Unified Visions

Wikileaks and the Pro-Democracy Movement in the Middle East

2011-01-27T07:44:00.000-08:00

One cannot help but take note of the fact that the unrest in the middle east that is geared toward democracy is taking place following some substantial revelations about the very countries that are experiencing unrest.

State of the Union - The Sky Brightens

2011-01-26T16:10:00.000-08:00

A State of the Union Address is not - as a rule - a time for details and nuance. Nor should one expect the response to contain a lot of substance. Rather they are an opportunity to present a vision of the days ahead to the American people. When they “sing” it is because they have been well crafted and they speak to the issues that matter to us.

By that measure both the President’s address and the Republican response were right on the mark. Not because I agreed with everything that either President Obama or Represnetative Paul Ryan said but because they presented their visions clearly and well to the people - elevating the dialog and engaging with one another.

Over the next few days I will blog my observations about the details of the statements – and there is much to be said. For now, let it be said that there is every reason to believe that the price paid by the fallen in Tuscon was not in vain and that their sacrifice may have lighted a candle whose luminance has shown us a path by which we may begin to emerge from an accursed darkness

Ben Franklin's Prescription for Today's Congressional Gridlock

2010-07-11T16:40:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the briefest speeches echo the most powerfully down through our history. As it has been with Lincoln's address at Gettysburg; such it is with the words of Benjamin Franklin at the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

Franklin, frail and unable to deliver the speech himself , asked his friend and fellow Pennsylvanian James Wilson to read the speech for him. It is a speech that every member of Congress should be required to read at the start of each annual Congressional Session for Franklin reminds us - in the wisdom of his age - that our obligations to our country must be larger than our egos.

Here in less than 720 words is a prescription for what ails the United States Congress.

I confess that there are several parts of this constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them: For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged by better information, or fuller consideration, to change opinions even on important subjects, which I once thought right, but found to be otherwise. It is therefore that the older I grow, the more apt I am to doubt my own judgment, and to pay more respect to the judgment of others. Most men indeed as well as most sects in Religion, think themselves in possession of all truth, and that wherever others differ from them it is so far error. Steele a Protestant in a Dedication tells the Pope, that the only difference between our Churches in their opinions of the certainty of their doctrines is, the Church of Rome is infallible and the Church of England is never in the wrong. But though many private persons think almost as highly of their own infallibility as of that of their sect, few express it so naturally as a certain french lady, who in a dispute with her sister, said "I don't know how it happens, Sister but I meet with no body but myself, that's always in the right — Il n'y a que moi qui a toujours raison."

In these sentiments, Sir, I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a general Government necessary for us, and there is no form of Government but what may be a blessing to the people if well administered, and believe farther that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in Despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic Government, being incapable of any other. I doubt too whether any other Convention we can obtain, may be able to make a better Constitution. For when you assemble a number of men to have the advantage of their joint wisdom, you inevitably assemble with those men, all their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, their local interests, and their selfish views. From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected? It therefore astonishes me, Sir, to find this system approaching so near to perfection as it does; and I think it will astonish our enemies, who are waiting with confidence to hear that our councils are confounded like those of the Builders of Babel; and that our States are on the point of separation, only to meet hereafter for the purpose of cutting one another's throats.

Thus I consent, Sir, to this Constitution because I expect no better, and because I am not sure, that it is not the best. The opinions I have had of its errors, I sacrifice to the public good. I have never whispered a syllable of them abroad. Within these walls they were born, and here they shall die. If every one of us in returning to our Constituents were to report the objections he has had to it, and endeavor to gain partizans in support of them, we might prevent its being generally received, and thereby lose all the salutary effects & great advantages resulting naturally in our favor among foreign Nations as well as among ourselves, from our real or apparent unanimity. Much of the strength & efficiency of any Government in procuring and securing happiness to the people, depends, on opinion, on the general opinion of the goodness of the Government, as well as of the wisdom and integrity of its Governors. I hope therefore that for our own sakes as a part of the people, and for the sake of posterity, we shall act heartily and unanimously in recommending this Constitution (if approved by Congress & confirmed by the Conventions) wherever our influence may extend, and turn our future thoughts & endeavors to the means of having it well administered.

On the whole, Sir, I can not help expressing a wish that every member of the Convention who may still have objections to it, would with me, on this occasion doubt a little of his own infallibility, and to make manifest our unanimity, put his name to this instrument.

The Metamorphosis

"Imagine if the Tea Party Was Black" - Tim Wise

2010-05-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

A very thought provoking and provocative piece here.

Let’s play a game, shall we? The name of the game is called “Imagine.” The way it’s played is simple: we’ll envision recent happenings in the news, but then change them up a bit. Instead of envisioning white people as the main actors in the scenes we’ll conjure - the ones who are driving the action - we’ll envision black folks or other people of color instead. The object of the game is to imagine the public reaction to the events or incidents, if the main actors were of color, rather than white. Whoever gains the most insight into the workings of race in America, at the end of the game, wins.

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O'Dowd Comes Out Swinging Against Corruption within Church

2010-04-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

"I am a Catholic down to my DNA. I will always be a Catholic. I will not surrender my church to the corruption that infects the hierarchy and corrodes the Church from within. It's time not only for regime change--although Benedict surely must go--but also for a thorough redesign of church governance and elimination of traditions and policies that have long since outlived their usefulness." Maureen O'Dowd

Read the piece in the Times.

Launch at the Dells

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Remembering Granny D

2010-03-10T15:27:00.000-08:00

"Granny D" Dies at 100

Doris Haddock, better known as "Granny D" passed away quietly at her home in the Monadnock foothills last night. Surrounded by family and friends Granny D departed a world made richer by her example and spirit.

At 89 Granny D had garnered international attention walking across America to bring attention to the need for reform of campaign finance laws. Shortly thereafter, she ran for the United States Senate against incumbent Senator Judd Gregg. Gregg himself remembered Granny D fondly today remarking on the passion of her beliefs and the grace with which she conducted herself.

Granny D demonstrated the power of one individual with passion and an idea in public life. We are all richer for her gift.

Google consolidation of stories on Granny D's passing.

James Heckman: An Economist's Perspective on Education

2010-01-29T10:29:00.000-08:00

From prison populations to dropout rates and college attendance, educational investment can have a dramatic effect on the economic vitality of a nation. Dr. James Heckman speaks to the Chautauqua Institution with an economists perspective on Education.

We invite you to view this one hour lecture and to comment on this blog or the FORA TV Blog.

This link will take you to FORA TV where you can choose a portion of the program - based on topic - to watch or to watch the program in it's entirety.

Indian Moon Mindscape

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Ten Tips for Improving Your Company’s Sustainability Profile

2009-09-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

Its all about the triple bottom line. Embracing the bottom line in terms of economics, environmental, and social values. Your Green offices will embrace all of these values and your boss will love you for it because in addition to making the company look good, it will save money too.

1. Work with a certified waste management company and ask them to provide you with advice for minimizing waste, and where possible gleaning some returns for your efforts. Many companies, notably Waste Management, Inc., have created special e-cycling programs for computers and electronic waste as well as

2. Buy post-consumer recycled content paper. Many of the big dogs in office supply are now offering recycled paper as an option including Staples, Office Depot, Quill, Target, as well as some of the specialty companies like Dolphin Blue, Monadnock Paper, The Green Office and others.

3. Use recyclable products in your bathrooms and kitchen areas.

4. Get an energy audit. In many cases the utility company that provides your electricity also provides programs for auditing your energy use. At the very least you can be sure that they can refer you to a professional in your area.

5. Institute programs to encourage carpooling among employees.

6. Institute programs to provide flex-time and telecommuting. Putting your company’s primary databases and working documents on the web using an intranet will allow your workers to work from any locale with broadband access. Several companies now provide low cost web-based intranet, conferencing and meeting software solutions: Webex, GoToMeeting, TalkPoint, Phase2 and others have some very affordable options.

7. Surge protectors do more than just preventing surges. If you have appliances plugged into surge protectors shutting off the surge protector or unplugging it entirely will prevent leakage that can really add up. At the very least, make it company policy to shut down computers, turn off lights and appliances after hours.

8. Look for EnergyStar rated appliances and office equipment.

9. Limit paper products in the kitchen and encourage employees to bring dishware from home.

10. Purchase renewable energy credits for your office, and offset your air travel, gas mileage and more.

Rowboats at Dusk, Newfound Lake, NH

Washday Book Benefits Project Laundry List

2009-09-18T14:22:00.001-07:00

There's something warm and comforting about a wash line on a beautiful day. It is a timeless image that speaks to us of days gone by and days to come. It is a metaphor for our connection to the earth and our shared humanity.

"Washday" is a photographic essay that captures those moments and puts them on your coffee table. More than a conversation piece, it is an invitation to engage one another in a dialog about saving the planet and about those rare moments when a small experience - the smell of fresh sheets, the warmth of the sun, the flapping of clothes in the breeze - can serve as a joyous bridge connecting each of us to one another through a shared experience and the hope that connection can inspire.

The Artist behind Washday is Wayne D. King, an accomplished photographer. King's images are a celebration of life, blending the real and the surreal to achieve a sense of place or time that reaches beyond the moment into a dreamlike quintessentialism designed to spark an emotional response. Using digital enhancement, handcrafting, painting, and sometimes even straight photography, King takes the viewer to a place that is beyond simple truth to where truth meets passion, hope and dreams.

King holds a BS Degree in Environmental Conservation and a Masters Degree in Earth Science Education from the University of New Hampshire, Durham.

A three term former State Senator from New Hampshire, Wayne King was the 1994 Democratic nominee for Governor. King is also the founder of The Electronic Community, a group of social entrepreneurs working on social and development issues in Africa under the non-profit umbrella of the MaxImpact Institute.

A Tribute to My Friend, Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T16:41:00.001-07:00

A beautiful tribute to a troubled and huge talent, but I can't help but think back on the work that Michael did to alleviate hunger and feel that he must be saying . . . "Hello!!! People???? IRAN needs you NOW. Celebrate Michael's gifts to the world but don't let that celebration give the Mullahs a moment of peace.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Iran Updates (VIDEO): Live-Blogging The Uprising

2009-06-23T09:18:00.001-07:00

A Peoples Revolution in Iran Calls for A Peoples Army of Support

Obama should Encourage Citizens of the World to Unite Around Iranian Freedom, creating a movement that draws its moral authority from free people everywhere.

President Obama has taken the right measured approach in this crisis. Not because we shouldn't be speaking out for the rights of Iran's citizens and for the rightness of transparancy and integrity within a system that claims the mantle of democracy, but because in the context of this crisis, governing institutions are irrellevant - even counter-productive to the debate.

The cadre of thugs controlling Iran - by virtue of a blatantly rigged election and the brutal suppression of their own citizens exercising what should be their right to demand redress - have relinquished their moral authority to speak for the people of Iran.

There is nothing to be gained and much to be lost if President Obama gives the Mullahs in Iran a reason to hang the US around the necks of protestors. This is why even those who have cried out for support in Iran have asked for INTERNATIONAL support not US support; and most simply agree that the US government should try not to become entangled in the crisis.

On the other hand, "we the people" are under no such constraints. The people of the world have been speaking out and will continue to so do. "We the People" DO have the moral authority to weigh in, where governments may not tread.

As we weigh in on the side of the people of Iran who yearn for real freedom, let us also not miss the other lessons that we can glean from this crisis:

1. Iran has a deep well of indigenous democratic thought. If thoughtful, honest and independent leaders emerge from this crisis, now or in the near future, Iran can be a central force for good in this troubled region of the world;

2. Democratic nations could be weighing in on the Community of Nations issue. Letting those who are on the fence in Iran know that under the right circumstances Iran could truly become a leader in the struggle for a more peaceful and democratic world.

3. Democracy cannot cohabitate with Theocracy. Any nation that views itself primarily based on a religious identity - Christian, Islamic, Buddhist or otherwise - will see Democratic thought and institutions poisoned by the toxic brew of theocratic intollerance and despotism in the guise of government.
About Iranian Election
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

George Will: Right-Wing Attacks On Obama's Iran Response "Foolish Criticism" (VIDEO)

2009-06-23T08:41:00.001-07:00

George Will has always been the "thinking person's conservative" and this commentary demonstrates why. However, for some of the neocons who have taken the position that Obama is not being forceful enough their rhetoric is far more insidious than merely "foolish", as this implies that they do not know what they are doing. I believe they know exactly what they are doing and, given the gravity of the danger to US interests inherent in their approach, it borders on sedition.

Paul Wolfewicz and his ilk are in large part responsible for the tar baby that is Iraq and now they seek to further entangle us in the quagmire of the Middle East.

