Aarrgghh!!

Politics Archives

Confused About the Economy?

The current economic crisis is catching many people flat-footed and confused:

  • Why did financial entities that survived the Great Depression go belly up this week?
  • What do the two campaigns really have to say about the economy?
  • What's going to happen next?

If only there was some sort of site that took that sort of economic information from academic and industry experts and distilled it to the answers that you need… Wait a minute, I just happen to work for such a group…

This is my round about way of telling you all that Knowledge@Wharton (My current employer) has a special section this week on the Financial Crisis, and it's powered by ColdFusion and Flash Video.

September 17, 2008 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 10:15 PM

ColdFusion, Personal, Politics, Web Development,

Michael Nutter

Initial Impressions

I think the phrase "policy wonk, but no charisma." I think I absorbed it off a blog somewhere.

Actual Research

"My name is Michael Nutter, and this is the saddest day of my life."

Or so my TV series based on Michael Nutter would start.

Leaving his perennial heart-broken appearance aside, Michael Nutter's got a lot going for him. He's a lifelong Philadelphia resident who went to Wharton and then stayed here. After a career in Investment Banking, he went into public service. He was a councilman the gaping maul that is the Philadelphia 4th district. He quit to run for mayor.

He's been described as a "maverick." He's been at pretty strong odds with the Street administration for the past 8 years. He's got strong policy based ideas. He championed a bill to repeal the business privilege tax only to see Street veto it. He's pushed a lot of policy through, including the quixotic ethics reform package.

I don't agree with his martial law idea for the heavy crime areas. It does sound a little draconian. But I don't live in one of those areas. If the people that live in those neighborhoods vote for him, they'll be saying they're okay with it.

I also don't like that he's on the list of the DLC's 100 to watch for 2003. But let's face it; he's a Democrat who went to Wharton. He's automatically going to be loved by the DLC.

I came into this exercise liking Nutter the most. As of now he seems to me to be the most qualified candidate, who's in a distant second in even his own polls. (In others he's down by more)

He's an extremely qualified policy-wonk, lacking charisma, and trailing? That's just my kind of underdog.

I'm not going to say I'm voting for him just yet though. I haven't dismissed Brady or Fattah yet. I've got a sum-up post left to write.

April 19, 2007 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 1:15 AM

Philly, Philly Mayor 2007, Politics,

Tom Knox

Initial Impressions

This guy started TV commercials early and often. That says to me he's rich and a long shot.

Actual Research

Okay, there isn't he usually voting information to found on this guy, because, he's never held an elected office before. He did work in government before - he was a deputy mayor under Rendell who seemed to be charged with cutting costs. He did so by going after some low hanging fruit - office space costs. He also saved the city money on health care. That just smells a little fishy to me, since he sold his company to UnitedHealth Group at some point in there. It could be industry contacts and relationships allowed him to save the money. However knowing Philly, it was some sort of backroom deal that involved Knox and his friends making some money, and conversely there are a bunch of city workers who are getting the shaft.

Of course I have no evidence for this at all. I have no real idea about the quality of a city worker's health plan.

But I do know that Knox made his money from payday loans. If the above contained a slice of sketchiness, this contains the whole pie. I know people use this service, and there is a market for this sort of thing. But I don't have admire the people who make money off it.

Couple all this, with a lack of real ideas, I can't say that I'm going to vote for him.

Bad news for me: he's leading in the polls. Good news for me: He's be advertizing for a couple months now. Hopefully his lead will start wearing off.

April 17, 2007 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 9:31 PM

Philly, Philly Mayor 2007, Politics,

Mayoral Debate

I'll get back to my nugget articles on each of the candidates this week. But I caught the mayoral debate today, and figure I would add my impressions of it to my thought train.

Mostly the debate just reinforced my prejudices. Nutter impressed me. Knox didn't. However I did have my opinion altered slightly. Once again, Brady performed better than my previous belief about him. Fattah's stock also rose. Evans disappointed me.

Overall I think Nutter did the best. He didn't bobble anything; he was steady, coherent and measured throughout the entire debate. He had the most concrete plans and suggestions. They were concrete, but I didn't disagree with them complete. I'm not sure his martial law plan is a good one, but it was the most concrete plan put forward. I also like that he said the ballsy-est thing in the debate. The exact quote was :

"296 black men were killed in the city last year. If the Ku Klux Klan came in and killed 296 men we'd see a different kind of action going on in Philadelphia right now."

- Quote Taken from "The Next Mayor Blog"

It might have been practiced, but no one else said anything quite as bold.

On a side note, can someone get Nutter a puppy or something? He seems to constantly look like his dog was put to sleep earlier that day.

