A New Year or Encore? Across the United State, we are seeing an increase of political rhetoric in a presidential campaign that benefits a limited few on candidates' payrolls. The media and advertising sectors are scooping up contributions and absorbing them for a limited few.

There is also an emerging economic challenge for which government, Federal and local, must work with the private sector, which, after all, produces the income needed to fund government services. We need less bureaucracy of red tape.

Across Maryland we see a one-party political wall failing to respond to fears about increasing numbers of doctors leaving Maryland in a lawsuit abuse environment, and "special session" taxes being slid under the door of small computer service businesses critically needed to grow. Technology is becoming the replacement for Maryland's historic smokestack industrial base. The State House in Annapolis seems to be the last to "get the word"!

POLITICAL RHETORIC

At this front end of uncertainty, what is on the near and far horizons?

First, let's look at the political noise emerging from presidential candidates of both parties. Recently, I heard a long respected executive‘s observation that now may be the time to shift the priority from charges to performance. He suggests the viability of a Michael Bloomberg candidacyand the growing independent voter sentiment. Bloomberg is now the subject of a petition drive to draft him for a presidential bid. This comes in a year when increasing numbers of voters indicate anger with both parties in Washington, and at the lack of discipline by both Democratsand Republicans to control spending.

Bloomberg has the track record to cut through the promises of dramatic change to delivery of change. This delivery consists of experience in bringing discipline to America's most complex and largest city government, as well as managing a growing nationalcommunications business in a highly competitive environment. Combined with an independence from campaign contributors' pressures, it is the work product and the results that count if this type of government leader can bring it to cross party lines and GET THE WORK DONE.

Think about this Bloomberg observation in his recent "State of the City" address: "Keeping New York City and America at the front of the pack begins with openness to new energy ... meaning innovation. That's how I built a business and worked to bring to a city government that was insular and provincial and married to the conventional." Perhaps combined with the personal integrity of McCain and the idealism of Obama, the rhetoric can be narrowed down to real results.

And speaking of failure to move to real results, Bill Clinton has demeaned the responsibility of a former President by daily "charge-counter charge" rhetoric thatdoes nothing constructive and feeds the appetites of the "campaign hype" types, those handlers and advertising moguls who make more money the longer a campaign runs.

ECONOMIC CHALLENGE

In terms of direct results from action by a government agency, the Federal Reserve provides reality not rhetoric. The timing of action on interest rates by the Fed may be needed, near term, to stem the growing number of problems caused by the loss of home ownership in the subprime mortgage arena. But, the balance between Congressional calls for further tax cuts and stimulus packages is a delicate one that does not lend itself to promises and rhetoric. Chairman Bernankehas indicated that a 50 to 150 billion stimulus package seems reasonable with funds going to low and moderate income people. This will likely result in more economic recovery than if it only benefited people with high incomes. This means a separation of long term economic policy from short term stimuli, with a careful balance between the two.

The real factor in the longer term must be a discipline inspendingand the avoidance of hidden taxes. The alternative minimum tax and the complexity of deductions only slide under the door, giving primary benefit to tax accountants in their invoices to clients for whom our tax system has added a level of complexity to maintaining a fiscal discipline at the personal level.

The jury is still out on this quiet but increasingly serious impact on American taxpayers and moderate to lower income citizens. We need to stay tuned and avoid further encores of political rhetoric in the coming weeks of the campaign. Even more important, we need to heed action ratherthan promises.

Let 2008 be a real new year for less political rhetoric and more direct work on behalf of the economy. We need a sensible solution for restoring a strong and stable economy, not weakened by the hot air of political promises. We need a solution that is not weakened by the loss of essential doctors and health care providers or the departure of growing technology business in Maryland.

Labels: Bloomberg, Maryland, O'Malley

  10:53 AM •  0 Comments •

O'MALLEY ARRIVES AT THE EMERALD CITY FOR A SPECIAL SESSION IN "OZ"! Gov. O'Malley has now completed his quixotic journey in Maryland, promising no pain and more money to fund Maryland's deficit (covered in citybizlist commentary October 5 : "O'Malley on the Yellow Brick Road").

Unlike the real "Wizard of Oz", there has been no delay in discovering who is pulling the cord behind the curtain of Maryland's charming "wizard". It is no other than Maryland's real carnival huckster and behind the scenes "decider" of all things General Assembly, Senate President Mike Miller, aided and abetted by House Speaker Michael Busch! Instead of the Emerald City, we are being greeted by a special session (at taxpayers' expense) of the General Assembly of Maryland!

In the actual land of Oz, the Kansas carnival huckster found that his balloon took the Kansas travellers, compliments of a Midwest hurricane, to a land called Oz. And, there the analogy to Maryland may end. There will be no silver shoes clicked together by a girl named Dorothy, or a fast trip home for her and the other Kansas taxpayers. Instead, in Maryland, under the facade of single Democratic party harmony, comes 2 to 4 weeks of special session wrangling, beginning October 29 --just 2 days before Halloween.

In the Free State, the "land of Oz" is now in the Senate and House chambers where words tend to overshadow the reality of Maryland's budget deficit of nearly 2 billion dollars. What is interesting is the contrast with the last special session in 2005. Miller, a strong advocate of non-stop lawsuits driving doctors out of Maryland, killed a proposal by then Gov. Erhlich to assist patient access to healthcare by reducing unlimited fees to trial lawyers in an attempt to steady malpractice insurance premiums in Maryland. Out of that special session, the General Assembly invoked State subsidy as the answer, avoiding limits on lawyer percentages of amounts awarded plaintiffs .