There is always room for genuine disagreement on these matters, and President Obama has been criticized by those from both the left and the right, most of whom would fall into the "foolish comments" category. Not so the Neocons who once again would endanger the long term interests of the United States in order to advanced their own short term political objectives.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

The Supreme Leader's Gamble: Iran's Crisis Deepens

2009-06-21T01:53:00.000-07:00

There are many lessons to be learned from the events in Iran. But one profound lesson is the toxic brew that results from mixing religion and democracy. It is not a democracy when any one religion holds authority over the government. Any group that views their country as a Christian or Moslem or Hindu or Buddist nation is a danger to the very notion of democratic republic. Iran will not truly be a democracy until the mullahs go back to the mosques.
About Middle East
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

The Peacock

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Heroic Iranian Soldiers Stand up for Democracy & Dissent Share

2009-06-17T08:13:00.000-07:00

Don't Assume Anything on Iran

It seems that nearly every hour some inspiring and facinating news manages to makes its way out of Iran to us. Anyone who assumes that the Iranian Military is unified will find it surprising to read this post from Nico Pitney's Blog:

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Nico's blog on Huffington Post
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3:45 AM ET -- Journalist defies the crackdown on foreign media. Via readers John, Pejman, and Colin: the pugnacious British reporter Robert Fisk witnesses a stunning scene in which Iranian soldiers keep a group of plainclothes paramilitaries away from Mousavi supporters:

In fact at one point, Mousavi's supporters were shouting 'thank you, thank you' to the soldiers.

One woman went up to the special forces men, who normally are very brutal with Mr Mousavi's supporters, and said 'can you protect us from the Basij?' He said 'with God's help'.

It was quite extraordinary because it looked as if the military authorities in Tehran have either taken a decision not to go on supporting the very brutal militia - which is always associated with the presidency here - or individual soldiers have made up their own mind that they're tired of being associated with the kind of brutality that left seven dead yesterday - buried, by the way secretly by the police - and indeed the seven or eight students who were killed on the university campus 24 hours earlier.

Quite a lot of policeman are beginning to smile towards the demonstrators of Mr Mousavi, who are insisting there must be a new election because Mr Ahmadinejad wasn't really elected. Quite an extraordinary scene.

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end of post
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Ironing Day Adds Color to a Room

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Nico Pitney Discusses Covering The Iranian Election With Rachel Maddow (VIDEO)

2009-06-17T07:39:00.001-07:00

No matter what the outcome of the next few days in Iran, the Genie is out of the bottle in Iran and the people of the country will continue to press for changes. 20 years ago - as with the Chinese in Tiananmen Square - the government could have hidden this and gotten away with it. Today, the citizen journalist will not be kept down (Time Magazine please note: My vote for person of the Year 2009 is the citizen journalist) for all of the drawbacks to having our reporting coming from people who are in the middle of the news stories, we can't avoid the truth that without the tools of web 2.0 and the young people who are using those tools to bring the uprising to us, we would all be in the dark. The fact that the state department asked Twitter to delay maintenance work on the website speaks volumes for its value.

President Obama has handled the crisis brilliantly. Stand up for democracy and human rights - stand down on the personalities and the specifics of the uprising, lest they be tarred as puppets of the west. It's really political science 101 though some pretty high ranking US political leaders seem to have been out drinking during that class (take note Sen McCain and Rep Pence).
About Rachel Maddow
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Green Promise Seen in Switch to LED Lighting

2009-05-30T15:39:00.000-07:00

From the NY Times

Jeffrey Sauger for The New York Times

LED streetlights in Ann Arbor, Mich., are expected to cut maintenance and electricity costs.

By ELISABETH ROSENTHAL and FELICITY BARRINGER

Published: May 29, 2009

To change the bulbs in the 60-foot-high ceiling lights of Buckingham Palace’s grand stairwell, workers had to erect scaffolding and cover precious portraits of royal forebears.

This is the second in a series of articles about stopgap measures that could limit global warming. Future articles will address appliance-efficiency standards, transportation, reducing global-warming gases other than carbon dioxide and other efforts.

So when a lighting designer two years ago proposed installing light emitting diodes or LEDs, an emerging lighting technology, the royal family readily assented. The new lights, the designer said, would last more than 22 years and enormously reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions — a big plus for Prince Charles, an ardent environmentalist. Since then, the palace has installed the lighting in chandeliers and on the exterior, where illuminating the entire facade uses less electricity than running an electric teakettle.

In shifting to LED lighting, the palace is part of a small but fast-growing trend that is redefining the century-old conception of lighting, replacing energy-wasting disposable bulbs with efficient fixtures that are often semi-permanent, like those used in plumbing.

Full article

Waiting for the Stragglers

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Trail Blazers - Jane Addams: A new impulse to an old gospel

2009-05-28T04:09:00.000-07:00

Remembering the Trail Blazers series is a series of pieces remembering and honoring those who have played an important part in "securing the blessings of liberty" for all Americans.

With more than 100 years between today and the days prior to universal public education and the many fields of social sciences, its easy to forget that a free public education and the study of social sciences required a protracted struggle to make them realities.

Jane Addams (B. September 6, 1860 – D. May 21, 1935) was a founder of the U.S. Settlement House movement, and one of the first women to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. She was a leading figure in the Progressive era. Born into wealth and tempered by tragedy (three of her siblings died in infancy and her mother died from tuberculosis during pregnancy when Jane was just two years old.) Jane used her considerable empathy and skills to exert her influence on a world where a thirst for leaders offered opportunity and a willing public.

Originally published as 'A new impulse to an old gospel' Forum 14 (1892) pp342-356 and later in Philanthropy and Social Progress, Henry C. Adams, Editor (1893) New York: Thomas Y. Cromwell. This version is taken from Addams 1910 book: Twenty Years at Hull House, New York: Macmillan. Today this lecture is referred to by the title "The Subjective Necessity for Social Settlements"

"In a thousand voices singing the Hallelujah Chorus in Handel's "Messiah," it is possible to distinguish the leading voices, but the differences of training and cultivation between them and the voices in the chorus, are lost in the unity of purpose and in the fact that they are all human voices lifted by a high motive. This is a weak illustration of what a Settlement attempts to do. It aims, in a measure, to develop whatever of social life its neighborhood may afford, to focus and give form to that life, to bring to bear upon it the results of cultivation and training; but it receives in exchange for the music of isolated voices the volume and strength of the chorus. It is quite impossible for me to say in what proportion or degree the subjective necessity which led to the opening of Hull-House combined the three trends: first, the desire to interpret democracy in social terms; secondly, the impulse beating at the very source of our lives, urging us to aid in the race progress; and, thirdly, the Christian movement toward humanitarianism. It is difficult to analyze a living thing; the analysis is at best imperfect. Many more motives may blend with the three trends; possibly the desire for a new form of social success due to the nicety of imagination, which refuses worldly pleasures unmixed with the joys of self-sacrifice; possibly a love of approbation, so vast that it is not content with the treble clapping of delicate hands, but wishes also to hear the bass notes from toughened palms, may mingle with these."

Read this lecture in its entirety

"Longview Flowers"

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Trail Blazers - Robert Kennedy in South Africa

2009-05-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

Remembering the Trail Blazers series is a series of pieces remembering and honoring those who have played an important part in "securing the blessings of liberty" for all Americans.

Day of Affirmation Address (as delivered)
(often also referred to as the "Ripples of Hope" speech)

Among the most famous, and surely among the most substantive, speeches of the Century, Robert F. Kennedy seemed to reach across the globe with his words, speaking of the hopes and dreams as well as the ills and challenges of not only South Africa, where he had come to deliver this speech, but also of America and the planet. This is a speech that every America should be familiar with not only for its content but for the courage that it took to deliver it in the face of South Africa's Apartheid government and the US government's opposition to his trip to Johannesburg.

Robert F. Kennedy
University of Capetown
Capetown, South Africa
June 6, 1966

"Few will have the greatness to bend history; but each of us can work to change a small portion of the events, and in the total of all these acts will be written the history of this generation. Thousands of Peace Corps volunteers are making a difference in the isolated villages and the city slums of dozens of countries. Thousands of unknown men and women in Europe resisted the occupation of the Nazis and many died, but all added to the ultimate strength and freedom of their countries. It is from numberless diverse acts of courage such as these that the belief that human history is thus shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."

Text of Speech

Audio of the Speech

Video Clip from the Speech

Phlox

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Maintaining Perspective on the Pandemic

2009-05-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

President Obama stated that we are "concerned but not alarmed" over the developments regarding the flu pandemic. The president is calm by nature, of course, but his demeanor on this front is particularly important in order to make sure that what is a source of concern does not become an unnecessary and calamitous amendment to the economic maelstrom in which we already find ourselves.

Panic and political opportunism both threaten to exacerbate the current international economic crisis. In order for cooler heads to prevail lets all agree to help tamp down the fear by using a few of these important facts to add some perspective to discussions that we are part of over the next few months.

1. A Pandemic is a world wide epidemic. We have an annual pandemic of the flu EVERY SINGLE YEAR. The question is always how serious is the pandemic NOT whether there is one.

2. The recent name change from Swine Flu to H1N1 Virus reflects the fact that we still do not know the actual origins of the flu but we know that it is genetically composed of viruses from past flu viruses including swine flue, avian (Bird) flu, SARS and possibly some others. In any case it is not spread by eating meat of ANY Variety. Calling it a swine flu has already had a serious detrimetal effect on pork producers, who have seen orders for their product plummet.
Additionally, always looking for a way to take advantage of an international crisis to violate world trade agreements and enhance their cash flow, countries like Russia are making a cynical play to close their borders to the importation of pork and in some cases other meats.

3. On any given year more than 36,000 people die from complications of the Flu in the US alone. So far, deaths from the H1N1 Virus are fewer than 300 in Mexico where it is believed to have started.

Before its all over, it could get much worse and there is no doubt that we should continue to operate as members of the Obama adminstration have said "with an abundance of caution",

Useful links:

Mapping the outbreak
Virus is 'a mild strain'
Your questions answered
Q&A: Advice about swine flu

Nap at Tema Harbor

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Hannity Waterboard Offer: Olbermann Increases The Pressure

2009-04-30T03:47:00.001-07:00

Thomas Paine had a term for people like Sean Hannity - Sunshine Patriot.

He knows that waterboarding is torture but he doesn't have the guts to simply admit that he endorses torture so he manufactures a phony debate.

Now he has let his loose lips go just a little too far, saying that he would be willing to be waterboarded for charity. The pledges are pouring in and Sean is trying to find a way out without being exposed for the coward and sunshine patriot that he is.

He won't do it. He shouldn't - it's torture. But he'll have to do do the liar's shuffle for the next few months to avoid admitting to either his cowardice or his lies.

The only question is whether Fox will pay a price for the innanity of Hannity.
About Keith Olbermann
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

The Innanity of Hannity

2009-04-30T01:01:00.001-07:00

Goose Over Stinson Lake

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Elizabeth Warren on Foreclosure Prevention

2009-03-09T16:51:00.000-07:00

Terry Gross Interview Elizabeth Gross for Fresh Air

Fresh Air from WHYY, March 9, 2009 · According to a report on home foreclosure issued Mar. 6, 2009 by the Congressional Oversight Panel charged with monitoring the use of bailout funds, the rate of home foreclosure is now three times its historic rate — "so large that it threatens the entire economy."

Panel chairwoman Elizabeth Warren joins Fresh Air to discuss the foreclosure problem — and what can be done about it.

This is a must listen for anyone looking to understand how we got into this problem; what the Obama plan does and does not do; and. other ideas for confronting the problem.

Listen

Open Letter to the Republican Traitors (From a Former Republican)

2009-03-09T05:26:00.001-07:00

I understand and feel Frank Schaeffers rage. In many ways he is spot on correct with the things he says here. However, his anger dilutes the power of his message. He lowers himself to the level of a Michele Bachman or an Ann Coulter by using the same inflammatory language that has marginalized their impact on the political dialog.

I'm a former elected Democrat who lost a race for Governor in that fateful 1994 election that began the Republicans ascent to total control of the Federal Government, so I have some personal experience on these matters.

Republicans deserve to cook in the stew that they made, but they are not Anti-American; they are not traitors. They are misguided, unfair, uncooperative, elitist, arrogant, and deserve to spend some time in the political wilderness; But in the end, in the best interest of America, we need them to succeed in the painful process of rebuilding their party. hopefully as a more diverse, tolerant and cooperative party.

The marketplace of ideas is strongest when two strong parties compete for the hearts and minds of the American people. The current fix we are in is largely from a single six year period when the Republicans controlled everything and had carte blanche to re-caste America in the Republican image. Democrats would do well to remember this and not to create the mirror image in their zeal to take advantage of their current authority.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Lookin' for Love in all the Wrong Places

2009-03-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

Bi-partisanship can be found in the earmarks to the budget . . . what's with that?

If President Obama wants to find an example of bi-partisanship he need only look at the authorship on the budget earmarks. Granted its the last place he wants to reference as he struggles to get the leadership of the parties to cooperate.

Ironically, the number of earmarks from Republicans is not likely to result in their support of the bill. What happened to the "good old days" when at least authorship of an earmark assured the support of the author.

So here's my suggestion. Move forward on the bill. In every instance where a member of the House or Senate has sponsored an earmark and then voted against the budget, remove the earmark in the committee of conference. This will achieve two important goals: reducing the overall budget and holding the earmarkers accountable for their earmark.

Earmarks are not necessarily good or bad by their nature, but hypocrisy is. If a member of congress thinks an earmark is important enough to place in the budget then he/she should be willing to pay the price associated with proposing it. They should not be able to place it in the budget and then vote against it.