Fattah also did well. I saw him as having a higher delta between his highs and lows than the other candidates. His closing was incoherent. For the most of the rest of it, he was very good, but have the occasional vague bullshit answer. He had the second most impressive statement in my mind, and the most common sense to boot. He suggested that to help reduce gun related violence, we should encourage the D.A. to give out plea deals to people who give up illegal gun dealer information. It's simple, common sense, and completely doable.

Brady did a couple things I liked. His closing was at the first glance very emotional, but vague. But as I thought about it, he was pointing to a result of "a safer Philadelphia" instead of just saying how to get there. He also took the time to defend all of the other candidates from Knox's bashing of insiders, which might have been showmanship but if it was, then I bought it. On closer inspection, he seems to be a bit long on the emotional appeal, short on the concrete ideas.

Evans harped on two things:

  1. Philadelphia should be one of the safest big cities in the country
  2. All good things could be accomplished through leadership at the top.

I assume that he thinks this person should be him. He really didn't say that much to convince me of that.

Knox was incoherent throughout the debate. There was this whole question about him forgiving a "loan" that he lent to his campaign. It was a confusing, weird question. It resulted in a rambling confusing answer. His one bright moment was when he was asked about the airport leasing option and gave the answer that there was a limit of 5 airports that the federal government would allow to be leased; only one of them could be a hub, and Chicago has already petitioned. Additionally the proposed profits would have to be shared with the airlines. Great! For one moment Tom Knox woke up and answered a question. The rest of the time, he was pretty much a zombie.

If I had to go just on the debate; it would be Fattah or Nutter. My brain says Nutter, my heart says Fattah.

I'll add it to the rest of my information, and come up with a decision later. If you want to watch the debate it's available on the 3 CBS website.

April 16, 2007 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 12:11 AM

Philly, Philly Mayor 2007, Politics,

Chaka Fattah

Here's my third in my, Philadelphia Mayoral Race 2007 series.

Initial Impressions

Nothing bad to say, but I feel like he's really good at winning his (my district) but that's all I know about him. Oh and his wife is Renee Chenault-Fattah.

Actual Research

Chaka Fattah is currently the US Representative for PA 2nd district. He's been there since 1994. He got there from knocking out the incumbent representative, Lucien Blackwell, in the Democratic Primary. Knocking out an incumbent Democrat in Philadelphia, in a primary? I thought such feats were impossible. Blackwell was the mentor of the current mayor, John Street. I don't know this for sure, but I would think that would give him some enemies in the current administration. (Which is a good thing as far as I'm concerned.) But that's my inference; I've seen nothing to back that up. In fact, I've heard rumors that he and the current administration get along very well.

He's got good ratings from labor and other traditional Democratic base organizations. His positions seem to put him in the same exact ideological place as Bob Brady, although some seem to stand out a bit. He seems, looking at his Project Vote Smart questionnaire, to be unable to place any priorities on spending. Additionally he gets some flak from law enforcement types for openly calling for a new trial for Mumia Abu-Jamal. Personally, I don't care on which side of the case he takes. That he did at all is a big detraction as, for the most, part professional politicians that get involved in that case tend to be crass opportunists, whether you are calling for a new trial, or condemning St. Denis for naming at street Rue Mumia Abu-Jamal. (Or naming a street Rue Mumia Abu-Jamal for that matter.)

I have no idea how he would do as Mayor. I don't think that a legislative position in DC makes him a strong candidate for an executive position like mayor. And frankly, if I was going to vote for congressman, at this point I like Bob Brady slightly better. But having had this thought, I think I have to say that so far all of the candidates I've looked into are found wanting.

April 12, 2007 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 9:49 PM

Philly, Philly Mayor 2007, Politics,

Dwight Evans

Here's my second in my, Philadelphia Mayoral Race 2007 series

.

Initial Impressions

Who the hell is Dwight Evans?

Actual Research

Who the hell is Dwight Evans? Other than his campaign site, there is almost nothing about him floating out there in the Interether.

Okay, that's not quite fair. He's a state representative. He's been a candidate for mayor, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor before. I guess he doesn't his current office.

Project Vote Smart is the only site with any independent information about him. And even that doesn't have any position statements from him, just reports on his voting record and interest group ratings. From what I can tell, he's a moderate Democrat for Philadelphia. His campaign site does give voice to the crime wave. It also addresses education and other normal election time issues. No mistakes, but there's nothing that makes me want to vote for him.

Dwight Evans might be the best candidate out there but I have no idea. Other than his own efforts to publicize him, I hear nothing about him. He's got a decent blog, with the right tone (someone from the campaign is the voice instead of just churning out press releases.)

The lack of third party information about what he stands for, and his tendency to run for any office he can, makes me think that I'm not voting for him.

April 12, 2007 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 12:02 AM

Philly, Philly Mayor 2007, Politics,

Bob Brady

Here's my first in my, Philadelphia Mayoral Race 2007 series. I started to do this all for one blog post, but researching just Brady took me pretty long. I figured if I broke it up, it would be much less daunting.

