Archive for November, 2006

Roughly 25 years ago, the company I worked for honored me with a promotion. One of the consequences of my new charge was a transfer to Caldwell, Idaho from the more bucolic settings of Coeur d’Alene. We arrived on a sub-zero January day that suffered from a deep temperature inversion. For those of you unfamiliar with that part of Idaho’s Treasure Valley, it is the home to the J.R. Simplot Corporation. Simplot, the world’s largest processor of prepared frozen potatoes, has a magnificent feed lot which uses the “sludge” byproducts of spuds as the primary feed source for tens of thousands of hungry heifers. As we drove into town a smell, something like a mix of ripe silage and cow manure, began to set off my young children’s gag reflexes. My wife spent some time accusing me of moving the family to some sort of aromatic hell and nearly demanded that I refuse the higher salary that came with the job and ask for a demotion to not have to relocate. When we checked into the hotel I asked the desk clerk if it always smelled so bad there. He responded “Does it smell bad? I don’t smell anything.” To which I was reminded of environmental conditioning. We get used to things we live with.

Now that I’ve long passed the spring chicken stage of life, I look at the body of laws that have filled the temporal air of society and wonder if we’ve all been so conditioned that we can no longer smell them. It’s curious to me.

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How important is it that we call a spade a spade? Is a rose by any other name still a rose? I remember my technical writing course in college taught by a very nice older lady. If she did anything at all, sh tried to teach us that it is fundamentally wrong to hide truth behind jargon and language that is meant to obfuscate. An example I clearly remember was the use of the label ‘collateral damage’ as opposed to ‘friendly fire’ during the first gulf war. The label ‘collateral damage’ is very difficult to decode, while ‘friendly fire’ instantly draws an image of a young soldier who died for no real reason.

You can all think of examples of obfuscating truth by word choice, but I want to talk about one in specific: civil war. A few days ago, NBC news declared that Iraq met all the qualifications of a civil war. While academics who study the issue seem to agree, the Bush administration and some members of the press disagree. What everyone does agree on is that the public opinions will be swayed by the terminology used to describe what is happening there.My

first lesson in the importance of calling a spade a spade did not come from college, but from an old George Carlin stand up routine that my Dad had on VHS. Thanks to the wonders of the Internet, I can share it with you. Please take the time to read it.

I don’t like words that hide the truth. I don’t words that conceal reality. I don’t like euphemisms, or euphemistic language. And American English is loaded with euphemisms. Cause Americans have a lot of trouble dealing with reality. Americans have trouble facing the truth, so they invent the kind of a soft language to protest themselves from it, and it gets worse with every generation. For some reason, it just keeps getting worse. I’ll give you an example of that. There’s a condition in combat. Most people know about it. It’s when a fighting person’s nervous system has been stressed to it’s absolute peak and maximum. Can’t take anymore input. The nervous system has either (click) snapped or is about to snap.  In the first world war, that condition was called shell shock. Simple, honest, direct language. Two syllables, shell shock. Almost sounds like the guns themselves. That was seventy years ago. Then a whole generation went by and the second world war came along and very same combat condition was called battle fatigue. Four syllables now. Takes a little longer to say. Doesn’t seem to hurt as much. Fatigue is a nicer word than shock. Shell shock! Battle fatigue. Then we had the war in Korea, 1950. Madison avenue was riding high by that time, and the very same combat condition was called operational exhaustion. Hey, were up to eight syllables now! And the humanity has been squeezed completely out of the phrase. It’s totally sterile now. Operational exhaustion. Sounds like something that might happen to your car. Then of course, came the war in Viet Nam, which has only been over for about sixteen or seventeen years, and thanks to the lies and deceits surrounding that war, I guess it’s no surprise that the very same condition was called post-traumatic stress disorder. Still eight syllables, but we’ve added a hyphen! And the pain is completely buried under jargon. Post-traumatic stress disorder. I’ll bet you if we’d of still been calling it shell shock, some of those Viet Nam veterans might have gotten the attention they needed at the time. I’ll betcha. I’ll betcha. But. But, it didn’t happen, and one of the reasons. One of the reasons is because we were using that soft language.

That language that takes the life out of life. And it is a function of time. It does keep getting worse.

Now, that says something. What I take from it is that no matter where we stand on the issues concerning the war (why it started and who has or doesn’t have a plan) shouldn’t we decide that it is time to address the situation as it really is so that we can make decisions based on reality and not on spin?

Throw away your stereotypical images for a few minutes. Get Rush Limbaugh and Ted Kennedy out of your minds for a few moments. I need an honest assessment of the following definitions.