"Our Time Comes"

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What Battered Newsrooms Can Learn From Stewart's CNBC Takedown

2009-03-07T05:07:00.001-08:00

Alas, what this well written piece reveals is that often times more good reporting takes place on the Daily Show than on any major network. Some of this can be attributed to the all too cozy relationship between advertisers and the networks. That certainly shows through loud and clear on Stewart's crushing CNBC "retrospective".

The question that emerges is how do we change this in the future? Its easy to look back and show how CNBC became a part of the problem but how do we stop it before it reaches the point of no return?

Unfortunately, I see no sign that NBC or any other major network is doing any soul searching on this matter. Without that we are doomed to a repeat performance.
About Newspapers
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Clinton Hails L.A.'s shift to LED Street Lights

2009-03-06T06:53:00.001-08:00

Calling it a "great day in Los Angeles," former President Bill Clinton joined Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today in unveiling what is billed as the largest effort by a U.S. city to reduce pollution by ... Read full story from LA Daily News

If your company or Government has outdoor lighting and would like to save 80% on your costs by retrofitting with LED lighting, contact us directly for the only American made option. 603-786-9378

Obama's Secret Letter To Putin Offered Deal On Missiles

2009-03-03T06:51:00.001-08:00

If there is one thing that might turn the Russians on the issue of Iran it is the Missile Defense system. Whether we strike a deal to scrap it, or develop it in tandem with the Russians so that they have complete access to all the technology, we should play this card to get them to work with us on Iran. I would prefer to see us not waste the money to begin with, but it would be conceivable to have a fall back that made Russia a collaborator on development of a system.

This is a brilliant strategic move by Obama. There is some buzz out there that Senator Schumer had suggested it during the Bush administration but that Bush was more interested in generating heat than light. I'm sure that Obama doesn't have any pride of authorship. What matters is getting it done.

We have a very small window for dramatically changing our relationship with Iran. It may be that we enhance the prestige of Russia by giving them the opportunity to play the role of intermediary and peacemaker. There is no time to waste.
About President Obama
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Free Roxana Saberi

2009-03-01T07:15:00.000-08:00

Advocates of Dialog with Iran Need to Stand Up and Be Counted

As a strong advocate of dialog with Iran, I condemn the recent arrest of Roxana Saberi, an independent journalist in Iran on charges that are clearly trumped up by the government.

Saberi was arrested after someone sold her wine and then turned her in for buying it. Common opinion in ran is that this is not an offense for which anyone is ever held, so it is clear that the government was looking to muzzle Saberi.

If Iran expects to have a dialog with the US that is based on mutual respect, they should free Ms. Saberi immediately.

President Obama should issue a statement calling for her release.

NPR Story

"The Artist"

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Jindal is Toast

2009-02-26T05:38:00.000-08:00

If Bobby Jindal was one of those "up and comers" who watched gleefully from the sidelines while Sarah Palin got skewered during the Presidential election, he got his come uppance yesterday in response to his speech Tuesday night after the President.

In what turned out to be Mr. Rogers meets Young Frankenstein, Jindal spewed all the old tire lines as if he were an amalgamation of Republican corpses dug up, spliced together and shocked to life just after Obama had finished his speech.

Where Obama treated us like Adults, able to understand nuance and to handle the bad news, Jindal treated us like children, and low IQ ones at that. In a showing that brought to mind Mr. Rogers, Jindal treated us to a bunch of silly anecdotes that made no sense, criticized actions of his own party, and then expected us to come around to his point, if we could have figured out what it was.

If Jindal has a future in the Republican party it is only because there's so few people left who believe anything they say that without him they can't even field a team. If it turns out that he made up the story about himself and the sheriff, as Keith Ohlberman suggested last night, he's toast.

"Sledders Return"

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The Two Documents Everyone Should Read to Better Understand the Crisis

2009-02-26T05:34:00.001-08:00

Irrespective of the fact that this piece was without reference to the two articles cited, the fact remains that If the Bush Administration should have known the extent of the problem based on these two articles, so too should Sen Dodd and Rep Frank. It would be useful to know whether any of them, or their staffs actually read these articles and why there was no response.
About Timothy Geithner
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McCain Confronts Obama On Marine One (VIDEO)

2009-02-26T02:36:00.001-08:00

Its really unfair to cast the exchange between McCain and Obama on military procurement as a confrontation. To do so really reflects on the reporting more than the story.

This is a friendly exchange between the President and Sen McCain. The fact is that if we are going to get a handle on the procurement issue, we need to take every opportunity to encourage folks to work together. If every exchange is going to be characterized as a confrontation, there will be fewer exchanges and that's not good for anyone.
About Video On HuffPost
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Calling Jindal's Bluff

2009-02-23T10:45:00.001-08:00

The Obama administration should issue guidelines about refusing any portion of the Stimulus money as a part of their transparency requirements. The guidelines should require that a Governor list the specific tranch that they will be refusing, the amount of money and percent of total stimulus funds that it represents. This way we will know if Gov. Jindal is grandstanding over 1/2 of 1 percent of the funds and accepting the other 99.5 percent.

It should also require that both the Governor and the Legislature sign off on all funds so that the Governor can't just let the legislature do his dirty work. We should NOT deny relief to the citizens of the state however, just because their governor is playing politics.

Finally, in Jindal's case, I'd be curious to know if the feds have set up a system for auditing the money that has been flowing to Louisiana for hurricane relief. If Jindal is playing fast and loose with money that is suppose to be helping hurricane victims, as a means of circumventing stimulus reporting requirements he should go to the Big House not the White House.
About Stimulus Package
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Holder Opens the Door to Nuanced Dialog

2009-02-23T07:37:00.000-08:00

No matter what your reaction was to last week's speech by US Attorney General Eric Holder one must admit that it has done one important thing that Holder surely hoped it would do. It has gotten America talking about race. This is important and healthy.

Holder has taken a page out of President Obama's book. That page says that with thoughtful leadership America is capable of tackling the big issues in thoughtful manner.

The left and right jumped on Holder's remarks about America's cowardice in discussing race. It was red meat for the extremes and gave them an opening for putting forward their own agenda's. For the rest of us, it has indeed spurred a useful dialog.

More important than these remarks - and equally important to the dialog about race - were the remarks that Holder made regarding Affirmative Action. Holder called for a healthy and nuanced discussion about affirmative action.

Tackling Affirmative Action may be Obama's "Nixon in China" moment. Moving toward a system that focuses on socio-economic based disadvantages rather than strict racial disadvantages. Whether such a discussion generated change or simply a healthy dialog, it would be another historic moment in an era that seems to have more than its share already.

"Ice Fishing on Newfound Lake"

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Tirade Among the Traders - Time for Santelli to Go

2009-02-20T17:37:00.000-08:00

Santelli Fans the Fires of Class Warfare

If CNBC wants to give Rick Santelli his own show where he can spend his time ranting in support of the bankers and wall street folks, that's just fine, but he should not be allowed to behave as he has in the guise of someone reporting the news from Wall Street.

To begin with he displayed a complete ignorance of the actual details of Obama's plan to do something about the mortgage meltdown and his tirade among the traders showed a man completely out of touch with the pain on main street.

President Obama has tried not to turn our nation's economic troubles into class warfare. It would be easy to do and completely counter productive. Santelli is fanning the embers and if the embers turn to flames, we'll all be burned.

Creating the Conditions for a Post Partisan Future

2009-02-15T01:56:00.000-08:00

Obama's army will need to be the frontline in the battle to secure a post-partisan future and the President will need to lead by example.

Many times over the months since the election, Barack Obama has described the current economic meltdown as a nexus of crisis and opportunity. Most recently the words he has chosen to use in describing this are "Paradox and Opportunity". These terms could just as accurately be used to describe the challenge of building a post partisan atmosphere in Washington.

The President for his part will need to carefully walk the line between his role as the instigator of that revolution and the titular head of one of the chief antagonists in the drama - the Democratic Party. He must protect his Democratic flank as he reaches across the aisle to help create a third way of doing business in Washington.

Ironically, in another parallel to the economic crisis, he has to foster a revolution while maintaining the marketplace that drives the engines of ideas and innovation. Like Roosevelt, who is often said to have been the person who saved capitalism, he must - on both fronts - lead us to a place where the creative conflict that has been the hallmark of the system survives and thrives in a new era, but the bitter, snarkiness of partisanship, greed and one-upsmanship of the current environment gives way to an era of accountability, transparency and civility.

There are many who say it cannot be done. There are also many who say it should not be done because success would mean the destruction of the creative forces that shape the dynamism of the American example.

Those among us who believe that it can and should be done must avoid the pitfalls of cynicism and simplistic thinking and sloganeering if we are to succeed. We should not simply write off the concerns of those who are worried about the destruction of the marketplace of ideas. They have a legitimate concern. After all, Americans will never march in lockstep. We cherish the diversity of viewpoints in both the financial marketplace and the marketplace of ideas. Rightfully, we believe that it is the forge in which our greatness is cast.

Likewise the political parties cannot be expected to relinquish their principles, nor should they. There will be some times when the chasm separating the two parties will be so broad that nothing can bridge it. At those times civility would be an adequate substitute for bi-partisanship.

So here are a few suggestions for all of us - especially for those of us who want to see us move toward a post-partisan future.

Post-Partisan is NOT necessarily Bi-Partisan
Don't confuse "Post-Partisan" with "Bi-partisan". Post partisan presumes that we are attempting to move beyond the divisions of the rabid partisanship that has characterized the legislative process for the past 10-16 years. It refers more to a set of principles and an atmosphere of civility than to some mythical place where the same number of legislators sign on from both parties.

Bifurcate the quest for bi-partisanship and post partisan behavior.
Seek Bipartisanship in a pragmatic way. Inside the beltway it will most difficult of all. Our expectations and approach should reflect this. Don't expect elected officials from one party to embrace the ideas of the elected officials from the other party. What happens inside the Washington Beltway will, by necessity, be mostly for atmospherics. Not for show but rather to develop an air of civility. Build your important coalitions outside the Beltway. If you are going to make appointments across party lines, elected officials are just about the last place you want to look, for two important reasons, first because the partisans won't be vested in your success (see: Gregg, Judd, R-NH); second - and probably more important - these folks may understand the politics but they will rarely actually have a well balanced understanding of the issues themselves.

Look for representatives of the other party from the ranks of those who are DOING not talking and who naturally have a stake in success that is not tied to the next election. Back to Judd Gregg for a moment - since he's the Senator from my state - President Obama would have been better off to offer the Commerce position to the Republican that our Governor was going to appoint to take over for Judd in the Senate. Bonnie Newman would have been a better choice for Commerce right from the start, based on the depth of her experiences and her record of actually being able to work across party lines.

In short: build bi-partisanship where parties have a stake in the success of the outcomes. In other words, work directly with the folks who are outside the beltway where the message of bi-partisanship isn't a foriegn concept and force feed bi-partisanship to the folks inside the beltway.

Create Post-Partisan Centrist Coalitions
This is one of those places where the Obama supporters will need to take the lead and recognize that the President has a duality of interest that encumbers his ability to act in a completely free manner on this front.

One of the great ironies of the current situation is that the success of the Democrats during the last two elections has made "moderate" republicans an endangered species in the House and threatens to do the same in the Senate.

Obama was unable to form a bi-partisan coalition on the stimulus bill because the centrists within the Republican party's elected ranks have been "killed off" during two elections that became referrenda on the Bush Presidency and the irrelevancy of the Republican brand.

At a time when our President would like to reach out, he looks over and realizes that all the folks to whom he could have reached out lost to Democrats in the last election or the proceeding one. Sometimes their replacement is a Democrat even more conservative than the Republican they replaced. In truth, the President would - in many cases - have been better off with a moderate Republican occupying that seat, but the obligation of the party is to win with a Democrat. Herein lies the rub. We need a political force that works to create or strengthen the middle . . . a force not beholden to either the Democrats or the Republicans.

Keep Taking the Case to the People
Ronald Reagan did it effectively and Barack Obama figured out very quickly that he should take a page out of Reagan's book. The people, collectively, are a whole lot smarter than most politicians and pundits give them credit for. Don't talk down to them, tell them the truth and give them the good and the bad and you will be rewarded for it.

"S-Curve in Green"

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Crash of Flight 3407 Stills Vital Voices

2009-02-14T11:07:00.000-08:00

The crash of Flight 3407 on the evening of February 12, 2009 has stilled 50 voices, all of them important, all of them loved. Four of those voices are among the many who have used their lives in areas that have affected me personally.

For those who, like myself, find themselves inexorably drawn to the joy and tragedy of the African experience, the death of Dr. Alison Des Forges is a terrible blow. Des Forges was a leading authority on the Rwanda genocide and has been a Senior Advisor to, and board member of, the world's foremost human right organization, Human Rights Watch, for nearly twenty years. Dr. Des Forges' example and wisdom have served to help us to better understand the triumphs and failing of the human condition and to see broadly the complexities of relationships between countries and ethnic groups.

Beverly Eckert was a picture of strength and dignity after the loss of her beloved husband in the tragedy of 9-11. She was the hammer of justice in her refusal to quietly accept the less-than-adequate response of the US government after the tragedy. Eckert became an amateur lobbyist and a tireless advocate for accountability and a justice that did not tarnish the moral authority of the United States. She spoke out against the human rights abuses perpetrated in the names of the 9-11 victims and right up until the day she died she had thrown herself into this new role. She was fond of explaining that her preference would have been for her husband to return home on that fateful day and her mission was now to make sure that other husbands would.

