20061230 Crablaw calls to our attention a Sun article on Tom Schaller’s book

Bruce Godfrey at Crablaw calls to our attention a Baltimore Sun article on Tom Schaller’s book

December 29th, 2006

Writing for the Baltimore Sun, Andrew Green has a piece about UMBC professor Tom Schaller’s book, “Whistling Past Dixie: How the Democrats Can Win Without the South.”

A big thank you to Crablaw for calling the article to our attention.

In his post, Mr. Godfrey encourages his readers to be sure to read Mr. Green’s article.

I agree.

However, I’m encouraging “Soundtrack” readers to also be sure to read Crablaw’s post about Dr. Schaller’s book.

For a previous post about Dr. Schaller and his book, please read: “20061030 Appearance on the Mark Steiner Show.” And for other mentions of Dr. Schaller in “Soundtrack,” please click here.

I have come to really appreciate Dr. Schaller.

When I appeared on WYPR’s Mark Steiner show last October 30th, 2006, he was wonderful to chat with about current events, politics and the issues. To be certain, we agreed on very little, however, he was fun and engaging and kept it intellectual.

To be sure, we need more Dr. Schaller’s in the "public intellectual."[1]

I have not read the book; however, it is on my short list of “must” reading.

I have several colleagues who have read it and were excited about Dr. Schaller’s out of the box insights and fresh pragmatic approaches.

It is not really fair to comment on the book without reading it, nevertheless, my uninformed view is that Democrats will still have problems with some their party’s liberal positions in the Western United States. Positions on gun ownership comes to mind quickly.

Reading Mr. Green’s article reminded me of the “banter by way of song,” between Neil Young and the lead singer of “Lynyrd Skynyrd,” Ronnie Van Zant in the early 1970s.

What many in the public were not aware, is that the two talented songwriters and performers were quite good friends.

Nevertheless, on Mr. Young’s third album, one of my all time favorites, “After the Gold Rush,” released in 1970, there was a song entitled, “Southern Man.”

The lyrics[2] to “Southern Man” were a biting critique of Mr. Young’s understandings of race relations in the south in the 1960s.

Ronnie van Zant responded with “Sweet Home Alabama,” in which he attempted to portray what was good about the south. (“Sweet Home Alabama” was written by Ed king, Ronnie van Zant and Gary Rossington.)[3]

Mr. Green writes that “Virginia Democratic strategist and "Bubba vote" guru David W. "Mudcat" Saunders,” has taken umbrage with Dr. Schaller’s book.

Hopefully Mr. Saunders and Dr. Schaller can be great sports and get together some time and talk about the book and the future of the Democratic Party’s presence and strategy in the south.

That would be a great public forum at say, UMBC or UVa - - or somewhere. How about William and Mary in Williamsburg? Dr. Simon Stow could be the moderator. (See “20061005 Breakfast and a class at William and Mary.”)

Read Mr. Green’s Baltimore Sun article here.

Read Bruce Godfrey’s Crablaw article here.

Buy Dr. Schaller’s book here.

Kevin

####

[1] Andrew Green wrote on December 27th, 2006 in the Baltimore Sun: “Schaller, 39, is a bespectacled, fast-talking political science professor who has been trying for the last few years to work his way into a career as a liberal talking head, or, as he calls it, "public intellectual."

[2] Lyrics to Neil Young’s 1970 "Southern Man"

Southern man; better keep your head; Don't forget; what your good book said; Southern change; gonna come at last; Now your crosses; are burning fast; Southern man.

I saw cotton; and I saw black; Tall white mansions; and little shacks. Southern man; when will you; pay them back? I heard screamin'; and bullwhips cracking; How long? How long?

Southern man; better keep your head; Don't forget; what your good book said; Southern change; gonna come at last; Now your crosses; are burning fast; Southern man.

Lily Belle, your hair is golden brown; I've seen your black man; comin' round; Swear by God; I'm gonna cut him down! I heard screamin'; and bullwhips cracking; How long? How long?

[3] Lyrics to Ed King, Ronnie van Zant and Gary Rossington’s Lynyrd Skynyrd’s early 1970’s “Sweet Home Alabama:”

Big wheels keep on turning Carry me home to see my kin Singing songs about the southland I miss Alabamy once again And I think its a sin, yes

Well I heard mister young sing about her Well, I heard ole Neil put her down Well, I hope Neil Young will remember A southern man don’t need him around anyhow

Sweet home Alabama Where the skies are so blue Sweet home Alabama Lord, Im coming home to you

In Birmingham they love the governor Now we all did what we could do Now Watergate does not bother me Does your conscience bother you? Tell the truth

Sweet home Alabama Where the skies are so blue Sweet home Alabama Lord, Im coming home to you Here I come Alabama

Now muscle shoals has got the swampers And they’ve been known to pick a song or two Lord they get me off so much They pick me up when I’m feeling blue Now how about you?

Sweet home Alabama Where the skies are so blue Sweet home Alabama Lord, I’m coming home to you

Sweet home Alabama Oh sweet home baby Where the skies are so blue And the governors true Sweet home Alabama Lordy Lord, I’m coming home to you Yea, yea Montgomery’s got the answer

20061215 A Big Thank you goes out to Mr. W. Crodhil and Politics Hon

A Big Thank you goes out to Mr. W. Crodhil and Politics Hon

A Big Thank you goes out to Mr. W. Crodhil and “Politics Hon” for his support of TFC. Eric Workman.