Now the "land of Oz" has gotten bigger, and there is more of a "puppet" atmosphere surrounding the charming Wizard Governor. But reports of yesterday's special announcement by the Governor shine a dim light on the outcome of the early gathering of the Legislature. For year 5, the magic of slots being offered to generate $550 million to offset a $1.7 billion deficit which O'Malley contends he inherited, had no real action to curtail State spending since a year ago when the platitude of "one Maryland" was sung by candidates for office.

Now, the chickens are coming home to roost. What are those chickens? Per the O'Malley dance down Maryland's Yellow Brick Road, some definitions are: slots, as well as taxes on income that allegedly will only hit the "filthy rich". This is left deliberately fuzzy as to its impact upon small business and wage earners, already being zapped by a syndrome of no comment on the progressive income tax and its impact on those in the middle to lower-middle income brackets .

The politicians seem to be diverting attention from the real problem of government bureaucracy being unable to limit itself. Instead, we now have the diversion of a "people's referendum" on whether or not there will be slots in our tax future. Mike Miller sees this diversion as perhaps limiting the forceful control he has on what legislation goes to committee and whether bills he does not like will ever see the light of day. Miller, per the Washington Post analysis, says that O'Malley is putting deficit reduction "under the bus" by agreeing to referendum before a special session even starts .

It is interesting to watch a single party Democratic state having no convenient target (as was Gov. Erhlich) at whom to fire rockets, while Wizard O'Malley tries to convince the folks in front of the "Emerald City stage" that all is harmony and peace on the first and second floors of the State House.

It is the hidden taxes on which this Governor, as was the case with some Governors before him, will rely upon to confuse and open the door to what his Administration seems to be propounding as a new "field of dreams": tying gas tax increases to the cost of construction materials; limiting growth in the so-called "Thornton" component of education expenditures (leaving more discretion in the hands of too strong a bureaucracy dominating student learning); raising corporate income tax from 7 to 8 %; and utter silence about person al income tax levels.

Another example of a subtle issue relates to the gasoline tax. If increased, there must be a corresponding commitment to secure a better balance that uses The Transportation Trust Fund solely for transportation and, within transportation, to redress the imbalance between mass transit and the increasing repair/ construction needs of highways, roads and bridges.

Maryland may be becoming a miniature U.S. Capitol, in knowing no limits and living by "continuing Resolution " as the answer to fiscal problems. Unlike family and small businesses, where the rubber always meets the road, Governors and, yes, Presidents often live by "Mission accomplished! " when the real work is better service to taxpayers/citizens who have to balance budgets and live within our means.

Labels: Busch, Governor O'Malley, Maryland, slots

  6:31 PM •  0 Comments •

O'MALLEY ON THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD For the past month / even the past year, Maryland has been subjected to its version of the Wizard of Oz's yellow brick road. Instead of "we're off to see the wizard", a variety of messages come from Gov. "Wizard" O'Malley, as he travels a quixotic a campaign-like journey from a Towson housewife's kitchen to the attic window of a Baltimore tower, a stallion breeding barn, and stops along the way to "Oz".That journey is filled with promises to eliminate a $ 1.7 + billion dollar deficit begun 12 years ago, by Parris Glendenning, Maryland's non-stop, spending Governor ; a deficit which Gov. Bob Ehrlich attempted to slow down -- only to be blocked by the Miller-Busch axis in the General Assembly, 2002 - 2006.

What is this Governor's message? It depends on to whom he speaks or what media camera is pointed in his direction. The messages are all over the lot:

putting " constructive" taxes on small / mid-sized businesses who can allegedly "afford it" -- in reality, these taxes may implement the dreams of accountants/ lawyers that are translated from hidden bureaucratic maneuvers into penalizing taxes.

pledging no tax changes/ even reductions for the "little people" except at the sales counters of retail stores where thousands have to buy home and family goods;

"painting" vague descriptions of tobacco taxes that are touted to take care of most of the problem;

touting slots as being able to cut the deficit / when - for the past 5 years - the Legislature has ignored a horse breeding and racing industry, blocking any chance of controlled management of this form of gaming to a limited number of tracks ; l

promoting the gas tax as another "cure-all" to help eliminate the deficit , as the yellow brick road orator contends that this tax is not much of an addition to escalating gasoline prices -- and no move to make a gas tax be applied primarily to essential highway/ bridge maintenance , repairs.

This commentary was intended to be completed in mid-September, when there would some sign of what the Governor was going to do. I have waited for a full month for that indicator --- and there are still words,words, words! The citizens of Maryland are being reassured that all problems will be solved by 30 days of a General Assembly session.

To carry the "Wizard of Oz -- yellow brick road" analogy forward, does this mean that Wizard O'Malley is in front of a curtain with 3 "managers" behind the Governor: Senate President Mike Miller/ House Speaker Michael Busch and leftward spending leaning Comptroller Peter Franchot. Are they doing a "puppet pulling" routine?

To borrow Winston Churchill's description of appeasement Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain : Maryland's current Governor appears to be a "mystery wrapped in an enigma" : many themes, as he now indicates that a November "special session" will satisfy citizens of a State falling back into a troubling pattern : described by my long-time Maine summer friend mentored by that State's remarkable Sen. Margaret Chase Smith : 95 year old "liberal Republican" Linwood Palmer, recently asked me "if Maryland , is returning as ' a dome (the State House) with a cash register under it ' " ?