Alison Des Forges and Beverly Eckert were accidental heroes, drawn into the caldron of heroism by events not choice, but who embraced their roles with humor and humility. They will be missed by those who knew them and thousands more who simply admired their ideals and work and drew strength from their example.

Jazz Musicians Gerry Niewood and Coleman Mellett were also on board the flight, headed for a gig with Chuck Mangione in Buffalo. For anyone who has listened to the "Live in Central Park" CD by Simon and Garfunkle, the name Gerry Niewood will be familiar, Art Gunfunkle introduces Niewood during the live album

Gerry Niewood

Coleman Mellett was a regular band member of Chuck Mangione's band and was married to the daughter of jazz legend Dizzie Gillespie.

Coleman Mellett

"Among the Lupines on the Jefferson Highlands"

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A Novel Approach: Using Unemployment Benefits as a Means for Stimulus

2009-02-13T10:29:00.001-08:00

Very interesting concept. Add the ability for folks to take a lump sum payment to start their own business and you have the working of a very entrepreneurial approach.
About Stimulus Package
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NPR Tells Fox News: Please Don't Associate Juan Williams With Us

2009-02-13T07:43:00.001-08:00

For Fox to say that they were just trying to be helpful to NPR by mentioning Juan William's association is just disengenuous. They mention it because it gives them credibility by associating their brand with that of NPR. If the Juan Williams who appears from time to time on NPR were the same Juan Williams who show's up on Fox New, I would have no problem with that. However, its clear that when Juan Williams is on Fox he has marching orders to play the "Fox way". Its really too bad. Williams clearly has no idea how much damage he does to his own brand when he seems to schill for whoever happens to be paying for his time.
About Video On HuffPost
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Senator King Touts Reinvestment Side of the Stimulus on Political Chowder

2009-02-12T04:07:00.000-08:00

Former Senator Wayne King, now President of Moosewood Communications, appeared this week on Political Chowder with Arnie Arnesen where he placed a heavy emphasis on the Reinvestment side of the Stimulus plan, particularly enhancing our position with respect to green energy and green jobs.

Watch Political Chowder.

Leahy Embraces Truth and Reconciliation Commission

2009-02-10T20:03:00.000-08:00

As first suggested in this Blog on January 13, the idea for a "Truth and Reconciliation"panel at the congressional level has been embraced by Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont. The idea for the panel, announced yesterday morning by Leahy's office came up at President Obama's first televised news conference last night.

As predicted, Professor Jonathan Turley trashed this notion tonight on Keith Ohlberman's "Countdown". However, I'd remind Professor Turley that Bishop Tutu was called a "traitor" for his role in creating the process in South Africa that ultimately turned out to be a major factor in helping to heal the country and move it beyond the dark days of Apartheid.

While I am pleased to have the idea gain momentum, I would be negligent if I did not mention that it will be necessary to give some latitude to the folks at CIA and other agencies who acted on behalf of their superiors. It would be a real mistake if this process ended up focusing only on low level people who were following the orders of superiors who insured them that they were acting on the authority of the SecDef or the President and Vice President.

"A Golden Moment"

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Express the Grays, Mr. President

2009-02-08T06:06:00.000-08:00

President Obama must trust the American people to see the gray areas of the challenge ahead.

The three weeks since Barack Obama became President of the United States have been a roller coaster for the President and the American people.

On Monday evening he will address the American people in a televised news conference, the next in an ongoing series of "most important addresses" that the President faces.

Understandably, the pundits are all in the "what he needs to say" mode. So here's my take on this: 1. Be strong, be calm and be optimistic but frank, 2. Express the urgency of immediate action; 3. restate the goals of that action; and, 4. most important, speak directly to the American people in a manner that recognizes the grays - not just the black and white's upon which the partisans and the media seemed to have focused.

As he did with his remarkable speech on race. President Obama should trust the good judgement of the American people to see the problem in all its complexity and ask for their prayers and support as he works to get both sides to be both more humble in their approach and more bold in their implementation. In short - to paraphrase Lincoln - to ask both sides to stop acting as if God were on their side and quickly craft a humble concensus, hoping and praying that we are on God's side.

In an interesting piece on Politico.com yesterday, Elizabeth Sherman, of the Tractenburg School of Public Policy at GW University gave a simple, but compelling, response to the question of "what to say" by reminding the President to stay on message with a restatement of the need to move beyond partisanship and the specific goals of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 package.

In other words, remind them that we are not red states and blue states but the United States and then speak frankly about the goals of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Targeted tax cuts and investment spending to get the private sector working again and renewing confidence in the system;
Strategic short and longer-term investments to fund infrastructure and to invest in our competitiveness in the new green economy as we emerge from the recession;
Proving a safety net for those hardest hit by, (and often least responsible for) the economic meltdown.

Sherman is right on target with this advice, but it will fall short if the President does not then use it to do an end run around the Congress and the media straight to the American people with a plea for their help in setting a new tone with expanded expectations.

He can start by reminding the American people that changing the landscape in Washington is not going to be easy - that it will only happen with their support. One only need look at the actions of the major players in the past few weeks to see how difficult it will be.

With some wordsmithing, he can both highlight the problem and secure the support of the American people. He can - for example - demonstrate how he tried to reach across the aisle during the past week only to have the Republicans seek unfair advantage by insisting on their package and crying partisanship when they got less than 100% of their demands. He can show strength by taking a Reaganesque approach to the Republicans, a "trust but verify" approach that expects cooperation and hits back when cooperation is not given or disingenuous. Just as Reagan firmly held the Soviets to his expectations, so too will Obama hold the Republicans to his - rewarding them when they live up to their promises and pushing back when they don't -
always vowing to continue to press for a post partisan approach.

Obama can start by forgiving the partisans and the press for their transgressions of the past two weeks:

Forgive the Democrats who, heady from their victory on election day, have failed to see that the election results were not an endorsement of the Democratic party, but a clarion call for a new way.

Forgive the Republicans for their transgressions by pointing out that they are understandably confused and without direction. Their ideas have suffered from the rejection of the American people after eight years of national experimentation and they are struggling to find a voice that makes them relevant in an era of diversity and global competitiveness.

Forgive the media for finding conflict more newsworthy (and profitable) than concensus and for the understandable difficulty of finding simple ways to report on complex problems.

Ask for the help of the American people in the immediate problem of taking action on the recession and in the longer-term challenge of creating higher expectations for a post-partisan future.

"Lincoln Memorial at Night"

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A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Post Partisanship

2009-02-06T06:04:00.000-08:00

Changing the way Washington does business won't be easy or quick.

A funny thing happened on the way to a post-partisan Washington. The Democratic House decided it didn't need to be post-partisan because it had the votes and the Republicans decided that they could play all the worst partisan games with the stimulus and Barack Obama would not be able to fight back without seeming to go back on his promise.

It seems that President Obama is going to have to revise his approach to creating a post partisan American government. I suggest that he take a page or two out of Ronald Reagan's play book. The one that says "The Soviets: Trust but Verify".

I suggest this because the Republicans are acting very much like the Soviets of old.

Sure, they have an old tyme ideology that provides plenty of cover on their anti-spending dogma and just like the Soviet leaders with their dachas and expense accounts they never worry about whether their message is consistent with their example.

More disturbing, however, is the way in which the Republicans have mimicked those wiley Soviets by demanding concession after concession and then acting as if President Obama's expectations that his election should give him some control over the agenda was an about face on his promise to reach across the aisle.

Like the Soviets, they have figured that they can have the best of both worlds. They can line the pockets of their friends and still vote against the final bill. If the Stimulus bill works, they can claim that their tax cuts were what created all the jobs; and, if their tax cuts have crowded out the strategic investments needed for the measure to actually succeed, they can crow about how they were right to vote against it.

It almost makes one long for the good old days of bitter partisanship.

President Obama will need to develop a response for this kind of behavior or they will continue to run that play like a prison football team from The Longest Yard. That's where the Ronald Reagan approach might come in handy.

1. Regularly warn the American people that they can't be trusted and point out their behavior each time they engage in it.
2. Play the partisan in response to their shenanigans, using humor works well.
3. Raise the stakes suffiently so that there is an incentive for real and honest post partisan behavior.

In short, institute a policy of Mutually Assured Destruction for playing the slime card.

The polls show that the American people see what the Republicans are doing here. Yes, there is some damage to the President's agenda but, according to just released national polling, the minute that President Obama began to fight back the American people came down on his side. It won't be long before the Republicans find - as the Soviets did - that the price of their gamesmanship may just be a lot higher than they thought.

A Peek at a McCain Presidency

2009-02-05T15:39:00.000-08:00

McCain Shows the Wisdom of the American People's Choice

Yesterday, John McCain gave the American people a rare glimpse at the fate they were spared by their election of Barack Obama. McCain rolled out an alternative "stimulus" plan that was nothing more than a ratty old copy of the Bush playbook that has gotten us into this mess to begin with.

Fortunately, neither Congress, nor the American people were buying it - or even paying much attention for that matter.

There will surely be time for John McCain to show that he has not had his principles completely hijacked by the Sarah Palin wing of the Republican Party, but this is not an auspicious beginning for the Senator who's legacy already took a serious hit over the past year.

"Fawn at Welton Falls"

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An Economist Mind with a Mother's Intuition

2009-02-04T15:30:00.000-08:00

One of the best blogs out there when it comes to understanding the current economic crisis and the efforts to do something about it is the Economist Mom, edited by Diane Lim Rogers of the Concord Coalition.

Lim Rogers declares the blog as the place . . . “where analytical rigor meets a mother’s intuition”–where honest math and sound economics is communicated in a way that makes common sense and is relevant to our daily lives. The issues they discuss span a wide and unusual range as suggested by the blog’s title–from “do deficits matter?” (yes) to “can I get my family life in perfect order?” (no, she can't). Lim Rogers says that "among the broader policy issues there will be a particular focus on the economics of fiscal responsibility, with the hope that this blog will be part of a newly effective, “grassroots” movement involving ordinary American parents and grandparents, encouraging our policymakers to “do the right (fiscal) thing” for the sake of our children and grandchildren.

I'm a big fan of Lim Rogers, but if there is a criticism that I would make of the over-arching theme of the blog it is that by relying on a "mother's intuition" to generate the common sense side of the blog, Lim Roger's sometimes falls short on understanding the strategic choices that need to be made in order to find that sweet spot where fiscal responsibility and a mother's intuition meet meet effectiveness of effort.

A recent case in point was Lim Roger's (vocal) appearance tonight on NPR's Marketplace. Unlike so many other commentators, Lim Roger's understood that the bill being considered by Congress right now has two key components: stimulus and competitiveness. She gave a concise and clear explanation of the two components that should be framed and placed right in frot of every pundit in the country so that they understand it as well. However, on her Blog she seems to make the case that we can afford to wait on the parts of the package that will take longer to get into the economy but will position the US to be competitive in the global economy. This is where she's wrong and a bit of common sense and mother's intuition will go a long way toward understanding why.

If you think that the partisanship and posturing over the current bill is bad - just wait until we are another trillion dollars in the hole. Even the most far sighted folks will be wringing their hands about spending the money needed to achieve the goal of creating a "smart grid" or bringing some other sustainable technologies to market. In fact, I would make the case that if we had to choose between immediate stimulus and investments that will ensure our competitiveness for the future, that we should endure the hardship of short term for the promise of the long term.

When the crisis of 9-11 generated international goodwill that could have been turned into an opportunity to unite the world in an all out effort to end our dangerous dependence on fossil fuels, President Bush told us all to go shopping and he missed the most powerful teachable moment in recent history. Woe unto us if President Obama is equally shortsighted.

If we sacrifice what is important for what is urgent, we will emerge from this recession as a second rate economic power without the will or the courage to take the action that will be necessary to make us competitive for the long-run.

"Deep Roots" Poster and Card

Quote under the photo:

All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by frost.

J. R. R. Tolkien

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Bill Bradley - A Logical Choice

2009-02-04T08:04:00.000-08:00

"The number one principle of the New American Story is that Country comes before Party. When there is a choice between them, a patriot chooses Country." - Senator Bill Bradley

If there are two books that belong together on a bookshelf labeled "Ideas and Ideals" they are Barack Obama's "Audacity of Hope" and Bill Brdley's "New American Story". Both express the necessity for citizens to rise up and compel the political establishment to change the way in which it does business.

That's the first reason why Bill Bradley is the logical choice to head up the department of Health and Human Services and to take the point position on National Healthcare.

The second is that Bradley has all of the assets of Tom Daschle and few, if any, of the liabilities. Well respected by both Democrats and Republicans; Bradley knows how to "work the Hill" and he knows the challenges that lie ahead.

Bradley's depth of understanding and knowledge on Health Care Reform is well known. It was his principle issue in the Democratic nomination process of the 2000 election and Bradley's view was comprehensive and pragmatic.

Furthermore, and this is what separates Bradley from others like Howard Dean, he has the temperment for the job. If there is one aspect of Bill Bradley that more closely mirrors his connection with Barack Obama on political philosophy, it is his temperment. Bradley's cool headedness is a perfect fit for "no-drama Obama".