Initial Impressions

I associate him with the whole shady machine town Philly. I have no reason for doing so, it might be completely unfair, but there you have it.

Actual Research

From what I can tell, Bob Brady actually is a machine town operative, who came up from, and is still heavily involved with labor. He's extremely connected within the local Democratic Party. ABSCAM is mentioned in his Wikipedia entry. But he wasn't implicated in any of it from what I can tell. In fairness, I think if you lived in Philadelphia in the 70's, ABSCAM is mentioned in articles about you.

Open Secrets shows that his money comes first from individual donors, then from PAC's. It also shows that he gets more money from labor then business. Someone on his campaign bothered to fill out a Project Vote Smart questionnaire. (This is a good thing to me. His staff at least makes a nod towards transparency.) As listed in Project Vote Smart, his positions are pretty straight down the line what you would expect from a Philadelphia Democrat. On The Issues backs up that his reported positions match his votes. His campaign site starts on the crime issue, but also reaches into Education, and Housing and the Business Tax issues. (See that Scott?)

Researching Brady made me more favorable towards him. Not sure if it's enough to vote for him yet, but it's not impossible that I will.

April 11, 2007 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 1:43 AM

Philly, Philly Mayor 2007, Politics,

Philadelphia Mayor 2007

I'm trying to wrap my mind around the mayor's race for 2007. It's especially important since the primary is in May, and baring some sort of political miracle, the Democratic Primary is the mayor's race.

I haven't seen a good breakdown of the candidates. I've read individual voices denigrate the candidates, but they tend to be strongly opinionated already. I have no strong opinions, just vague ones.

So, I'm looking at the candidates and trying to figure out for whom to cast my vote. I figured I would share my process with anyone who was interested. I'd also point out, that it's very likely that I'm an idiot. So feel free to point that out.

I started, where all intellectual endeavors of the late Noughts start, Wikipedia: 2007 Philadelphia Mayoral Election.

The candidates:

General Impressions

Bob Brady - Vaguely against - I associate him with the whole shady machine town Philly. I have no reason for doing so, it might be completely unfair, but there you have it.

Dwight Evans - Neutral - Who the hell is Dwight Evans?

Chaka Fattah - Neutral - Nothing bad to say, but I feel like he's really good at winning his (my district) but that's all I know about him. Oh and his wife is Renee Chenault-Fattah.

Tom Knox - Vaguely against - This guy started TV commercials early and often. That says to me he's rich and a long shot.

Michael Nutter - Vaguely for - I think the phrase "policy wonk, but no charisma." I don't know where I got it. I think I absorbed it off a blog somewhere.

Actual Research

I'm going to do each of these candidates in more detail. I will do so alphabetically and separately. Expect more later.

April 11, 2007 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 1:34 AM

Philly, Philly Mayor 2007, Politics,

Message to Candidates

If I tell your volunteer that I'm not going to vote for you in the primaries, then I'm not going to give you money either.

I got a call from a volunteer for Barack Obama. I listened respectfully, and then told them I was probably going to vote for John Edwards. They then asked for $150.

I know it works differently at big money level, people hedge their bets. But considering that I'm not looking for an ambassadorship, I'll save my money for a candidate I support.

February 21, 2007 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 9:56 AM

Politics, Random,

Don't Let the Man-On-Dog-Sex Hit You On Your Way Out

At last, I now feel 50% less ashamed saying "I grew up in New Jersey, but live in Pennsylvania."

Rick Santorum is no longer my Senator.

For those that don't understand Man-On-Dog-Sex thing.

November 7, 2006 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 11:42 PM

Philly, Politics,

Unique Political Ad

Tattered Coat has a link to a new political ad for a campaign out in Minnesota.

Now, if you know me, you know it's an ad for a Democrat. But, even if you don't agree with the politics, I think you will agree that you've never seen an ad for a political campaign quite like it.

It's not generic, it's not cheesy. It's almost cool. Check it out.

August 28, 2006 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 1:20 AM

Politics,

Quick Political Note

I know it's been awhile, and expect more in the near future. But for now, if you're registred in PA, then vote in today's primary.

If you're in Philadelphia, check out the Committee of Seventy, they can direct you to your polling center.

If you're a Democrat, I urge you to vote for Pennacchio for Senate.

If you're Republican, why do you vote for Santorum?

May 16, 2006 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 12:03 AM

Philly, Politics,

Crashing The Gate

I just got done reading "Crashing the Gate," the book on the Democratic Party by the guys behind dailykos.com and mydd.com. At around 200 pages it was a quick read and the writing was very engaging. Before I say anything else, just let me say, if you're a frustrated Democrat, the book is highly worth a read.