The time has come for straight talk with the citizens of Maryland and honesty about an accumulated deficit in the management of State Government. The missing link is acceptance that two essential steps must be taken : set priorities among policy choices and reduce in government waste / unnecessary spending .

Maryland's political leaders need to come forward with what they will actually do, if there is a special session. The last such session was marked by rejection of then-Governor Erhlich's attempts to put limits on lawsuit abuse that still can threaten to drive doctors out of practice in Maryland. Healthcare reform and other problems are not solved just by increase of taxes -- but by setting/implementing serious choices among competing options for the use of taxpayer money. As one small example , when will there be a shift of education spending for a large administrative bureaucracy to needed teachers given opportunity to be creative/ innovative and flexible in working with their "end product" ; the students .

Governor O'Malley , this journey is not a dance along the yellow brick road with a scarecrow, tin woodman and your background music. We are at the beginning of "truth time" --- almost a full year after your election -- during which little beyond talk has happened. The politicians must be prepared to make tough fiscal decisions ; not provide more promises along Maryland's "yellow brick road" .

Labels: budgets, Maryland, O'Malley, taxes

  9:48 PM •  0 Comments •

SEPTEMBER KALEIDOSCOPE No, this subject does not describe a Picasso or Jackson Pollack work of art! Rather, this September kaleidoscope" fits the definition of Webster's New World Dictionary (circa 1884) of kaleidoscope: "anything that constantly changes".

A sweep through online and some paper versions of Newsweek, The Wall St. Journal, Baltimore Examiner, Washington Post and Baltimore Sun, provides a kaleidoscope of "news" : neither artistic nor orderly. Truly, here is are living example of "mixed" artistry as the "other new year" begins : September and the rush of Fall 2007 events :

In the Nation :The "endless" Presidential campaign continues

The primary beneficiaries of this part of American democracy continue to be the political "handlers" / consultants in the James Carville and Karl Rove mode. More money is being siphoned into the candidates' cash registers, via business wheeler-dealer Hsu and his fat cat friends funneling money into the coffers not only 3/4 million dollars into the Hillary Clinton campaign, but smaller but still-in-the-millions to many other candidates. Other beneficiaries continue as before: the ad agencies, the television industry. It is the American people who are getting turned off, after 9 months' "political pregnancy" and 13 months to endure the endless debate rhetoric, even after the jumble of early primaries just 4 months away in January.


In Maryland: Doctors still in danger with the false security of medical insurance "comfort"

For the past 4 days, the public has been treated to the news that the Med Mutual medical insurance company's $ 69 million surplus means that there are no problems for doctors continuing practice in Maryland, no threat of excessive lawsuits or aggressive trial lawyers operating under the protection of minimum tort reform as encouraged by the Md. Legislature. In the words of Brian Frosh, medical malpractice trial lawyer and Md. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman (no conflict of interest ?) : "the Legislature was right not to enact strong tort reform along with the premium subsidy of 2 years ago". His solution: turn the money back to the State bureaucrats to lessen the $1.5 billion budget deficit -- no return to the doctors as policyholders of Med Mutual. Maryland's legislative leaders continue to ignore the warning of dedicated doctor crusader Dr. Carol Ritter that "the malpractice problem is more than about subsidies and temporary surplus. It is about the moral imperative of supplying adequate healthcare to all." Dr. Ritter is both morally and medically correct.


In Baltimore City: a 28 % voter turnout -- problems continue

Is this low voter turnout the meaning of Baltimore's grass-roots democracy and one-party government? "All politics is local " -- but is all politics based on single party control and management from the back rooms? A significant impact of the City primary is that Baltimore now has its first woman Mayor -- but there needs to be real policy and good management of the bureaucracies that almost are smothering our public school system. The new superintendent appears to be a potential leadership answer -- but in a recent observation by Abell Foundation President Bob Embry, there must be more of the spirit of "Teach for America" than just technical/ somewhat robotic "qualifications" from handbooks and training manuals.

Increasingly frightening numbers of homicide increase and gang warfare for drugs are clouding the "human horizon" for our City. Not only law enforcement, but education and volunteer community groups must step up to the plate to help stop this unchecked trend.


In Congressional hearings, General Petraeus is NOT General Betray Us !

The so-called statement ( "General Paetraeus or General Betray Us ?") in a $150,000 New York Times ad, by a so-called "liberal" organization. "MoveOn.org" issued that description of a respected military /non-political leader charged with the management of the difficult problems in post-war Iraq. MoveOn.org provided a mixture of campaign rhetoric and politics to convey policy by that rabble - rousing headline. This "spin" statement was published, during Congressional hearings last week, as Gen. Petraeus analyzed problems and mistakes in a war that has been filled with difficulties that rival the tragedy of our nearly a decade in the Vietnam quagmire. MoveOn.org exceeded the bounds of decency and even truth in that national newspaper ad.

