which apparently no one disputes as a clear and present danger--makes me feel very angry and insecure. It demonstrates the depths to which our feckless politicians are willing to go for short-term partisan advantage, and to please business interests opposed to necessary defensive measures.
The Senate vote didn't even make front page news.
Sad to say, this country has apparently still not learned its lesson, despite Pearl Harbor and more recently the World Trade Center. The latest news is that a bill in the US Senate to increase funding for cybersecurity was defeated this week. As a result, our nation will remain open and vulnerable to computer attacks by our enemies, whether it be state-sponsored or by terrorists. To make matters worse, everyone is in complete agreement concerning our vulnerability and the possibility of a crippling attack at any time. Despite agreement by all parties, we are going to leave ourselves open to attack for the foreseeable future. When asked about this state of affairs, the Administration official in charge of cyberwarfare stated bluntly that he was surprised a crippling attack had not yet occurred.
Apparently, a cyberattack could take the form of a computer attack against our electrical grid, which could have the effect of creating a blackout that would affect anything dependent upon electricity to function. I am no expert, but this would seem to cover almost everything imaginable in a modern society. From what I read, such a crippling blow could not easily or quickly be rectified.
We spend over a half trillion dollars every year on our military for security, an amount equal to the next 10 nations combined, yet we leave ourselves open to cyberattack because of political differences! Typically, it seems another disaster will be required before we can get moving on this problem. In the meantime, we will remain painfully vulnerable to disaster.
Something like this-- which apparently no one disputes as a clear and present danger--makes me feel very angry and insecure. It demonstrates the depths to which our feckless politicians are willing to go for short-term partisan advantage, and to please business interests opposed to necessary defensive measures.
The Senate vote didn't even make front page news.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
NYC Foods
I read with great interest a full page article with photos written by Mimi Sheraton, a former food critic at The New York Times, in the Food Section of yesterday's Times. Not only did she discuss in detail the "true New York classics", as she called them, but she analyzed the factors which made them great and listed the best places to find them.
Her article covered the following categories: hot dogs, cheesecake, bagels, Jewish rye bread, pastrami, pizza, Manhattan clam chowder, and bialys. The first six of these categories are my favorites. In fact, readers of this blog may recall a recent entry in which I say that my last meal would be a pastrami sandwich on Jewish rye at Katz's, one of the selections in the article. The only thoughts I would add to her excellent discussion involve ambience and accompaniments. By that I mean that it adds to the experience to eat your deli at a place like Katz's on Manhattan's Lower East Side or your chowder at a seaside restaurant in Brooklyn's Sheepshead Bay, rather than having takeout or delivery. Also, when I have a pastrami sandwich on rye, I want Dijon mustard, a side of French fries, and an ice cold bottle of Dr. Brown's cream soda with it. Some may disagree, but I also think mustard and sauerkraut on a lightly toasted bun are essential for a Nathan's or Hebrew National hotdog.
I have eaten at almost every place she cites in her article as the best places for these foods, and can attest to the excellence of her choices. Those I have missed can expect to see me in the future. Some of these places evoke fond memories for me. For example, Nathan's was always the final destination for my bike rides down Ocean Parkway or visits to Brighton Beach while growing up in Brooklyn. The Bagel Hole in Park Slope is a few blocks from our present home, and we sometimes enjoy their regular egg or pumpernickel bagels on weekends. One of the Orwasher Bakery sons is a close friend, and we have enjoyed their products for years. Similarly, years ago I used to go to the Original Ray's Pizza in Greenwich Village and wait in a line stretching around the block for a slice. I'm glad to learn from the article that Ray is back at the same location with a new name.
For reasons I have never understood, it is difficult to find many places outside New York City able to produce these products with the same high quality. Personally, I wish I could eat these foods all the time but, except for the bagels and bread, I guess I won't get to see my sons grow up if I did so.
Her article covered the following categories: hot dogs, cheesecake, bagels, Jewish rye bread, pastrami, pizza, Manhattan clam chowder, and bialys. The first six of these categories are my favorites. In fact, readers of this blog may recall a recent entry in which I say that my last meal would be a pastrami sandwich on Jewish rye at Katz's, one of the selections in the article. The only thoughts I would add to her excellent discussion involve ambience and accompaniments. By that I mean that it adds to the experience to eat your deli at a place like Katz's on Manhattan's Lower East Side or your chowder at a seaside restaurant in Brooklyn's Sheepshead Bay, rather than having takeout or delivery. Also, when I have a pastrami sandwich on rye, I want Dijon mustard, a side of French fries, and an ice cold bottle of Dr. Brown's cream soda with it. Some may disagree, but I also think mustard and sauerkraut on a lightly toasted bun are essential for a Nathan's or Hebrew National hotdog.
