Monday, December 22, 2008
Planet In Peril: Battlelines
If you have some free time at 10PM on Christmas night, I encourage you to tune into CNN to check out an encore showing of "Planet in Peril: Battlelines." It is a fantastic documentary, and its programs like this that show why CNN is CNN; MSNBC and Fox don't produce anything of this quality or magnitude.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
A Green Poughkeepsie
I want to applaud the recent addition of hybrid buses to the City of Poughkeepsie fleet. We all have to do our part to help make our country less reliant on foreign oil in a responsible way, and government incorporation of hybrid vehicles is a fantastic idea. It can also be used as a powerful example.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Gov. Paterson In The News
SNL
Unless you live in Alaska, it's not every week that the governor of your state gets lampooned on Saturday Night Live. But, this weekend New York State Governor David Paterson was the brunt of the jokes during a segment of SNL's Weekend Update; a segment that many are claiming went too far, as it did nothing more than make fun of the fact that the governor is blind.
I've thought over the past decade that SNL has lost it's mojo, much as it did in the early eighties. I never thought the whole Will Ferrell/Molly Shannon crew was as great as everyone else did, and watching Jimmy Fallon should be punishment for the detainees at Gitmo. They had a resurgence during the campaign, but I fear that SNL is floundering.
I do, however, love Paterson's reaction to the skit. Among other things, he said simply, "I can take a joke. But only 37% of disabled people are working, and I'm afraid that that kind of third-grade humor certainly adds to this atmosphere." Fantastic.
Caroline Kennedy
There has been a lot of discussion over the past couple of days about the idea of Caroline Kennedy being appointed by Gov. Paterson to fill Hillary Clinton's senate seat. I am not convinced that this is a good idea, and I'll tell you why.
I have no problems with Caroline Kennedy ideologically and I understand the need to appoint someone who will have immediate access and credibility, but I do have a problem with her personality. If appointed, she would have to go to the U.S. Senate, be one of 100, and compete with 99 other senators who have egos far bigger than their own states. And whenever I've seen her give public remarks she has come off as uncomfortable and timid, but she is going to be expected to run a full-blown state-wide campaign in both 2010 and 2012? I am doubtful.
Unless you live in Alaska, it's not every week that the governor of your state gets lampooned on Saturday Night Live. But, this weekend New York State Governor David Paterson was the brunt of the jokes during a segment of SNL's Weekend Update; a segment that many are claiming went too far, as it did nothing more than make fun of the fact that the governor is blind.
I've thought over the past decade that SNL has lost it's mojo, much as it did in the early eighties. I never thought the whole Will Ferrell/Molly Shannon crew was as great as everyone else did, and watching Jimmy Fallon should be punishment for the detainees at Gitmo. They had a resurgence during the campaign, but I fear that SNL is floundering.
I do, however, love Paterson's reaction to the skit. Among other things, he said simply, "I can take a joke. But only 37% of disabled people are working, and I'm afraid that that kind of third-grade humor certainly adds to this atmosphere." Fantastic.
Caroline Kennedy
There has been a lot of discussion over the past couple of days about the idea of Caroline Kennedy being appointed by Gov. Paterson to fill Hillary Clinton's senate seat. I am not convinced that this is a good idea, and I'll tell you why.
I have no problems with Caroline Kennedy ideologically and I understand the need to appoint someone who will have immediate access and credibility, but I do have a problem with her personality. If appointed, she would have to go to the U.S. Senate, be one of 100, and compete with 99 other senators who have egos far bigger than their own states. And whenever I've seen her give public remarks she has come off as uncomfortable and timid, but she is going to be expected to run a full-blown state-wide campaign in both 2010 and 2012? I am doubtful.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Big Three
My grandfather made his living working for General Motors in Western New York. He and my grandmother had a house, raised a family of four, and were active in their community. To this day my grandfather receives his pension and health benefits from GM, and his family still enjoys employee-pricing discounts.