It may just turn out to be a stroke of good luck that President Obama has been asked to revisit the appointment of HHS Secretary, although it surely can't feel that way at the moment. After all, by the time we are through getting the country out of this recession, getting Americans to think big again on Healthcare is going to be very tough indeed.

"The Peacock"

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The Gregg Appointment

2009-02-04T07:13:00.000-08:00

The appointment of Judd Gregg to the position of Commerce Secretary is a first rate choice by the President. Judd Gregg has been intimately involved in developing the budget and providing oversight for the Department of Commerce for many years. He knows how the department works and he knows how to make things happen.

Furthermore, among US Senators, no one has a better understanding of the severity of the economic crisis facing this nation. Judd Gregg was the choice of his Republican leader to represent Republicans in the difficult days following the announcement by the Treasury secretary that we were in meltdown territory.

Despite the looney ramblings of Michelle Malkin in her blog and the critics on both sides, President Obama meant it when he asked us to step beyond partisanship and Judd Gregg values Country over Party. Thats a good starting point for what will be the very difficult days ahead.

"Mr. Lincoln's Legacy"

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Understanding Why It Happened

2009-02-03T11:00:00.000-08:00

There's no end in sight on the financial crisis, but that has not kept several foundations from supporting efforts to understand how the crisis came about and ensure that it does not happen again. In the meantime, they also serve as a touchstone to the more immediate issues surrounding the crisis. We suggest that you bookmark the sites and return to them regularly to keep up with our understanding and future trends.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has provided three grants totaling $1.7 million to:

The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania;
The National Bureau of Economic Research; and.
The Brookings Institution

Each has received funds to study the ongoing financial market crisis and to improve public understanding of economics and finance.

The Sloan foundation made an additional $1 million grant to the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer for a series of reports on the crisis, with the same goal of improving the public’s economic and financial literacy.

Wharton's Website provides timely analysis and insight into the origins of the financial crisis, how it's affecting our economy, and what we can expect for the future. Check this page frequently as news posts and information will be added regularly. Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania

"National Bureau of Economic Research is the nation's leading economic research organization and posts working papers, data, and other resources for business professionals, public policy makers.

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct high-quality, independent research and, based on that research, to provide innovative, practical recommendations that advance three broad goals:

Strengthen American democracy;
Foster the economic and social welfare, security and opportunity of all Americans and
Secure a more open, safe, prosperous and cooperative international system.

"A Sea of Boys"

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Davos Notes: Contrition, Paralysis, and the Embrace of Faith and Philanthropy Take Hold

2009-01-30T14:14:00.001-08:00

As usual, even in the most dire circumstances Arianna manages to make us smile with her colorful depictions (cheap cologne on a disco Lothario! I love it!).

The bottom line is that no one has the answers and as the President has alluded (and Robert Reich has come right out and said) we are going to have to do a lot of experimenting.

The great irony in all of this is that the folks who make us most uncomfortable are those who act as if they have the answers, both Republican's and Democrats, because the American people know we're in a fix with no simple answers. If tax cuts were the answer, surely the billions in tax cuts over the past 8 years would have produced a roaring economy. Fortunately for us, the person who gives us the most comfort in all of this is the person is our President, who has been the most flexible in his approach.

Like many folks, my first reaction to the vote in the House was, "to hell with the Republicans, take all the tax cuts out and lets have a Democratic bill." However, more and more I have a sense that a United front between Democrats and Republicans will have a psychological impact that is critical to tamping down the fear that is paralyzing the economy.
About Davos
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Judd Gregg: Commerce Secretary?

2009-01-29T17:28:00.001-08:00

As a Democratic State Senator during the time that Judd Gregg was Governor of NH and after he had won his Senate seat, I butted heads with Judd Gregg on more than one occasion, so it will surprise some folks that I think he would be a first rate choice for the job.

Judd Gregg is a loyal Republican, but he is also a man who would not hesitate to put country ahead of party in the current crisis.

Gregg has shined during the grueling ordeal of confronting the economic meltdown. I'd be proud to stand up for him, were he to say "yes" and the country would be well served.
About President Obama
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Obama: Wall Street Bonuses "Shameful" (VIDEO)

2009-01-29T17:16:00.001-08:00

Time for a Hall of Shame.

The Obama administration should publish a list of the top executives who perpetrated this fraud on the American people. They should be shamed in their communities and throughout the nation.

At a time when many folks are worrying about their next meal, these scoundrels have stolen the food from the mouths of their children.
About Financial Crisis
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Achieving a Unified Front

2009-01-29T05:19:00.000-08:00

Bi-Partisanism Involves Style as Much as Substance.

"Old habits die hard."

These are the words of President Obama when asked to comment on the fact that not a single Republican voted for the 2009 Stimulus Bill in the House.

Strictly from a pragmatic - outcomes oriented - point of view. If the Stimulus bill had been written by a bi-partisan group of Representatives, based on the core principles of the parties and their electoral success, the bill would probably have looked much like it does right now. So why the lopsided vote?

Republican leaders point the finger of blame at Speaker Nancy Pelosi. They say that they were shut out of the process. At the same time, at the urging of President Obama, the size of the tax cut component reflects their principle ideological position on the stimulus.

Without question, the bill also contained some provisions bound to be questioned for their stimulative effect. Democrats from their perspective pointed out that the bill has two key purposes to stimulate job growth and to reinvigorate the underlying economy through strategic investments meant more to enhance America's competitiveness in the long run.

Both sides continue to act as if they hold the magic key to unlocking a new era of American competitiveness. When in truth, no one knows what will really work in this environment. It may be that only the President - who ultimately bears responsibility for the success or failure of the policy - has the courage to move beyond politics right now.

"Wash Day on the Upper Peninsula"

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A Hole Worth Digging?

2009-01-28T11:51:00.001-08:00

Lets face it, party leaders on both sides have a lot to learn about being bi-partisan. Nancy Pelosi isn't in line for winning the Post-Partisan medal of honor either. But Republicans, having gone from an ocean liner to a dinghy in the last two elections are now proceeding to drill holes in the bottom to prove that they are still relevant.

President Obama, with the best of intentions, may in fact be "loving the Republicans to death". The more he reaches out to them, the more desperately their leadership searches for reasons not to cooperate - while bending over backward to make us believe that they want to. At the same time, Obama's approval numbers among Republican voters are on a steep upward trajectory, further isolating the national party leadership from their last remaining vestige of a constituency.

The American people are a lot smarter than most politicians give them credit for.

The President knows that no one has all the answers. His goal, clearly, is to get Republicans and Democrats to create a united front, standing together as Americans against the challenges ahead. If a partisan vote is the ultimate outcome of this stimulus, it won't be because the President didn't lead. It will be because at our darkest hour, the Republican party leadership chose partisan sniping over healing the nation. The outcome will be years of wandering in the wilderness for their party. Pray it doesn't also mean years in the economic wilderness for our country.
About Obama's First 100 Days
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Learning to Be Bi-Partisan

2009-01-28T11:44:00.000-08:00

Lets face it, everyone is going to have to learn a lot more about being bi-partisan. Nancy Pelosi isn't in line for winning the Post-Partisan medal of honor either. But the Republicans, having gone from an ocean liner to a dinghy in the last two elections are now proceeding to drill holes in the bottom to prove that they are still relevant.

Meanwhile, President Obama, with the best of intentions may in fact be "loving the Republicans to death". The more he reaches out to them, the more desperately their leadership searches for reasons not to cooperate - while bending over backward to make us believe that they want to. At the same time, Obama's approval numbers among Republican voters are on a steep upward trajectory, further isolating the national party leadership from their last remaining vestige of a constituency.

The American people are a lot smarter than most politicians give them credit for. They know, for example, that (as Robert Reich put it a few weeks ago) if anyone tells you that they know the way out of this mess, they are lying to you. They know we are going to have to conduct a series of bold experiments, not because we want to, but because the alternative is just too frightening to contemplate. They are relieved that President Obama is at the helm but they do not expect miracles, they simply expect action.

The President knows that no one has all the answers. His goal, clearly, is to get Republicans and Democrats to create a united front, standing together as Americans against the challenges ahead. If a partisan vote is the ultimate outcome of this stimulus package. It won't be because the President didn't lead. It will be because at our darkest hour, the Republican party leadership chose partisan sniping over healing the nation. The outcome will be years of wandering in the wilderness for their party. Let's pray it doesn't also mean years in the economic wilderness for our country.

Following the Stimulus Package

2009-01-28T07:23:00.000-08:00

A simple guide for following the progress and provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also commonly known as the Stimulus Package and Stimulus Plan.

If you've been cruising the web trying to find information on the specifics of the Stimulus Package, you've likely been cursing all those pundits who talk and talk and talk but never take the time to tell you how to follow the progress of the plan.

Here's a few tips to help:

1. Recovery.gov
Put this website at the top of your favorites for later. Right now you won't find anything there except an introduction, but in an unprecedented effort to keep government accountable as we try and find our way out of this mess, the Obama administration has set up this website where all Americans will be able to go and keep up with the progress of the effort after the stimulus package passes.

2. LIS.gov
Right now the Library of Congress, legislative services site will take you directly to HR1 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as it is currently written in the House of Representatives and S1 The Senate Version. The Senate version is a bit harder to find but by following the menu links to the Senate and the "Active Legislation" link on the Senate page you will get to S1. Links to both the House and Senate versions are included as live links below.

By the way - for teachers, professors and others looking to use the crisis as a teachable moment, the Library of Congress also has a special section called Resources for Teachers. Its a general resource so you won't find specific teaching aids related to the Stimulus package but you will find information that will help to make the process much more understandable.
HR1 House Version
S1 Senate Version

For those unfamiliar with how a bill becomes a law, the two bodies will pass their respective versions and then a committee of conference (sometimes known as a compromise committee) will be appointed to craft the final version that both bodies must endorse before the final bill goes to the President for his signature.

"Moonrise Over Loveland"

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Should Stimulus Package Include a Buy-In Provision for Republicans?

2009-01-26T12:09:00.000-08:00

Should Democrats Be ready with an Alternative if Republicans Stonewall on Stimulus Package?

It's becoming increasingly clear that President Obama - and all of us, frankly - need to have a clearer definition of what it is to be bi-partisan. Further, it may be necessary for the President to share those parameters with the rest of the country and to explain why it is important and why, in its absense a partisan approach may be necessary.

Bi-partisanship suggests, and demands, that each political party be willing to step outside of the construct that has been created by institutions and history; to accept that there will be times when each of us is outside of our comfort zone and that being there is an imperative imposed upon us by history and by the willingness of the other side to commit to the same guiding principles.

Bi-partisanship calls for compromise, cooperation, sacrifice and - dare I say it: shared pain.
Defining it may be a case of how it feels, ultimately. But we are getting a pretty good look at what it isn't from some of the Republican leadership in the House right now.

Against the advice of almost every major economist, the Republican leadership in the House is insisting that a substantial portion of the Stimulus Package be dedicated to tax cuts. Further, they suggest that other portions of the package be scaled back, particularly those that spend funds to create and preserve jobs and to enhance and speed up infrastructure spending.

So far, it appears that President Obama is walking a tightrope between the parties by including some tax cuts and tax credits in his package. Democrats feel that it's too much and Republicans feel that it's too little, which probably makes it about right from a political perspective. However, Republicans are asking for more and threatening to withhold their support.

Worse still, it is beginning to appear that the Republican leadership may think that they can have their cake and eat it too, or more accurately, that they can lard up the bill with tax cuts for their friends and then vote against it because they disagree with its other provisions. More and more, there are rumblings that the approach they are inclined toward is to take advantage of President Obama's call for bi-partisanship by forcing the President to include massive tax cuts and with no commitment of support from their side. Thus positioning themselves to get what they want while accepting no responsibility for the outcome. Worse still, positioning themselves to snipe from the sidelines at every bump in the road ahead.

Successfully creating a united front between Democrats and Republicans, standing together as Americans, makes a compromise plan worth the risk. However, if the Republican leadership insists on playing politics, perhaps the President and congressional leaders of good will should be ready with an alternative that invests more heavily in real job creation, energy independence and long term capital investment. In other words, if they Republicans are going to snipe from the sidelines anyway, it may be that supporters of the bill should do what we are most confident will work and give the Republican leadership something to snipe about.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"Watching the Sunset from Mount Monroe"

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As Good As it Gets - Redux

2009-01-19T13:58:00.000-08:00

One of the all time greatest lines in film is from the film "As Good as it Gets" starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt.

Nicholson and Hunt are at a restaurant. In the midst of an uncomfortable conversation, Hunt asks him to say something nice. Nicholson looks at Helen Hunt and says. "you make me want to be a better man."

It is the kind of moment where men and women alike sit back in stunned silence and rapt attention. In the simplicity of those words lay a powerful nexus of emotion, hope and ambition.

Political pundits and historians can and will write volumes about the last few months.

There will be the tales of Barack Obama's "shadow presidency", calming a fearful nation in the face of an economic crisis that the sitting-President just did not have the intellect or emotional energy to confront.

There will be the economic tomes about why the stimulus package was too much, too little or just right.

There will be the historians who tell the story behind the story of each and every appointment and news conference.

