Wednesday, August 31, 2011
All I Can Say Is...
...read Frank Rich's latest article over at New York magazine on this upcoming 10th anniversary of September 11. It's well worth the click, and it was another reminder of how much I miss his column in the Sunday New York Times (the first thing I would read of the paper on Sundays).
Actual "Fraud, Waste and Abuse," and Likely Nothing Will be Done
The Commission on Wartime Contracting has presented its final report, and (shockingly) the Commission found lots of "fraud, waste and abuse," three of the most popular (and empty) words thrown around Capitol Hill these days. I've only read some of the articles written about the report's finding, but color me far from surprised. There was no question in my mind that our dealings with defense contractors was outrageously expensive. And in the midst of the screaming about cutting discretionary spending, there seems to be a rather muted response to the Commission's report.
Where is the outrage from the right on this issue, this empirical evidence of "fraud, waste and abuse." It's possible that up to $60 billion dollars has been lost during the course of this war, and it's been cited in the report that more extensive oversight and regulation is needed in order to keep a reasonable accounting of how and where government money is spent with contractors. If I recall correctly, these are the very types of suggestions that have Republicans screaming about "job killing" pick any term. Yet, for all of this faux concern about combating "waste, fraud and abuse," I've zero confidence that they will muster even genuine interest in the findings in this report. Well, the example used in the press release cites an agricultural program that started in 2009, so naturally the right will dismiss everything between 2001 and 2008, and focus solely and singularly on anything that happened beginning January 2009. Remember that for this lot, the past doesn't matter, and private industry must never be regulated, only paid by government in some way, shape or form.
And lest folks think that I have only enmity for the GOP on this issue, think again. Democrats are supposed to be the party that believes in well run government, and this report shows that that was not happening with regard to taxpayer dollars while we were at war. Their lack of united outcry continues to leave open the perennial GOP charge of "government bad, unless it helps the private sector."
Hell, some of that lost money would be real handy right now, considering the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, and while Rep. Eric Cantor continues to show off his emperor's clothing, I am sure the last thing on his mind is considering looking for those "savings" in one area that has been shown to be hemorrhaging cash: defense contracting. After all, we don't want to upset those "job creators" with efforts at actual good governance and oversight. Heaven forbid.
Where is the outrage from the right on this issue, this empirical evidence of "fraud, waste and abuse." It's possible that up to $60 billion dollars has been lost during the course of this war, and it's been cited in the report that more extensive oversight and regulation is needed in order to keep a reasonable accounting of how and where government money is spent with contractors. If I recall correctly, these are the very types of suggestions that have Republicans screaming about "job killing" pick any term. Yet, for all of this faux concern about combating "waste, fraud and abuse," I've zero confidence that they will muster even genuine interest in the findings in this report. Well, the example used in the press release cites an agricultural program that started in 2009, so naturally the right will dismiss everything between 2001 and 2008, and focus solely and singularly on anything that happened beginning January 2009. Remember that for this lot, the past doesn't matter, and private industry must never be regulated, only paid by government in some way, shape or form.
And lest folks think that I have only enmity for the GOP on this issue, think again. Democrats are supposed to be the party that believes in well run government, and this report shows that that was not happening with regard to taxpayer dollars while we were at war. Their lack of united outcry continues to leave open the perennial GOP charge of "government bad, unless it helps the private sector."
Hell, some of that lost money would be real handy right now, considering the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, and while Rep. Eric Cantor continues to show off his emperor's clothing, I am sure the last thing on his mind is considering looking for those "savings" in one area that has been shown to be hemorrhaging cash: defense contracting. After all, we don't want to upset those "job creators" with efforts at actual good governance and oversight. Heaven forbid.
Challenging a Perspective
It has been interesting watching some of the comments and criticism about former VPOTUS Dick Cheney's memoir In My Time. Anyone who's read this blog knows without a doubt that I think that the former administration, at the very least, needs to be investigated thoroughly for the decisions that came from the White House. Though some friends, on various points of the political spectrum, disagree with me, I still believe that we lost the moral high ground as the Bush administration waged the "War on Terror," and that we compromised some of our basic American principles. I firmly support the position presented by Salon's Glenn Greenwald on the specific issue related to Cheney's media blitz (and I doubt highly that he will be leaving our shores to hawk his book anytime soon).
I've been watching different interviews from folks like Gen. Colin Powell, Col. Lawrence Wilkerson and former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, and unless Cheney and his supporters are willing to call all of them straight up liars to their faces, then I think that their perspectives on the issues Cheney raises about them, in his book, should be heard and investigated. After seeing many of these interviews, I think that there is even more of a reason to do a full investigation on the issues of authorizing torture, and how we went into and conducted the Iraq War.
UPDATE: I just finished reading an article from Dahlia Lithwick over at Slate. That's some powerful writing. Lithwick also makes reference to an article written by Zev Chafets over at The Daily Beast, as well as one written by Conor Friedersdorf critiquing the Chafets' piece. And here is a related post from Greenwald regarding former government officials trying to tell their stories regarding torture, and being thwarted by the government from doing so directly.
I've been watching different interviews from folks like Gen. Colin Powell, Col. Lawrence Wilkerson and former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, and unless Cheney and his supporters are willing to call all of them straight up liars to their faces, then I think that their perspectives on the issues Cheney raises about them, in his book, should be heard and investigated. After seeing many of these interviews, I think that there is even more of a reason to do a full investigation on the issues of authorizing torture, and how we went into and conducted the Iraq War.