Help Wounded Trooper

http://politicshon.com/phb/

http://politicshon.com/phb/?p=148

W. Crodhil presents Politics Hon

December 14^th, 2006

by W. Crodhil, E.I.C. @ 9:23 am. Filed under Local, Maryland

Wounded State Trooper Tfc. Eric Workman is still in critical condition. He was shot while trying to capture a criminal.

If you would like to make a donation to help Tfc Workman’s family please make a check payable to:

Maryland Troopers Association Lodge #20
Tfc. Eric D. Workman Family Fund
Westminster MSP Barrack G
1100 Baltimore Blvd.
Westminster, MD 21157

Fellow MBA member Kevin Dayhoff has all the info. Please help. Thank you.

####

20061204 John Negroponte transcript posted on Joisting for Justice

John Negroponte transcript posted on Joisting for Justice

Cross posted here / 20070113 ked

December 4th, 2006

Stephanie Dray, over at Joisting for Justice was kind enough to post the entire “C-Span Question and Answer with John Negroponte, Director of National Intelligence,” for us.

It is a lengthy transcript but well worth the time for an excellent snapshot of many of the issues we face and for a glimpse at the man who currently heads-up the Office of National Intelligence.

This was terrible nice of Ms. Dray to do this and we owe her a big thank you and big container of spiced walnuts.

And oh, Ms. Dray, please say hi to Ammar and Maryam from the peripatetic gerbils at the Soundtrack Division.

Please see my previous post here.

####

20061204 How to Lose a War by The Baltimore Reporter

How to Lose a War by The Baltimore Reporter

Maryland Blogger Alliance member, The Baltimore Reporter has a must read post By Robert Farrow titled, “How to Lose a War!”

December 4th, 2006

He begins with a great Mark Twain quote: “Do not fear the enemy, for your enemy can only take your life. It is far better that you fear the media, for they will steal your HONOR. That awful power, the public opinion of a nation, is created in America by a horde of ignorant, self-complacent simpletons who failed at ditching and shoemaking and fetched up in journalism on their way to the poorhouse." -Mark Twain

“I hate newspapermen. They come into camp and pick up their camp rumors and print them as facts. I regard them as spies, which, in truth, they are." General William Sherman

Let’s set the wayback machine and pretend, shall we. Let’s pretend today’s media had been around in WWII and covered the attack on Pearl Harbor. ( …and lets pretend TV sets were common in 1941. ) So close your eyes and imagine a fuzzy black and white program as the announcer says…..

Read the rest here.

20061204 Bolton Submits Notice

Bolton Submits Notice Ending Service When Recess Appointment Expires

December 4th, 2006

UPDATE: Fellow Maryland Blogger Alliance member, The Baltimore Reporter shares his thoughts: Bolton Out

UPDATE: It is only fair to call to your attention that Crablaw and Joisting for Justice disagree with me about Senator-elect James Webb… I really respect their opinions and they articulate their views compellingly, colorfully and persuasively and it is only appropriate that you should also read their posts, for balance. Especially since I don’t feel really balanced at the moment over the John Bolton matter. It only makes my colleagues more human and likable when they are like - - soooo wrong on the “James Webb matter.” I’ll feel better in the morning. Some spiced walnuts would help.

Fox News wrote a story on the resignation of U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton’s resignation that simply puts an exclamation mark on this whole sad and sorry Kabuki Morals Play.

As much as the resignation caught many of us by surprise - - it was to be expected. Much of the conversation by the Democrats about bi-partisanship is just that – cheap and empty talk; so that they may get the sycophant mainstream media writing cheery, sugarcoated stories about how wonderful and magnanimous they are going to be after the last election.

Virginia Senator-elect James Webb only served as iconography for the personal animus many of the Democrats feel for President George W. Bush, when he was rude to the president, as reported by Michael D. Shear, a Washington Post Staff Writer on Wednesday, November 29, 2006. George Will said it best: “Jim Webb is not what Washington needs more of.”

We are all entitled to our feelings; however respect for the office requires folks to at least be cold and professional.

Former Marine James Webb is certainly entitled to his disagreement with the president and there are few folks who have earned as wide a berth as Senator-elect Webb, as a result of his courageous service in Vietnam and by way of the fact that his son is currently serving in Iraq.

Parleyed carefully, Senator-elect could have been extraordinarily compelling and persuasive in helping develop and fashion a very necessary course correction in Iraq.

He squandered that opportunity by acting-out on his personally feelings. It was behavior unbecoming an officer and a Marine.

The Bolton resignation just throws salt in a wound started by Senator-elect Webb that many of us were willing to overlook, including this writer, because of the circumstances.

Unfortunately, there will be more slings and arrows and insults to come and once again, a self perpetuating and vicious cycle of attacks and reprisals will be rekindled in a city where they eat their young and look longingly for someone innocent for desert, just for pleasure of watching someone suffer.

If Ambassador Bolton’s nomination were to have made it out of the committee, the Senate would’ve confirmed. He is eminently qualified for the job and has performed admirably since his recess appointment a year ago.

In the Fox news story, “Bolton Submits Notice Ending Service When Recess Appointment Expires,” White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said it well:

"You know, 58 senators have been on record as being for this guy and he can't get a vote. He has been incredibly successful as our U.N. ambassador, he has a record that everybody ought to be proud of, and instead he can't get a vote. And that is just ridiculous."