His youngest son -- my uncle -- used to work in a GM plant in Western New York. A while ago the plant shut down, and the jobs performed at his plant were consolidated to Detroit. He had a decision to make: either try to find another gig or start working in Detroit. He chose the latter, and since then has been keeping a second residency; a house in WNY with his wife, and an apartment in the Detroit area with a roommate, over 250 miles away. He travels there for a few weeks at a time.
New York State -- especially WNY -- has been hit hard by the car crisis in this country. I don't know anyone else in my uncle's position, but I know that it unfortunately isn't a unique story. For years a job with one of the American car companies was considered to be one of the best: good pay, good benefits, secure pension. I don't know what my uncle will do if GM has to shut its doors. I don't know what my grandparents will do, either.
Now, I'm not here advocating a bailout for the American auto industry. I'm honestly very conflicted about the whole thing. Do these companies deserve federal help? Why are they more deserving than other companies? What would be the ripple effects of the downfall of one of the big three? Is the loss of the American automobile industry a threat to national security? How much of our country will China own before all of this is said and done?
I don't know the answers to these questions, but I do know is that this situation, like most, is less black and white and more shades of gray.
Or in this case, maybe metallic gray with black trim and leather interior.
His youngest son -- my uncle -- used to work in a GM plant in Western New York. A while ago the plant shut down, and the jobs performed at his plant were consolidated to Detroit. He had a decision to make: either try to find another gig or start working in Detroit. He chose the latter, and since then has been keeping a second residency; a house in WNY with his wife, and an apartment in the Detroit area with a roommate, over 250 miles away. He travels there for a few weeks at a time.
New York State -- especially WNY -- has been hit hard by the car crisis in this country. I don't know anyone else in my uncle's position, but I know that it unfortunately isn't a unique story. For years a job with one of the American car companies was considered to be one of the best: good pay, good benefits, secure pension. I don't know what my uncle will do if GM has to shut its doors. I don't know what my grandparents will do, either.
Now, I'm not here advocating a bailout for the American auto industry. I'm honestly very conflicted about the whole thing. Do these companies deserve federal help? Why are they more deserving than other companies? What would be the ripple effects of the downfall of one of the big three? Is the loss of the American automobile industry a threat to national security? How much of our country will China own before all of this is said and done?
I don't know the answers to these questions, but I do know is that this situation, like most, is less black and white and more shades of gray.
Or in this case, maybe metallic gray with black trim and leather interior.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
It's Official
It's official: New York Senator Hillary Clinton has been nominated to be the next secretary of State, and there is no reason to believe that the Senate -- where the Democrats will have at least an 8-seat majority come January -- will confirm her. Twelve, nine, six, even three months ago, a move like this would have been seen as impossible. But alas, here we are. Go figure. I think that Sen. Clinton is up to the challenge, and with the vast range of national security and international issues facing the incoming administration, President-Elect Obama needs all input he can get.
It's official: Sen. Clinton will be resigning her seat in the United States Senate in order to assume the duties as secretary of State. Therefore, the responsibility to fill her seat will fall on the shoulders of New York Governor David Patterson, and there are a number of names being floated. One name, however, is particularly intriguing: Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, who represents the local 22nd congressional district. She may be young (she just got elected to her second term in the House of Representatives), but she is a woman and from upstate, which are two qualities that Gov. Patterson is reportedly considering.
It's official: Defense Secretary Robert Gates will retain his position in the Cabinet under the Obama Administration. I think that this is a smart move. I have always been very impressed by Robert Gates, from the moment that he was nominated by President Bush to fill the slot being vacated by Donald Rumsfeld, and he was a much needed improvement. Continuity, especially in a time of such conflicts and challenged, will be important and helpful.
Updated:
It's official: The United States is in a recession, and we have been for the past 12 months. Go figure. In fact, it is a world-wide recession (which I don't really understand, I mean the money doesn't just disappear, does it?). In the past, world-wide recessions have lasted between 12-16 months, so we may be well over halfway through. But on the other hand, the challenges that the country is facing are, to a certain extent, unprecedented, so who is to say?