I have eaten at almost every place she cites in her article as the best places for these foods, and can attest to the excellence of her choices. Those I have missed can expect to see me in the future. Some of these places evoke fond memories for me. For example, Nathan's was always the final destination for my bike rides down Ocean Parkway or visits to Brighton Beach while growing up in Brooklyn. The Bagel Hole in Park Slope is a few blocks from our present home, and we sometimes enjoy their regular egg or pumpernickel bagels on weekends. One of the Orwasher Bakery sons is a close friend, and we have enjoyed their products for years. Similarly, years ago I used to go to the Original Ray's Pizza in Greenwich Village and wait in a line stretching around the block for a slice. I'm glad to learn from the article that Ray is back at the same location with a new name.
For reasons I have never understood, it is difficult to find many places outside New York City able to produce these products with the same high quality. Personally, I wish I could eat these foods all the time but, except for the bagels and bread, I guess I won't get to see my sons grow up if I did so.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Travel Fix
Many of New York City's best outdoor sites are not conveniently located. Often they are found in the outer boroughs and take a while to reach by car or public transportation. The result is that when it comes to outdoor activities, you usually find large numbers of locals and visitors in places like Central Park or Coney Island, but far fewer at equally beautiful places like Rockaway Beach, the Cloisters, or the New York Botanical Gardens.
Today I am going to discuss the special technique which my wife and I utilize on weekends to increase our exposure to less travelled places without inconvenience or discomfort. Our secret involves the Sunday New York Times, which everyone knows is particularly large and engrossing. What many New Yorkers including us typically do on Sunday is wake up, eat breakfast or brunch, and then settle down to continue reading it for up to several hours.
What we increasingly do, instead, is select a place to visit, grab a quick bite, and head out with "the paper" for our destination via the NYC Transit System, otherwise known as the subway. As you know, our subway system is one of the largest and busiest in the world, with lines reaching out to many remote areas of the City. While we read, the subway goes the hour or more it may take to reach our destination. Although typically packed during the week, the subway on Sunday is usually quiet and often almost deserted. There's always a seat, good lighting, welcome air conditioning during hot weather, and a gentle rocking motion. Before you know it, an hour or more has passed (sometimes with a required connection) and you've arrived at your destination. A collateral benefit is you're accomplishing something and not having to say--"Oh nothing, we just sat home and read the paper."
In addition to the destinations listed above, we plan future visits to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens, and Van Cortlandt Park and Wave Hill (free shuttle from train) in the Bronx. Other destinations include Inwood Park and Alexander Hamilton's home in upper Manhattan, and Governor's Island (free ferry from train). As a beach and water lover, I'm always ready to revisit Manhattan Beach and Sheepshead Bay or go to Red Hook (connecting bus) in Brooklyn for canoeing or kayaking.
Hope this idea is helpful to you. We'll know you've taken our suggestion if we get off the train on a future weekend at a remote location and see another couple looking around while carrying the Sunday Times with them.
Today I am going to discuss the special technique which my wife and I utilize on weekends to increase our exposure to less travelled places without inconvenience or discomfort. Our secret involves the Sunday New York Times, which everyone knows is particularly large and engrossing. What many New Yorkers including us typically do on Sunday is wake up, eat breakfast or brunch, and then settle down to continue reading it for up to several hours.
What we increasingly do, instead, is select a place to visit, grab a quick bite, and head out with "the paper" for our destination via the NYC Transit System, otherwise known as the subway. As you know, our subway system is one of the largest and busiest in the world, with lines reaching out to many remote areas of the City. While we read, the subway goes the hour or more it may take to reach our destination. Although typically packed during the week, the subway on Sunday is usually quiet and often almost deserted. There's always a seat, good lighting, welcome air conditioning during hot weather, and a gentle rocking motion. Before you know it, an hour or more has passed (sometimes with a required connection) and you've arrived at your destination. A collateral benefit is you're accomplishing something and not having to say--"Oh nothing, we just sat home and read the paper."
In addition to the destinations listed above, we plan future visits to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens, and Van Cortlandt Park and Wave Hill (free shuttle from train) in the Bronx. Other destinations include Inwood Park and Alexander Hamilton's home in upper Manhattan, and Governor's Island (free ferry from train). As a beach and water lover, I'm always ready to revisit Manhattan Beach and Sheepshead Bay or go to Red Hook (connecting bus) in Brooklyn for canoeing or kayaking.
Hope this idea is helpful to you. We'll know you've taken our suggestion if we get off the train on a future weekend at a remote location and see another couple looking around while carrying the Sunday Times with them.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Woodlawn Cemetery
My urban adventure this weekend was to historic Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, which is reached by taking the No.4 Lexington Avenue train to the last stop. You can read my detailed review of Woodlawn on YELP; it is currently their lead review dated 7/29/2012. Suffice it to say this was a cemetery to die for: the stone mausoleums of the very rich interred here are huge and magnificent, with bronze doors sometimes accompanied by statuary and Tiffany stained glass. My wife and I spent hours hiking around the vast acreage, which is filled with manicured lawns and mature foliage. It's very quiet, peaceful and deserted except for a few guards.