The president’s remarks as quoted in the Fox News article also resonated:

"It is with deep regret that I accept John Bolton's decision to end his service in the administration as Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations when his commission expires… "I am deeply disappointed that a handful of United States senators prevented Ambassador Bolton from receiving the up-or-down vote he deserved in the Senate. They chose to obstruct his confirmation, even though he enjoys majority support in the Senate, and even though their tactics will disrupt our diplomatic work at a sensitive and important time. This stubborn obstructionism ill-serves our country and discourages men and women of talent from serving their nation."

Not to be overlooked was Sen. George Voinovich’s commentary:

Bolton supporters, even some late to the game, also expressed disappointment. Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, had objected to Bolton when he was up for consideration in the Senate panel. But after Bolton served for a year in the recess appointment, Voinovich said he was impressed by how effective Bolton had been.

"I am very disappointed that John Bolton will not continue in his role as ambassador to the United Nations," Voinovich said Monday. "Given the fragile nature of the world situation and the critical task of reforming the U.N., he should have been given an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor.

"I'm extremely concerned with him leaving since he's been so deeply involved with the situations in Iran, Syria, Lebanon and North Korea and has been working in concert with fellow ambassadors toward true U.N. reform," Voinovich said.

But Senator John McCain really has the final word:

Other Republicans, including Arizona Sen. John McCain, said Bolton's departure is a loss for the United States and a terrible commentary about the state of politics in Washington.

Bolton's "resignation today is less a commentary on Mr. Bolton than on the state of affairs in the U.S. Senate. For over a year, Democrats blocked his nomination in the Foreign Relations Committee, preventing an up or down vote on the Senate floor. In so doing, they have deprived America of the right man at the right time at the U.N.," McCain said.

Memo to incoming chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware and Senator John Kerry - - just shove it.

On this one, coupled with how the president’s two Supreme Court nominees were treated; at some point in the future, if some Republican members of Congress want to get in touch with their feelings on a future critical issue brought forth by the Dems, that is really important to them; I will be more than willing to turn a blind eye.

Something this egregious must have consequences.

Kevin

20061204 UN Ambassador John Bolton calls it quits

UN Ambassador John Bolton calls it quits

December 4, 2006

Hat Tip: Mrs. Owl

In what is being suggested is a surprise move, Baltimore born and raised and McDonogh graduate, John Bolton, has announced his resignation as U.S. Ambassador to the UN.

This is not a step in the correct direction as we attempt to adjust our course in Iraq and continue to face threats and challenges to our national security on a world-wide scale – and the UN always seems ready and willing to aid and abet those who have the worst intentions for the United States and Israel..

Down the road, should we ever have a Democrat president, this is one for which we need to retain an acurate memory - - as it is petty liberal partisan politics at its worse.

Perhaps the next time the Republican leadership in Congress wants to give a pass to a Democratic president’s nomination out of deference to the president and in the interest of comity; this needs to be remembered.

For previous posts on Ambassador Bolton click here.

For Maryland Blogger Alliance member, Soccer Dad’s past in-depth analysis – go here.

For my take on Ambassador Bolton in The Tentacle, please read:

August 2, 2006, Confirm Joltin' John Bolton , Kevin E. Dayhoff: “On March 7, 2005, President George W. Bush nominated Baltimorean John R. Bolton to be the United States ambassador to the United Nations. It is time for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee - as well as the entire upper chamber - to confirm our Maryland-bred leadership in the U.N…”

MSNBC says, “John Bolton resigns as ambassador to U.N.,” and has a video…

Meanwhile Fox News is carrying the Associated Press story.

For CBS’s left-leaning take: “U.N. Ambassador John Bolton To Step Down:”

(CBS/AP) Unable to win Senate confirmation, U.N. Ambassador John Bolton will step down when his recess appointment expires soon, the White House said Monday.

The White House had argued in recent weeks that Bolton had demonstrated his value and professionalism in the job and deserved to be confirmed. But even a Senate still in Republican hands didn't have the numbers to make it happen, CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller reports.

Bolton's nomination has languished in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for more than a year, blocked by Democrats and several Republicans. Sen. Lincoln Chafee, a moderate Republican who lost in the midterm elections Nov. 7 that swept Democrats to power in both houses of Congress, was adamantly opposed to Bolton.

President Bush gave Bolton the job temporarily in August 2005, while Congress was in recess. But the appointment expires when Congress formally adjourns, no later than early January.

Although Mr. Bush could not give Bolton another recess appointment, the White House was believed to be exploring other ways of keeping him in the job, perhaps by giving him a title other than ambassador. But Bolton informed the White House he intended to leave when his current appointment expires, White House deputy press secretary Dana Perino said.

Mr. Bush planned to meet with Bolton and his wife later Monday in the Oval Office.

As late as last month, Mr. Bush, through his top aides, said he would not relent in his defense of Bolton, despite unwavering opposition from Democrats who view Bolton as too combative for international diplomacy.

The White House resubmitted Bolton's nomination last month. But with Democrats capturing control of the next Congress, his chances of winning confirmation appeared slight. The incoming chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Democratic Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, said he saw "no point in considering Mr. Bolton's nomination again."

Actually, I see no point in Senator Biden. What a waste.

####

20061201 Happy Birthday Monoblogue

Happy Birthday Monoblogue

December 1st, 2006

A hearty Happy Birthday to Maryland Blogger Alliance member Michael Swartz and Monoblogue – see: “Monoblogue turns one.”

What I like about Michael Swartz’s Monoblogue is how intelligent and civil he keeps the conversation about the world of the shore. And, for depth, you can’t beat it.

After a lifetime of family pre-occupation with the Delmarva Peninsula, my brother moved to the Eastern Shore in 1983. Over the years I have come to love the shore and I have been very fortunate to have developed many good friends down that way.