It's official: Sen. Clinton will be resigning her seat in the United States Senate in order to assume the duties as secretary of State. Therefore, the responsibility to fill her seat will fall on the shoulders of New York Governor David Patterson, and there are a number of names being floated. One name, however, is particularly intriguing: Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, who represents the local 22nd congressional district. She may be young (she just got elected to her second term in the House of Representatives), but she is a woman and from upstate, which are two qualities that Gov. Patterson is reportedly considering.
It's official: Defense Secretary Robert Gates will retain his position in the Cabinet under the Obama Administration. I think that this is a smart move. I have always been very impressed by Robert Gates, from the moment that he was nominated by President Bush to fill the slot being vacated by Donald Rumsfeld, and he was a much needed improvement. Continuity, especially in a time of such conflicts and challenged, will be important and helpful.
Updated:
It's official: The United States is in a recession, and we have been for the past 12 months. Go figure. In fact, it is a world-wide recession (which I don't really understand, I mean the money doesn't just disappear, does it?). In the past, world-wide recessions have lasted between 12-16 months, so we may be well over halfway through. But on the other hand, the challenges that the country is facing are, to a certain extent, unprecedented, so who is to say?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Appointing New Yorkers
The last five days, the news has been racked with a big story: Senator Hillary Clinton, former presidential candidate and political powerhouse, as a possible secretary of state. Leaks about vetting and a secret meeting have fueled speculation that President-Elect Obama is seriously considering Clinton for the role of top diplomat. International correspondents claim that her appointment would be wildly well received in the international community, and like Obama's election and upcoming inauguration, will have an immediate impact on the image of the United States around the world. I have no objections to this move, as long as Obama can keep the Clinton's in check. They have mighty large egos of their own, and he needs to make sure (as it has been pointed out) that her appointment and subsequent actions don't present the picture of a co-presidency.
If Clinton is appointed to Obama's cabinet and accepts, thus resigning her senate seat, it would be up to our governor, David Patterson, to appoint her successor. The name that has been floated? Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. I honesty don't know much about Mr. Cuomo, other that what I hear in the news about his legal actions, but he seems like a very driven person trying his best to look out for the well-being of New Yorkers.
On a completely hypothetical topic, I had a conversation yesterday with some people over the possibility of Rudy Giuliani being given a position in Obama's cabinet. Barack Obama has stated that there will be at least one Republican in his cabinet, and since Giuliani's only focus is national security, the idea of secretary of homeland security was floated in our discussion. An interesting thought, but I have my doubts. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer? Yes, but Giuliani said some pretty insulting, petty things about Barack Obama at this year's Republican National Convention, and I'm not sure Obama would be willing to jump in bed with him after that. It would get Giuliani out of Obama's way in terms of 2012, but I honestly don't think a 2012 Giuliani presidential campaign would be any more successful than his 2008 turn. Furthermore, I'm afraid that Giuliani would be an empty shirt, as was evidenced very earlier on during this year's primaries.
If Clinton is appointed to Obama's cabinet and accepts, thus resigning her senate seat, it would be up to our governor, David Patterson, to appoint her successor. The name that has been floated? Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. I honesty don't know much about Mr. Cuomo, other that what I hear in the news about his legal actions, but he seems like a very driven person trying his best to look out for the well-being of New Yorkers.
On a completely hypothetical topic, I had a conversation yesterday with some people over the possibility of Rudy Giuliani being given a position in Obama's cabinet. Barack Obama has stated that there will be at least one Republican in his cabinet, and since Giuliani's only focus is national security, the idea of secretary of homeland security was floated in our discussion. An interesting thought, but I have my doubts. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer? Yes, but Giuliani said some pretty insulting, petty things about Barack Obama at this year's Republican National Convention, and I'm not sure Obama would be willing to jump in bed with him after that. It would get Giuliani out of Obama's way in terms of 2012, but I honestly don't think a 2012 Giuliani presidential campaign would be any more successful than his 2008 turn. Furthermore, I'm afraid that Giuliani would be an empty shirt, as was evidenced very earlier on during this year's primaries.
