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.
Toucan
Thursday, August 30, 2012
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.
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