I have made many good friends among the elected leadership of the shore and I appreciate the level of civility that Monoblogue brings to the issues.

Although, I have not kept up with the issues as well as Monoblogue since I “retired” ( – read: lost an election) from elected office in May 2005; I have a great deal of insight into the challenges of the shore and the lack of civility among some of the blogs down that way makes one’s head hurt.

I served as an elected member of the Maryland Municipal League Board of Directors for five years straight and I’m proud that as a conservative Republican from Carroll County, I got much of the support that put me on the board from the Eastern Shore -and Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties – and to a certain extent, from some folks with whom I agreed upon nothing in the big political picture – except that I was on the board to serve them and their municipality and not my party’s ideology.

(In the interest of full disclosure, I still do some “ghost writing” for some elected officials on the shore…)

I certainly don’t agree with many of the same individuals who are being covered and commented upon by Monoblogue and the other Eastern Shore blogs, but even the ones, with whom I agree upon nothing, I must admit, I sure do like them and their families and admire them for their service.

Now that Monoblogue turns one - - Happy Birthday. Thank you for all your hard work.

Kevin

20061129 Mazel Tov Glückwunsch to Stephanie Ammar and Maryam

Mazel Tov Glückwunsch and Congratulations to Stephanie, Ammar and Maryam

November 29, 2006

Please join me in celebrating with fellow Maryland Alliance Blogger and writer, Stephanie Dray, over at “Joisting for Justice” on the publication of one of her latest works of fiction, “Somewhere, Sometime on the Nile,” in “Paradox, The Magazine of Historical and Speculative Fiction.”

This month’s issue of the magazine features “cover art … inspired by (her) story.” No confirmation has been obtained as to whether or not she modeled for the art, however, for right now, pictured above are members of the Maryland Blogger Alliance carrying Ms. Dray in the Royal Egyptian Lectica for the day…

As a matter of fact she is on a roll; another piece she wrote that would be of interest is, “Pelosi Rejects Both Harman and Hastings for Chairmanship
Madam Speaker-Elect Seeks a Third Way.”

And oh, as far as a sandwich choice for Gov.-elect Martin O’Malley, a crab, fish sandwich or especially a veggie sandwich would have been appropriate. I think that they all ought to eat more calming and soothing vegetables down there in Annapolis and wash it down with decaf coffee.

From one writer to another - félicitations. Invest the checks in good health.

Kevin

20061127 Ode to shallow narcissism

Ode to shallow narcissism

Or Lady Chatterley's Jaguar

November 27th, 2006

I’ve never had any interest in a Jaguar – nor Kate Winslet, for that matter, but I could be persuaded to change my mind about the later.

As much as I can rant about shallow Hollywood types, I guess we all have our human fragilities and limitations.

As one of my favorite Pastors once said, how can we rail against sin unless we understand it and the inevitable savage pilgrimage that results? For which I have always resorted to reading D. H. Lawrence – (in spite of Kate Millet’s reproach) who, to the best of my knowledge, never used the term headlights. It is one opportunity for censorship for which one can be sure he regrets.

Anyway, one of my old cars on the farm sure is just happy to see the picture of Ms. Winslet – err. I mean the Jaguar.

And with that, I’ll quit while I’m behind. To continue will invite a visit to the monastery of Monte Cassino.

If you are thoroughly confused, click on: “It's inspired some other things, too.”

KED

20061126 Pelosi, Pea Soup, Solyent Green, Setting Hair on Fire

Pelosi, Pea Soup, Solyent Green, Setting Hair on Fire, and the meaning of life in an Age of Global Warming.

Pelosi's message to voters? Ethics, shmethics

November 26th, 2006

It is one of those series of “way too weird” moments that only can happen in the Internet age – or to an attention deficit hyperactive blogger with a serious internet surfing habit; however, grazing the net several days ago I came across an interesting column by Martin Schram. I said to myself; “Self, this would be a great “Other Voices” piece in the Carroll County Times, to give the paper a bit of balance.”

Several days later, whoa - there it was, in the Carroll County Times, Saturday, November 25th, 2006 edition of “Other Voices.”

It was then that I remembered that “Seph’s Mom” wants her to write:

“How about a nice controversial article like the reigning Dem Nancy Pelossi…”

Ms. Dray then interjects: “She's not even a reigning reindeer until January.”

“… who wanted to clean upthe culture of corruption- and plans to appoint afederal judge who was impeached and removed forbribery and corruption!!!”

Ms. Dray writes: “Congress can't appoint judges--that's the President's job. You must be talking about Representative Alcee Hastings, who used to be a judge but was impeached for corruption. His impeachment apparently convinced the morons in his district to elect him to Congress instead….”

Please see the rest of the post: “Can't We Get Through Christmas Before The Wurlitzer Starts Up?” It is a very bright conversation about Speaker-elect Pelosi, Senator John Kerry, Representative Alcee Hastings and more. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

To be sure, I can’t agree enough that it would be nice to get a break before the next Congress convenes - - and especially before the Maryland General Assembly Opera gets cranking up next January.

I’m glad that I am not the only one who gets advice as to what to put on the blog and what not too. Between the blogs and the columns I write, I get lots of advice…

I so wanted to help Ms. Dray out and write a scathing retort about “Nancy Pelosi’s Reign of Error,” (sub-titled: “The Pending Pelosian Malthusian Prerogative.”) And I just could not bring myself to do it. The Speaker of the House-elect makes my milk curdle and my blood boil. (See post script below.)