But the most powerful story of all will likely not be told by authors, historians or pundits. It will be written by the American people themselves over the next few years because as we have watched Barack and Michelle Obama and Joe and Jill Biden these past months: working at a soup kitchen, working out with the recruits at the gym in Hawaii, arranging a special dinner honoring John McCain, or describing and exemplifying the public service imperatives of honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, we have, in our hearts and minds come to a common conclusion similar to that of Jack Nicholson.

I may be wrong, but I don't think so. But to be safe, I'll just say it for myself. Mr. President, I hope you will understand how much it means to me to say this . . . Mr. President, you make me want to be a better man.

"We Will Never Forget"

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The Real Message of Obama's Innauguaration

2009-01-19T06:21:00.000-08:00

The timing of the inauguration of America's 44th president couldn't be better for marking the historic accession to power of America's first black president, coming as it does on the heels of the anniversary of MLK's I have a Dream speech, but the Obama message that we are all one people is the real message of the day and must not get crowded out.

Too much depends upon all Americans being vested in our success for the inauguration to become bogged down in what - while historic and wonderful - is nonetheless parochial, when viewed in the light of what lies ahead of us.

Barack's message: "We are one people" must rise above all the parochial interests of the day and capture our imaginations and fire our actions.

Robert Kennedy said it well: "All of us <> share one precious possession, and that is the name American. It is not easy to know what that means. But, in part, to be an American means to have been an outcast and a stranger, to have come from the exiles' country, and to know that he who denies the outcast and the stranger still amongst us, he also denies America."

"Fawn in a Green Wood"

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Truth and Reconciliation in the US

2009-01-13T05:31:00.000-08:00

Should Congress consider a Truth and Reconciliation panel to address the abuses of the Bush Era?

The buzz is growing over whether the incoming administration and the Democratic congress should investigate and prosecute members of the Bush administration for the abuses of power, violations of the Geneva Conventions and other related violations during the course of the Bush tenure.

President Elect Obama, understandably does not want this to be a distraction from what he considers the more immediate and urgent economic issues faced by the nation. Further, there is a large group of Democratic party leaders and opinion makers who see this as a losing proposition.

On the other hand, a powerful case is presented by many constitutional scholars that the abuses of the last 8 years are so flagrant and serious that not taking action would be tantamount to condoning the behavior, sentencing us to relive the outrage the next time that a similarly inclined politician assumes power. The most compelling spokesman for this position is GW Scholar and professor Jonathan Turley. Turley takes a hardline but is highly credible on the issue (he supported the impeachment of Clinton for perjury, but opposed ousting him from the Presidency).

A less onerous approach to addressing the issues might be to have our own version of a Truth and Reconcilliation commission. For those unfamiliar with the term or its associated process, generally a Truth and Reconcilliation process calls forward those who have violated the tenants over which the panel has jurisdiction. The requirment of full immunity from prosecution is that the individual acknowledge their transgression and ask for the forgiveness of the nation.

Its unlikely that hard-liners like Turley would accept the quasi-judicial approach of a truth and reconcilliation panel, but many of his concerns would at least be addressed by such a panel and those who - like myself - would like to see some accountability but without the bloodletting associated with prosecution of these individuals. It would be a way to send a clear message to future administrations that these behaviors are not without consequences entirely.

The economic meltdown deserves the full attention of President Obama, but there's no reason that the House or Senate can't strike a blow for the constitution by calling some of those who committed the most egregious violations to task for their sins.

At the very least, lets acknowledge that under the best of circumstances there should have been some accountability while Bush and Cheney were in office. In the words of one Republican friend of mine, " call them war criminals and move on".

"Smith Covered Bridge"

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The Garden in My Mind

2009-01-13T02:53:00.000-08:00

2009 Calendar of unique images from Wayne King

Each image suitable for framing at months end! Only $28.50

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Where Both Sides are Wrong

2009-01-09T06:34:00.000-08:00

Hamas and Israel both Guilty of Wrongdoing

If you've been wondering why you can't seem to figure out where to come down on the battle raging between Israel and Hamas, you aren't alone. Further there's a simple reason you can't figure it out. It's like that old tune . . . "there ain't no good guy, there ain't no bad guy". Each side is to blame in roughly equal measure, and each is the victim as well.

In a brief but compelling piece (Playing into the hands of Hamas) this week in "Haaretz" (Israel's Oldest Daily Newspaper) Bernard Avishai and Sam Bahourmake make the case that, at the risk of seeming to make light of a terrible tragedy, a tie goes to Hamas and Israel is playing into Hamas' hands with their brutal incursion into Gaza.

This piece is must reading for anyone confused by the situation because it is the perspective of two people very close to the issue and representing both sides.

Until we take action to strengthen the hand of moderate forces in the middle east, the radicals in both Israel and Gaza will drive policy by inciting their respective sides and creating deeper and deeper animosities.

Resources:
Bernard Avishai's Blog
Sam Bahour's blog

"Mr. Lincoln's Legacy"

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A Place to Stand

2009-01-08T05:15:00.000-08:00

"Give me a place to stand," said Archimedes, "and I will move the world.”

President Obama must move the world. It is our task to give him a place to stand.

Ghana Proves Its Readiness to Claim the Mantle: Economic Gateway to Africa

2009-01-07T01:40:00.000-08:00

The torch has been passed to a new generation of leadership in the West African nation of Ghana and all signs point to a very bright future for this nation. At a time when so much attention has been, understandably, focused on the historic transition taking place in the United States, we would do well to take a moment to herald the small country that has a very big story to tell - and the potential to lead an African renaissance in the coming years.

Just 50 years from its independence in 1958, Ghana has proven to be the "wise elder" of Africa in its fierce commitment to democracy, liberty and economic opportunity.

While the day and Ghana's near-term future are in the hands of Professor John Evans Atta Mills, it should be said that defeated candidate Nana Akufo Addo deserves the praise and thanks of Ghana and the world for his leadership and example in defeat. History will remember that while other nations in Africa took the dark road in this historic year, Nana Akufo Addo, in yielding peacefully to the will of the people, has played a role no less important to the future of the country than that of the winner, Prof Mills. Future generations of Ghanaians will praise his name for this act alone.

And now Ghana has proven itself ready to lead Africa on all of the major fronts in the never ending struggle for the welfare of humanity: as a bulwark against terrorism on the continent; as an economic powerhouse with the legal infrastructure to truly open Africa to world trade and to secure the economic future of its own citizens; as a shining example of the power of ballots over bullets.

Drawn Inexorably to the Light

2008-12-20T11:51:00.000-08:00

Two children drawn to the light of a clearing express the sentiment that children are drawn to light and truth. It is only when we have allowed the cynicism of time erode this that we lose that spark of childhood.

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Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (Now) ?

2008-12-20T10:46:00.000-08:00

Lee Stranahan was right in his first rate piece in the Huffington Post citing Obama's contention that our politics are too small for our problems. Like Stranahan, I think Warren is dead wrong, (See:Is it Time to Remove the Legal Rights of Marriage? ) . I also think that we need to show that we are bigger than they are when it comes to this and other issues for two important reasons: 1. Because it is the right thing to do; and 2. Because it will help us to build a mighty wave of public support to sweep away this wall of oppression.

It is time for the gay community to change its mindset. They must begin to see themselves, not as victims, but as winners, in control of their own destiny. We have won the election, and we have lost an early skirmish (Prop 8) in the on-going battle.

More important, at Barack Obama's new American table, the gay community is already seated. It is not standing at the door waiting to be invited in. Quite the opposite.

With the Warren invitation, Obama has invited the Evangelicals to dine at that great American table of diversity as well. This will be a test of their ability to move toward a more tolerant world view. Rick Warren can start by toning down his own rhetoric.

Those of us who support equal rights for all Americans need to set an example. We need to embrace the "Big Politics" that Obama has called for. We need to offer a vision and an openess that is better than the example that the evangelical community has provided. If we set that example, the America people will come to our position, just as surely as they did during the past election.

We need to open our arms to them, invite them to join us at the table . . . and invite them to ask of themselves . . . what would Jesus do?

"Leap of Faith"

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Rick Warren Praises Obama's "Courage" For Taking "Enormous Heat From His Base"

2008-12-20T08:18:00.001-08:00

I feel the depth of disappointment from the gay community on this. However, it comes from a place that - understandably - the community has to leave behind, victimhood. The gay community is so use to being the victim that it is hard even for them to see themselves in a different way.

At Barack Obama's new American table, the gay community is already seated. With the Warren invitation, Obama has invited the Evangelicals to dine at that great American table of diversity as well. This will be a test of their ability to move toward a more tolerant world view. Rick Warren can start by toning down his own rhetoric.

Those of us who support equal rights for all Americans need to set an example that is better than they have offered and invite them to ask of themselves . . . what would Jesus do?
About President Obama
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Quote of the Day

2008-12-18T11:20:00.000-08:00

"I've abandoned free-market principles to save the free-market system."

George Bush
Washington, D.C., Dec. 16, 2008

Face Transplant a "Teachable Moment" on Bio-Ethical Issues

2008-12-18T09:03:00.000-08:00

At the top of today's news is the first ever face transplant. It is a "teachable moment" on the issue of medical and technology ethics like few others and should precipitate a national dialogue.

Why is it such a seminal moment? Because, while the surgery itself is no more of a breakthrough than hundreds that have come before it, enhancing the quality of life, it is one with which every single person can readily identify.

How would I feel if my face were used on someone else? Does my organ transplant donor card include this? Do I need to take some action to stipulate my desires?

Years ago, I read a piece written by a futurist who postulated that we would be able to do head transplants within 25 years. I used it as a teaching tool when discussing medical ethics with my "Contemporary Issues" students. It never failed to generate a heated, yet thoughtful, discussion. This transplant of a face is not so powerful as to harness the deceased person's thoughts, but, on the gut-level, it comes pretty close.

While the president-elect has more than enough on his plate, let's hope that as he makes appointments that enter into this realm, he will be wise enough to appoint people who will engage the American people in a national discussion of these intense and immense issues of bio-ethics.

The Monarch

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Obama Building a Radical Centrist Coalition

2008-12-12T08:10:00.000-08:00

I'm not much of a basketball fan myself, so you'll have to forgive me for seizing on the President-Elect's favorite sport when I know so little about it, but it is a more apt analogy than any other - so get over it.

The carping from the left and right about Obama's appointments to his upper level cabinet positions demonstrates that they failed to understand what Obama had been saying all along, in his book "the Audacity of Hope" and during his campaign. For those of us who supported Obama from the beginning we understood that his was a philosophy that could only be described as radical centrism. Disillusioned with the status quo, as represented by either end of the political spectrum; and wanting to build a governing coalition capable of (here comes the basketball allusion folks) breaking either way on the basis of what works and what creates synergies with other dynamic needs within our society and internationally, Obama has set a course for real change.

For those on the left who complain that change for them meant that Obama would appoint a cabinet and govern to the left of the Clinton administration, I have two words: "louder please". As an unabashed progressive myself, I nonetheless see the gains achieved when other progressives start to whine. Their disappointment is actually an asset to Obama as he works to build a centrist coalition. Nowhere is this more clearly demonstrated than in the approval polls which show Obama with a higher approval rating than any president-elect in recent history.

As for the folks on the right, well, lets just say that the Lemmings, led by Senator Richard "Dr. No" Selby are doing a very good job of setting up the bookends on their side of the shelf.

Obama, to his great credit, has not waivered in his resolve to create a team that will enhance his ability to govern. Just as he ran a campaign focused on not undermining his ability to govern once he won, so too have his appointments positioned him to walk into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue without the baggage of yielding to interest group politics on the left or right.

Jim Hightower likes to say that there is nothing in the middle of the road but yellow lines and dead armadillos. No more. Barack Obama may be on the verge of creating a dynamic new centrism drawing on the examples of Lincoln, Roosevelt, Cosby and maybe even Nixon in China. He'll have a lot of latitude, given the times. It's a great time to be alive if you want to see history being made.

"Amsterdam Bikes"

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Speaking Truth to Power Honored with Shinseki Choice

2008-12-11T15:45:00.000-08:00

Barack Obama has sent a clear and compelling message to the military establishment with the choice of Eric Shinseki as the Secretary of Veteran's Affairs: That speaking truth to power is the honorable path even when there is a price to be paid. Further, that it need not mean the end of a distinguished career - at least not when your commander in chief really does care what you have to say. In doing so he has honored not only Shinseki's service but the service of every veteran of military service.

This choice bodes well for the country's veterans who for far too long have gotten lip service from a string of politicians who use them for political gain only to discard them when it comes time to actually provide support and services when they return home.

Solar Schools Initiative

2008-12-09T16:39:00.000-08:00

An initiative to put collectors on schools would pay huge dividends within the context of a national economic stimulus package.

This blog entry is the first in a series of suggestions for green initiatives that would meet the five criteria outlined in the piece entitled “Hastening the Green Revolution with the Stimulus Package, published on my blog: Unified Visions. UnifiedVisions.blogspot.com”

During the campaign, Senator Obama stressed the need for improving the quality of education in America. Educational reform is a critically needed national imperative within the tapestry of reforms necessary to create a vibrant 21st Century economy. It is also a subject that calls for a broad analysis across the spectrum of issues, from class size to teacher training and standards as well as the general educational infrastructure. One thing is certain – it will not come easily or cheaply.