"The World According to Greenspan"

This title of the current week's "Newsweek" magazine is the prelude to his new book , "The Age of Turbulance". Brilliant as the 20-year Federal Reserve Chairman, Greenspan is the living exponent of what has come to be called "Fed Speak": in effect , analytical and thoughtful assessments of the American economy and its increasing global impact. Greenspan's impact on steering Fed's impact on the economy had significant impact as that economy moved through 20 years, 1987 - 2006 , of turbulence to unprecedented growth. As noted in the Newsweek article , the end of the cold war, globalization, the rise of China , the rampant rise of information technology set the stage for economic growth, high productivity, low inflation, and rising markets. Greenspan sees the inconsistency between professed conservatism and increased government spending. His legacy will be better understood through his memoir, but the impact of 21st century's economic beginnings is yet to come. The story will continue!

O.J. Simpson

At the beginning of September 2007 , the American people again have to endure Simpson's dishonesty and selfish ego. Enough said!

Welcome, September and Happy "other" new year !

Labels: Baltimore, crime, Maryland, politics

  6:24 AM •  1 Comments •

DAN BREWSTER: THE TRIUMPH OF PERSONAL VICTORIES OVER PUBLIC LIFE The passing of Dan Brewster marks a story of personal courage over the image and seeming "victories" of public life. Born with the silver spoon of family heritage, this interesting individual brought lessons for us all. As an early summer part-time helper when he was first running for the U.S. House, I learned the real and the image surrounding public life when driving Dan Brewster to political meetings. My father's encouragement to "help Dan" also helped me to see the complexities, and sometimes unrealities of a busy public life .

As Senator, Dan attracted attention when he ran as stand-in for President Lyndon Johnson during a heated primary when the segregationist George Wallace saw Maryland as a test of the political climate for the future of civil rights. He was what one might today call a "compassionate moderate": almost an endangered species in today's political world .

But the real story of Dan Brewster has been at the personal level. Son Gerry has said it best in describing Dan's devotion to his country and his rising above the challenges of alcoholism: " It wasn't a perfect life. He made mistakes and had setbacks, but he became an inspiration by overcoming those mistakes."

A second memory of Dan Brewster was tied into my volunteer work as a new Board member of the Maryland State Fair, continuing a tradition begun by my father who directed the agricultural education programs at McDonogh School. Dan and Edwin Warfield, then Adjutant General of Maryland, assembled a "Friends of the State Fair" volunteer cadre of citizens. Dan, Ted Warfield and others mobilized these citizens to block commercial development of the nearly 100 acres that provided an agriculture education center and, for many city dwellers, their only exposure to farm life and live cows, horses and young kids off the farm to show these animal and compete for the coveted blue ribbons. Dan served as President of the Fair's Board of Directors; he was a quiet but true leader who set the tone for a tradition that continues with today's Board President and management: Grove Miller,Cecil County farm and civic leader, and Max Mosner Executive Vice President/General Manager.

Just this past spring, at the Grand National Hunt Race, Dan and I had what was to be our last conversation. In addition to his usual tweaking me for being a naval officer/ 6th Fleet navigator, instead of the Marine Corps, we talked about how he was doing in what we described as his "health department". Instead of concern or complaint, his simple observation said it all : "Feeling less than perfect is just part of life; but being here to watch the horses and see friends , makes the other stuff less important."

Dan's strength to cope with life's personal challenges had an undergirding by heroism in World War II Marine Corps landings on the Pacific islands of Guam and Okinawa. Sharing those challenges and helping Dan has been his special partner and wife, Judy, whom he met at a recovery center. Their story together is one of inspiration and strength for all who knew them; truly, Dan and Judy have worked together to translate the "before" challenges to a positive "after" story in both their lives.

When the scorecard is finally totaled up, it is the personal victories and private accomplishments that are the most real . As has been said, real character and strength is demonstrated when "no one is looking". Daniel Baugh Brewster has been a live demonstration of that strength.

Labels: Dan Brewster, Maryland, Spiro Agnew

  11:43 AM •  0 Comments •

A GREAT LADY IS "UP THERE" , AMIDST ETERNAL WILDFLOWERS Last week saw the passing of a great American: Lady Bird Johnson. Not only remarkable because she gave perspective and balance to one of America's most dynamic and driven political leaders -- another "LBJ" /Lyndon Baines Johnson, President of the United States who suddenly assumed office upon the tragedy of the Kennedy assassination and carried the huge burden of the Vietnam War 1963 - '69.

Lady Bird was remembered for many things -- but one of her most significant legacies was land conservation and the encouragement of wildflower planting along American highways and public parks. There were two direct impacts that I will never forget. They make her departure one of sadness and, at the same time, celebration of a real life of hard work and service.

The first impact was right in the home state of Maryland during the battle to get billboards from cluttering our highways, including those funded through the Federal interstate system. Lady Bird Johnson's driving force was felt by several "grande dames" who ran the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland, including my mother who was an active committed opponent of the billboard clutter that had gone way beyond the country scenes of small "Burma Shave" signs. Margaret Wills and others had been fighting the "billboards intrusion" on Maryland highways, including U.S. Interstates within and connecting our borders to the Nation's Capitol, Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania.

When the then 1st Lady undertook the national battle to beautify interstate hghways, my mother, as Md. Federated Garden Clubs President, got members to join her and stand at intersections along the Ritchie Highway between Baltimore and Annapolis -- holding flowers with tasteful posters:

"JOIN LADY BIRD JOHNSON AND THE GARDEN CLUBS IN MAKING MARYLAND BEAUTIFUL !
WILDFLOWERS , NOT BILLBOARDS ON OUR ROADS ! "

The other special memory of this quietly dynamic person was when she, Laurance Rockefeller and others served on the Board of Trustees of the American Land Trust (ALT), a 2-year project during the American Bicentennial, 1976-'78. I got to know Mrs. Johnson , during those 2 years as executive director of this national initiative that raised $300 million in gifts of land or funds to preserve land for the Nature Conservancy.