In an unguarded moment, combine Representative Pelosi in the same paragraph with Senator John Kerry and I go into spastic convulsions, for which Father Lankester Merrin is needed immediately. My head spins and I spew split pea soup.

(Speaking of pea soup is there any truth to the rumor that former Vice-president Al Gore’s sequel to “An Inconvenient Truth” is “Global Warming and Solyent Green - the Halliburton solution?” That Speaker-elect Pelosi wants to make the rich into Solyent Green to actually feed the middle class – after she nationalizes their banks accounts. Remember, “Solyent Green is people” and one of the reasons for the need for Solyent Green was global warming…)

Imagine Al Gore as Charlton Heston …!? … As he searches for "What is the secret of Solyent Green...



So, anyway, Ms. Dray – and her Mom, gets a pass from me. I’ll let Mr. Schram have the honors.

Mr. Schram writes for the Scripps Howard News Service: “Veteran newsman Martin Schram focuses on the intersection of the news media, policy and politics.” His columns appear on Tuesdays.

His column last Tuesday, November 21st, 2006 was titled, “Pelosi's message to voters? Ethics, shmethics ” – [0.7742 SCHRAM-11-21-06 2006/11/21 13:16:02 Editorials and Opinion 776 words By MARTIN SCHRAM]

Last Saturday, it appeared in the Carroll County Times as: “Dems have ethics shortfalls too,” By Martin Schram, Other Voices, Saturday, November 25, 2006

The slug on the Scripps Howard web site reads:

“Some hail as unprecedented the manner in which California Democrat Nancy Pelosi has chosen to begin her surefire reign as the first woman ever to be speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. But they have forgotten Ralph Perk. They have forgott...”

Picking up exactly where the slug stops, a bit more of the column goes like this:

“…en the 1970s day when Cleveland's erstwhile mayor sought to enliven an otherwise humdrum dedication of a new construction project by cutting the ribbon not with a boring scissors but with a blowtorch - and set his own hair on fire…”

OMG, with a column that begins like this, it quickly becomes “must read” material. Go here to read the rest. You will not regret the time…

I gotta go. All this keyboarding has made me hungry for some Purée Mongole - extra rich and creamy. Soon to be a specialty of the Dems’ cafeteria in the RHOB.

Kevin

POST SCRIPT:

Oh I wish that “Joisting for Justice” was not a Maryland Blogger Alliance member. I so wanted to write a scathing retort about “Nancy Pelosi’s Reign of Error.” And I just could not bring myself to do it. The Speaker of the House-elect makes my milk curdle and my blood boil.

Not that I will not disagree with a fellow MBA member. But I wanted to project some frustration and make it really snarky.

But alas, just as when I cover the Maryland General Assembly Opera; in spite of the fact that I so enjoy media criticism, what goes on with my colleagues in the downstairs press room, stays in the press room and I try to give the colleagues, with whom I work, a wide berth and some comfort to not have some snitch looking over their shoulders and swiping at their coverage.

Besides the opera that is what we know as that august legislative body, the worst in the nation, gives me plenty to write about - - and the folks in the press room in the Annapolis Statehouse are really neat and extraordinarily talented.

So, anyway, Ms. Dray – and her Mom, gets a pass. I’ll let Mr. Schram have the honors.

20061125 OMG I want this T Shirt

OMG I want this T Shirt

Crablaw wins the Dayhoff Dr. Pepper Award

November 25th, 2006

Crablaw wins the Dayhoff Dr. Pepper Award for his post from just after midnight on Saturday, November 25th, 2006, “New Taneytown Pride T-Shirt!”

Dr. Pepper was squirting from my nose as I stumbled upon Crablaw’s Ash Grey 100% cotton Taneytown Pride T-Shirt.

Go here now. It is too good to be true.

For previous posts on the Taneytown English First initiative – go here.

####

20061125 Soccer Dad’s Intelligent update on John Bolton confirmation

Soccer Dad’s Intelligent update on John Bolton confirmation

November 25th, 2006

As a follow-up to 20061119 John Bolton and his recent remarks on the UN, Soccer Dad weighs in with some comprehensive and intelligent commentary in the matter of confirming U.S. Ambassador to the UN, John Bolton.

Please find it here. “Bolton for the Door.”

And previously, he had called to my attention some additional information and commentary sources:

Martin Peretz's take on Bolton: http://www.tnr.com/doc.mhtml?i=20060828&s=peretz082806

or here

http://jewishworldreview.com/0806/peretz_bolton.php3

Thanks a bunch Soccer Dad.

Kevin

20061120 Crablaw’s stand-up mea culpa.

Crablaw’s stand-up mea culpa.

November 20th, 2006

On November 17th, 2006 Crablaw wrote yet another stand-up post for which I admired: “Thank You to Kevin Dayhoff and MD Conservatarian for Taney Correction.”

Thank you for this post. Yes you may have not been aware of the history of Taneytown, (20061115 Taney Taneytown and Tupac Shakur,) but please do not lose sight that you never-the-less made your point.

What it is that can be learned from Crablaw’s post is that the “English First” initiative in Taneytown sends a negative and perhaps, even more importantly; an inaccurate message as to how welcoming a greater community that is our Carroll County.

My family roots in Carroll County may very well go back to the 1700s and the Carroll County I grew up in is by and large, a much more welcoming community than what it is that I worry, is our reputation.