Friday, November 7, 2008
What's Next?
President-Elect Barack Hussein Obama: the complete antithesis of President George W. Bush. It's a beautiful thing, and still quite surreal that he actually pulled it off. There were a number of expletives coming out of my mouth at 11PM Tuesday night when CNN called the race, and I will remember where I was for the rest of my life. Truly amazing.
It really is quite stunning that only 4 years after choosing to vote for President Bush, the American voters chose to vote for President-Elect Obama this year. You wouldn't think that this country -- or any country, really -- would be capable of such a massive swing, but alas, there it is.
Looking back at the 2-year campaign, it was like nothing this country has ever seen. The massive battle in the Democratic Party between Sens. Clinton and Obama -- the presumptive nominee and the underdog -- for the nomination was seen as the beginning of the party's destruction, but in the end it only served to strengthen it. Sen. McCain's shipwreck of a campaign was a sight to see, never staying on course and coming dangerously close to crashing before the race was over (with Sarah Palin hanging off the side, dragging them down). The negative ads. The slanderous remarks. The rallies. The excitement. And now its over.
And though it all ended up in a electoral college landslide (and a hefty popular vote majority for Obama), one is still left with questions:
Why wasn't poverty discussed more in the campaign?
Or education?
What happened to the John McCain that we saw recently at the Al Smith Dinner and giving his concession speech on Tuesday night? If he had shown up for the entire campaign, I guarantee that the election, while it may not have gone the other way, would have been a lot closer.
What was the McCain campaign really thinking when they picked Gov. Sarah Palin at the VP nominee? And if Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska wins reelection only to be voted out by his Senate colleagues, will she run in the special election to replace him, thus allowing her to go to Washington to beef up her resume for 2012?
Three of those questions we may never know, and the last will come in time. But I do know that now is when it gets really exciting. I have no plausible memory of the Clinton-Bush transition of 2001, so I am extremely excited for the next 74 days (though I wish January 20 came much sooner than that), and the 4 (8?) years that will follow. And although I didn't volunteer or donate money, more than any time in my life I feel like the next president will be my president, leading my generation, and my causes. I'm excited for what the future will bring under President Obama, and I'm eager to do my part and to get involved.
It really is quite stunning that only 4 years after choosing to vote for President Bush, the American voters chose to vote for President-Elect Obama this year. You wouldn't think that this country -- or any country, really -- would be capable of such a massive swing, but alas, there it is.
Looking back at the 2-year campaign, it was like nothing this country has ever seen. The massive battle in the Democratic Party between Sens. Clinton and Obama -- the presumptive nominee and the underdog -- for the nomination was seen as the beginning of the party's destruction, but in the end it only served to strengthen it. Sen. McCain's shipwreck of a campaign was a sight to see, never staying on course and coming dangerously close to crashing before the race was over (with Sarah Palin hanging off the side, dragging them down). The negative ads. The slanderous remarks. The rallies. The excitement. And now its over.
And though it all ended up in a electoral college landslide (and a hefty popular vote majority for Obama), one is still left with questions:
Why wasn't poverty discussed more in the campaign?
Or education?
What happened to the John McCain that we saw recently at the Al Smith Dinner and giving his concession speech on Tuesday night? If he had shown up for the entire campaign, I guarantee that the election, while it may not have gone the other way, would have been a lot closer.
What was the McCain campaign really thinking when they picked Gov. Sarah Palin at the VP nominee? And if Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska wins reelection only to be voted out by his Senate colleagues, will she run in the special election to replace him, thus allowing her to go to Washington to beef up her resume for 2012?
Three of those questions we may never know, and the last will come in time. But I do know that now is when it gets really exciting. I have no plausible memory of the Clinton-Bush transition of 2001, so I am extremely excited for the next 74 days (though I wish January 20 came much sooner than that), and the 4 (8?) years that will follow. And although I didn't volunteer or donate money, more than any time in my life I feel like the next president will be my president, leading my generation, and my causes. I'm excited for what the future will bring under President Obama, and I'm eager to do my part and to get involved.
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