They central question of the book is "Why do the Democrats keep losing?" They do a very good job of answering that. Some of their answers you know. Some of their answers will surprise you.

They also do a decent job of answering the natural follow question: "What can Democrats do to start winning?" If I had to find any fault with the book, I would say that the book is light on things the average reader can do to fix the situation. I mean, I can't build a think tank in my back yard, nor am i in a position to stop hiring loser consultants.

However, there is an implicit directive in the book that the average Democratic voter can follow: at general election time, be partisan. If the candidate has a D after his or her name, he or she will do more for your holistic needs, even if they disagree with you on a singular important issue.

Now, primaries are a different issue all together. So I take this time to remind you, to vote for Pennacchio for the Democratic candidate for Senate in Pennsylvania in the upcoming primary election. Not because Casey is Pro-Life, (I am too) but because he doesn't believe in reasonable gun control, thinks Pro-Life only means "anti-abortion," supports the president's war in Iraq, and likes Bush's pro corporate welfare loving judicial nominees. That is... just to name a few singular issues.

April 7, 2006 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 9:24 PM

Philly, Politics,

Funny Call Today

I got a call from the National Republican Congressional Committee today. It went pretty quick:

[Introduction omitted]

Him: Do you think that the future would be better if Democrats gained more control of Congress in this year's election. Or would there be no change?

Me: I think the future would be much better if we gained control.

Him: Okay, well then you have a nice day.

<CLICK>

I have to say he was very pleasant, even after I told him I would prefer that his bosses would all get fired.

March 15, 2006 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 10:55 PM

Politics,

Money Where my Mouth Is

Payday arrived, so I put money behind my political mouth, and dropped a donation to the Pennacchio campaign.

You don't have to give a lot to contribute, so if you have a mind to do something, but you don't want to work a phone bank or canvas, then drop a few bucks. It's pretty much the absolute least you can do, and they make it pretty easy.

Chuck Pennacchio for United States Senate 2006

March 3, 2006 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 1:04 AM

Philly, Politics,

Signed for Pennacchio

I got a chance to meet Albert "Dragonball" Yee tonight. He was kind enough to meet me after work so I could sign the petition to get Chuck Pennacchio listed on the ballot for the Democratic Primary. Thanks to Albert for being so generous with his time.

If you are interested in voting for an actual Democrat this May, then sign the petition so you'll get a chance to.

If you don't know who Pennacchio is check out his site, or read these highly persuasive entries from the aforementioned Dragonballyee.

If you think "But Casey's the only Democrat to vote for in Pennsylvania," read this and let me try and persuade you that it's not true.

February 22, 2006 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 10:15 PM

Philly, Politics,

Defeating Santorum with ColdFusion

In possibly one of the more interesting intersections of my politics, my city, and my work; a new site appeared today, urging Philadelphians to come out and vote against Rick Santorum. Give it a look, it's a pretty noble cause, and it's powered by ColdFusion (and FuseBox).

Philadelphians Against Santorum, a campaign of PA PAC for Progress.

February 16, 2006 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 3:55 PM

ColdFusion, Philly, Politics,

I'm Dumping Bob Casey

chuckandbob

I'm changing my vote for the Democratic primary for the US Senate in Pennsylvania. For those not familiar with the race, my options are: Bob Casey, conservative to moderate son of a former governor, pre-selected by the Democratic machinery to win the primary; and Chuck Pennacchio a true liberal and an underdog who has been shut out by most of the Democratic party in the area for the purpose of saving the fight for Santorum. Oh and there's a third guy, but I'm not really sure he's a real person.

For the longest time, I've been thinking I would probably vote for Casey in the primary. Why? Mostly because he's been touted as a Pro-Life Democrat who's good for labor. This to me equated to the opposite of the "fiscally conservative but morally liberal" DLC clowns that have been in the spot light of the Democratic party for the past 10 years. Also, I'm a Pro-Life Democrat, I'd like there to be more of them. Finally, common wisdom was "he was our only chance at beating Santorum."

Continue reading "I'm Dumping Bob Casey"

February 12, 2006 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 2:33 AM

Philly, Politics,

Where Do They Get Those Flags?

flagburn

There's one question that flitters through my head every time I see the Danish cartoon protesters: Where do they get the flags they burn?

Well Slate has the answer. They make them, or buy them at, I shit you not, the PLO Flag Shop.

 

February 9, 2006 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 11:20 PM

Politics, Religion,

The Religous Right is Stupid

It's not because of the views on religion, or the issues, or even Intelligent Design. No, I'm calling them stupid because they are pressuring to NBC affiliates not to air "The Book of Daniel." It's this new show with Aiden Quinn as an Episcopal priest with a disfunctional family. He also talks to Jesus, and Jesus talks back. Groups like James Dobson's Focus on the Family are against it because it portrays Jesus in a less than Christ-like manner. They've even managed to get two stations to drop the show.