To be certain, we have our challenges and we have to be ever constantly vigilant, but Carroll County is still, to a great extent, a friendly and welcoming community that cherishes hard work and family, and values a work-ethic that places emphasis on “it’s performance that counts.” Look that up in the dictionary and you will see a picture that includes a hard-working Spanish speaking family.

Yes, before anyone reaches for their keyboard with their itching flaming fingers to call to my attention slights and unpleasant behavior, there are examples of folks behaving badly in Carroll County, just as there is in any community.

The problems are important, but it is the response that is critical and for the most part, the Carroll County community comes together to address the unpleasant behavior as aggressively as possible.

Crablaw’s inadvertent point was excellent; that folks are going to be pre-disposed to think the worst of not only Taneytown, which is, by the way, is a wonderful community; but folks will also think poorly of Carroll County as a result of this misguided “English First” initiative.

Thank you for both your posts (here and here) Crablaw. I have more to say about the “English First” initiative in a piece that I began writing as soon as I read your original post. Time has not been my friend recently; however, as soon as I get this up on the blog, I’ll take a look at what I already wrote and see if I can’t get that post up also.

I grew up in the green industry and I made a living as a landscape contractor, designer – and raised nursery stock on a small farm for over 25 years. I have spent my entire life around Spanish speaking workers and they have my utmost respect and I think that “English First” effort is misguided and ultimately, unfair. Please read my Tentacle column on May 31, 2006: “The Great Mexican Maginot Line,” which begins;

Last Thursday, the United States Senate passed the "Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006" by a vote of 62 to 36. The legislation has sparked rigorous and rancorous debate as it supports a bi-partisan, multi-disciplinary approach to the challenges of immigration reform embraced by President George W. Bush.

Meanwhile, Crablaw’s forthrightness is exemplary. Besides, I will make more “mistakes” than you and I depend on colleagues and friends to keep me straight.

Mi amigo, te deseo a ti y tu familia un felíz día de acción de gracias. No comas y no bebas demasiado. Cuida tu dieta.

Kevin

Ref: http://www.crablaw.com/2006/11/thank-you-to-kevin-dayhoff-and-md.html

20061115 Taney Taneytown and Tupac Shakur

Taneytown, Roger Taney, Raphael Taney, Dred Scott and Tupac Shakur

November 15th, 2006

Maryland Blogger Alliance member Crablaw has pondered in a November 11th, 2006 post, as to whether or not Taneytown was named after Roger Brooke Taney, the fifth Chief Justice of the United States from 1836 until his death in 1864. Chief Justice Taney lived from March 17, 1777 – October 12, 1864.

Another Maryland Blogger Alliance member, Maryland Conservatarian, joined Crablaw in discussion in the comment section.

First things first, as far as Crablaw’s oblique suggestion that Taneytown re-name Main Street to “Tupac Amaru Shakur Boulevard;” perhaps he may wanna take that up with Taneytown Councilman Paul E. Chamberlain Jr.

The idea is a great example of an opportunity to discuss semiotics and syntagma…

But I’ll tell ya what, if ya know anything about 2Pac’s life, you don’t wanna ever go jaywalking [21][22] on Shakur Boulevard.

For the rest of this post, I’m going to play referee over the matter as to whether or not Taneytown was named for the fifth Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

As to the discussion over the historical legacy of Chief Justice Taney, Crablaw is an attorney and I will defer to him on the Dred Scott decision and Chief Justice Taney’s place in judicial history. Although I had to smile at Maryland Conservatarian’s observations… But ultimately, I’ve got just enough horse-sense not to get between the two of them… Although I’ll enjoy watching.

I am quite conflicted on Chief Justice Taney myself. Above and beyond the moral challenges with what the fifth Chief Justice ad lib-ed in the Dred Scott decision, (great example of a violation of Occam’s Razor,) I tend to agree with many scholars that say: “The Dred Scott decision was widely condemned at the time … as an illegitimate use of judicial power.”

Then again, the gentleman was a Federalist for pity sake, what does one expect…?

But ultimately Chief Justice Taney was an extraordinarily complicated and conflicted man. I mean, study this sentence and make some sense out of it: “…who had supported a broad role for the federal government in the area of economic regulation, Taney and the other justices appointed by Jackson more often favored the power of the states…”

And yet he helped start the Panic of 1837 by helping undermining the Second Bank of the United States.

Okay – this all hurts my head, so moving on to something I do understand; Taneytown was named, to the best of my knowledge, after Raphael Taney, who, along with Edward Diggs, “founded” Taneytown on May 2nd, 1754. I am not aware as to whether Raphael Taney was related to Chief Justice Roger Taney?

Most of my notes on Chief justice Taney are self-study and hand written from over 30 years ago, so for a quick and convenient double-check, I used Wikipedia. I might add that I have found mistakes in Wikipedia, but for something like this, I’m betting that it is correct…

Roger Taney was once a nearby Frederick, Maryland resident, but, according to Wikipedia: “Taney began his political career in Maryland in 1799 as a Federalist, elected at age 22 to the House of Delegates. After he was defeated for reelection in 1801 he moved to Frederick, Maryland, where he practiced law until 1823, when he relocated his family and practice to Baltimore… He married Anne Phebe Charlton Key, sister of Francis Scott Key, in 1806.”

Wikipedia calls to our attention, “He was the first Roman Catholic to hold this office. Taney died on the same day that his home state of Maryland abolished slavery.”

In consideration of his participation in the “Dred Scott Case,” I like the part where he “died on the same day that his home state of Maryland abolished slavery.”