As we wandered around, I couldn't help thinking that if only these people were alive today, they would constitute Mitt Romney's natural constituency. Mitt's ideas about cutting taxes even further for the wealthiest and reducing benefits for everyone else at a time of need would, I suspect, make perfect sense to many of them. Maybe he could stage a fundraiser on the grounds of Woodlawn, and the descendants of these moguls from the Gilded Age and later could come and make large contributions to his campaign in memory of their deceased benefactors. If only the GOP could somehow get special "proxy" voting approved for some of these 300,000 deceased elite, Mitt might even have a chance of carrying normally Democratic Bronx County in the election. Perhaps the conservative justices on the Supreme Court could devine an original intent by the framers of the Constitution for this to happen.
I would be remiss if I failed to mention some of the many distinguished Americans buried at Woodlawn, whose fame and contributions to our country transcend partisan politics. A partial list would include musicians Irving Berlin, George M. Cohan, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Victor Herbert, and Augustus Juilliard; merchants F.W. Woolworth, J.C. Penney, Roland Macy and the Strauss Family; political leaders Fiorello LaGuardia, Charles Evans Hughes, and Robert Moses; writer Herman Melville; and publisher Joseph Pulitzer. A free map and complete listing of famous people buried at Woodlawn is available to all visitors at the entrances.
The next stop on our hike was the New York Botanical Gardens, located about two miles away. We decided to walk there after fortifying ourselves by a brief stop at Dunkin Donuts across the street to buy cold drinks and a small bag of munchkin donuts for a sugar boost. More than half of the distance was a single side of the multi-sided cemetery, which will give you some idea of the vast size of Woodlawn.
On arrival at the Botanic, where we are members, we headed straight to the "forest" area, which gives you the feeling of being in the woods in upstate New York rather than in part of a crowded city with over 8 million inhabitants. Running through these grounds is the Bronx River, the only natural river still running through New York City.
As we wandered around, I couldn't help thinking that if only these people were alive today, they would constitute Mitt Romney's natural constituency. Mitt's ideas about cutting taxes even further for the wealthiest and reducing benefits for everyone else at a time of need would, I suspect, make perfect sense to many of them. Maybe he could stage a fundraiser on the grounds of Woodlawn, and the descendants of these moguls from the Gilded Age and later could come and make large contributions to his campaign in memory of their deceased benefactors. If only the GOP could somehow get special "proxy" voting approved for some of these 300,000 deceased elite, Mitt might even have a chance of carrying normally Democratic Bronx County in the election. Perhaps the conservative justices on the Supreme Court could devine an original intent by the framers of the Constitution for this to happen.
I would be remiss if I failed to mention some of the many distinguished Americans buried at Woodlawn, whose fame and contributions to our country transcend partisan politics. A partial list would include musicians Irving Berlin, George M. Cohan, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Victor Herbert, and Augustus Juilliard; merchants F.W. Woolworth, J.C. Penney, Roland Macy and the Strauss Family; political leaders Fiorello LaGuardia, Charles Evans Hughes, and Robert Moses; writer Herman Melville; and publisher Joseph Pulitzer. A free map and complete listing of famous people buried at Woodlawn is available to all visitors at the entrances.
The next stop on our hike was the New York Botanical Gardens, located about two miles away. We decided to walk there after fortifying ourselves by a brief stop at Dunkin Donuts across the street to buy cold drinks and a small bag of munchkin donuts for a sugar boost. More than half of the distance was a single side of the multi-sided cemetery, which will give you some idea of the vast size of Woodlawn.
On arrival at the Botanic, where we are members, we headed straight to the "forest" area, which gives you the feeling of being in the woods in upstate New York rather than in part of a crowded city with over 8 million inhabitants. Running through these grounds is the Bronx River, the only natural river still running through New York City.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
North Central Park
Nearly 25 years ago, a young woman went jogging at the north end of Central Park during the night and was severely beaten, raped, and left for dead by her assailant. The plight of the Central Park Jogger, as she was called, sealed the fate of the North End of Central Park in the minds of many New Yorkers. It was considered a dangerous place to be avoided, as many places above 96th Street in Manhattan were regarded in the past.
That reputation has continued for many right up to the present day. As a life-long New Yorker, I definitely would include myself in that group. It was therefore a complete surprise and revelation for me to hike along the paths and up the hills of North Central Park this past weekend and encounter a wholly unexpected environment and population. My wife likes to hike in the outdoors and convinced me to accompany her for a Sunday afternoon outing.