Now, I'm disputing their claims. I agree that the project tends to de-Jesufy Jesus. However, I also think the project looks like it's going to suck. Go watch the trailer if you don't believe me (it's linked from the main page.) So it should get terrible ratings right? Not if news outlets are reporting that Christians are boycotting. Now everyone wants to see what the big deal is about.

In short, Religious Right, if you truly want this show to go away, Shut the hell up!

January 5, 2006 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 9:49 PM

Entertainment, Politics, Religion, TV,

Showing my colors - 2006

dnc_card_2006

I'm reprising a post from last year. I will continue to be all Red-Soxy about my perpetually losing team. I'm a Democrat and while I may not exactly be proud of it, I'm not ashamed.

 

January 3, 2006 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 9:04 PM

Politics,

Jim Davis for Govenor (Florida)

I'm happy to share with everyone that ColdFusion is being used to make the world a better place... or at least to make Florida Democratic again.

The crew at Jim Davis for Governor '06 have created a good looking site that uses ColdFusion, and blogging to reach the state of Florida. The cool thing I like about it is that the main blogger, Matthew Thornton, (disclaimer: a good friend of mine, who comments here from time to time,) gets the blogging medium. If you read the blog, it reads like a blog. It's got a the right tone and content, as opposed to other candidate blogs that are just a collection of press releases. It's not just me that thinks so. This guy said it too..

Congratulations to Matt, and the whole crew at the Jim Davis campaign. Now it's time to win.

December 9, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 11:12 AM

ColdFusion, Politics, Web Development,

Running Man Clock Update

Janice pointed out to me that with Arnold's defeat in the various proposition elections in California, that the Running Man Clock needed updating. After conferring with the committee of scientists who vote on Running Man Clock issues, we have decided to change the time to midnight.

It is now 10 minutes until midnight, where midnight is defined as creation of a real world Running Man show.

November 23, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 2:38 AM

Meta Blogging, Politics, Random,

On the First Day of Fitzmas

Scooter Libby was indicted today, so I owe some people cigars. I believe Dan, Ryan, Mensch and (I think) LilB took me up on it and get a Punch London Club a piece.

I don't think I'll be giving out any Ashton Coronas, but I hold out hope for the Ashton Cabinet #2's.

October 28, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 7:47 PM

Cigars, Politics,

Too Liberal for Me

I've finally hit the my left edge. I finished 50 American Revolutions You're Not Supposed to Know : Reclaiming American Patriotism last night, and was satisfied in the knowledge that there were people more liberal than myself. However, I think they went somwhere other than left, and drifted into crazy land.

Some of the things celebrated by this book are noble, and for the most part I agree that things like Stonewall, the Bill of Rights and "Uncle Tom's Cabin" are important. But the book goes on to laud, as revolustionary, veganism, Patty Smith's music, and Charles Bukowski's writings. No offense to my vegitarian friends, but veganism doesn't equate to The Bill of Rights. Granted, I'm sure they had to add some filler to reach 50 things, but come on.

Also in some of the blurbs that fall outside of the 50 items they indicate support for Ward Churchill, Huey P. Newton offering men to the other side in Vietnam, and the Weathermen. These are all things, that I cannot support.

All in all, skip this book.

October 19, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 11:42 AM

Politics,

Rove Watch - Cigars for Indictments

Atrios keeps talking about the Champagne he's going to drink if one of the major jackasses in the administration get's indicted.

I'm going to do one better. I'm going to have cigars if Libby, Cheney or Rove get indicted. Not only am I going to have cigars, but I will share them with anyone who signs up on this entry. This will be up to a limit of 24, or a box of 25 minus one for me.

However, there are qualitative differences between the relative worth of these convictions, and also of their likelyhood. So I'm establishing the following payoff chart:

I figure this deal will be good for one year. As soon as the indictment is confirmed, I will buy the box and distribute within a month. If all three get indicted anyone who signs up gets all three. If more than one gets indicted within a month of another I will stagger the payouts. The only catch is that you have receive them from me. I'm not shipping them anywhere. Come to Philly, or wait until I get to your city.

So if you are a raging a liberal and love cigars, get in on this while the getting is good. Also if you have any other cigar/jackass combo drop me a line.

Continue reading "Rove Watch - Cigars for Indictments"

October 12, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 12:30 AM

Cigars, Philly, Politics,

Delay Indicted... Again!!!

He's ben indicted on money laundering charges.

My heart runneth over with epicaricacy.

October 3, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 7:54 PM

Politics,

Miers = Perpetual Culture War

There's been much discussion among the left on the Miers nomination already. There seems to be a few memes running around out there. She's a crony. She is a bland choice. She's not that bad. All seem to point to the fact the the Bush White House is weak. Like a bad, but undefined odor, I couldn't put my finger on why I had a problem with these...