Again, using Wikipedia for convenience, “Dred Scott v. Sandford,[1] 60 U.S. (19 How.) 393 (1857)[2], known as the "Dred Scott Case" or the "Dred Scott Decision", was a lawsuit decided by the United States Supreme Court in 1857 that ruled that people of African descent, whether or not they were slaves, could never be citizens of the United States, and that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in federal territories. The decision for the court was written by Chief Justice Roger Taney.”

As mentioned earlier, Taneytown was “founded” on May 2nd, 1754 by Edward Diggs and Raphael Taney (taalw-nee), who were granted “a patent under the designation of ‘The Resurvey of Brothers Agreement of 7900 acres.” This, according to a history written by Miss Elizabeth Annan, which was published in September 1954 in a “Bulletin of the Historical Society of Carroll County – Special Taneytown Issue,” upon the occasion of the Taneytown bi-centennial.

But land in what we now know as Taneytown today was first obtained on April 14, 1744. I mention this because many folks find it of interest that in 1744, what we now know as Taneytown was in Prince George’s County until Frederick County was formed in 1748. It later became part of Carroll County on January 19th, 1837.

“Lots were laid out and the first deeds registered in 1762…”

I hope this was helpful. In the words of Tupac, “I Ain't Mad at Cha"

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA. E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org http://www.thetentacle.com/ Westminster Eagle Opinion and Winchester Report http://www.thewestminstereagle.com/ www.kevindayhoff.com has moved to http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

20061114 The Problem with Iran

The Problem with Iran

Reformed Chicks Blabbing – a wonderful web site - if you have not had a chance to visit, use this as an opportunity…

Anyway, the Reformed Chicks Blabbing kinda, well, lay it on the line with a recent post titled: “It might be time for Israel to bomb Iran.”

Remember when the Israelis bombed the French built Iraqi nuclear reactor on June 7^th, 1981? Yes, you read that correctly, the “French” manufactured nuclear reactor.

Remember when President George W. Bush tried to gather some consensus before the United States invaded Iraq and the French, Germans and Soviets wouldn’t go along with the program. Seems many folks have forgotten that President Bush tried – and folks have forgotten that the French, Germans and Russians would not cooperate because they were making too much money off Iraq…

Please read: “23 February 1998 Iraq: the French connection.”

Anyway – remember:

1981: Israel bombs Baghdad nuclear reactor

And be sure to watch the video of “Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin tells the world's media: "We decided to act now before it is too late"

From June 7th, 1981, BBC:

The Israelis have bombed a French-built nuclear plant near Iraq's capital, Baghdad, saying they believed it was designed to make nuclear weapons to destroy Israel.

It is the world's first air strike against a nuclear plant.

An undisclosed number of F-15 interceptors and F-16 fighter bombers destroyed the Osirak reactor 18 miles south of Baghdad, on the orders of Prime Minister Menachem Begin.

The army command said all the Israeli planes returned safely.

The 70-megawatt uranium-powered reactor was near completion but had not been stocked with nuclear fuel so there was no danger of a leak, according to sources in the French atomic industry.

Mortal danger

The Israeli Government explained its reasons for the attack in a statement saying: "The atomic bombs which that reactor was capable of producing whether from enriched uranium or from plutonium, would be of the Hiroshima size. Thus a mortal danger to the people of Israel progressively arose."

It acted now because it believed the reactor would be completed shortly - either at the beginning of July or the beginning of September 1981.

The Israelis criticised the French and Italians for supplying Iraq with nuclear materials and plegded to defend their territory at all costs.

The statement said: "We again call upon them to desist from this horrifying, inhuman deed. Under no circumstances will we allow an enemy to develop weapons of mass destruction against our people."

The attack took place on a Sunday, they said, to prevent harming the French workers at the site who would have taken the day off.

There have been no reported casualties.

The Osirak reactor is part of a complex that includes a second, smaller reactor - also French-built - and a Soviet-made test reactor already in use.

Iraq denies the reactor was destined to produce nuclear weapons.

For more information read: “Making mischief in the middle east.”

And oh!, for the potential of having another point of view available on this and other Middle East matters in the future…, please do not read the Little Green Footballs post: “JihadTV Comes to the United States,” if you have a heart condition.

And for the love of Pete, please do not tell Maryland Blogger Alliance member, Soccer Dad, about “The Nobel Prize Is Racist and Stems from the Protocols of the Elders of Zion,” unless all sharp objects have been removed from the immediate area… Un-freaking-believable.

Oh my... this won’t do… We already have the New York Times, for pity sake… “Near-Silent Start in U.S. for Al-Jazeera.” And how about this? The Los Angeles Times is fine with al Qaeda: “Al Jazeera, wide angle.” Well duh, isn’t the Los Angeles Times a branch office of Aljazeera?

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20061112 America needs to wake up

“America needs to wake up”

In case you missed it, Maryland Blogger Alliance member The Baltimore Reporter has an excellent post on November 12^th, 2006, calling to our attention “When WWIII Started****1979.”

It is a speech titled, “America needs to wake up,” by: US Navy Captain Ouimette… the Executive Officer at Naval Air Station, Pensacola , Florida . Here is a copy of the speech he gave last month. It is an accurate account of why we are in so much trouble today and why this action is so necessary.

Read the entire post here.

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20061107 Pray for my wife

Pray for my wife

November 7^th, 2006

I enjoyed Soccer Dad’s post about Dan Gainor’s piece on blogging in Maryland. You can find it here. To refresh your memory, my post is here.

We all owe a debt of gratitude to the fearless leader of the Maryland Blogger Alliance, Attila at the Pillage Idiot.