Conservative:

• cautious: avoiding excess; “a conservative estimate”
• people who generally like to uphold current conditions and oppose changes. Conservatives are often referred to as the right wing.The
• The political view that things should stay the way things are. Belief in little or no socialized spending.
  
• Any shade of political opinion from moderately right-of-center to firmly right-of-center. Of the two major parties in the United States, the Republican Party is generally considered to be the more conservative. “Political” conservatives in the United States usually support free-market economic principles and low taxes, and distrust federal, as opposed to state and local, government power. “Cultural” conservatives may be opposed to abortion or to the excesses of popular media.

Liberal:

• broad: showing or characterized by broad-mindedness; “a broad political stance”; “generous and broad sympathies”; “a liberal newspaper”; “tolerant of his opponent’s opinions”
• having political or social views favoring reform and progress
• Liberalism is a political current embracing several historical and present-day ideologies that claim defense of individual liberty as the purpose of government. It typically favors the right to dissent from orthodox tenets or established authorities in political or religious matters. In this respect, it is sometimes held in contrast to conservatism. ..
• Political view that supports gradual change and government spending to assist lower classes in society.

Most of these seem pretty fair, right? I especially identify with the liberal definition that says: “defense of individual liberty as the purpose of government“. That is my primary platform. Do conservative readers agree with the definitions of conservative? I tried to be fair.

If so, what do you think in particular of the definition that claims that the Republicans are the stalwart of conservatism and that one of those tenants are that they “distrust federal, as opposed to state and local, government power”. That’s not what I have been seeing. Am I simply too jaded?

Judging from appearances, the religious right has a lot of power in this country. A good portion of Republican legislators attempt to present themselves as religious conservatives. People like James Dobson have a good deal of influence over quite a few people and they have the ears of many of those in power. You see that and then you look at the conflicts over religion in government that have flared up recently:

• “In God We Trust” not displayed prominently enough on some new coins
• The uproar over a Muslim Congressman being sworn in using a copy of the Koran
• Religious holiday decorations in public places
• Toys for Tots’s refusal (and subsequent reversal) to accept Jesus toys
• The singing of Christmas songs in public schools

While there are a few serious (Intelligent Design being taught in public schools) and semi-serious (Ten Commandments monuments in court houses) conflicts going on, most of this seems inconsequential and a little absurd. If this is the state of church-state separation, those of us who favor it are doing pretty well, all things considered. If this is all of their agenda the religious right can get into public view after six years of leaders who claimed to agree with that agenda, how powerful are they and is there much to be worried about?

This is a subject that has been coming up quite frequently as of late, and I think it is time it is addressed. Why post it on a political blog? Well personal hygiene and products that affect our presentation and reception to the world.

A Few Ground Rules

1. I should not be able to taste your personal fragrance at 10 paces. If you don’t know what I mean, then you have lead a blessed life.
2. Using Cologne or Perfume to replace a shower or bath is never a shortcut that other people will be unaware that you took.
3. Other people actually are allergic to some of the chemicals used in producing fragrances, and it is generally considered good form now-a-days to forgo the dousing when you are expecting to be in the company of people all day.
4. Wearing too much fragrance actually is a TURN OFF to people, they take you less seriously, and tend to disengage from a delightful conversation sooner rather than later.
5. The lasting impression you want to make on people shouldn’t be how much their eyes watered while in your presence.
1. I should not be able to taste your personal fragrance at 10 paces. If you don’t know what I mean, then you have lead a blessed life.2. Using Cologne or Perfume to replace a shower or bath is never a shortcut that other people will be unaware that you took.3. Other people actually are allergic to some of the chemicals used in producing fragrances, and it is generally considered good form now-a-days to forgo the dousing when you are expecting to be in the company of people all day.4. Wearing too much fragrance actually is a TURN OFF to people, they take you less seriously, and tend to disengage from a delightful conversation sooner rather than later.5. The lasting impression you want to make on people shouldn’t be how much their eyes watered while in your presence.When you gleefully unwrap yet another bottle of your favorite eaude d’ toilet this holiday season, remember these simple suggestions:
1. I shouldn’t be able to smell your fragrance unless I am necking with you.
2. A little bit goes a LONG way.
3. Bottled essence actually covers up and wreaks havoc with your natural essence, which believe you me, anyone would rather smell than something that came off of a shelf . . . (that is if you bathe on a regular basis).
4. If you think you might be destroying other’s nasal passages, ask a close friend, a lover, or if single, someone cute but honest, for their opinion. Oh, and remember to take their answer with grace, and thank them for telling you the truth, on such an awkward subject.

My nasal passages, eyes, and tastebuds thank you for your consideration.

