Colorado's secretary of state, Scott Gessler, is our chief elections officer, so you might think he would be encouraging more voters to cast ballots on election day.
Isn't that the American way? Isn't that what democracy does?
Not necessarily. Scott Gessler favors passage of a law that could, at least marginally, keep some voters away -- voters who lack what he considers proper credentials.
Being properly registered in the precinct poll book wouldn't be enough. Gessler would require that every voter, in order to get a ballot, would also have to show some sort of formal photo identity to election judges. Like a government-issued photo ID.
No picture? No ballot.
Well, you say, that's not such a big deal. The voter could simply whip out his driver's license.
That could work. But, surprising as it may seem to the average person. there are quite a few people in Colorado -- people who are qualified and registered to vote -- who don't have a current driver's license. Or any other official or semi-official photo credential.
Maybe they just don't drive. Or maybe their licenses have been revoked. But even if they've been barred from driving, they can still vote. Picture-IDs aren't required or needed for that.
Yet.
Actually, this initiative of Scott Gessler"s isn't just a local thing. Under the phony banner of "preventing vote fraud," it has spread to more than dozen states (which, like us, really have had no problem with fraud)..
What is this really about? It is simply a devious campaign to keep certain classes of Democratically-inclined voters away from the polls -- like the young, the elderly, blacks, Latinos.
Why do Republicans want it so much? Because Republicans, as a group, consider themselves more righteous and capable than Democrats, better fitted in every way to take charge on election day. And so they have rammed the photo-ID and other needless protections through legislatures in more than a dozen Republican-dominated states.
In commenting on the issue, Gessler told the Denver Post that the Colorado voter-photo initiative is his own idea, not a GOP project, that he is "too full of piss and vinegar to be taking marching orders from other people."
He's full of something..
Saturday, December 24, 2011
blockheads
If President Obama found a cure for the common cold, Republicans would oppose it.
Donna Brazile......Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Donna Brazile......Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Saturday, December 17, 2011
NEWT
Would-be president Newt Gingrich is a fount of weird ideas. Thus it is no surprise that he is seeking to impose some extra-constitutional discipline on federal judges -- judges he considers to be overly "active."
What does he mean? He means they hand down decisions he doesn't like.
If he had his way, Gingrich would haul them up before Congress to explain their "activist" rulings -- sort of like sending them to the principal's office, I guess.
Well, of course, in our beloved land, sharp and sometimes angry criticism of the courts isn't new. It's as old as the nation. It's a permanent thread in the fabric of our society..
And I expect right now there are millions of boneheads who are cheering Gingrich on. Fortunately, opposing them -- always opposing them, thank God -- are the constitution, two centuries of precedent and an utterly overwhelming majority of sensible, open-minded citizens who think such ideas are cuckoo.
.
What does he mean? He means they hand down decisions he doesn't like.
If he had his way, Gingrich would haul them up before Congress to explain their "activist" rulings -- sort of like sending them to the principal's office, I guess.
Well, of course, in our beloved land, sharp and sometimes angry criticism of the courts isn't new. It's as old as the nation. It's a permanent thread in the fabric of our society..
And I expect right now there are millions of boneheads who are cheering Gingrich on. Fortunately, opposing them -- always opposing them, thank God -- are the constitution, two centuries of precedent and an utterly overwhelming majority of sensible, open-minded citizens who think such ideas are cuckoo.
.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
FDR
Having survived Jean Edward Smith's "FDR," a biography of Franklin Delano Roosevelt (636 pages of text, 134 of notes), I want to recommend it to those who have (and will make) time to read it. Most especially those who are fascinated by politics and seniors who actually lived through the momentous Roosevelt years.'The book is indeed ponderous in bulk, but not in style or spirit. If you tackle it, you could find yourself reading well beyond the intervals you've set aside for it. And you could find yourself grinning -- even, on occasion, laughing out loud. It's a lulu.
A few samples:
Item: Shortly after Pearl Harbor, Winston Churchill braved the deadly threat of Nazi U-boats to sail to America to confer with FDR in Washington. Winnie bunked at the White House.
He took time to instruct FDR's butler, Alonzo Fields, thus: "One, I don't like talking outside my quarters. Two, I hate whistling in the corridors. And three, I must have a tumbler of sherry in my room before breakfast, a couple of glasses of scotch before lunch, and French champagne and well-aged brandy before I go to sleep at night."
Item: "One morning FDR wheeled himself into Churchill's bedroom just as the prime minister emerged from his bathroom stark naked and gleaming pink from a hot bath. Roosevelt apologized and turned about, but Churchill protested, 'the Prime Minister of Great Britain has nothing to conceal from the President of the United States'."
Item: In the Roosevelt years, even staunchly progressive and sensitive politicians were not as careful about racial and ethnic references as they may be now, at least in private communication. In 1913, FDR wrote to his wife, Eleanor, that "the Secretary and I worked like niggers all day." The reference is to Navy Secretary Josephus Daniels; (Roosevelt was an assistant secretary.)
Eleanor once reported, after a social event, that "the Jew party was appalling. I never wish to hear money, jewels, and sables mentioned again." In a letter, she once wrote that she had found Harvard professor Felix Frankfurter to be "an interesting little man," but "very Jew."
Item: Political campaigning in the 1930s in the redneck backwoods really got lowdown dirty sometimes. In a primary contest in 1938, Florida senator Claude Pepper was accused by his opponent of "having been guilty of celibacy before marriage and addicted to monogamy ever since."
In 1950 Pepper was defeated by a rival who informed voters that Pepper's sister, an actress, was "a practicing thespian living in New York's Greenwich Village."
Item: "In the first years of the twentieth century, Prohibitionist sentiment was such that battleships named for dry states (e.g. Mississippi) were christened with lemonade rather than champagne."
Item: In 1916, FDR began an intimate relationship with Lucy Mercer, his wife's part-time social secretary. The relationship continued quietly and privately until his death, at which she was present, in Warm Springs, Georgia, in 1945.
Over the years, this affair was an open secret among political insiders and even elements of the press. But that was a very different time from now, and such private behavior was commonly sheltered from public view. There was no public disclosure of the Mercer affair until the 1960s.
A few samples:
Item: Shortly after Pearl Harbor, Winston Churchill braved the deadly threat of Nazi U-boats to sail to America to confer with FDR in Washington. Winnie bunked at the White House.
He took time to instruct FDR's butler, Alonzo Fields, thus: "One, I don't like talking outside my quarters. Two, I hate whistling in the corridors. And three, I must have a tumbler of sherry in my room before breakfast, a couple of glasses of scotch before lunch, and French champagne and well-aged brandy before I go to sleep at night."