And yes, Ms. Dray, I agree with you about the title of the piece. If Mr. Gainor’s experience is anything like mine, even though I have a fabulous working relationship with my editors, I have essentially never had any input on the titles to my columns or articles. Editors jealously guard that dominion.

But I gotta tell ya, Mr. Gainor put one heckuva lot of work into what is the most definitive piece yet on blogging in Maryland. Thanks.

Yes folks; the number one rule of blogging is to have an understanding spouse. It goes along with the same joke about artists: whadda ya call an unmarried 50 year-old artist? Homeless.

I am fortunately married to one of the neatest women on the planet. (Sorry Mr. Modjesky.) Not only is she waaaay cool and understanding, but she actually has a job - - and she does small engine repairs. Thank Gawd!

Now I am going to go out and gleefully cancel out Ms. Dray’s votes.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA. E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org www.thetentacle.com Westminster Eagle Opinion and Winchester Report www.thewestminstereagle.com www.kevindayhoff.com has moved to http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

20061106 Ranting and Raving in Maryland by Dan Gainor

Ranting and Raving in Maryland

Ranting & raving for the whole world to see

By Dan Gainer of The Examiner

November 6^th, 2006

Hat Tip: MY Mom, relayed to me by my wife – Mom saw the hard copy version off-line.

I see where Crablaw is aware of it… Mr. Godfrey, until you get to some connectivity later in the day, the hard copy article can be found on page 28 and 29.

Dan Gainor of The Examiner has penned a lengthy piece in the paper about blogging. He has been working on this piece for quite some time and many of us were looking forward to what he found out – and subsequently reported.

I have only sped-read it - - I’m on deadline for a column and won’t have time to post much about it until much later in the day. What I have read looks to me like a rather in depth look at the Maryland Blogosphere. It also looks like an incredible amount of work on the part of Mr. Gainor and it is appreciated. Yeah, from a quick glance- it is perhaps the most definitive work on blogging in Maryland that I have yet to see. A big thank you to Don Gainor.

I did a quick read looking for mentions of Maryland Blogger Alliance colleagues.

I also noticed that a colleague from the Howard County “Gang of Four” was mentioned: “Dave Wissing, a 31-year-old Columbia engineer who writes the Hedgehog Report…” For more info: See here and here.

** Maryland Blogger Alliance colleagues **

The Baltimore Examiner’s Dan Gainor’s

The Best Local Blogs

November 6^th, 2006

Looking for a hot local blog? Check out these:

» Maryland Politics NOW — www.mdpoliticsnow.com

**** » Kevin Dayhoff site — kevindayhoff.blogspot.com

» Blogtimore — blogtimore.com/

» Maryland Democrats Blog Network — www.mddems.org/ht/d/sp/i/583271/pid/583271

**** » Soccer Dad — soccerdad.baltiblogs.com

» Charm City Chronicle — charmcitychronicle.blogspot.com

» Baltimore Crime — baltimorecrime.blogspot.com

» Anger Hangover — angerhangover.livejournal.com

» The Hedgehog Report — www.davidwissing.com

» Your Neighborhood Librarian —

yourneighborhoodlibrarian.blogspot.com

****» Free State Politics — freestatepolitics.blogspot.com

****» Baltimore Reporter — baltimorereporter.com

» Alanlaz — www.alanlaz.blogspot.com

Clips from mentions of Maryland Blogger Alliance members, by Mr. Gainor include:

Local blogs don’t just lean right. Bruce Godfrey a 37-year-old Reisterstown attorney who posts on www.crablaw.com, said his favorite post was about his own political evolution. He called it “A Libertarian Limps Leftward,” and the writing detailed his political shift from right to left. The GOP, he now says, “ballooned the deficit through unfunded wild spending beyond the wildest drunken dreams of the last Texan president, Lyndon Johnson.”

And:

Resentment of traditional media is a driving force for many bloggers.

Robert Farrow, a 36-year-old nursing home director from Halethorpe, is one of several people who write for baltimorereporter.com. The blog comments on journalism including CNN, Newsweek, The New York Times, The Baltimore Sun and The Baltimore Examiner. Farrow is critical of today’s news media. “Journalism is supposed to report the facts, editorials are supposed to give opinions, but this is no longer the case,” he stated.

And:

David Gerstman, a 45-year-old Baltimorean who blogs as “Soccer Dad,” said media bias was “what inspired me to get involved in blogging in the first place.”

And:

Owings Mills writer Stephanie Dray, a 35-year-old former attorney, said her “blogging is essentially publishing your own syndicated column on the Internet.”

And:

Former Westminster mayor Kevin Dayhoff’s blog mixes news and commentary and photos such as his Sept. 19 report of a fatal Westminster crash “involving a bicyclist and a Carroll County Sheriff’s deputy.”

And:

Former Westminster mayor Kevin Dayhoff, 53, is one of many bloggers who mixes politics with local news and items of interest — much like a newspaper. He says blogging is “an alternative electronic conversation about current events and issues. An electronic show and tell.”

That show and tell and can be a strange mix. Dayhoff’s posts tell of his trip to Ocean City, running into Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley and struggling to make his mobile Internet connection work. “I felt like the computer-geek that I am,” he wrote, telling about moving the car back and forth to get a signal. “Pray for my wife,” he added.

Go to: “Ranting & raving for the whole world to see” to read the fruits of Mr. Gainor’s hard work.

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Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA. E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org www.thetentacle.com Westminster Eagle Opinion and Winchester Report www.thewestminstereagle.com www.kevindayhoff.com has moved to http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/