UPDATE: I just finished reading an article from Dahlia Lithwick over at Slate. That's some powerful writing. Lithwick also makes reference to an article written by Zev Chafets over at The Daily Beast, as well as one written by Conor Friedersdorf critiquing the Chafets' piece. And here is a related post from Greenwald regarding former government officials trying to tell their stories regarding torture, and being thwarted by the government from doing so directly.
Man, You Really Didn't Have to Go There
Sometimes, I just have to shake my head. Rep. Carson, there is no need to add that kind of fuel to an already unnecessary burning fire, especially when you know your political opponents will have a field day with it. One day, and likely a day too late, folks will realize that all of this shit has more to do with class warfare from the top down than anything other "ism" out there.
Adolescent Music Flashback: Robert Palmer
I think it was through MTV, way back at its beginning, that I'd first heard of Robert Palmer, and it was the song "Looking for Clues." It was his looks and attractively awkward dance movements that caught my attention, but I really liked what I heard in that song. The next time I noticed Palmer was in his cover of "You Are In My System," an incredible song. His collaboration with members from Duran Duran and Chic, in the form of Power Station, just blew me away, and that group will get its own blog post in the future.
After all of that goodness, Palmer had nerve enough to push it even further. I sat in front of my television, with my mouth on the floor, as I watched the video for "Addicted to Love." The immediate follow-up to that was a cover of Cherrelle's R&B hit "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On," which had the same general video concept as "Addicted to Love," but improved.
Though Palmer had continued success well after these songs left the charts, I am sticking to the aspect of his career that was during my adolescence. Though, I will add that it was a pleasant surprise to Beyonce pay homage to Palmer's video style with portions of her video for the song "Green Light."
It really was a shock to hear about Palmer's sudden death in 2003. He was a great talent indeed.
After all of that goodness, Palmer had nerve enough to push it even further. I sat in front of my television, with my mouth on the floor, as I watched the video for "Addicted to Love." The immediate follow-up to that was a cover of Cherrelle's R&B hit "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On," which had the same general video concept as "Addicted to Love," but improved.
Though Palmer had continued success well after these songs left the charts, I am sticking to the aspect of his career that was during my adolescence. Though, I will add that it was a pleasant surprise to Beyonce pay homage to Palmer's video style with portions of her video for the song "Green Light."
It really was a shock to hear about Palmer's sudden death in 2003. He was a great talent indeed.
Adolescent Music Flashback: Alexander O'Neal
Not too long ago, I watched the TV One show "Unsung" on Alexander O'Neal and Cherelle, and it brought back so many memories. Now I was never a big fan of the crooners when it came to R&B, but Alexander O'Neal was just plain cool. And what adolescent doesn't want to be cool at some point.
I, like many people, became familiar with O'Neal through his collaboration with Cherelle, "Saturday Love" (if you know the song, you can't help but go through those days of the week). I didn't know that O'Neal had an eponymously titled album in 1985, but I certainly became well aware of his second album "Hearsay." It is an incredible album, with little vignettes in between some of the songs, and just a strong host of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis R&B tunes. Check out some of the clips from below, and I bet it will be hard not tap a foot or bob your head to the beats.
I think I perfected "the Prep" and "the Cabbage Patch" while listening to "Fake." For those who are interested, there is an Alexander O'Neal fan blog. Enjoy!
I, like many people, became familiar with O'Neal through his collaboration with Cherelle, "Saturday Love" (if you know the song, you can't help but go through those days of the week). I didn't know that O'Neal had an eponymously titled album in 1985, but I certainly became well aware of his second album "Hearsay." It is an incredible album, with little vignettes in between some of the songs, and just a strong host of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis R&B tunes. Check out some of the clips from below, and I bet it will be hard not tap a foot or bob your head to the beats.
I think I perfected "the Prep" and "the Cabbage Patch" while listening to "Fake." For those who are interested, there is an Alexander O'Neal fan blog. Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Regarding One Aspect of American Diversity
I've certainly made it clear that I am no fan of the vast majority of policies advocated by today's conservatives, and I have my share of issues with some liberal policies as well. I've belonged to both political parties, and have voted for people in both over the years. I've also made it clear that I am not a fan of extremists in any faith, but am more than comfortable with people of faith. The same is true with non-believers as well. I have actual friends across the sexual orientation, racial and ethnic and political spectrum, and I know that my life has been enriched by them, even when we disagree. Our country is pluralistic, and out of many, one. Though some may argue otherwise, I think our diversity is a strength, and there is a reason why there is likely someone from every country on Earth who lives in the United States.
I was asked by a representative of My Fellow American to write a post highlighting that organization's effort to remind Americans that there are Muslims among us, and that they too love this country like any other American. In a recent post, I gave credit to Republican governor Chris Christie for his full-throated support of his judicial nominee, who is a practicing Muslim. Christie's comments could be repeated for hundreds of thousands of Americans who are Muslim. And that is what helped me to decide to write this post.
I know people who will view this post with eyebrows raised, and that's alright (and I would be shocked if one reader in particular didn't comment). Check out My Fellow American for yourself. There's an interesting little video there too.
I was asked by a representative of My Fellow American to write a post highlighting that organization's effort to remind Americans that there are Muslims among us, and that they too love this country like any other American. In a recent post, I gave credit to Republican governor Chris Christie for his full-throated support of his judicial nominee, who is a practicing Muslim. Christie's comments could be repeated for hundreds of thousands of Americans who are Muslim. And that is what helped me to decide to write this post.
I know people who will view this post with eyebrows raised, and that's alright (and I would be shocked if one reader in particular didn't comment). Check out My Fellow American for yourself. There's an interesting little video there too.
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