An example of Mrs. Johnson's "gentle firmness" is reflected in working with her to protect the national treasure "Enchanted Rock" , a Texas wilderness rock outcropping. In the process, Lady Bird "encouraged" a reluctant Texas parks commission to reverse an initial decision not to follow ALT's challenge grant to preserve this remarkable wonder of nature. Suddenly the Texas group reversed its initial decision and unamiously approved funding a match to the challenge grant ! When I asked Mrs. LBJ "what happened ?", her soft reply, with a wink of the eye :

" I just reminded the commissioners of a few things that Lyndon and I remembered about them"

That is a legacy of quiet , but firm work and leadership , as Lady Bird Johnson joins her husband amidst eternal wildflowers.

Labels: Lady Bird Johnson, Maryland, Wildflowers

  10:20 AM •  0 Comments •

"MARYLAND VOICES OF THE CIVIL WAR" History Comes Alive !

Are our times unique, without precedent and more challenging than any other periods of history? The answer might be a fast "yes" from many of us:
9/11 and terrorist bombing of the World Trade Center & Pentagon, Bush/Gore and a disputed election.

In Maryland: A $1.6 billion debt billion deficit, blamed by Governors and a spending Legislature on each other; blasts between City & Counties ; Ehrlich & O'Malley when Glendening still hides; Dangers to the greatest inland body of water in America -- the Chesapeake Bay; Continued excess of trial lawyer abuse on healthcare and good doctors trying to stay in practice

Was it ever any worse, or times more challenging? Again, many of us might say "No!" --- but I am re-thinking that instinctive reaction. How is that possible?

For me and Maryland , it became possible by getting an enlarged perspective on the "Free State's" challenging times. It happened at a recent celebration of the publication of "Maryland Voices of the Civil War", published by The Johns Hopkins Press and edited by Charles W. Mitchell, respected executive with medical publisher Lippincott,Williams & Wilkins. I have known Charley and his family -- first, during his growing-up years in Ruxton and subsequently when we worked together at the national land conservation organization --The American Land Trust and subsequently during the first 2 years as Wills & Associates, public affairs- communications counsel, began its 30-year run and now under the daily management of partner/CEO Brad Wills.

Charley was drawn by the writing magnet -- and per "Maryland Voices" what a break for all who like action and the "people part of history". This remarkable book "came alive" during his dramatic rendering of how the Civil War affected the daily lives of Marylanders and their families -- many of which were divided between advocacy of slavery/ even the business or slave trade and being fierce abolitionists,committed to freedom and, such movements as the "Underground Railroad".

These thoughts are not a complete "Preview of Coming Attractions " -- but a sense of just how divided and yet, interspersed with genuine and even heroic moments, were the 5+ years of the late 1850's and the 4 years, 1860-'65 as the nation plunged into a war that still hold many tragic records of death and injury on the Union & Confederate sides. Maryland was a microcosim of the nation, but even more challenged than most states: we were geographically "in the middle", and that is were "Maryland Voices of the Civil War" the most dramatic anthology of people and places of history . For this history afficiando,it is getting "hooked"!

How did editor Charley Mitchell do it? The best answer is found by reading this collection of real events through real people -- those of us who heard Charley's talk to a packed audience at Evergreen House had the benefit of a "live" rendering with excitement, sadness,drama, and even humor .

First, Charley acknowledged many who helped him -- but 3 whom I know , stand out: His Dad and longtime editor Braxton Mitchell, whose intellect, persistance and humor must have been a secret resourse; Goucher professor and historian Dr. Jean Baker -- author of the best biography ever written about Mary Todd Lincoln; and historian /history editor Robert Brugger, History Editor of the Johns Hopkins, a remarkable publishing house with talent on every floor of its North Charles St. headquarters -- his wife Betsy whose professional and editorial talents were another big asset behind the scenes, in this remarkable 476 pages. The spirit of Charley's late Mom, Polly, was described by as the one -- along with "Braxton,who gave me the push" -- as "Polly , who gave me the paint" . (As a watercolorist by avocation, I found learning creative art from Polly, is founded -- like writing -- by real discipline!)

Don't shrink when you see that number of pages! As a 2 -week owner of the book (first run sold out on Charley Mitchell's June 12 "opening" night lecture/reception and signing) , I have already started tracking into those pages, from notes taken as Charley spoke and in finding some stories adjacent to a fascinating anthology of photographs of faces from history have become real people! Just a sampling:

The parts of "Maryland Voices" break down into "Indecision" -- late 1860 and into the first 9 months of the War; "Occupation " by Federal troops and the corresponding concern of the adjacent Union government/its President Abraham Lincoln, in Washington; "Liberation" -- the tension of and emancipation/ ending of slavery in Maryland, even the recruitment of just-freed slaves as Union soldiers.

Charley Mitchell's power point presentation brought Md. Civil War history to life:

The "Pratt Street Riots" ; Under the command of Isaac Ridgeway Trimble, the drama of Union troops moving through President's Street Station south to Washington. Baltimore Mayor Brown trying to keep order in tense city.