This has got to be some kind of joke:

The Bush administration wants North Korea’s attention, so like a scolding parent it’s trying to make it tougher for that country’s eccentric leader to buy iPods, plasma televisions and Segway electric scooters. The U.S. government’s first-ever effort to use trade sanctions to personally aggravate a foreign president expressly targets items believed to be favored by Kim Jong II.

Is Bush’s opinion of diplomacy really that bad, or is he just so inept that this is the best he can produce? I have heard of treating people who act like two year olds approriately to get their attention, but I never expected to see such a parental approach employed in international relations. Some might say that Kim Jong II is getting exactly what he deserves, and perhaps that is true. What worries me the most is the image this presents to the rest of the world. This approach runs the risk of making the U.S. look a bit impotent when it comes to international negotiations, as if this is the best we can do.

Personally, I am embarassed. What do you think? Am I right to find this whole affair a silly waste of time, or is this unconventional approach going to work?

Legislation is now before congress that would prevent any new oil and gas leasing on the Rocky Mountain Front, up in Choteau country. Because the legislation (originally submitted by Senator Burns) is revenue neutral, it can be attached to any other bill for passage. There will be no hearings.

Please contact Burns, Baucus and Rehberg on this legislation. If both senators support it, it has a good chance of passage there. Burns has indicated to people from Choteau the he will support passage in the waning days of the current session. Rehberg is wavering.

You don’t need a bill number - all you need to know is that it is legislation to protect the Rocky Mountain Front. Staff will know what it is. (Burns 1-800-344-1513; Baucus 1-800-332-6106; Rehberg 202-225-3211).

Shortly after taking office, President Bush (more likely Cheney) issued an executive order mandating that all public land managers place oil and gas development on public land as their number one priority. The result has been a rape of public lands from New Mexico through Wyoming - all for scant supplies of natural gas. Priorities are skewed. Only dedicated efforts on the part of local citizens (and former Forest Supervisor Gloria Flora) have protected the front. Burns’ legislation would make temporary efforts permanent - a hard-wired part of the law. Because it would be a rider on a bill to keep the government running until February, Bush would have to sign it.

Please lend your voice to those working to protect this land of natural beauty teeming with wildlife. It’s OUR heritage - not Cheney’s.

Although I am not the most religious guy there is, I think Jesus is pretty cool. I suppose he, like everything else in the world, has been used to justify some awful things, but that doesn’t mean his message and life shouldn’t be looked up to. That is why this news saddens me a bit.

Joel Hunter, the man scheduled to take the reins of the Christian Coalition, has decided to decline the position. Believe me, I am not sad to hear the Christian Coalition suffer this loss, as they are far from my favorite group. What is sad is the reason Hunter decided to leave. Hunter was excited to work on issues that were important to him, such as the environment and poverty; issues he thought would be important to Jesus. The sad part, was that the Christian Coalition didn’t have the desire to work on those issues:

Hunter announced his decision not to take the job during an organization board meeting Nov. 21. A statement issued by the group said Hunter left because of “differences in philosophy and vision.” Hunter said he was not asked to leave.

What differences of philosophy could separate a Reverend from a religious organization? That would be politically divisive and extreme differences.

…the organization wouldn’t let him expand its agenda beyond opposing abortion and gay marriage.

“They pretty much said, ‘These issues [environment and poverty] are fine, but they’re not our issues, that’s not our base,’” Hunter said.

I think it is pretty sad that an organization that claims to follow the teachings of Jesus has no desire to work on poverty issues. Say what you want about gay marriage and abortion, contentious as they are, there is no way to misinterpret Jesus when it comes to the poorest and neediest of us. Even if you really believe good Christians should oppose gay marriage and abortion; that cause shouldn’t hold a candle to helping your fellow man. Hopefully no matter which side of the aisle you are on, you can support that.  It appears that the Christian Coaliton has forgotten what Jesus really came to teach us; they only care about the ‘base’.

State Senator Dan McGee will introduce legislation requiring any public official who switches parties to immediately stand for reelection.

With the recent election of a Democratic majority in Congress, even certain oil industry executives see the writing on the wall and finally agree that the debate over global warming is over. They are apparently willing to go along with carbon trading schemes, or any other creative shell games that can be cooked up. That’s not good enough.

These half-baked schemes aren’t going to work. We’re not going to make any kind of meaningful dent in climate changing emissions by applying free market thinking to the problem. Global warming isn’t a market issue, and it’s time to put real pressure on these stuffed suits in oil company boardrooms, and in Congress, and in the White House to deal with it at the source. Carbon emissions since 2000 are up 250% from the 1990’s. We need to get our brains around the fact that fossil fuels are a thing of the past. That’s a tough, tough fact to face to say the least, but one we need to face nonetheless. Anything less will be devastating. Corporate shell games and creative accounting tricks aren’t the way to go. The only thing they will protect is corporate profits.