This is not a piece about educational reform – but it does hold the seeds for freeing the financial capabilities of communities to pay for reforms. It is a suggestion for an initiative that will help to stabilize long-term energy costs for schools. In keeping with the five criteria outlined in the original article, it also contains synergies that will quickly create job opportunities, minimize the need for future power plant production, increase the availability of renewable energy to the national grid and make America more secure in the process.

The stimulus package could include a Solar Schools initiative to place solar panels on schools all across the country in partnership with local renewable energy businesses, local governments and perhaps even local utility companies.

One of the great challenges to moving toward a future where solar energy plays a significant role in our national energy portfolio is the placement of panels. Already the battles over using raw land for solar collection are taking place around the country. At the same time, a group of innovative utilities and entrepreneurs are beginning to explore the idea of using the rooftops of large buildings already built. Likewise, the roofs of schools all over America represent an untapped resource for the generation of solar energy.

With a little bit of critical thinking, the Obama team could come up with an innovative plan for using school rooftops for solar collection while reducing the overall long-term electric bills of schools, enhancing the alternative energy portfolio of local utility companies and generating savings to property taxpayers that would open up opportunities for property tax relief, enhanced educational opportunity in the local schools or some combination of both.

Local businesses could be tapped to do the installation, thus generating jobs locally and helping these businesses struggling to hold on in tough economic times.

How do we make this happen fast? We tap into the vast well of community organizations working on sustainability issues throughout the country. By challenging them to work with local communities and schools as well as utility companies and private businesses, within 30 days we could have more good solid well thought out proposals than we could possibly fund. These groups have been operating on a shoestring already and no one knows better how to leverage community and financial resources to get the job done. By creating a additional incentive for proposals that included partial or full payback of the initial investment it would be possible to actually create opportunities for reimbursing taxpayers for the cost – or creating a local revolving fund to stimulate additional projects as repayment happens.

Even if time and the urgency of the moment required that we simply spend the funds with no recapture provisions, the gains made across the country would be well worth the investment.

Hastening the Green Revolution with the Stimulus

2008-12-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

Obama can assure his future and get the country back on track at the same time by seeing green.

President Elect Obama faces a daunting challenge in reviving our economy. The full measure of his success will be not the support he has up front but both the success and his support level as we emerge at the other end of the recession.

If we go on a national spending spree simply to stimulate short-term employment, the end result will be an American public with a fiscal hangover and a staggering debt, looking for someone to blame and likely to hold the Obama administration responsible for creation of debt built on spending instead of investment.

I am personally confident that the President-Elect understands this, but it is worth repeating over and over again lest the profligate spenders see this crisis as the opportunity to spend on projects with no long-term gain for the country.

Lets face it, getting a stimulus package passed will not be the hard part. Obama is likely to get a lot of latitude from the American people, as well as the Democrats and moderate Republicans in Congress. As difficult as this may be – it really is the easy part.

However, with some smart ideas and careful positioning Obama can dig deep into the more conservative factions of the Republican Congressional delegation as well. He can do this by focusing on investments that have long term implications and seed revolutionary change at the same time. He can do it by developing proposals that political self interest will compel even conservatives to support. By appealing to their patriotism; their market oriented and investment-minded inclinations; and, their electoral self interest, President Obama can turn the economy around, usher in a new green era based on renewable energy sources and inoculate himself against the charges of being a mindless spender in the process.

Over the next few weeks we will propose a number of ideas that can help make this happen.

Any discussion of a stimulus package to bring the nation out of this deep recession will have to take a myriad of factors (and actors) into account. Most important among them:

1. The Need for Speed:

In order for a stimulus to be effective if must proceed with “all due haste”. We can’t afford to waste a moment. History has shown us that Roosevelt’s caution in acting on the economic crisis that we now know as the great depression may have prolongued that recession by years. In fairness the presidential handover in that time was later in the year and thus nearly 3 more months of transition added to that delay, but historians and economists are generally agreed that this delay exacerbated the Depression’s depth and length. Obama has clearly demonstrated that he understands this and as much as he would deny it, Obama is acting as defacto President in may respects already, particularly when it comes to using the “Bully Pulpit” of the office to calm the nation and to focus our energy and understanding.

The need for speed will mean that general public works projects will need to focus on those that are “shovel ready”. In other words, those projects that have all the necessary environmental, legislative, federal and state approvals. In his remarks before the Governor’s recently, the President Elect showed that he understood this. More important, in later remarks he demonstrated that he would take a no-nonsense “use it or loose it” approach to assure that Governor’s looking to nab federal funds won’t overstate their readiness without consequence.

2. Investment Not Spending:

Both simple mindless spending and carefully crafted investments will generate jobs in the short run, but spending that does not have a long term benefit that qualifies it as investment in the future will run out of steam fairly quickly – perhaps before the nation emerges from the recession. The Bush approach of sending checks to taxpayer just won’t do the trick. Our nation’s resources need to be consolidated and invested.

3. Moving the Nation Toward Energy Independence

Given the very short attention span of politicians and the American people in general, historians will look back at the dramatic rise in the cost of energy in late 2007 and early 2008 as a Godsend that focused the nations attention on our greatest long term threat to peace, security and economic stability. Furthermore, recent declines in these costs have eased the pain as winter approaches another fortunately timed, but we must not allow ourselves to become complacent. Where ever possible the components of the stimulus must take into account the need to quickly move the nation toward energy independence.

Additionally, investment that focuses on creation of energy independence will bolster both small and large businesses that offer green technology and renewable energy options at a time when the lack of private investment threatens their short term viability.

4. Creating Synergies with other National Imperatives

Other national imperatives like improving the quality of education and providing healthcare to all Americans need not be cast aside in this process if we can create components of the stimulus that will create short term jobs and long term gains at the same time. Strategic investments in these areas can play an important role in addressing those issues and ending the recession as you will see from our first suggestion below.

5. Building Long Term Political Consensus:

The atmosphere of bitter partisanship that has driven the national dialog over the past decade or more must be replaced by a political realignment. To hope for a truly post partisan era is probably polyannish to the extreme but a new governing coalition where constructive engagement trumps partisanship in electoral politics might be possible. At the very least a government that governs from the “radical center” might be able to isolate the extremes on both the left and the right and truly bring about change.

Over the next few weeks I’ll propose several green initiative that meet the five challenges outlined above.

Is it Time to Remove the Legal Rights of Marriage?

2008-11-20T19:26:00.000-08:00

Have we been walking down the wrong trail as we chart the future of marriage and the law?

With all of the furor over Prop 8 in California, it seems that the civil rights issue most likely to find its way to the Supreme Court in the near future is the issue of gay marriage. If this is the case, it is hard to imagine a scenario in which a Supreme Court - no matter what their ideological makeup - does not come down on the side of marriage rights for citizens who happen to be gay.

An affirmation of the rights of gay people to marry by the US Supreme Court will not mean the end of this issue. Quite the opposite. The country will be bitterly divided over such a decision. More divided than after Brown v. Board of Education. Why? Because Brown was a decision that overturned a practice contrary to the tenants of our national conscience and the secular constitution that governs us. Like it or not, American's knew in their hearts that the Warren Court was right. I'm not convinced that the national conscience is yet attuned to the injustice of denying gay citizens the right to be married.

Ironically, the path beyond Prop 8 is made murkier by virtue of the fact that we have as a nation already - long ago - made the legal misstep of codifying a religious tradition - vesting it with legal rights. Granted, there is a long tradition of codifying the religious institution of marriage in the US and in other nations and until gay people began looking for this specific piece of the American dream, it seemed to be a relatively tolerant tradition with people of all religious persuasions gaining acceptance into the fold.

But what if it were otherwise? What if the legal precedent had always been some kind of civil union contract and the change being sought was to adopt a set of religious codes as law? Would Americans accept this? Not likely. In fact, I'd go so far as to speculate that such a proposal would be dead on arrival in the halls of Congress, with the fundamentalist sectors of every religion and denomination fighting for the adoption of their prescriptions - and unwilling to accept the outcome on any other terms - and the rest of America simply opposed to it on principal.

Its time for us to consider the idea of making civil unions the law for everyone.

Make no mistake about it. "De-codifying" marriage, making it only a religious institution, with no legal authority will not eliminate the controversy. But it will place that controversy squarely where it belongs - in our homes and churches and not in our courts. Each church will determine what the "rights" and privileges of marriage will mean for those married in their churches and each family will decide what church(es) speak to their beliefs and to whom they should look for spiritual guidance. Likewise no religious order may infringe upon the rights of other orders to define marriage in their own terms.

Stripped of its legal authority, marriage will instead become a more deeply personal and religious decision for each couple - straight or gay. Entered into not because it was required by the laws of men and women, but because it carried the imprimatur of a higher moral authority.

A Tower of Eagles

2008-11-20T08:20:00.000-08:00

Obama isn't building a "Team of Rivals". He's creating a "Tower of Eagles".

Much has been made lately of the comparison between the premise of Doris Kearnes Goodwin's best-selling book about Abraham Lincoln and the actions of President-Elect Barack Obama as he builds his cabinet.

I've listened to the other pundits as they postulate that consideration of Hillary Clinton or some other individual constitutes evidence that Barack Obama is building a "Team of Rivals". Many of them suggesting that there is great danger in such an approach.

Serendipitously, at the same time, our blog, Unified Visions, is running a humorous contest asking people to create collective nouns for entities like Sarah Palin supporters and Keith Olbermann fanatics. For those who don't know, a collective noun - also known as a "Term of Venery" - is a term that defines a grouping of things: a gaggle of geese, a murder of crows, etc. In researching this contest I came upon the term for a group of eagles (there are several)and what I think is a far more apt descriptor for the efforts of our President-elect; A "Tower of Eagles".

I've been uncomfortable with the Team of Rivals concept because it seemed incongruent with the tenor of the Obama campaign and the promise of his presidency which is optimistic and exceedingly aware of the power of words. Further to this point, if I were Hillary Clinton or even a Hillary supporter, I would take umbrage at being referred to as a rival after hundreds of campaign appearances on behalf of Barack Obama.

Finally, while historically interesting, the notion of a team of rivals is - for the purposes of building a cabinet real-time-now is oxymoronic. Suggesting an approach that is more Machiavellian than merit-based.

Barack Obama is not building a Team of Rivals, he's building a Tower of Eagles. Setting aside differences, looking beyond politics as usual, to build a cabinet and a team composed of the best and the brightest*.

Of course there will be some folks from the Clinton administration - after all we had eight years of peace and prosperity, a budget surplus and a diminishing national debt and middle income folks saw their incomes rise by $7,000 a year on average. I'd be a lot more worried about our new President if he DIDN'T have any Clinton folks on board. Let's not forget that the first months of the Bush Presidency were dedicated to trashing all things Clinton and it was all downhill from there.

Now I'm not silly enough to believe that I can change the lexicons of the tsunami of folks who have adopted the Team of Rivals as the de rigueur lens through which they view the workings of the Obama transition. I am even willing to admit that I was using the term myself before it became the catch phrase of the zeitgeist. But like a piece of ill-fitting clothing the more I used it, the less comfortable it felt. At best, I'm going to continue hoping that those who cling to using the term will at least acknowledge that it fails to fully capture the essence of what is happening and that - in their hearts - Americans will know that what Barack Obama wants ultimately is not a team of rivals who keep their knives hidden, but a tower of eagles with their talons entwined lifting us, together, toward a brighter future.

Wayne King is a recovering politician and publisher. He thinks and speaks from his spot on the porch in Rumney, NH where he proudly flies both the American and Iroquois flags; he blogs from his space in the Blogosphere, Unified Visions: www.UnifiedVisions.Blogspot.com where he advocates for a post-partisan approach to governing.

A Rascal of Boys

2008-11-18T18:14:00.000-08:00

The tradition of using collective nouns that are specific to certain kinds of animals is at least 300 years old. More formally known as "terms of venery" these collective nouns were actually taught to the children of nobles and the ruling class as a means of distinguishing themselves from the commoners.

Sometimes the term used will apply to a group only in a certain context. A group of geese on the ground are referred to as a "gaggle" while, in flight, it is a "skein". Ironically, a group of Baboons is referred to as a "congress".

Some examples:

A mimsy of birds
A rascal of boys
A kaleidoscope of butterflies
A stumble of drunks

The coining of such terms is also a popular "parlor" or car game. So we're announcing a contest
today to come up with one or more terms for the following across three different websites. The prize for each is a signed Mindscape image from our Mindscape photo blog, valued at $295.

Please suggest a term for each or any of the following:

A gathering of [name of any public figure]____________ supporters.
A friendly gathering of "talking heads" on "Hardball with Chris Matthews"
A screaming, blathering group of disagreeing "talking heads" on "Hardball with Chris Matthews"
A group of expatriot Obama supporters
A gathering of Sarah Palin supporters
A group of Florida voters
A group of Minnesota voters
A group of Bill O'Reilly viewers forced to watch Keith Olbermann
A group of Keith Olbermann viewers forced to watch Bill O'Reilly
Add your own group!

Submissions may be by email or as a comment added to this or any related post. Winners will be announced February 14, 2008.