With accompanying photographs -- Baltimore businesses, flying the Union flag and largely opposed to any thought of secession of by Maryland; the "steam gun" -- literally, a machine gun that operated on steam power; the "Monument Street Girls" -- not a group of night club entertainers, but a group of women who secretly made clothing for young Marylanders sneaking off to join the Confederate Army.

"Special Sessions" of the Legislature : not just a 21st century device! Gov. Hicks was pressured to and did call a special session to deal with the secession and other tensions. Guess what: Where was the session held? Answer: NOT Annapolis, but Frederick , Maryland!

Parts of the diary of Elizabeth Blair Lee -- ancestor of a respected Maryland Gov. Blair Lee in the 2nd half of the 20th century and columnist Blair Lee who gives weekly life to political commentary in the "Montgomery Gazette".

Divided families: the famous Shriver family of Union Mills -- one of its members stating firmly that "we southerners prefer to live under the Queen of England (Victoria , during the Civil War) than Lincoln"! (Reminds me of my grandfather for whom I am named, George Stockton Wills -- North Carolinian who, after moving his family to Maryland to continue his academic /teaching career at then Western Maryland/ now McDaniel College. As little kid, I remember and cherish his quiet humor when he, from an anti-slavery family, often quietly said " It was hard moving to a NORTHERN state"!

Photographs and diary entries that make "history come alive": Confederate troops going through Federal Hill; Union soldiers storming the historic Maryland Club; Sgt. John Murphy -- ancestor of the famous family that established the "Afro American" daily newspaper.

To Charley Mitchell: Thank you for linking Maryland's present to a dramatic part of our past . Bob Brugger of the Hopkins Press , said it well , as he introduced Charley to a the large audience at Evergreen House "

" LET VOICES COME ALIVE ! "

That is just what "Maryland Voices of the Civil War" does more than 150 years after this nation's division and reunification , with a century of ripple effect that was still felt in the civil rights era of the 1960's . Charles Mitchell , the Hopkins Press and Marylanders of 150 years ago , prove that "history still lives".

Labels: Civil War, Maryland

  9:04 AM •  0 Comments •

"IMUS - ITIS", " PARIS-ITIS " ARE THEY REALLY NEWS? Paris Hilton, Don Imus, the late Anna Nicole Smith : Do they constitute legitimate "news"? What brings these "superficial celebrities" as the "lead" for news coverage? With the coverage from the so-called newsrooms of CNN, Fox News , MSNBC and even the national networks, citizens must be wondering whether we are receiving information replacements for the Iraq War; the growing Federal (and Maryland!) deficits; and the huge shifts in a the world economy towards globalization; and exodus of too many doctors from practice in today's "phony" lawsuit environment.

Thoughts about about Imus, Paris , Anna Nicole , and ....... some Maryland politicians ....

As thoughtless as his words were about the Rutgers women's basketball team were, is Don Imus the first public figure to do a "ready,fire,aim" verbal shot justifying news domination for more than a week? Does Paris Hilton's calling for "Mom" enroute back to prison deserve equal headline attention with the G-8 Summit disagreements among the major world powers? Through the march of quixotic history, politicians and self-promoters have long been practicing the art of verbal verbosity, speaking stupid and nasty noise!

"In your living room" reporting of Paris Hilton and Don Imus, echoes Richard Nixon's "I am not a crook" , spoken as his Vice President, and former Maryland Governor Spiro Agnew involuntarily left office as he decried the press coverage as given to the American people by "nattering nabobs of negativism".

Here, in Maryland - for the past 5 years - greeting each Maryland General Assembly session, are words that might be classified as the art of "overstatement", when politicians struggle to achieve celebrity attention to issues that deserve more: Serious issues are blitzed by these kinds of statements.

"Slots will balance Maryland's budget"; "A special session will correct everything wrong with excessive spending" ; "More police will solve Baltimore's crime rate" ...... on and on.

Nationally, it's not much different from Maryland. In the current endless Presidential campaign, a typical headline grabber:

"The problems of trade deficit , budget deficit , Iraq War , increased crime , government inefficiency/bloated bureaucracy will no longer exist" when candidate X is elected." !!

Any thinking citizen knows that assertion is not to be true --- but , these kinds of claims are easing into the same kind of news headline that befits the Don Imus -- Paris Hilton syndrome.

Let's try for more analysis and thought instead of increased "hyperventilation" on daily news coverage. Is it not time for going to a perspective that goes more in-depth than just bloating statements of Democrat marginal candidate Kusinich with those of Obama/Clinton, or Republican Huckabey with McCain/Guiliani ?

The tradition of the public editor / content analyis needs to return to news coverage. It is time to reduce the news hype that benefits advertisers and media salaries instead of giving citizenship responsibility meaning when the media reader or viewer is trying to sort out the wheat from the chaff, serious content from "B.S."

Where is the spirit of Walter Lippman and H.L. Mencken? Where are more of Tom Friedman and Maureen Dowd when we need them? Folks, it is not Imus and Paris that need to blanket the complex and serious news of the 21st century!