I have been busy lately with something quite different than politics, my family. And what a wonderful break it was. I also spent some time curled up on the couch, taking in a few of my old favorite holiday movies, and one struck a chord with me politically.

If you have seen the “new” Miracle on 34th Street, you might remember that the case hinged on the words “In God We Trust” which is printed on the back of our currency; and if the US Government can put out money, that is backed by the Government, and paid for by the people, then we as Americans are saying that we don’t necessarily need hard facts or evidence to believe in something bigger than ourselves.

The question I asked myself is “How do I feel about those words on the back of US Currency?”. Certainly not all Americans believe in God, and those of us who do, believe in all sorts of different Gods. I for one do not need hard evidence that he/she exists; I know it deep within myself, even more certainly than I know my own hair color.

One of the great things about America is that one of the reasons we got started in the first place, is to allow people the freedom to worship as they chose. Now there have definitely been more than a few instances where these rights were overlooked, just consider the Native Americans, but all in all, our government has, in the end, done the right thing, and stuck to the principle of religious freedom. And that makes me proud to be an American. A country where we stick our necks out for each other, even if we don’t agree with you, we believe in your right to be who you are. Don’t we? *Raises an eyebrow*

In delivering my speculations last week, I had a glaring omission. John Morrison? Certainly we wasn’t written off by losing the primary to Tester, but no one called me on it in the comments. This led me to a question that never got answered. Who will run against Rehberg? Who will the GOP field if Rehberg doesn’t run?

Me? I think that Morrison would make a great candidate. He would have a real shot if he called Rehberg out. I think that I could get behind him as a candidate. If Rehberg doesn’t run? The GOP will field Sinrud.

Maybe it is the belly full of Turkey. Maybe it is a whole day of drinking Bailey’s and some very fine Reislings.  Perhaps it is for no reason at all, but I shall say waht I have come here to say. I know that all across Montana, folks are thankful for the same things that I am. Family, friends and health.  I am thankful for my job, for the friends I have made, the family I have and each of you who are here with me working together to build a better future for Montana and America. I just wonder if we really really consider how much we have to be thankful for.

Civil war feared after bombers kill 161
Attack on Baghdad Shiite slum kills 161
Bagdad Locked Down
Hundreds Die In BagDad Blast
Civil War In Iraq Foments With Triple Bomb Attack
A bloody day in Baghdad raises fears of all-out civil war
Wedding car in flames, blood flows in streets
Car bombs kill 150 in Baghdad on day of Sunni attacks

Pretty grim eh? I hope George Bush enjoyed his turkey, unconcerned about the dead bodies spread across the desert. Jon Tester, Max Baucus, we need you to come through. We need you to do something. I am not sure what that something is, just do it. Please.

Here’s one that warms my heart.

I hope Jon Tester and the rest of the newly elected Democratic majority are taking notes. After decades of cowering before the corporatist power elite and the thundering right-wing voices that have kept them hiding under their desks, it looks like the Democrats may have found some new blood after all. It’s time, no it’s past the time, to take this administration to task for where they’ve taken this country. Rep-Elect Keith Ellison (D-MN) can maybe help lead the way. I hope his attitude is contagious.

You like being able to say a prayer in public? Well, kiss that goodbye. A group of Arab scholars were removed from a US Airways plane after they were overheard saying their normal afternoon prayers in an airport terminal before they got on the plane.

An airport police report said a US Airways manager said three of the men had one-way tickets and no checked baggage. A passenger told police the men were praying and making critical comments about the war in Iraq. Some of the men also asked for seat belt extensions even though a flight attendant told police she thought they didn’t need them.

The police report said the flight’s captain had already decided he wanted the men off the plane after the passenger passed him a note pointing out “suspicious Arabic men.”

This is a lot to digest here, more than just religious freedom. All you have to do is call someone a suspicious Arabic man and they get kicked off a plane? Being critical of the Iraq war gets you kicked off a plane? Saying a prayer before boarding gets you kicked off a plane?

Think about that the next time you having dinner in a restaurant and want to say a little prayer. Do I have the ability to claim that you are a ’suspicious evangelical person’. Is it my civic duty, you might bomb an abortion clinic after all.

“The police came and take us off the plane in front of all the passengers in a very humiliated way,” Shahin said. “I never felt bad in my life like yesterday. It was the worst moment in my life when I see six imams, six leaders in this community, humiliated.”

[snip]

Now, he said, his days of praying in airports may be over. “It’s terrible, unfortunately,” he said. “In America we have no freedom to practice our faith, to do our faith.”

What the hell is going on here? Is this just ‘OK’ because they are Arabic? The kicker? They were returning from a conference on religious tolerance.