Until I read this by Haplo. He's right, if Pro-Choice, the Miers nomination does ensure that the wingnut war on America will continue unabated.

October 3, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 3:08 PM

Politics,

Obama Engages the Blogosphere

temp_measure_obama

I think it was Ryan, who asked me last week, was there any Democrat that could run for President who would actually be inspiring as opposed to our recent offerings. While he isn't running in 2008 (at least I don't think he is or should for that matter) Barack Obama is just the sort of figure that could in a few cycles be that inspiring candidate.

I remember the first time I heard him speak, I was watching the Democratic Convention in 2004, and he was giving the keynote speech. The more and more I listened to him, the more impressed I was with what he was saying. Then the phone rang. Mensch called to tell me "Dude, you gotta listen to this guy." I screamed up to Janice, "You gotta see this guy." And we were all glued to the TV.

Flash forward to today - the reason he popped back into my head, is because he (or lets face it, his staff) posted a response to some DailyKos community members today. Long story short, some interest groups were critical of another Democratic Senator (Leahy) who didn't vote "no" on the Roberts confirmation. So Obama said something about it on the senate floor, the DailyKos Community reacted(1, 2, 3), and Obama responded. So in addition to saying some cool shit, he is also actively engaging the blogosphere, which agree or disagree with his positions, is the absolute right thing to do for Democratic office holders/seekers.

Continue reading "Obama Engages the Blogosphere"

September 30, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 12:31 PM

Politics,

What is Epicaricacy?

n. Taking joy in the misery of others. It is the English equivalent of Schadenfreude.

OR

The feeling I have at the news that Tom Delay is being indicted.

September 28, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 12:58 PM

Politics,

Daily Show back with a Vengence

Back from winning more Emmys, Jon Stewart and crew are punching hard. They had on Alan Alda, but that was just a book push.

However, the real meat was in Dan Bakkedahl's piece on Bumvertizing. He's got a little bit of the Rob Corddry, turn-into-the-skid style. He interviews a guy who runs a service that pays the homeless for placing spam ads on their "work for food" signs. He calls him unscrupulous to his face, of course ironically, but don't you wish the real media did this kind of reporting? Here's a sample:

There's a new generation who aren't squeemish about feasting on the blood of the poor.

Who would have guessed that real advocacy journalism is alive today, on Comedy Central? Unfortunately, I'm sure the douchebag's who started the website that uses Bumvertizing will get more hits as a result of it, but I think it's good that someone is turning over the rock that these people live under.

September 20, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 11:45 PM

Politics,

Max Raabe

Becky explained who Max Raabe was few weeks back. Even though I intellectually understood what she was telling me, I didn't truly appreciate it until I listened to it.

I can only describe as this: Imagine that they dug up Tom Lehrer and forced him at gun point to cover today's over produced pop hits, with The Whiffenpoofs as back up singers, and a Big Band as accompanyment.

I can't say you'll like it, but you should give it a try. Go to Becky's site and down the "Mix of the Week." The covers are funny in an ironic way. But I love his sound and it makes me really want to listen to his original stuff.

September 20, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 2:12 AM

Politics,

Great Democratic Politics

Democrats led by Rahm Emanuel and Barack Obama are proposing a tax cut for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. This is one of those situations where the common good can be achieved while people are playing devious political games.

If the Republicans oppose it because they can't politically give the Democrats a win, they get slammed as opposing tax relief, and opposing help directed at the community of Katrina victims, who an overwhelming majority of Americans support.

If the Republicans allow it through they hand a major victory to the Democrats which is just not something hey are ever prepared to do.

I don't know what will ultimately happen here, but I imagine that the bill will get laden down with corporate pork, or that the Republicans will float an extremely similar sounding bill down the pike. I say "similar sounding" as it won't be intended to have the same positive impact.

September 14, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 8:00 PM

Politics,

I'm Okay with Politizing Katrina

Scott expresses scorn for those that are politicizing Katrina. Demonstrating his admirable moral consistency he does cut at both sides. However, as I disgree with him, I am going to play apologist for those on the left that are politicizing it.

I remember a time in this country when in the aftermath of a tragedy, both sides publicly agreed to put partisan politics aside in order to combat the challenges that we were faced with. That time was in the days and months following 9/11. The majority of the population made it clear to our Democratic representatives that we wanted the leadership to be unopposed in pursuit of our defense. This yielded us the Patriot Act. This yielded us Iraq. This yielded us the very government that failed us in the aftermath of Katrina.