Item: "One morning FDR wheeled himself into Churchill's bedroom just as the prime minister emerged from his bathroom stark naked and gleaming pink from a hot bath. Roosevelt apologized and turned about, but Churchill protested, 'the Prime Minister of Great Britain has nothing to conceal from the President of the United States'."
Item: In the Roosevelt years, even staunchly progressive and sensitive politicians were not as careful about racial and ethnic references as they may be now, at least in private communication. In 1913, FDR wrote to his wife, Eleanor, that "the Secretary and I worked like niggers all day." The reference is to Navy Secretary Josephus Daniels; (Roosevelt was an assistant secretary.)
Eleanor once reported, after a social event, that "the Jew party was appalling. I never wish to hear money, jewels, and sables mentioned again." In a letter, she once wrote that she had found Harvard professor Felix Frankfurter to be "an interesting little man," but "very Jew."
Item: Political campaigning in the 1930s in the redneck backwoods really got lowdown dirty sometimes. In a primary contest in 1938, Florida senator Claude Pepper was accused by his opponent of "having been guilty of celibacy before marriage and addicted to monogamy ever since."
In 1950 Pepper was defeated by a rival who informed voters that Pepper's sister, an actress, was "a practicing thespian living in New York's Greenwich Village."
Item: "In the first years of the twentieth century, Prohibitionist sentiment was such that battleships named for dry states (e.g. Mississippi) were christened with lemonade rather than champagne."
Item: In 1916, FDR began an intimate relationship with Lucy Mercer, his wife's part-time social secretary. The relationship continued quietly and privately until his death, at which she was present, in Warm Springs, Georgia, in 1945.
Over the years, this affair was an open secret among political insiders and even elements of the press. But that was a very different time from now, and such private behavior was commonly sheltered from public view. There was no public disclosure of the Mercer affair until the 1960s.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
shill
He did it again today. Wednesday. Chris Matthews, the newsman, TV pundit, historian and author, blatantly promoted his own book on his regular weekday news show. He told his regular viewers like me at some length, once more, how good and popular his book is -- and how buyers are flocking to stores to get it.
He hinted strongly that listeners do the same. He did all this in the middle of his hour-long network show, the day's news coming fore and aft.
To me, Chris Matthews thus is mixing personal gelt with his news. It's something a shill might do, but not a careful and serious news person.
I know that television hosts routinely expect guest authors to plug current books, even display their fancy covers. But I've never before seen a news professional indulge in such a prolonged, shabby, purely-commercial self-promotion.
The book? Well, it's a biography of a hero of mine, titled "Jack Kennedy," and it may be very good. I happen to have a copy, the gift of a relative.
I haven't read it yet. I surely will, but for right now, the bloom is off.
He hinted strongly that listeners do the same. He did all this in the middle of his hour-long network show, the day's news coming fore and aft.
To me, Chris Matthews thus is mixing personal gelt with his news. It's something a shill might do, but not a careful and serious news person.
I know that television hosts routinely expect guest authors to plug current books, even display their fancy covers. But I've never before seen a news professional indulge in such a prolonged, shabby, purely-commercial self-promotion.
The book? Well, it's a biography of a hero of mine, titled "Jack Kennedy," and it may be very good. I happen to have a copy, the gift of a relative.
I haven't read it yet. I surely will, but for right now, the bloom is off.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
slow learner
Herman Cain says his wife and family come first with him. Only took 13 or 14 years and a nationwide scandal for him to find out.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
presto
11-17-11: So what can T.T. do? He can throw away a game and grab it back before they can blow the whistle on him. crr
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
beware
Be aware that Thanksgiving Day is fast approaching, bringing the inevitable and ominous roast-turkey syndrome into millions of American homes.
Men, women and trusting children will routinely (and boringly) munch on slices of turkey meat along with some truly tasty side dishes that deserve a better centerpiece.
For the fact is that turkey itself is simply tasteless, as I have said before. And you don't have to take it from me: the Denver Post's Tucker Shaw, writing of the traditional holiday feast, observed the other day that "turkey, unless it's correctly seasoned, tastes like nothing."
Exactly.
For seasoning, Shaw mentions salt -- lots of salt -- as, for instance, soaking the bird in brine for eight to ten hours before cooking.
Well, in my less than expert opinion, salt might bring tasteless turkey to life -- so you know something's there -- but could not by itself make it fit to eat. I'd try onion, garlic, cayenne pepper, picante sauce. Better still, I'd try baked ham or a rib roast.
But do try something. You don't ever have to take plain old turkey breast again.
Men, women and trusting children will routinely (and boringly) munch on slices of turkey meat along with some truly tasty side dishes that deserve a better centerpiece.
For the fact is that turkey itself is simply tasteless, as I have said before. And you don't have to take it from me: the Denver Post's Tucker Shaw, writing of the traditional holiday feast, observed the other day that "turkey, unless it's correctly seasoned, tastes like nothing."
Exactly.
For seasoning, Shaw mentions salt -- lots of salt -- as, for instance, soaking the bird in brine for eight to ten hours before cooking.
Well, in my less than expert opinion, salt might bring tasteless turkey to life -- so you know something's there -- but could not by itself make it fit to eat. I'd try onion, garlic, cayenne pepper, picante sauce. Better still, I'd try baked ham or a rib roast.
But do try something. You don't ever have to take plain old turkey breast again.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
sleaze
An Iowa Republican voter, referring to the Herman Cain gossip and looking ahead to his party's presidential primary, observed that the American people "are tired of gutter politics." Yes, brother, and it doesn't all come from Democrats.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
bye
So at last there's a definite date for full departure of U.S. troops from Iraq. Next, promptly, should be Afghanistan. And then let's have no more such reckless, deadly, expensive cowboy expeditions hatched in the White House or anywhere else.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Fall Glory
It can all disappear in a few stormy moments. I know, but at this warm, sunny moment we in Denver are being blessed with an unusually glorious display of fall floral color.
My own young autumn purple ash tree is simply magnificent. It is not really purple, as its name suggests it might be, but its foliage has turned from green to a red/yellow blend that I would -- without exaggeration -- call exquisite.
More often than not, mid- to late October brings us rain, sleet, high winds, killing frost, even snow. Fall foliage can't survive.
Lord knows Denver needs moisture -- Denver always needs moisture -- but just this time, maybe, there's an excuse to enjoy a dry, quiet October.
Cheers!
My own young autumn purple ash tree is simply magnificent. It is not really purple, as its name suggests it might be, but its foliage has turned from green to a red/yellow blend that I would -- without exaggeration -- call exquisite.
More often than not, mid- to late October brings us rain, sleet, high winds, killing frost, even snow. Fall foliage can't survive.