Aside from periodic visits to the tennis courts and the Conservatory Gardens at Fifth Avenue around 105th Street, the transverse at 96th Street previously marked my furthest point north. On this first-time visit, I was astonished at the beautiful landscaping and paths above 96th Street, where birds were singing everywhere and paved walkways passed waterfalls and colorful flower beds. Also in this area is the renovated Lasker Pool, a vast swimming pool open to all ages for water sports. The grass was mowed everywhere, except for places intentionally left wild to reflect Manhattan in its original pristine state. Families and couples were hanging out on the grass, but in far fewer numbers than those visiting the southern end of the park.
Although the south end starting at 59th Street is better known and justly popular, I now feel the north end is quieter, more beautiful and relaxing than its counterpart. It has become a hidden and largely undiscovered jewel well worth exploring. One has a feeling of complete safety today, as it is totally different from previous dangerous conditions. Overall, it is hillier and rougher than the mostly manicured south.
The credit for this turnaround belongs largely to the Central Park Conservancy, a non-profit that has raised and spent millions to turn the park, especially the north end, into a great wilderness in the middle of Manhattan.
That reputation has continued for many right up to the present day. As a life-long New Yorker, I definitely would include myself in that group. It was therefore a complete surprise and revelation for me to hike along the paths and up the hills of North Central Park this past weekend and encounter a wholly unexpected environment and population. My wife likes to hike in the outdoors and convinced me to accompany her for a Sunday afternoon outing.
Aside from periodic visits to the tennis courts and the Conservatory Gardens at Fifth Avenue around 105th Street, the transverse at 96th Street previously marked my furthest point north. On this first-time visit, I was astonished at the beautiful landscaping and paths above 96th Street, where birds were singing everywhere and paved walkways passed waterfalls and colorful flower beds. Also in this area is the renovated Lasker Pool, a vast swimming pool open to all ages for water sports. The grass was mowed everywhere, except for places intentionally left wild to reflect Manhattan in its original pristine state. Families and couples were hanging out on the grass, but in far fewer numbers than those visiting the southern end of the park.
Although the south end starting at 59th Street is better known and justly popular, I now feel the north end is quieter, more beautiful and relaxing than its counterpart. It has become a hidden and largely undiscovered jewel well worth exploring. One has a feeling of complete safety today, as it is totally different from previous dangerous conditions. Overall, it is hillier and rougher than the mostly manicured south.
The credit for this turnaround belongs largely to the Central Park Conservancy, a non-profit that has raised and spent millions to turn the park, especially the north end, into a great wilderness in the middle of Manhattan.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Vertigo
I've been reading lots of stories about sick people and their hospital experiences lately, so I've decided to share my own story about the time that I had a sudden medical emergency and the hospital stay that resulted. This was a first for me as a hospital in-patient, rather than as a visitor to family or friends.
What happened was that on an exceptionally hot summer day in Manhattan several years ago, while I was completely suited up and carrying some heavy documents, I noticed that the ground seemed to sway beneath my feet. By the time I arrived home, the room was spinning wildly and I barely made it onto the bed. When it became clear after several hours that my condition was not going to improve, my wife called an ambulance, and EMS carried me out on a chair and took me with a blaring siren to Maimonides Hospital, the best in Brooklyn.
During this time I was convinced that I was going to have a stroke. I regretted every fattening meal I had ever eaten in my life -- I love all the things I shouldn't eat-- and pondered whether to promise God that if he spared me, I would totally reform. Considering this would include not eating another pastrami sandwich or hot dog for the rest of my life, I decided to wait and see whether I could pull through without such a drastic commitment.
I was quickly "admitted" at Maimonides-- the medical equivalent to being a "made man"--and awaited speedy medical intervention, which to my astonishment did not arrive for some time in the crowded ER. Eventually, following an examination and tests, I was told I had Vertigo. My mind raced to recall the Alfred Hitchcock film with this title. The doctor said it was a common problem involving a disruption in the inner ear, which causes balance problems until it goes away. I was so relieved that I was alive and not having a stroke that I (almost) didn't mind spending the night in a noisy and brightly-lighted ER with a needle taped into my arm; a hospital robe completely open in the back; a bedpan instead of a bathroom; a nurse who woke me up in order to give me a sleeping pill; and an orderly who woke me up again after the sleeping pill worked to mop and clean up around my bed. My wife was very supportive.
By the next morning, I was feeling much better and pleased to learn that my case had been included on that day's list for grand rounds. The senior medical doctor escorting the interns came to my bedside, reviewed my telltale symptoms, and then totally burst my bubble when he informed them with a big smile that the technician who did my CAT Scan had written in his report that my images "looked like a brain that had never been used!"
Fortunately for me, I was discharged from the hospital shortly thereafter, the vertigo slowly dissapated, and I haven't had a single reoccurrence since then.
What happened was that on an exceptionally hot summer day in Manhattan several years ago, while I was completely suited up and carrying some heavy documents, I noticed that the ground seemed to sway beneath my feet. By the time I arrived home, the room was spinning wildly and I barely made it onto the bed. When it became clear after several hours that my condition was not going to improve, my wife called an ambulance, and EMS carried me out on a chair and took me with a blaring siren to Maimonides Hospital, the best in Brooklyn.