Birdhouse Beachfront

2008-11-17T14:33:00.000-08:00

While visiting one of the best bead shops in America, Gemstar Gemstones in Enfield NH, I had the opportunity to photograph this group of birdhouses that resembled a bunch of colorful houses on a beachfront. Thus was born Birdhouse Beachfront!

Order this image

Curious about this? Visit Wayne King's "Mindscapes" photoblog here.

A Connecticut Checkmate

2008-11-10T18:25:00.000-08:00

I raised some ire among a few folks yesterday with my suggestion that Obama should demonstrate his magnanimity by welcoming Lieberman back into the fold. By 8pm this evening news had broken that Obama himself had let it be known to Harry Reid that Lieberman should be allowed to caucus with Democrats.

Having taken my stand and then having it reaffirmed by Obama, I would hasten to say that this does not mean that Lieberman should be welcomed back without having to accept some responsibility for the policy positions that he took during the campaign which are inconsistent with the visions of the new President. Lieberman has plenty of skills but on national security issues he has proven himself unworthy of the leadership roles that he previously held. Just as he should be welcomed back because we are better than those who would shun him. He should not be given a leadership position on national security because we are better than the vision that Senator Lieberman expounded in his support of the McCain ticket.

It is a matter of both accepting responsibility for his actions and acknowledging that his vision is inconsistent with that of our President-Elect.

But would Lieberman hold out for his old chairmanships to spite the new President irrespective of Obama's olive branch? Perhaps. That's why I would urge President Obama to offer a second olive branch to another Connecticut resident. Former Representative Christopher Shays. Representative Shays is a decent man who is widely respected as a moderate republican. The first Republican to break with the shameful ethical practices of the disgraced Tom Delay, Shays was also the first Republican to call for a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq.

Shays would be an ideal member of Obama's governing coalition in any one of a dozen possible positions - including national security. He would also, conveniently, be the ideal counterweight to Lieberman as the Republican most likely to be able to beat Lieberman out of his Senate seat. By offering Shays a place in the Obama administration, President Obama gets a quality person with an independent spirit and creates added incentive for Lieberman to do the right thing.

Leading with Lieberman

2008-11-10T08:51:00.000-08:00

OK, let me start by saying I’m no fan of Joe Lieberman. In fact, I think that Saturday Night Live missed a great opportunity to portray him as Elmer Fudd during this, their most auspicious political season. But the recent political ranting and raving about punishing Joe Lieberman for endorsing McCain seems to me to present an ideal opportunity for President-Elect Barack Obama to demonstrate the power of forgiveness and unity, while at the same time strengthening the hand of Democrats in the Senate.

Let’s face it, while Lieberman may have jumped ship on the Democratic party from the perspective of hard core members of the party and “leadership” types. He only did what Barack Obama asked other Americans to do – to place party second to their loyalties to the country. So he came down on the wrong side of the fence but on the right side of the argument.

Say what you will about Lieberman, he’s certainly not a coward. The choice he made in endorsing John McCain could not have been an easy one for him. He isn’t so naïve as to believe that the mere act of standing before Republicans at the convention was going to ingratiate himself with most of them. After all, at his core Joe Liebermans principles are Democrat principles. The base of the Republican Party – at least as represented by the 28% who continue to support President Bush through thick and thin, was never going to accept Joe Lieberman, and many of the folks that would have accepted him jumped the other way in this election. Whether his decision was based on a powerful friendship or a misguided belief that Israel’s future would be more secure under a McCain Presidency, or some other factor that we will likely never know, his decision to stick with John McCain was an act of political courage with almost no upside.

Joe Lieberman is a complicated fellow. But in his complexity and contradictions can be found a model of the complexities and contradictions swirling through many of the issues that we face as a country. Building a post-partisan coalition will be a tall order to begin with, leading with Lieberman would send a powerful message that Obama intends to make it happen.

Wayne King is a former State Senator and publisher. He Blogs from his spot in the Blogosphere, Unified Visions www.UnifiedVisions.Blogger.com

Order Solar Products Directly from the Web

2008-11-07T08:34:00.000-08:00

Hanging Out with Project Laundry List

2008-11-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

Changing the World Through Clotheslines – One Household at a Time

Alex Lee is on a mission. A mission to restore the clothesline and to save the planet. Project Laundry List uses words, images, and advocacy to educate people about how simple lifestyle modifications, including air-drying one’s clothes, reduce our dependence on environmentally and culturally costly energy sources.
www.laundrylist.org
Project Laundry List Blog

The Fourth Wave - The Green Revolution is Upon Us

2007-06-11T09:34:00.000-07:00

Wayne D. King

A new age has dawned . . .

First there was the Agricultural Revolution; then came the Industrial Revolution; then, the Information and Technology Revolution; now we are about to enter what I believe historians will recognize as a Fourth Wave of civilization . . . call it the Green Revolution. If we are wise and fortunate, succeeding generations will define this as the time in which sanity and environmental awareness was brought to all of the gains of preceding eras.

The skeptics will suggest that this is nothing more than the peace, love and waterbeds crowd trying to reprise the Agricultural Revolution.

But the skeptics are wrong. Green has come to the mainstream.

Something revolutionary is happening here and it’s about moving forward not backward. It’s about comfort, not discomfort; it’s about doing better with what we have not “doing without”; and, its about sharing this unique and wonderful place we call Earth.

A Revolution

The Green Revolution has all of the historic and social characteristics of previous revolutions – though its transformational possibilities also point to an interwoven conceptual framework quite different from previous revolutions.

Similarities with Past Revolutions
In each of the preceding historic waves a period of gradual change preceded the revolutionary changes that heralded the new era. Each began with changes that seemed outside of the mainstream of logic and what was considered to be “common sense”. Business tycoons around the country scoffed at the revolutionary ideas of Henry Ford regarding workers rights and production - and he ate their figurative lunch; While Steve Jobs and Bill Gates were busy setting the table for the information revolution, Digital’s Ken Olsen was trying to cut the legs off it by ridiculing the notion that the personal computer would play a pivotal role in anyone’s home – Olsen, too, became grist for the mill ; US Senator James Inhofe, who characterized the concerns of scientists and advocates over global warming as the "greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people," is well on his way to joining this hall of shame in the current era. Like Olsen, he’s doing his share of backfilling trying to lessen the historical impact of his remarks, but the damage has been done.

Stephen Hawking, in his extraordinary Science in the New Millennium speech, said“. . . common sense is just another name for the prejudices that we have been brought up with.”. Each new revolution has faced its own set of nay-sayers and troglodytes, yet, gradually the prejudices of the day yield to the power of an idea . . . and of course a new set of temporal notions developed, ready to be overthrown by the next revolution.

Likewise each revolution drove dramatic economic activity. It is commonly accepted that civilization, as we know it, grew out of the simple act of planting crops in the rich flatlands of the Fertile Crescent along the Nile, Tigris and Euphrates basins. Subsistence farming turned the previous life-model of those Neolithic people on its head, eventually leading to trading economies created by surplus production. The Neolithic Agricultural Revolution brought about the shift from a nomadic existence to a structured society with economic systems, domesticated plants and animals and many of today’s hallmarks of civilization.

As for the Industrial Revolution and the Information Revolution – besides the vast cultural and social changes, nearly every child graduating from a school anywhere in the world knows about the economic changes and growth that accompanied these revolutions. The Green Revolution will be no different. If you are an entrepreneur and you’re ahead of the curve, you are in the “sweet spot”.

What’s different? Dominion versus Stewardship

If there is one difference between this revolution and others – and that remains to be seen - it will be manifest in our relationship with the earth and its other living inhabitants. Previous revolutions revolved around the biblical notion that “man” was given dominion over the earth and all its creatures. The Green Revolution, recognizing humanity’s cerebral advantages and concomitant responsibilities, is focused on humanity’s place within the tapestry of all life. This is not a rejection of the religious admonitions, but rather a reading that recognizes stewardship as a more appropriate interpretation of the biblical context. In this way, the Green Revolution is deeply spiritual and consistent with the fundamental tenants of all religious philosophies. It is a unifying vision – something that we have far to few of these days.

The Possibilities

What is most exciting about this Fourth Wave, are its possibilities for humanity. Far from rejecting previous revolutions and the advance of civilization and the human spirit it embraces the very best of these revolutions while challenging us to tread more lightly. In so many ways it takes the respectful view of the earth – manifest most clearly in Native American peoples connection to the earth - and blends it with the best of each succeeding wave of change. An optimists view . . . my view . . . is that humanity is entering a Fourth Wave of civilization where a conscientious consumerism brings all the previous revolutions into balance with the planet. Let the Revolution Begin!

About the Author:

Wayne King is a former NH Senator and 1994 Democratic nominee for Governor and lives in Rumney, NH where he flies both the American and Iroquois flags proudly.

We’re Ready, Don’t Wait, Obama ’08

2006-12-01T09:23:00.000-08:00

By Wayne D. King

December 1, 2006

Ask around among those who have years and years of living within the Washington Beltway and breathing the air of power and you’ll hear most of them tell you the same thing about Barack Obama. “He needs to wait, get experience.” “He’s too young, too green too . . . too . . . too”).

There’s only one problem with all those observations. They fail to recognize that breathing the rarified air of Washington also produces other symptoms – among them arrogance.

That arrogance, manifested in the view that those with years and years of experience know what is best for us, took a solid - and well-deserved thumping - last month. Those who had all the experience in the world got their comeuppance from an American public tired of the lies, the corruption and the arrogance.

What years of experience and so-called expertise have gotten us lately has been nothing but heartache. As a result, the next President of the United States will inherit an unnecessary, ill-conceived and unpopular war; a world, skeptical at best, that the United States can be an honest broker in the Middle East or anywhere else for that matter; and, a country deeply divided politically.

The times call for someone different than the usual suspects.

The times call for a fresh face, untainted by scandal, and unpolluted by the winds of arrogance and corrupting power that blow through the Capitol. The times call for a leader who can call on all Americans to focus on what unites us, to take pride in ourselves and our country; and to play a role in restoring the moral leadership of this planet. That’s a very tall order. . . We’ve seen the rest – we need the best. And there is only one person who can do that – Barack Obama.

Admittedly, I have not been so excited by a political leader since Bobby Kennedy. For many reasons, Obama seems to have the same electrical charge that Bobby had for me - and millions of others I might add. Here is a man unafraid to use the word “love” in a political speech; a man unwilling to pander to our fears; a man calling on us to dream again; and, most important, a man who sees the place of every citizen in the struggle to build a better world - calling on us to step up and play our part.

Now I’ve never spoken to Senator Obama, and I don’t anticipate being among the masses who converge when he comes to New Hampshire on December 10^th to celebrate the recent election victory of the Democrats. That’s not because I don’t want to see him, but because I’m not really willing to lend any credence to the notion that Democrats won the election. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a reasonably loyal Democrat, though I’ve never voted a straight ticket. But let’s face facts. The Democrats did not win the last election. The Republicans LOST the last election. I’ve never been so proud of the American people as I was on the day after that election, but I suspect they would have voted for Francis the Talking Mule if he had been on the other side of the ticket. Democrats have a very small window of opportunity to prove that they deserve to govern – both here and nationally. Obama seems to recognize this and I hope he’ll remind those gathered that its time to govern and prove ourselves.

It was an unusual election, but these are unusual times. Our nation is in crisis and we must have a leader who will help us turn this crisis into opportunity. We already squandered one such opportunity, after 9-11. We can’t afford to squander this one.

9-11 presented an opportunity to unite the nation in ways that none of us could have dreamed possible the day before. Instead it was used to further the cynical machinations of a cadre of NeoCons looking to reshape the world in their own image. The opportunity to point Americans toward their better angels was lost. . . but perhaps not forever.

If there is one thing the Bush administration has proven quite well it is that the crisis we face, from within and without, will not be made better with dogmatic arrogance and the thoughtless use of military power. Yes, of course, we must use our military might to protect our citizens. But more than anything else, the threats to our nation come in the form of a clash of cultures and ideas. This is a battle that will not be won by military might alone. It is a fight that calls each of us to reaffirm the values put forward by our founders: fiercely, protectively, proudly. It is a struggle of ideas and ideals for the hearts and minds of the world.

This is where Barack Obama is head and shoulders above any of the other potential candidates – on either side. This is where he is in a league all his own.

Listen to him speak and you feel the power of his intellect - but just as strongly you feel the power of his heart. This is a leader who will be able and inclined to reach out to the powerful AND the disenfranchised. His guileless style and his heart has not yet been corrupted by the cesspool of Washington politics – that’s why we need him now.

As for experience, I have no doubt that he will surround himself with the best and the brightest when it comes to leading this nation. But surrounding yourself with the best and brightest only works when your own moral compass allows you to continue to steer the course that is best for the country. Barack Obama may be short on years, but he is long on heart and with Americans hungering for leadership that truly speaks to their hopes and dreams that is exactly what we need.

Senator Obama - it may not be in your own interest to run. You may even wonder if you are ready. . . that’s a good thing. Our greatest leaders have always been those whose self-doubt tempered their impulses. What I am about to say is not for you, but for my beloved country. I want, more than I ever have in my life, to believe in the American dream again.

Run Obama Run.

Wayne King was the Democratic nominee for Governor in 1994. He is the Publisher and Editor of Heart of New Hampshire Magazine.

"Cabin in the Lupine"

Order this image: Cards, Prints, Poster.