Lord knows Denver needs moisture -- Denver always needs moisture -- but just this time, maybe, there's an excuse to enjoy a dry, quiet October.
Cheers!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
cop
So we're now committed to an almost-complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.
Whoopee! It's about time.
Yet, coincidentally, we've just committed ourselves to send about 100 troops to Uganda.
The president assures us that this African deployment is merely to help Uganda rid itself of militant rebels and is a justified use of force to resolve a humanitarian crisis -- that it is time-limited and that our troops will engage in combat only in self defense.
Well, we have had assurances before and then spent upwards of 10 years of war in Afghanistan and eight years in Iraq.
Besides the senseless tragedy of dead and wounded troops, our reckless campaigning as world cop has alarmed and antagonized friends in the rest of the world and cost billions of dollars we didn't have and had to borrow.
Oh, well, our grand-children and great-grandchildren will be paying for that -- if we are able to leave them with a livable world to pay for.
Whoopee! It's about time.
Yet, coincidentally, we've just committed ourselves to send about 100 troops to Uganda.
The president assures us that this African deployment is merely to help Uganda rid itself of militant rebels and is a justified use of force to resolve a humanitarian crisis -- that it is time-limited and that our troops will engage in combat only in self defense.
Well, we have had assurances before and then spent upwards of 10 years of war in Afghanistan and eight years in Iraq.
Besides the senseless tragedy of dead and wounded troops, our reckless campaigning as world cop has alarmed and antagonized friends in the rest of the world and cost billions of dollars we didn't have and had to borrow.
Oh, well, our grand-children and great-grandchildren will be paying for that -- if we are able to leave them with a livable world to pay for.
Monday, October 10, 2011
CREED
I don't hold it against Mitt Romney that he's a Mormon. I hold it against him that he's a Republican.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Classics
At the end of the regular baseball season, allow me to mention a couple of heroes of mine, a particular pitcher and a first baseman.
Few baseball players come anywhere near heroism. Too many are deficient in talent, in dedication, in consistent performance, even in common, every-day deportment.
So a few words are due about Mariano Rivera of the Yankees and Todd Helton of the Rockies.
Rivera, now 41, was born in Panama and was signed as a free-agent by the Yankees in 1990. He made his debut in May 1995 and has been a Yankee ever since. This season he set a major-league career record for games 'saved' by a relief pitcher.
Helton, now 38, was born in Knoxville, Tenn., was drafted by the Rockies out of the University of Tennessee in 1995 and has been the 'face' and the deeply respected player-leader of the team ever since. He has been an expert fielder, a career hitter of plus .300 and a multiple-year all-star
But beyond star performances, Todd Helton and Mariano Rivera have shown a couple of qualities that others tend to lack: Humility. And that indefinable something called class.
Few baseball players come anywhere near heroism. Too many are deficient in talent, in dedication, in consistent performance, even in common, every-day deportment.
So a few words are due about Mariano Rivera of the Yankees and Todd Helton of the Rockies.
Rivera, now 41, was born in Panama and was signed as a free-agent by the Yankees in 1990. He made his debut in May 1995 and has been a Yankee ever since. This season he set a major-league career record for games 'saved' by a relief pitcher.
Helton, now 38, was born in Knoxville, Tenn., was drafted by the Rockies out of the University of Tennessee in 1995 and has been the 'face' and the deeply respected player-leader of the team ever since. He has been an expert fielder, a career hitter of plus .300 and a multiple-year all-star
But beyond star performances, Todd Helton and Mariano Rivera have shown a couple of qualities that others tend to lack: Humility. And that indefinable something called class.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Fraud V
We Democrats know exactly what Secretary of State Scott Gessler is doing with his law suit challenging so-called 'inactive' voters of Denver. He is helping push a furtive and persistent nationwide Republican campaign to whittle down the number and influence of Democratic voters.
The Republicans warn eternally of election "fraud." Well, the truth is that there is no significant election fraud in Denver or anywhere else in Colorado, at least by Democrats. (The only person I know of who was convicted in recent times of double voting here was a suburban Republican.)
Gessler has filed suit to block the Denver election commission from mailing absentee ballots to voters who failed to t cast ballots in the general election of 2010 or in any election since. And they failed to return postcards asking them if they wanted to get a ballot.
So what?
Maybe they just had no interest in an unexciting congrssional election in 2010 or in later local ones. And maybe they don't bother with postcard solicitations in general.
I say if they were in good standing in the poll books after the 2008 presidential election, they're still in good standing and they deserve to get a ballot.
Who and where are these people? Denver Post maps show clusters in parts of the city that have concentrations of minority voters -- voters more likely than not to be Democrats. Many won't be voting absentee this time.
Well, shucks, in Gessler's GOP-establishment world, that's just how it goes. It can't be helped, and he accuses his critics of playing the "race card."
Gawd. That's brass for you. Gessler and the Republicans have been using a deck of race cards for years.
The Republicans warn eternally of election "fraud." Well, the truth is that there is no significant election fraud in Denver or anywhere else in Colorado, at least by Democrats. (The only person I know of who was convicted in recent times of double voting here was a suburban Republican.)
Gessler has filed suit to block the Denver election commission from mailing absentee ballots to voters who failed to t cast ballots in the general election of 2010 or in any election since. And they failed to return postcards asking them if they wanted to get a ballot.
So what?
Maybe they just had no interest in an unexciting congrssional election in 2010 or in later local ones. And maybe they don't bother with postcard solicitations in general.
I say if they were in good standing in the poll books after the 2008 presidential election, they're still in good standing and they deserve to get a ballot.
Who and where are these people? Denver Post maps show clusters in parts of the city that have concentrations of minority voters -- voters more likely than not to be Democrats. Many won't be voting absentee this time.
Well, shucks, in Gessler's GOP-establishment world, that's just how it goes. It can't be helped, and he accuses his critics of playing the "race card."
Gawd. That's brass for you. Gessler and the Republicans have been using a deck of race cards for years.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Fraud IV
That old scarecrow known as "voter fraud" has popped up in the news again. But this time it's the real thing.
Historically -- at least in recent history -- stern warnings about wholesale fraudulent voting have been issued regularly in pre-election periods. It's a Republican thing to do, locally and nationally. Possible prosecution and jail are mentioned.
Why? Well, it's aimed at potential minority (and likely Democratic) voters , who already may feel less comfortable than they should feel about this whole confusing election system.
You know, maybe it will discourage them a little bit more from going down to the clerk's office to register or turning out to vote on election day.
I've always answered these vague GOP warnings with a simple question. If fraud is such an awful problem, how come nobody gets prosecuted for it?
Well, hey, someone has. Finally.
An Aurora man has been found guilty by a jury of voting twice -- twice -- in metropolitan ares counties in 2008 and 2009.