During this time I was convinced that I was going to have a stroke. I regretted every fattening meal I had ever eaten in my life -- I love all the things I shouldn't eat-- and pondered whether to promise God that if he spared me, I would totally reform. Considering this would include not eating another pastrami sandwich or hot dog for the rest of my life, I decided to wait and see whether I could pull through without such a drastic commitment.
I was quickly "admitted" at Maimonides-- the medical equivalent to being a "made man"--and awaited speedy medical intervention, which to my astonishment did not arrive for some time in the crowded ER. Eventually, following an examination and tests, I was told I had Vertigo. My mind raced to recall the Alfred Hitchcock film with this title. The doctor said it was a common problem involving a disruption in the inner ear, which causes balance problems until it goes away. I was so relieved that I was alive and not having a stroke that I (almost) didn't mind spending the night in a noisy and brightly-lighted ER with a needle taped into my arm; a hospital robe completely open in the back; a bedpan instead of a bathroom; a nurse who woke me up in order to give me a sleeping pill; and an orderly who woke me up again after the sleeping pill worked to mop and clean up around my bed. My wife was very supportive.
By the next morning, I was feeling much better and pleased to learn that my case had been included on that day's list for grand rounds. The senior medical doctor escorting the interns came to my bedside, reviewed my telltale symptoms, and then totally burst my bubble when he informed them with a big smile that the technician who did my CAT Scan had written in his report that my images "looked like a brain that had never been used!"
Fortunately for me, I was discharged from the hospital shortly thereafter, the vertigo slowly dissapated, and I haven't had a single reoccurrence since then.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
China and Realpolitik
When I was growing up, two of the measures routinely cited by commentators to demonstrate the power of the United States were the tons of steel produced and the number of cars manufactured in America every year compared to the rest of the world. Things have certainly changed dramatically in just a few decades. Consider the following:
--- China now produces nearly half of the world's steel vs around 5% for the US. Even Europe, not a low cost area, produces twice as much as we do.
--- China is now the world's largest market for both the production and sale of automobiles vs the US, where the car companies required federal assistance to avoid bankruptcy. Chrysler is now owned by a foreign company and GM sells more cars in China than in the US. Buicks are apparently a hot item in China.
--- China last year became the world's largest market for art and antiques.
--- China has foreign reserves of over $3 trillion vs national debt of $16 trillion in the US.
--- China is still growing at more than 8% a year, down from double digit growth for years vs a US economy with over 8% unemployment and little growth year over year.
According to former US Senator Alan Simpson (R,WY), co-chairman of the Bowles-Simpson Commission, things are so bad that the US, which is under treaty obligation to defend Taiwan in case of attack, would not be able to do so without a loan from China to finance the war. The ascendance of China on the world stage as a superpower is not a new revelation. As former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has pointed out, China has existed for something like 5,000 years, and for most of that time it has been the strongest and wealthiest country in the world. The past couple of hundred years, he noted, were aberrations. China is now once again starting to claim its position of power on the world scene.
Personally, I'm thankful that I'm living here and not there. I would not enjoy their lack of political, economic, and personal freedom. Their smog-filled cities and increasingly polluted environment-- the result of rapid industrialization-- would not appeal either. However, realpolitik dictates that this is not an appropriate time to espouse American exceptionalism or assert that America must reclaim its position as the number one unchallenged superpower in the world. Yet this is precisely what Mitt Romney has been doing on the campaign trail lately, and it's just plain wrong-- even as campaign rhetoric.
--- China now produces nearly half of the world's steel vs around 5% for the US. Even Europe, not a low cost area, produces twice as much as we do.
--- China is now the world's largest market for both the production and sale of automobiles vs the US, where the car companies required federal assistance to avoid bankruptcy. Chrysler is now owned by a foreign company and GM sells more cars in China than in the US. Buicks are apparently a hot item in China.
--- China last year became the world's largest market for art and antiques.
--- China has foreign reserves of over $3 trillion vs national debt of $16 trillion in the US.
--- China is still growing at more than 8% a year, down from double digit growth for years vs a US economy with over 8% unemployment and little growth year over year.
According to former US Senator Alan Simpson (R,WY), co-chairman of the Bowles-Simpson Commission, things are so bad that the US, which is under treaty obligation to defend Taiwan in case of attack, would not be able to do so without a loan from China to finance the war. The ascendance of China on the world stage as a superpower is not a new revelation. As former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has pointed out, China has existed for something like 5,000 years, and for most of that time it has been the strongest and wealthiest country in the world. The past couple of hundred years, he noted, were aberrations. China is now once again starting to claim its position of power on the world scene.