I, for one, will not be tricked by compassion and fear into submitting to my government again. I donated to the Red Cross. I'm looking into volunteer opportunities. I've got nothing else to do right now. So I will question why this happened. I will not place the blame on the administration for the hurricane. I will not place the blame on the administration for all of the poverty. I will, however, place the blame on the administration that filled the leadership positions of FEMA with political hacks. I will place the blame on the Department of Homeland Security which had 2 1/2 years to prepare for this, then had a week of weather reports charting Katrina's direction, and then flailed helplessly when it hit. I will place the blame on the vacation president who didn't flex his supposed leadership skills and declare red tape illegal, who instead when he could be bothered to react, chose to tell "looters" that stealing was not the right way, despite the fact that these looters were often stealing food, clothing, water and clothing.

This administration failed, that I already dislike the administration does not change that. 9/11 taught me that this administration will politicize disaster, this time I, and I believe many others, won't turn the other cheek.

September 5, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 2:59 PM

Politics,

Oh, Here's the Noise

Amazon, Yahoo and Google have donations links up.

CNN has a ongoing account of the chaos in New Orleans.

The New York Times has an article reporting the reactions of the survivors.

Technorati reports that the blogosphere is charged.

Slate has a devestaing critique of the Department of Homeland Security.

So I was wrong, there is noise.

September 2, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 12:53 AM

Politics,

Where's the Noise?

Katrina has destroyed New Orleans, and although thankfully the death toll seems not as high as the tsunami, countrymen of ours are suffering. Yet as of tonight there's no ad on the front page of Amazon for donating to the Red Cross like there was during the tsunami. There's no feeling that the hurricane has hit at the heart of American, like 9/11. And yet the current disaster is closer to home, and affects more people. I don't know, maybe I'm just not seeing it, but I feel like we (the citizens, the press, the leadership) are treating this without the gravitas it deserves.

Agree... disagree... in either case, please give to the Red Cross. Money is the easiest thing to give, and in the case of a disaster like this, is actually the most useful thing you can give.

August 31, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 2:08 AM

Politics,

Stewart Punching Again

Jon Stewart had liberal hawk Christopher Hitchens on the show tonight, and man did he kick ass. Once again Stewart takes on a pundit and defeats him with nothing but coherence. Hitchens is no mental lightweight, and he's been on the show before. Here's a sample lifted from Wonkette.

Hitch: I'm sorry, sunshine... I just watched you ridicule the president for saying he wouldn't give. . .
Stewart: No, you misunderstood why. . . . That's not why I ridiculed the president. He refuses to answer questions from adults as though we were adults and falls back upon platitudes and phrases and talking points that does a disservice to the goals that he himself shares with the very people needs to convince.

I can't believe I didn't fully realize this before, but I think he's saving his beat downs specifically for pundits. Goldberg and Carlson, he totally took out. He wasn't great against Wallace, but Wallace but just insisted on talking about fluff. It could be that he's got an agenda, and he's going against them out of his dislike of what he believes that they are doing to the country (case in point, his Tucker Carlson performance.) The alternative, is that they don't have stronger protection from agents and handlers that other celebrities have (case in point, his Santorum interview.)

It will be interesting to see in the next couple weeks to see if more pundits show up.

Update: Crooks and Liars has the Video up. Please judge for yourself. Crooks and Liars: Christopher Hitchens vs Jon Stewart.

August 26, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 1:03 AM

Politics,

Chris Wallace on the Daily Show

I'm not really sure, but I think Chris Wallace is trying to stick it to John Stewart because Steve Carell is doing so well with The 40 Year Old Virgin. He's saying that Stewart should be raging with jealousy.

Wow, what a dick.

August 22, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 11:23 PM

Politics,

Aarrgghh and Yeeaarrrggh Collide

dean

That's right, Mensch wrangled me a autographed picture of the screaming-one himself, Howard Dean. I figured I would take that blog worthy event, and turn it into an explanation of why I admire Dean. So, feel free to skip the rest of this if you have no desire to understand why I like Dean.

So first off, I should probably establish that policy-wise, I don't agree with everything he stands for, although I do agree with the majority of it. My admiration for him comes from him taking the DNC chair position. Now, Ed Kilgore says this a lot better then me, but I'm going to take a stab at it.

No single action Dean has taken was as demonstrable of his honest desire to actually change the country, rather than grab power for himself, as was taking the DNC chair. By taking that decision he assured that baring extraordinary circumstance, even if he succeeds in his charge as head of the DNC, he will not be able to even pursue the presidency of the United States for 11 years. He can't run in 2008 from the DNC position. If he achieves his goals at the DNC and a Democrat wins, he can't realistically run against that incumbent in 2012. If he fails in his goals at the DNC and a Republican gets elected, he will be a political failure and not in a position to make a realistic bid for President. Even if he runs in 2016, he'll be 68, and who knows what will happen to the Democratic field by then. In short, he made the path to his own presidency very uncertain, and hazy.

dean_sig

Well big deal, right? Absolutely, because as the Kilgore piece points out, he could have very easy formed his own very caustic nugget of Democrats or even his own absurd third-party, in his pursuit of a 2008 nomination. Instead Dean is trying to fix the party from within, instead of complaining about it from without.