His party?
Wouldn't you know? He's a Republican.
Historically -- at least in recent history -- stern warnings about wholesale fraudulent voting have been issued regularly in pre-election periods. It's a Republican thing to do, locally and nationally. Possible prosecution and jail are mentioned.
Why? Well, it's aimed at potential minority (and likely Democratic) voters , who already may feel less comfortable than they should feel about this whole confusing election system.
You know, maybe it will discourage them a little bit more from going down to the clerk's office to register or turning out to vote on election day.
I've always answered these vague GOP warnings with a simple question. If fraud is such an awful problem, how come nobody gets prosecuted for it?
Well, hey, someone has. Finally.
An Aurora man has been found guilty by a jury of voting twice -- twice -- in metropolitan ares counties in 2008 and 2009.
His party?
Wouldn't you know? He's a Republican.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Sodium Chloride
Once again, this time by E-mail from Kaiser Permanente, I have been warned not to do something I do every day. That is, to sprinkle a bit of salt on certain prepared dishes at my table.
"Shake the salt habit," says Kaiser.
Too late, says I. Way too late.
You see, nobody ever told me until I was already pretty old about all the bad things that too much salt can do to me. As I wrote once before, when I was younger, at our house the salt shaker was always a necessary presence -- and a pleasure. I'll keep mine.
I referred just the other day to the wonderful taste of a home-grown tomato. Well, for me that requires a pinch of salt.
A taste that has been developing for going on 90 years doesn't have the time or patience to start doing without now.
Cheers!
"Shake the salt habit," says Kaiser.
Too late, says I. Way too late.
You see, nobody ever told me until I was already pretty old about all the bad things that too much salt can do to me. As I wrote once before, when I was younger, at our house the salt shaker was always a necessary presence -- and a pleasure. I'll keep mine.
I referred just the other day to the wonderful taste of a home-grown tomato. Well, for me that requires a pinch of salt.
A taste that has been developing for going on 90 years doesn't have the time or patience to start doing without now.
Cheers!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Today's food note
Two Tomatoes
No. 1: Supermarket tomato: Beautiful, sturdy, a meaty chunk, little juice, tasteless. Origin: commercial tomato factory.
No. 2: Mary's tomato: Ordinary appearance, soft to the touch, drippingly juicy, full tomato flavor. Origin: the back yard.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
How Long?
It was most likely a rocket-launched grenade, authorities think, that brought down the Chinook helicopter in Afghanistan the other night, killing 30 American troops among others.
They'd been sent on a night mission in that misbegotten and seemingly endless war. President Barack Obama offered condolences to the families, of course, and what more could he do, you say?
Well, he might decide, finally, to use every bit, every smidgen of his presidential power and his political influence to GET US OUT of there. Not just get us out by next year, not just by 2013 or 2014, but as close to immediately as possibly can be, by whatever emergency means are available.
War hawks warn that pulling out would make Afghanistan a disaster area. Afghanistan is already a disaster area.
We ought to know: we've been there 10 years, and the day of the Chinook kill was our deadliest day yet.
A simple fact is that the United States can't be the world's policeman. Don't we ever learn?
They'd been sent on a night mission in that misbegotten and seemingly endless war. President Barack Obama offered condolences to the families, of course, and what more could he do, you say?
Well, he might decide, finally, to use every bit, every smidgen of his presidential power and his political influence to GET US OUT of there. Not just get us out by next year, not just by 2013 or 2014, but as close to immediately as possibly can be, by whatever emergency means are available.
War hawks warn that pulling out would make Afghanistan a disaster area. Afghanistan is already a disaster area.
We ought to know: we've been there 10 years, and the day of the Chinook kill was our deadliest day yet.
A simple fact is that the United States can't be the world's policeman. Don't we ever learn?
Friday, August 5, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Notes on the game
Hot shots who broadcast
Televised ball games
Talk way, way too much
(Get in the way of the game)
Lazy pop foul
Plops down untouched
In fat fan's lap.
(I saw that. For a moment or two it just sat there)
Televised ball games
Talk way, way too much
(Get in the way of the game)
Lazy pop foul
Plops down untouched
In fat fan's lap.
(I saw that. For a moment or two it just sat there)
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
frontpage
In a recent gathering of Denver news people and others, discussion was had of Hollywood's historic treatment of the press, which usually is overly dramatic and often quite critical.
Consider, for instance, the drama that began as a stage hit, "The Front Page," and later became a screen classic, "His Girl Friday," set in the World War II period, starring Rosalind Russell as Chicago reporter Hildy Johnson and Cary Grant as her editor, Walter Burns.
The film is still celebrated for some of the sharpest lines of dialogue you'll ever hear. A particular favorite of mine is Hildy's scathing description of what is actually her own occupation (and once was mine), that is, a newspaper reporter.
Her title is "journalist."
"A journalist," Hildy says. "Now what does that mean? Peeking through keyholes. Chasing after fire engines. Stealing pictures off old ladies. Waking up people to ask them if Hitler's going to start another war....
"I know all about reporters, Walter. A lot of daffy buttinskys running around without a nickel in their pockets so a million hired girls and motormen's wives will know what's going on."
Is that true? Not entirely, but largely. I've been there.
Oh, I never stole a picture off an old lady. But more than once I persuaded some vulnerable person of a certain age to lend the newspaper a treasured portrait off her piano, promising it would be promptly returned after being copied in the photo lab.
And I meant it. And I expect it was. Returned, that is. But did I ever check to make sure? I don't remember doing that.
As for the "journalist" thing, I just heartily dislike that word. Always have.
The journalist doesn't chase fire engines, cover city hall, check politicians' police records or write obituaries. He aims at editorships, public acclaim, Pulitzers.
So let there be no "journalist" in my obituary, please.
Consider, for instance, the drama that began as a stage hit, "The Front Page," and later became a screen classic, "His Girl Friday," set in the World War II period, starring Rosalind Russell as Chicago reporter Hildy Johnson and Cary Grant as her editor, Walter Burns.
The film is still celebrated for some of the sharpest lines of dialogue you'll ever hear. A particular favorite of mine is Hildy's scathing description of what is actually her own occupation (and once was mine), that is, a newspaper reporter.
Her title is "journalist."
"A journalist," Hildy says. "Now what does that mean? Peeking through keyholes. Chasing after fire engines. Stealing pictures off old ladies. Waking up people to ask them if Hitler's going to start another war....
"I know all about reporters, Walter. A lot of daffy buttinskys running around without a nickel in their pockets so a million hired girls and motormen's wives will know what's going on."
Is that true? Not entirely, but largely. I've been there.