Personally, I'm thankful that I'm living here and not there. I would not enjoy their lack of political, economic, and personal freedom. Their smog-filled cities and increasingly polluted environment-- the result of rapid industrialization-- would not appeal either. However, realpolitik dictates that this is not an appropriate time to espouse American exceptionalism or assert that America must reclaim its position as the number one unchallenged superpower in the world. Yet this is precisely what Mitt Romney has been doing on the campaign trail lately, and it's just plain wrong-- even as campaign rhetoric.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Sinking Feeling
Despite my innate optimism that things will be all right in the end, I have not seen anything in the last five years that convinces me that things will improve nationally or internationally any time soon. Although the world does not appear on the verge of imminent economic meltdown, the underlying problems from 2008 have not been resolved and could readily occur again in the same or different form. Recent huge trading losses at JP Morgan Chase demonstrate the potential for disaster.
When one examines the scene dispassionately, there are few grounds to objectively be hopeful. If Romney wins in November, the chances are that the lyrics in a well-known song from the Great Depression-- "There's nothing surer, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer"-- will prove prophetic. The discouraging realization, however, is that even if Obama wins reelection, the deadlock between the Democrats and Republicans, especially in Washington, will continue unabated and nothing of substance will be accomplished.
Turning to economic affairs, the problems are pervasive and world-wide. There is obviously too much debt everywhere and little prospect of digging out from under. Some countries already have unemployment at 20% or higher-- similar to the US in the Great Depression-- and there is no plan anywhere to improve conditions. The idea that everyone will solve their problems by producing more to sell to others, many of whom are in the same or worse economic conditions, is ludicrous. Meanwhile, austerity plans imposed on countries like Greece and Spain to slash national budgets and other outlays drastically are clearly making bad situations even worse.
I certainly have no answers to these problems, and those few who are willing to tackle them, as President Obama did with the American auto industry, are typically stymied by intransigent opposition. When one adds to these problems the ongoing conflicts across the globe, where armed conflicts rage unabated and countless millions lack the bare necessities for a decent life, it is not an encouraging overall picture.
A recent poll shows that about three-quarters of the American people share my sinking feeling about the future. However, it's always darkest right before the dawn. Just when things seemed hopeless, the Soviet Union collapsed and the Cold War ended-- to take one dramatic example from the not so distant past.
When one examines the scene dispassionately, there are few grounds to objectively be hopeful. If Romney wins in November, the chances are that the lyrics in a well-known song from the Great Depression-- "There's nothing surer, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer"-- will prove prophetic. The discouraging realization, however, is that even if Obama wins reelection, the deadlock between the Democrats and Republicans, especially in Washington, will continue unabated and nothing of substance will be accomplished.
Turning to economic affairs, the problems are pervasive and world-wide. There is obviously too much debt everywhere and little prospect of digging out from under. Some countries already have unemployment at 20% or higher-- similar to the US in the Great Depression-- and there is no plan anywhere to improve conditions. The idea that everyone will solve their problems by producing more to sell to others, many of whom are in the same or worse economic conditions, is ludicrous. Meanwhile, austerity plans imposed on countries like Greece and Spain to slash national budgets and other outlays drastically are clearly making bad situations even worse.
I certainly have no answers to these problems, and those few who are willing to tackle them, as President Obama did with the American auto industry, are typically stymied by intransigent opposition. When one adds to these problems the ongoing conflicts across the globe, where armed conflicts rage unabated and countless millions lack the bare necessities for a decent life, it is not an encouraging overall picture.
A recent poll shows that about three-quarters of the American people share my sinking feeling about the future. However, it's always darkest right before the dawn. Just when things seemed hopeless, the Soviet Union collapsed and the Cold War ended-- to take one dramatic example from the not so distant past.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Cycle of Fear
You know those New Year's Resolutions that people make with the best of intentions? I left home this afternoon with a new resolve firmly in mind. I decided to ride my bike from Brooklyn to Greenwich Village in Manhattan on an errand while obeying every traffic law. As a long-time car driver, I am very familiar with all these laws. This is necessary, because bike riders in NYC are subject to all rules governing motor vehicles, plus additional rules which the typical car driver would not need to consider, such as no travel on sidewalks.
My motivation was not due to a sudden burst of civic virtue. Rather, the impetus was this morning's newspaper, which contained a detailed article about the recent crackdown by the NYPD on bikers who fail to obey the Vehicle & Traffic Law. The article discussed the fines now imposed on errant bikers for going through red lights or traveling the wrong way on a one-way street, which could easily exceed the value of one's bike. The article included a picture of young bikers ordered to attend a one day training session to teach proper riding practices. The final motivator was learning that punishment now sometimes included the requirement of community service, which might mean cleaning the streets for a whole day. Wow! An urban Cool Hand Luke!
So off I went on my 14 mile round trip. In the past, I've loved the exercise and the freedom which biking afforded. This time, however, there was no joy in Mudville. It isn't that I got a ticket, but by the time I got home I was frustrated and exhausted trying to obey rules designed primarily for automobiles, cabs, and trucks.