I call Dean a hero, and admire him as such because he sacrificed his ambition in pursuit of what he believes to be the higher good. He has demonstrated that what he believes in, he will fight for. If others are to be admired for "really believing what they say they believe," then Dean has earned that same admiration.

Here endeth the rambling.

August 14, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 8:58 PM

Politics,

More Fodder for Santorum

Boston is so liberal they even have lesbian swans. The horror, the outrage, the... eh the trivialness of it all.

August 12, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 12:06 PM

Politics,

Daily Show Verdict

Tonight is the big night. Will Jon Stewart go softball on Santorum? Will Jon Stewart stick it to him? Will Santorum tell us what it's like to whore for Outback Steakhouse?

The answers: No. No. No.

Stewart doesn't softball him, and he doesn't stick it to him. He debates him. He disagrees with Santorum without screaming at him. He's doing the very thing he asked Tucker Carlson to do. Engage the opposition, illuminate the differences, and disagree. I think he's still learning how to do it, and going up against a US Senator is a fair bit harder than going against Bernard Goldberg.

That being said, I fear that Santorum got exactly what he wanted out of it. A whole bunch of people, who may only get their political coverage through the Daily Show saw Santorum come off as a reasonable guy. And of course Stewart didn't ask him about being an psuedo-Aussie whore.

So I think we took one step forward two steps back. However as Stewart practices, this show might be a rep that accumulates with others to pay off dividends in the future.

July 25, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 10:56 PM

Politics,

Santorum and The Daily Show

Rick Santorum is going to be on The Daily Show Monday. So my previous posting will be put to the test. Will Jon Stewart softball him? Or will he ask "Rick, in your mind, is homesexuality and beastiality the same thing?"

My prediction is that he will be much softer than he was with Bernard Goldberg, just because Santorum probably has the ability to set his conditions a little better. But I would be very happy to be wrong on that point.

July 21, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 11:36 PM

Politics,

Rove Watch

Okay the media murmers are starting to spread that Karl Rove is in danger of being fired. Newspapers are starting to spread the concept, blogs that are actually read by people are of course chattering away. Slate has started a "Deathwatch" for Rove. (I'd be more impressed if they started a Rovometer ala the Clitometer and Saddameter.)

I'm going out on a limb and say that it ain't gonna happen. I can't believe that the defacto head of the Republican Party is going. Add in outlets like Fox News saying that "Rove deserves a medal," and it's seems obvious to me that the waters will be so muddy that no one will really care in two weeks.

I have to come clean and admit that I'm hedging my bets, my previous political predictions have been god awful. This is one prediction I want to be wrong about.

July 13, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 12:01 AM

Politics,

Santorum Exposed: The Blog

Stumbled on to this earlier today. I made my opinions on Santorum quite clear, however, if you want actual documentation, check out Santorum Exposed.

It's extremly biased, but well-produced. It doesn't look like a bunch of kooks who take things he says out of context, and twist them. They just take him at face-value and report the negative. Now frankly, I don't know what Santorum could do that I would feel qualifies as positive, but I could be introducing my own bias there.

July 12, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 6:00 PM

Politics,

Law & Order and SCOTUS

According to dailyKos, former Senator Fred Thompson is going to head the committee to find the replacement for Sandra Day O'Connor.

You may know Fred Thompson as the D.A. on TV's Law & Order.

I see a few things comming down the pike:

  1. Monster cameos next season.
  2. All Supreme Court opinions will be handed down with the accompanying Law & Order musical sting known in some circles as the "Doink, Doink."
  3. Dare I posit the unthinkable? Associate Justice Sam Waterston?

July 7, 2005 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 12:27 AM

Politics,

USANext

A couple weeks ago an ad was running on a couple conservative blogs that basically said AARP supports Gay Marriage and is against the troops. The group was an attack on AARP from USANext a conservative group that defines itself on it's new member page as :

USA is a nonprofit nonpartisan organization under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. Because USA lobbies Congress on behalf of seniors, contributions are not tax deductible for tax purposes.

Additionally there's a lot of connections between the legendary Swift Boat Veterans for Truth and USANext.

Well the liberal blogging community went nuts and started digging, and protesting and angry.

The CEO of USANext defended his ad saying:

I wanted to test to see how long it would take for the liberal blogs in this country to go berserk over a single image.

It could have ended there, but instead of posing a fake gay couple for the ad, they just lifted a picture of a real gay couple, who being liberal bloggers themselves, noticed it, and tried to figure out how they got the picture.

Someone must have gotten in touch with them and told them they had some legal recourse against USANext, and decided to sue for $25 million dollars. The judge in the ca