Oh, I never stole a picture off an old lady. But more than once I persuaded some vulnerable person of a certain age to lend the newspaper a treasured portrait off her piano, promising it would be promptly returned after being copied in the photo lab.
And I meant it. And I expect it was. Returned, that is. But did I ever check to make sure? I don't remember doing that.
As for the "journalist" thing, I just heartily dislike that word. Always have.
The journalist doesn't chase fire engines, cover city hall, check politicians' police records or write obituaries. He aims at editorships, public acclaim, Pulitzers.
So let there be no "journalist" in my obituary, please.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
survival
Chris Romer lost the mayor's race by a mile, taking a big hit both in political stature and his bank account.
We hope, however, he won't be giving up on the whole idea of public service.
We need guys like him at every level, local state, national. Guys who are smart, honest, experienced, inventive. fiscally sharp, compassionate, personable, keenly aware of diverse needs in a diverse society.
Romer spent a lot of money and personal goodwill against Michael Hancock. He was too negative -- yes he was, clearly -- and he also suffered from the wilder, over-the-top negativism of some of his independent, uncontrolled backers. It was all just too much.
Altogether, toward the end, the Chris Romer campaign seemed almost frantic.
Okay. It wasn't his time, and a very good man beat him. And now it's history. And as months and years and political currents go by, times change. You never know for sure what's down the road. Keep watchin'.
We hope, however, he won't be giving up on the whole idea of public service.
We need guys like him at every level, local state, national. Guys who are smart, honest, experienced, inventive. fiscally sharp, compassionate, personable, keenly aware of diverse needs in a diverse society.
Romer spent a lot of money and personal goodwill against Michael Hancock. He was too negative -- yes he was, clearly -- and he also suffered from the wilder, over-the-top negativism of some of his independent, uncontrolled backers. It was all just too much.
Altogether, toward the end, the Chris Romer campaign seemed almost frantic.
Okay. It wasn't his time, and a very good man beat him. And now it's history. And as months and years and political currents go by, times change. You never know for sure what's down the road. Keep watchin'.
Monday, June 6, 2011
The Sunday New York Times these days is offering some unique merchandise for sale, by phone or internet, and for those who may have missed the Father's Day edition, I mention a couple.
The emphasis of this NYT "store" is naturally on things New Yorkish, on things historical, and heavily on sports memorabilia. A couple of items in particular caught my eye.
For $179.95 a fellow can buy an original and authentic "Goldrick brick -- yes a real brick, 7.5"x2"x4" -- from construction of Yankee Stadium in 1922-23. Tastefully encased.
Whoa, you say. Come on. Many. many sports fans are not even faintly fond of the Yankees, or of New York in general. Some are downright hostile. Wouldn't pay a dime for a brick.
I know. These fans, though, might be interested in another Times offering of much broader geographical interest. The store is selling, in single frames, a collection of individual items from each one of the 30 major-league stadiums.
So what are these items? They're "capsules."
What's in them? Dirt.
But not ordinary dirt.
According to the Times' sales pitch it's "game-used" dirt. Authenticated dirt.
Honest.
You can get it for $279.95. Probably plus shipping.
The emphasis of this NYT "store" is naturally on things New Yorkish, on things historical, and heavily on sports memorabilia. A couple of items in particular caught my eye.
For $179.95 a fellow can buy an original and authentic "Goldrick brick -- yes a real brick, 7.5"x2"x4" -- from construction of Yankee Stadium in 1922-23. Tastefully encased.
Whoa, you say. Come on. Many. many sports fans are not even faintly fond of the Yankees, or of New York in general. Some are downright hostile. Wouldn't pay a dime for a brick.
I know. These fans, though, might be interested in another Times offering of much broader geographical interest. The store is selling, in single frames, a collection of individual items from each one of the 30 major-league stadiums.
So what are these items? They're "capsules."
What's in them? Dirt.
But not ordinary dirt.
According to the Times' sales pitch it's "game-used" dirt. Authenticated dirt.
Honest.
You can get it for $279.95. Probably plus shipping.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
mea culpa
In an earlier blog on the Chris Romer-Michael Hancock mayoral election, I criticized Romer's pronounced and repeated negative campaigning. I quoted specifically, however, from a fancy mailing put out by a pr0-Romer "citizen's" group, not by the candidate or his campaign.
The brochure repeated the several Hancock negatives that Romer himself has raised, and continues to raise. But I don't believe Romer has ever charged that "voters can't trust Michael Hancock to do what's right," and he has denounced the group's mailings.
One sad fact about politics is that it is so easy for independent groups to broadcast lies and distortions and then simply fade away. Another sad fact is that a candidate can benefit from such political slander while publicly washing his hands of it.
In this case I don't believe Chris Romer had any part in the "citizens" mailing. And he didn't benefit. It cost him.
The brochure repeated the several Hancock negatives that Romer himself has raised, and continues to raise. But I don't believe Romer has ever charged that "voters can't trust Michael Hancock to do what's right," and he has denounced the group's mailings.
One sad fact about politics is that it is so easy for independent groups to broadcast lies and distortions and then simply fade away. Another sad fact is that a candidate can benefit from such political slander while publicly washing his hands of it.
In this case I don't believe Chris Romer had any part in the "citizens" mailing. And he didn't benefit. It cost him.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
dirt
Denver's election day is only a week away, and I am skipping a vote this time. I think it's the first city election I will have missed since I was bedridden and unable to vote for Tom Currigan in 1963.
It's not that I have no nterest this time. For a dogged follower of politics for many years, the mayoral contest between Chris Romer and Michael Hancock has been stirring.
No, that's not it, and I'm embarrassed to admit what is, but the simple reason is that I probably threw my absentee ballot away. That would have been what my family calls one of my senior moments.
The daily mail brings to me a blizzard of bills, business offers, unsought personal advice, neighborhood fliers, political beggary and even worse. I figure I might have accidentally bundled up my ballot envelope with something like applications for a new credit card, a bulky (and unread) missive from my old journalism school and a dozen other things.
So anyway, I'm not voting. And, ironically, it may be for the best.
If I had rescued my ballot from the mail and voted it when it came, I'd probably have voted for Romer, as I had done in the preliminary May election.
If I voted today I'd vote for Hancock, who is almost surely going to win anyway.
Chris's amply financed campaign, which started so nicely, has not only turned negative. It has become sharply personal and rancorous. He has crossed a line.
I got a Romer flier on my front porch today. Among other things it accuses Hancock of "betraying the voters' trust." It says, "Voters can't trust Michael Hancock to do what's right."
Well, that's wrong, and it's unfair. I doubt even Chris Romer's parents believe it.
It's not that I have no nterest this time. For a dogged follower of politics for many years, the mayoral contest between Chris Romer and Michael Hancock has been stirring.