At first it was easy, though in my mind senseless. I stopped at every red traffic light, even at corners where there were no cars and watched pedestrians cross all around me. I imagined they were quietly smirking and laughing at me. In general, I put myself in more danger than ever before to reach my destination. When I spotted cops or police patrol cars, I imagined I still did something wrong, and notwithstanding my best efforts would get a ticket for something I missed--e.g.,failure to signal a turn or to ride in a designated bike lane. My common sense and good judgment had become irrelevant. By the time I got home, I was like a nervous wreck. This routine trip almost ranked with times I've had a flat tire miles from home or gotten caught in a sudden downpour with no place to stay dry.
Hopefully, the supporters of increased biking at the City's Dept of Transportation, who have dramatically increased the number of dedicated bike lanes in the City, will champion a reasonable modification of the rules to make them more accommodating to the growing number of bike enthusiasts in the City.
My motivation was not due to a sudden burst of civic virtue. Rather, the impetus was this morning's newspaper, which contained a detailed article about the recent crackdown by the NYPD on bikers who fail to obey the Vehicle & Traffic Law. The article discussed the fines now imposed on errant bikers for going through red lights or traveling the wrong way on a one-way street, which could easily exceed the value of one's bike. The article included a picture of young bikers ordered to attend a one day training session to teach proper riding practices. The final motivator was learning that punishment now sometimes included the requirement of community service, which might mean cleaning the streets for a whole day. Wow! An urban Cool Hand Luke!
So off I went on my 14 mile round trip. In the past, I've loved the exercise and the freedom which biking afforded. This time, however, there was no joy in Mudville. It isn't that I got a ticket, but by the time I got home I was frustrated and exhausted trying to obey rules designed primarily for automobiles, cabs, and trucks.
At first it was easy, though in my mind senseless. I stopped at every red traffic light, even at corners where there were no cars and watched pedestrians cross all around me. I imagined they were quietly smirking and laughing at me. In general, I put myself in more danger than ever before to reach my destination. When I spotted cops or police patrol cars, I imagined I still did something wrong, and notwithstanding my best efforts would get a ticket for something I missed--e.g.,failure to signal a turn or to ride in a designated bike lane. My common sense and good judgment had become irrelevant. By the time I got home, I was like a nervous wreck. This routine trip almost ranked with times I've had a flat tire miles from home or gotten caught in a sudden downpour with no place to stay dry.
Hopefully, the supporters of increased biking at the City's Dept of Transportation, who have dramatically increased the number of dedicated bike lanes in the City, will champion a reasonable modification of the rules to make them more accommodating to the growing number of bike enthusiasts in the City.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Compare and Contrast
Today was a beautiful sunny day in Brooklyn, New York. This morning, my neighbor and I saved the backyard of a third neighbor's house by scaling the high fence between our properties to turn off the raging water hose which she forgot to turn off before leaving for the weekend. She still isn't home this evening, and by now her house might well have been flooded. In Park Slope, neighbors try to look out for each other. I well remember when our boys were little and the school bus used to drop them off at a nearby corner every afternoon. On more than one occasion, my wife or I were late arriving due to a slow subway train. We never worried, however, because one neighbor or another picking up her own child would notice our absence and simply take our son home for a playdate with her kids, followed by dinner. Eventually our boy would get home.
This afternoon, I rode my bike the eight miles or so from our house to Sheepshead Bay, one of the places on Brooklyn's south shore where the City meets the Atlantic Ocean. I met my wife there and we walked along the beach where hundreds were enjoying summer weather by swimming, sun-bathing, and grilling food. Later we looked at fishing boats moored at their piers and hundreds more people enjoying food and drinks at seaside restaurants.
While all this was going on, President Obama was in Aurora, Colorado consoling the families and surviving victims of Friday's senseless massacre. The war in Syria to oust President Assad continued unabated. Several more American soldiers were killed in Afghanistan. Experts warned that American cities, counties, and states had nowhere near enough money to satisfy their obligations to citizens, creditors, and retirees, separate and apart from the daunting financial problems facing the Federal Government.
It is tempting to tune everything out and simply enjoy a balmy summer day. This evening, my wife and I had a dinner consisting of ice cold beer, a hot chicken cutlet hero takeout from our favorite local pizza store, and chilled watermelon for dessert, but the calm presently prevailing in parts of Brooklyn is obviously not representative of the state of affairs in our nation or world today. If only it were as easy as pitching in and turning off a neighbor's hose gushing water in every direction. The rich and powerful should wake up and recognize that the rest of the nation is not living as they are in their huge estates and sprawling mansions, or even in less spectacular but still pleasant places like Park Slope. There is turmoil everywhere, and there will be no long-term peace for anyone until things change for the better.