Labels: Imus, Maryland, news, Paris Hilton

  12:53 PM •  0 Comments •

MEMORIAL DAY : MARYLAND MOMENTS & CONNECTIONS MARYLAND AND THE MILITARY

History has its "moments and connections" : different forms and shapes. For Memorial Day 2007 , our instincts are likely drawn to the troops lost in war : from Gettysburg to Normandy and Vietnam to Iraq, the memories are there. In Maryland, there are connections that come clearly through stories of the 29th Division and other regiments, ships, landings that crossed front lines -- land and sea -- to achieve results for freedom. In some wars, the cause was deemed greater than the risk ; in other, the losses outweighed the benefits. Some examples of both, all of which included Maryland in the battles:

Independence from the "Empire" for 13 colonies during the Revolution ;
Preserving the Union and freeing the slaves after the Civil War ;
Creation of an power-driven Middle East out of World War I 's failure to "make the world safe for democracy"
World War II 's destruction of the madness of Hitler's Nazi world and its murder of 6 million concentration camp victims;
Mixed results of the Korean and Vietnam wars ;
The endless uncertainty and destruction in the Middle East , not lessened by the threats of global terrorism.

MARYLAND AND 3 PRESIDENTS: MORE SUBTLE CONNECTION

But, are there are three Memorial Day connections to Maryland that are less visible than thousands of lost service men and women. While subtle, these connections bear a common thread : the deaths of 3 Presidents, two of them by assassination and one worn down by the burdens of a world war.

The Lincoln assassination and Dr. Samuel Mudd :

A new dramatic story, "Manhunt" tells the story of a 2-week chase to find and finish the life of John Wilkes Booth after the Ford theatre murder of Abraham Lincoln -- a drama that gave the reemerging Union a cloud of tragedy after the Confederate surrender. Samuel Mudd, a physician who lived and practiced in southern Maryland, not only sheltered the escaping Booth but allowed his friendship with the assassin actor to add to Booth's anger and fixation on killing Lincoln.

Franklin Roosevelt's friendship, love affair with Lucy Mercer Rutherford

Maryland was connected with Lucy, a member of the famous Carroll family of Maryland, given historic meaning by its founder and a Signer : Charles Carroll of Carrollton. The Lucy-Franklin relationship travelled form physical love during the 1920's to deeper meaning that became FDR's escape from loneliness brought on by the burdens of war and a distant Eleanor who had become more of policy partner than a wife. FDR's last hours were spent in the company of Lucy at Warm Springs , where she sat with the dying President after commissioning a portrait that evinced sadness and burden.

John Kennedy dedicating a new Maryland highway, enroute to Dallas / November 22.

Finally, John Kennedy and a Maryland new north-south road. On the eve of his November 21st departure for the fateful Dallas end of his life, JFK's last public appearance was at the Maryland -- Delaware line to open new "super highway", to be a then-wide 4 lanes, and today a huge 6 - 8 lane interstate travel route. Before leaving for the airport to Dallas, JFK, cut the ribbon for the new transportation route. And, just a month later, that road was named "The John Kennedy Highway", in memory of the 4th U.S. President killed in the line of duty.

Maryland, a part of the geography for Memorial Day memory of military heroes and 3 Presidents who left their imprint on history.

Labels: Kennedy, Lincoln, Maryland, Memorial Day

  8:23 AM •  0 Comments •

Maryland's Smoking Gun - $1.5 Billion Deficit. Vanished Fiscal Discipline. The facade of a working session of the 2007 General Assembly is being wiped out by the fiscal reality of a $1.5 billion structural deficit. In a one party state where "cover up" of excessive spending is the order of the day.

In office less than 6 months, Gov. O'Malley suddenly ordered his Cabinet secretaries to cut spending by $225 million in the next 2 years -- with overtime labor costs amounting to more than $ 38 million in just one agency. This cost reminds me of a run-in with the Baltimore City School system when a professional firm I represented had been awarded a contract to modernize the maintenance/ cleaning system for school buildings -- reducing costs by 1/3 . The maintenance employees' union blocked any attempt for "cleaning house" through computer programming/ planning --- Why? Because the union wanted to keep overtime benefits flowing . To top it all, Carmen Russo, former Supt.of the City Schools told me " I have no control over the unions" -- and , then-Mayor O'Malley remained silent. The firm that proposed the valid efficiency recommendation, refunded the cost of its proposal to the School System because its was not used to improve service and put funds where needed : to the students and teachers.

On the revenue front, Maryland has an income tax structure that is driving seniors, with productive professional lives, to states like Florida and New Hampshire. Yet, at the same time , what has been called Maryland's "shrinking deep pockets" is becoming a hard fact of life -- to the tune of that $ 1.5 billion. Legislatures and some Governors -- past and present -- prove a critical point: the politicians have lacked the discipline that any small business owner must apply to essential result of the work program/ services provide by that business: What is that discipline?

The answer is not rocket science, but -- unlike business -- states and the federal government are generally unable to exercise the discipline of spending less than income from taxes. Customer income somehow provides a clear discipline of controlled spending by small business CEO's than the typical bureaucrat's perception of unlimited income from taxpayers without sufficient quid pro quo of demonstrable results. One major factor facing businesses is competition in pricing and service. Government lacks that competition, with one exception : political party competition at the policy / decision-making level.

But, Maryland does lacks that competition. We are a single party state where either a Governor from the opposite party (eg. Bob Erhlich) had challenges in overcoming the "iron curtain" held firmly in place by the General Assembly power base of Mike Miller and Michael Busch. In the case of a new Governor (Martin O'Malley), the leverage from the State House first floor is too heavy to infer little more than " We will handle it , Governor -- just smile and agree with us." Softer, but not overly different from the excessive lawsuit environment that is driving doctors out Maryland medical practice -- here , the courageous initiatives of former Gov. Erhlich were blocked.