No, that's not it, and I'm embarrassed to admit what is, but the simple reason is that I probably threw my absentee ballot away. That would have been what my family calls one of my senior moments.
The daily mail brings to me a blizzard of bills, business offers, unsought personal advice, neighborhood fliers, political beggary and even worse. I figure I might have accidentally bundled up my ballot envelope with something like applications for a new credit card, a bulky (and unread) missive from my old journalism school and a dozen other things.
So anyway, I'm not voting. And, ironically, it may be for the best.
If I had rescued my ballot from the mail and voted it when it came, I'd probably have voted for Romer, as I had done in the preliminary May election.
If I voted today I'd vote for Hancock, who is almost surely going to win anyway.
Chris's amply financed campaign, which started so nicely, has not only turned negative. It has become sharply personal and rancorous. He has crossed a line.
I got a Romer flier on my front porch today. Among other things it accuses Hancock of "betraying the voters' trust." It says, "Voters can't trust Michael Hancock to do what's right."
Well, that's wrong, and it's unfair. I doubt even Chris Romer's parents believe it.
Friday, May 13, 2011
newtie
Denver Post columnist Mike Littwin has reminded us of some politically pertinent observations made in the past by presidential candidate Newt Gingrich.
For instance, Newt once charged that the Obama administration "represents as great a threat to America as Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union once did."
Or: "The reality is that this country is in greater danger than at any time since 1939."
Or: Newt's race-tinged comment that we can understand Obama only if we understand "Kenyan, anti-colonial behavior."
Seems to me such thoughts must have come either from a fool or a reckless, truth-be-damned political opportunist.
Newt is no fool.
For instance, Newt once charged that the Obama administration "represents as great a threat to America as Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union once did."
Or: "The reality is that this country is in greater danger than at any time since 1939."
Or: Newt's race-tinged comment that we can understand Obama only if we understand "Kenyan, anti-colonial behavior."
Seems to me such thoughts must have come either from a fool or a reckless, truth-be-damned political opportunist.
Newt is no fool.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
blooper
On the morning after the first round of Denver's mayoral race, the campaign of leader Chris Romer revealed some strategy for the June runoff.
According to Wednesday's Post, the campaign will focus on Romer's business experience and his work with the nation's largest banks, crafting complex bond deals. Mention was made of deals worth more than $10 billion.
Well, that experience could indeed be of great value in these tough financial times, but that political strategy could cost him the runoff election.
The three-way, first-round finish was very tight. Romer's edge over the fast-closing Michael Hancock was slim. And the only way Romer can win the runoff is basically to get out on the street and win over as many of James Mejia's third-place voters as Hancock.
I don't think a campaign focused on financial expertise will do that.
Romer already has in his pocket the Denverites whose votes are swayed by banking and bond issues. What he needs are the votes of Denverites who are concerned about getting and keeping good steady jobs, getting equal and open access to city services, having safe streets and neighborhoods and, in particular, getting fair treatment from Denver police.
He's got Seventeen Street and Montview Boulevard. He needs to score in near east Denver and the west side. Or else.
According to Wednesday's Post, the campaign will focus on Romer's business experience and his work with the nation's largest banks, crafting complex bond deals. Mention was made of deals worth more than $10 billion.
Well, that experience could indeed be of great value in these tough financial times, but that political strategy could cost him the runoff election.
The three-way, first-round finish was very tight. Romer's edge over the fast-closing Michael Hancock was slim. And the only way Romer can win the runoff is basically to get out on the street and win over as many of James Mejia's third-place voters as Hancock.
I don't think a campaign focused on financial expertise will do that.
Romer already has in his pocket the Denverites whose votes are swayed by banking and bond issues. What he needs are the votes of Denverites who are concerned about getting and keeping good steady jobs, getting equal and open access to city services, having safe streets and neighborhoods and, in particular, getting fair treatment from Denver police.
He's got Seventeen Street and Montview Boulevard. He needs to score in near east Denver and the west side. Or else.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
celebrate
Bin Laden was indeed a monster.
When such a monster is slain, a man may properly celebrate, perhaps by thanking his god, but not by dancing in the street.
C
When such a monster is slain, a man may properly celebrate, perhaps by thanking his god, but not by dancing in the street.
C
Thursday, April 21, 2011
remember?
Remember when the president told us we'd start pulling out of Afghanistan in July of 2011?
I don't remember how many troops we had there then. But now, it seems, we have as many as 100,000 pairs of boots on the ground there, fighting a bloody, unwinnable war. And nobody any longer expects us to be completely out of Afghanistan by 2014, which once was Washington's target date.
We can't even get out of Iraq.
Our two most recent presidents didn't lie to us -- they meant well -- but they spun out some irresponsible fairy tales. We all know that now, and that is why we so often don't quite believe what our collective leadership, of both political parties, tells us.
Why should we? They have shown us, in recent years, that while it's easy for them to get us into foreign wars, accidentally or on purpose, they have a helluva time getting us out.
Historically, we haven't even left countries when peace came and we were the clear winner. As of a few years ago we still had 28,000 troops in Korea, 52,000 in Germany and 36,000 in Japan.
All told, at that time, we had 820 troop installations in at least 135 of the world's 192 countries, including the likes of Chad, Mali, Cyprus, Niger, Fiji and Djibouti.
Now of course some of these "installations" are merely a handful of Marines protecting a small U.S. embassy or consulate. And we need to have a world presence.
But do we need upwards of 200,000 men and women in foreign barracks?
I don't remember how many troops we had there then. But now, it seems, we have as many as 100,000 pairs of boots on the ground there, fighting a bloody, unwinnable war. And nobody any longer expects us to be completely out of Afghanistan by 2014, which once was Washington's target date.
We can't even get out of Iraq.
Our two most recent presidents didn't lie to us -- they meant well -- but they spun out some irresponsible fairy tales. We all know that now, and that is why we so often don't quite believe what our collective leadership, of both political parties, tells us.
Why should we? They have shown us, in recent years, that while it's easy for them to get us into foreign wars, accidentally or on purpose, they have a helluva time getting us out.
Historically, we haven't even left countries when peace came and we were the clear winner. As of a few years ago we still had 28,000 troops in Korea, 52,000 in Germany and 36,000 in Japan.
All told, at that time, we had 820 troop installations in at least 135 of the world's 192 countries, including the likes of Chad, Mali, Cyprus, Niger, Fiji and Djibouti.
Now of course some of these "installations" are merely a handful of Marines protecting a small U.S. embassy or consulate. And we need to have a world presence.
But do we need upwards of 200,000 men and women in foreign barracks?