This afternoon, I rode my bike the eight miles or so from our house to Sheepshead Bay, one of the places on Brooklyn's south shore where the City meets the Atlantic Ocean. I met my wife there and we walked along the beach where hundreds were enjoying summer weather by swimming, sun-bathing, and grilling food. Later we looked at fishing boats moored at their piers and hundreds more people enjoying food and drinks at seaside restaurants.
While all this was going on, President Obama was in Aurora, Colorado consoling the families and surviving victims of Friday's senseless massacre. The war in Syria to oust President Assad continued unabated. Several more American soldiers were killed in Afghanistan. Experts warned that American cities, counties, and states had nowhere near enough money to satisfy their obligations to citizens, creditors, and retirees, separate and apart from the daunting financial problems facing the Federal Government.
It is tempting to tune everything out and simply enjoy a balmy summer day. This evening, my wife and I had a dinner consisting of ice cold beer, a hot chicken cutlet hero takeout from our favorite local pizza store, and chilled watermelon for dessert, but the calm presently prevailing in parts of Brooklyn is obviously not representative of the state of affairs in our nation or world today. If only it were as easy as pitching in and turning off a neighbor's hose gushing water in every direction. The rich and powerful should wake up and recognize that the rest of the nation is not living as they are in their huge estates and sprawling mansions, or even in less spectacular but still pleasant places like Park Slope. There is turmoil everywhere, and there will be no long-term peace for anyone until things change for the better.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Aurora Massacre
Today's mass killing in Aurora, CO of at least a dozen people and the wounding of dozens of others, many critically, does not come as a surprise. My comments are not meant as finger-pointing or an exercise in I-told-you-so. For one thing, I am in no position to finger-point to anyone on any subject. For another, there is too much pain and suffering over the carnage for criticism at this time. Nevertheless, as I listen to the bleeding hearts and watch the news reports on TV, there is a part of me that is unsympathetic to people who consistently oppose gun control and still demand support and understanding when the inevitable occurs.
Why does anyone need to carry automatic assault rifles, and why were these weapons legalized after being outlawed? This was one of the four lethal but totally legal weapons carried by this 24 year old (deranged) killer into the movie theatre where he opened fire on the audience and systematically gunned people down. I am not a hunter or gun owner, but I do not believe hunters use these weapons to hunt game. They are designed for use in war or other hostile endeavors against people.
So here is the situation confronting America. The gun lobby is rich and powerful. Most politicians are unwilling to oppose them; the lobby makes generous contributions to its supporters, so only a handful of leaders-- like Mayor Bloomberg of NYC-- is willing to oppose them. Furthermore, large numbers of Americans want to own guns and believe this right to bear arms is safeguarded by the Constitution.
The upshot of this state of affairs is that whether it is Aurora this week, or Columbine High School in the recent past, or Virginia Tech on a different occasion, these outbreaks of carnage are going to keep occurring over and over again, until and unless meaningful restrictions are placed on gun ownership in this country.
First we'll watch the politicians of both parties say their hearts go out to the Aurora victims and their families. Then there will be a day of mourning, and commentators will speak of the grieving process and the need of the families to find closure. We will also hear about the special people who died, and listen to their individual stories as we gaze at their pictures on our TV screens and listen to sad music in the background.
To me, this is hypocritical and inexcusable-- the people should wake up and insist on gun control, and the gun lobby should be reined in. Too many innocent people are being killed, and it will continue until a change is made. I'm not so sympathetic any more.
Why does anyone need to carry automatic assault rifles, and why were these weapons legalized after being outlawed? This was one of the four lethal but totally legal weapons carried by this 24 year old (deranged) killer into the movie theatre where he opened fire on the audience and systematically gunned people down. I am not a hunter or gun owner, but I do not believe hunters use these weapons to hunt game. They are designed for use in war or other hostile endeavors against people.
So here is the situation confronting America. The gun lobby is rich and powerful. Most politicians are unwilling to oppose them; the lobby makes generous contributions to its supporters, so only a handful of leaders-- like Mayor Bloomberg of NYC-- is willing to oppose them. Furthermore, large numbers of Americans want to own guns and believe this right to bear arms is safeguarded by the Constitution.
The upshot of this state of affairs is that whether it is Aurora this week, or Columbine High School in the recent past, or Virginia Tech on a different occasion, these outbreaks of carnage are going to keep occurring over and over again, until and unless meaningful restrictions are placed on gun ownership in this country.
First we'll watch the politicians of both parties say their hearts go out to the Aurora victims and their families. Then there will be a day of mourning, and commentators will speak of the grieving process and the need of the families to find closure. We will also hear about the special people who died, and listen to their individual stories as we gaze at their pictures on our TV screens and listen to sad music in the background.
To me, this is hypocritical and inexcusable-- the people should wake up and insist on gun control, and the gun lobby should be reined in. Too many innocent people are being killed, and it will continue until a change is made. I'm not so sympathetic any more.
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