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
today's lesson
"Dennis the Menace" is Dennis Mitchell. Mom is Alice. Dad is Henry. Mr. Wilson is George. Mrs. Wilson is Martha.
Just thought you should be properly introduced.
C
Just thought you should be properly introduced.
C
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
the season
For anyone who unfortunately missed Monday's Celebrity Cipher by Pete Hamill it was:
'Don't tell me about the world. Not today. It's springtime ..... and the kids are trying to hit the curveball.'
It's been a long winter.
The fan
'Don't tell me about the world. Not today. It's springtime ..... and the kids are trying to hit the curveball.'
It's been a long winter.
The fan
Monday, March 21, 2011
Disposal
Out here on Williams Street, scruffy-looking strangers amble by from time to time, leaving behind scraps of advertising paper on my porch or affixed to my front door. I don't ask for these
intrusions, or welcome them, and rarely examine them closely.
Once in a while, though, a name or a phrase will catch my eye -- you know how that is -- and just such a thing happened this week.
The name in this case was Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery of Wheat Ridge.
So is Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery selling something? You betcha. Turf.
The sales pitch: "March 2011 Only .....Buy One Interment Right ..... Get one Interment Right FREE .....Your Choice from 7 Different Blocks ...... Small Down Payments .....Affordable Monthly Payments."
Hey, that's a two-for-one deal.
I haven't had such an offer from this particular industry since a Neptune Society invited me in 2009 to participate in a lottery for a free cremation -- a service not to be consummated immediately, of course, but at some time of need in the future.
Well, I let that opportunity slip by and expect I'll let this one go too, but it's comforting to know there's always somebody thinking about you.
intrusions, or welcome them, and rarely examine them closely.
Once in a while, though, a name or a phrase will catch my eye -- you know how that is -- and just such a thing happened this week.
The name in this case was Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery of Wheat Ridge.
So is Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery selling something? You betcha. Turf.
The sales pitch: "March 2011 Only .....Buy One Interment Right ..... Get one Interment Right FREE .....Your Choice from 7 Different Blocks ...... Small Down Payments .....Affordable Monthly Payments."
Hey, that's a two-for-one deal.
I haven't had such an offer from this particular industry since a Neptune Society invited me in 2009 to participate in a lottery for a free cremation -- a service not to be consummated immediately, of course, but at some time of need in the future.
Well, I let that opportunity slip by and expect I'll let this one go too, but it's comforting to know there's always somebody thinking about you.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Necks
The Denver Post reported this week at considerable length on a significant surge in the sale and wearing of bow ties. I hadn't noticed this, but I don't get around much anymore. particularly among gentlemen of fashion.
Many years ago, when on duty in the newspaper business. I was expected always to wear a proper suit, and with it a proper necktie. I took that to mean the traditional long, flowing tie, and would never have been caught dead -- or alive -- wearing a bow tie.
Never owned one. Never wanted one.
Men in suits have always had three choices.
They may wear the traditional necktie, conventional but perhaps a bit stuffy. They may go about with open collars, comfortable but perhaps a bit sloppy. Or they may wear a bow tie, looking a bit like prize pigs.
I vote for sloppy.
Many years ago, when on duty in the newspaper business. I was expected always to wear a proper suit, and with it a proper necktie. I took that to mean the traditional long, flowing tie, and would never have been caught dead -- or alive -- wearing a bow tie.
Never owned one. Never wanted one.
Men in suits have always had three choices.
They may wear the traditional necktie, conventional but perhaps a bit stuffy. They may go about with open collars, comfortable but perhaps a bit sloppy. Or they may wear a bow tie, looking a bit like prize pigs.
I vote for sloppy.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Fraud III
Colorado Republicans are baying at the moon again about election fraud. They want to pass a bill making it harder for some people to vote.
The chief instigator is Secretary of State Scott Gessler, who by law is the state's chief elections officer. In his most recent role as protector of the ballot, he has again alleged that thousands of noncitizens are registered to vote in Colorado.
So he wants a law allowing him to dig into public data bases to check if registered voters are, in fact, citizens. In suspicious cases he would send out letters asking for proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate.
He says he's not aiming at prosecutions, but merely at cleaning up the voting rolls.
Well, the history of this sort of crusade reveals another, less noble purpose: To further discourage voting by blacks and especially the burgeoning Latino community -- people who seldom have enjoyed much encouragement from the white-bread establishment.
The chief instigator is Secretary of State Scott Gessler, who by law is the state's chief elections officer. In his most recent role as protector of the ballot, he has again alleged that thousands of noncitizens are registered to vote in Colorado.
So he wants a law allowing him to dig into public data bases to check if registered voters are, in fact, citizens. In suspicious cases he would send out letters asking for proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate.
He says he's not aiming at prosecutions, but merely at cleaning up the voting rolls.
Well, the history of this sort of crusade reveals another, less noble purpose: To further discourage voting by blacks and especially the burgeoning Latino community -- people who seldom have enjoyed much encouragement from the white-bread establishment.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sen. John Kerry, the Democrat who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. supports the idea of establishing a no-fly zone in Libya. So do Republican Sens. John McCain and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
These are not senatorial rookies who are questioning the judgment of Defense Secretary Robert Gates. These are big shots clamoring to save Libya from itself. And President Barack Obama's comments on Libya Monday were not encouraging.
Earlier Gates had advised against the no-fly intervention, suggesting that it would first require an attack to neutralize Libyan air defenses.
Well no, said Kerry, on "Face the Nation," an attack is not the only option: "One could crater the airports and the runways and leave them incapable of using them for a period of time."
Uh huh. Think about that. What would Americans think if Libya or anybody else "cratered" JFK, LAX, O'Hare and Stapleton and left them unusable?
We would call it an act of war. Which it is. And demand warlike revenge.
Now I have no idea how much damage Libya could ever do to us, but I know we don't need another do-good war with anyone, anywhere. We've stumbled into enough of them already. And never seem to learn.
These are not senatorial rookies who are questioning the judgment of Defense Secretary Robert Gates. These are big shots clamoring to save Libya from itself. And President Barack Obama's comments on Libya Monday were not encouraging.
Earlier Gates had advised against the no-fly intervention, suggesting that it would first require an attack to neutralize Libyan air defenses.
Well no, said Kerry, on "Face the Nation," an attack is not the only option: "One could crater the airports and the runways and leave them incapable of using them for a period of time."
Uh huh. Think about that. What would Americans think if Libya or anybody else "cratered" JFK, LAX, O'Hare and Stapleton and left them unusable?
We would call it an act of war. Which it is. And demand warlike revenge.
Now I have no idea how much damage Libya could ever do to us, but I know we don't need another do-good war with anyone, anywhere. We've stumbled into enough of them already. And never seem to learn.
Monday, February 28, 2011
about time
Defense Secretary Robert Gates told West Point cadets last week that it would be foolish for the United States ever to fight another war like those in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Right. I've known that for some years. So have tens of millions of other ordinary citizens.
Furthermore, Gates said, any future secretary of defense who would advise a future president to send a big land army into Asia, the Middle East or Africa "should have his head examined."
Sure. We common folks couldn't have said it better. Trouble is, those who start our wars -- people in the Pentagon, Congress, the arms industry and too often the White House -- don't listen to us or don't think we know anything. Or both.
Maybe these military hawks will listen to Gates. After all, he is the nation's No. 1 manager in charge of wars. He's got credentials. But what took him so long to speak out?
Meanwhile, the same two old foolish -- and tragic -- wars go on. Iraq is winding down, but nine Americans have died there so far this year, making 4,439 since 2003. In Afghanistan, where we've been since 2001, the toll as of Monday was 1,484. Five hundred Americans died there in 2010 alone.
The billions of dollars spent every year on these wars are a major factor in our fiscal deficits, but is Congress clamoring for wholesale cuts in the defense budget? I don't hear it.
Right. I've known that for some years. So have tens of millions of other ordinary citizens.
Furthermore, Gates said, any future secretary of defense who would advise a future president to send a big land army into Asia, the Middle East or Africa "should have his head examined."
Sure. We common folks couldn't have said it better. Trouble is, those who start our wars -- people in the Pentagon, Congress, the arms industry and too often the White House -- don't listen to us or don't think we know anything. Or both.
Maybe these military hawks will listen to Gates. After all, he is the nation's No. 1 manager in charge of wars. He's got credentials. But what took him so long to speak out?
Meanwhile, the same two old foolish -- and tragic -- wars go on. Iraq is winding down, but nine Americans have died there so far this year, making 4,439 since 2003. In Afghanistan, where we've been since 2001, the toll as of Monday was 1,484. Five hundred Americans died there in 2010 alone.
The billions of dollars spent every year on these wars are a major factor in our fiscal deficits, but is Congress clamoring for wholesale cuts in the defense budget? I don't hear it.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
good ol' days
I see the Grand Old Party is shedding Dick Wadhams as its state chairman, and I am happy for him, a political pal of mine of long, long ago. Imagine, today, trying to get along with the brassy, bustling Tea Party zealots and other extremists who seem determined to wreck what used to be a reasonable (if fundamentally misguided) Republican Party of Colorado.
It was several decades ago, as a newspaper reporter, that I met Dick Wadhams. He and a similarly happy-go-lucky friend named Sean Conway were political rookies. Gofers, you might say.
They were learning about elections from the ground up, driving cars for Republican candidates, things like that.
I saw a lot of them, and we had some good laughs. I think they were having the time of their lives. I know I was.
I didn't hold it against them that they were Republicans, and I don't think they held it against me that I was a Democrat.
Conway stayed active in public life, too, and the last I knew he was a Weld county commissioner, which isn't a minor office in that large and wealthy county.
He's likely settled down a lot. We all have. It will be interesting to see where Dick Wadhams is headed.
It was several decades ago, as a newspaper reporter, that I met Dick Wadhams. He and a similarly happy-go-lucky friend named Sean Conway were political rookies. Gofers, you might say.
They were learning about elections from the ground up, driving cars for Republican candidates, things like that.
I saw a lot of them, and we had some good laughs. I think they were having the time of their lives. I know I was.
I didn't hold it against them that they were Republicans, and I don't think they held it against me that I was a Democrat.
Conway stayed active in public life, too, and the last I knew he was a Weld county commissioner, which isn't a minor office in that large and wealthy county.
He's likely settled down a lot. We all have. It will be interesting to see where Dick Wadhams is headed.
Friday, January 28, 2011
fraud II
It's was only last fall that Republicans again warned us of the danger of widespread election fraud, hinting at Democratic complicity.
Well, nothing came of it. It never does. The 2010 elections came and went as usual. And, as it turned out, Republicans actually did better than Democrats.
But the Grand Old Party never tires of crying "vote fraud" in an effort to discourage Democratic voters, especially members of minority groups. And so it is that a new "fraud" scare has been raised in Denver.
Our new Republican secretary of state, Scott Gessler, has grabbed hold of the issue with both hands. Says he fears as many as 16,000 Colorado voters aren't really U.S. citizens.
He wants a law making voters prove they're citizens when they go to the polls. Like with birth certificates or passports.
The funny thing is, the same issue of the Denver Post that reported on Gessler's fraud warning also carried another election story, about a certain voter named Ryan Call.
Mr. Call is counsel for the state Republican party. He used to live in Denver, but bought a house in Arapahoe County and moved there with his family early last summer. However, he also picked up mail ballots in Denver for the 2010 elections and voted in Denver.
"I have moved to Arapahoe County, but that doesn't preclude me from maintaining a legal residence in Denver," he told the Post's Lynn Bartels.
Maybe not. He is a lawyer, you know. But is that a fish I smell?
Well, nothing came of it. It never does. The 2010 elections came and went as usual. And, as it turned out, Republicans actually did better than Democrats.
But the Grand Old Party never tires of crying "vote fraud" in an effort to discourage Democratic voters, especially members of minority groups. And so it is that a new "fraud" scare has been raised in Denver.
Our new Republican secretary of state, Scott Gessler, has grabbed hold of the issue with both hands. Says he fears as many as 16,000 Colorado voters aren't really U.S. citizens.
He wants a law making voters prove they're citizens when they go to the polls. Like with birth certificates or passports.
The funny thing is, the same issue of the Denver Post that reported on Gessler's fraud warning also carried another election story, about a certain voter named Ryan Call.
Mr. Call is counsel for the state Republican party. He used to live in Denver, but bought a house in Arapahoe County and moved there with his family early last summer. However, he also picked up mail ballots in Denver for the 2010 elections and voted in Denver.
"I have moved to Arapahoe County, but that doesn't preclude me from maintaining a legal residence in Denver," he told the Post's Lynn Bartels.
Maybe not. He is a lawyer, you know. But is that a fish I smell?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
tucson
Tucson:
His remarks on the tragedy revealed for all to see tonight -- emphatically and really for the first time -- the true heart and soul of Barack Obama, the heretofore "cool" Barack Obama.
They were heartfelt, moving, unifying and grandly presidential.
Tonight at least he was everybody's president.
His remarks on the tragedy revealed for all to see tonight -- emphatically and really for the first time -- the true heart and soul of Barack Obama, the heretofore "cool" Barack Obama.
They were heartfelt, moving, unifying and grandly presidential.
Tonight at least he was everybody's president.
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