Historically, has been occasional discipline from the Comptroller's Office. Legendary Louis Goldstein was able to give sufficient fiscal discipline within the Board of Public Works that Maryland's AAA bond rating held reasonably firm. "Louie's" successor, the colorful William Donald Schaefer, was able to at least provide some heat on the nonstop spender Gov. Parris Glendenning , for 8 years. Now, indications are that new Comptroller Peter Franchot appears to have enthusiasm for check writing that is not expected of Maryland's chief fiscal officer.

This problem that is beginning to get media attention ; an example is the solid editorial analysis of Marta Hummel, editorial editor of The Baltimore Examiner. In today's May 14 edition, she notes that "Government, at all levels, must be efficient -- regardless of fat or thin budget years. Maryland faces an estimated $1.5 billion 'structural deficit next year. It is 'structural' because long-term budgeting shows revenues consistently lower than expectations, not a one-time shortfall" . The editorial gives O'Malley a "positive" for ordering his cabinet secretaries to cut $200 million from the State budget. But,as Ms. Hummel notes, "hard choices are ahead. O'Malley paved the way for discussion on the best route for Maryland's budget impasse by "calling for cutting waste in state government". But there is an essential reality applied to that generalization.That reality notes that "taxpayers deserve leaders who turn the mirror on themselves before asking those taxpayers to sacrifice". Will O'Malley, Miller, Busch be able to turn the mirror on themselves?

The real test -- where politicians must be honest and hone in on the real problems -- will come in the 2008 General Assembly session. 2008 is when the rubber meets the road on the need to cut government spending --- not just talk about it.

One barrier is still present : objectivity . As noted in his weekly Montgomery Gazette column , longtime policy/political analyst Blair Lee speaks of the need for serious objectivity by the "4th estate" An example : the Baltimore Sun's periodic attacks on former Governor Erhlich , as if he were still Governor. In reality, he is not.

Maryland urgently needs more attention -- policy and media -- focused on elected officials and the State's bureaucracy to provide real leadership, NOT rhetoric, give those of us who pay the taxes. Thanks to The Baltimore Examiner and Montgomery County Gazette for getting the ball rolling. Let's see if the one-party state will act !

Labels: deficit, Ehrlich, Maryland, O'Malley

  6:34 PM •  0 Comments •

MODERATE POLITICS: STILL ALIVE? Just this week, "Newsweek" rolled out a special issue: "Wanted : A New Truman . Does Anybody in the Field Have What It Takes?" That is a question that permeates the public's reaction to what I described, several blogs ago, as the "Endless Campaign". Through the millions of dollars flowing to political handlers / advertising media/ endless television "sound bites", there is almost no moderation.

Today's "media hype" environment might not permit a Franklin Roosevelt to advance to election in the biggest national crisis since the Civil War. Who would have ever thought that FDR, once described as an "amiable country squire with no noticeable qualifications" would give real leadership through a Depression and World War II? Who ever thought that Truman, once described as a Missouri "political hack" would have sheparded the U.S. through postwar era economic aid to a Nazi-destroyed Europe and established a framework of peaceful strength to manage the beginnings of a Cold War against a Stalin dictatorship? -- both done on a bipartisan basis, once tough disagreements were hammered out to reasonable compromise.

The environment during the FDR and Truman issues was one of a more moderate politics.

Today, moderate politics is almost an endangered species; only occasionally , does light shine through the heat. Two examples, nationally:

1) The special Newsweek edition includes an article about a longtime friend , Susan Eisenhower , granddaughter of the General/ President . In that article --"Generational Tensions" --another person speaks out: Ted Roosevelt IV whom, with Susan, I worked to secure bipartisan Congressional support to protect Alaska's National Wildlife Refuge from unlimited oil drilling. That sensible conservation legislation passed, on a bipartisan basis -- with half a dozen "moderate" U.S. Senators making a narrow margin possible.

Both Susan and Ted carry an unspoken message: her ancestors Dwight and Milton Eisenhower, once President of Johns Hopkins, would be concerned about our today's lack of balance in political action; his ancestor ,Theodore Roosevelt , would wisely echo his famous advice : "Speak softly and carry a big stick."

What did these two famous last names say ? Susan , a president of an international consulting firm, hopes to see a moderate balance survive in a party being pushed rightward. In effect, she is "hanging in there" Ted IV, investment banker and conservation leader, sees the same challenge, expressing concern that the U.S. government pragmatism and reality: "I come from a tradition of pragmatic Republicanism. This Administration has taken the idea of aggessively exporting democracy a la Woodrow Wilson, and gone in a direction even Wilson wouldn't have considered."

2) This same week, a refreshing joint interview of Senators Olympia Snow (R. Maine) and Evan Bayh (D. Indiana ) both called for a balance and a RESULT: to bring the Iraq War to a close and protect/ support our troops in that process. They both indicate that they are in a minority, as two Senators who prefer to work things out and reach a middle ground.

Finally, here in Baltimore -- last week : the words of one of America's better news commentators: Tim Russert. In a speech before a large gathering in support of the House of Ruth, Russert spoke of the contrast between the era of his father (the hero of Russert's recent book "Big Russ and Me") and today as he described it: " Now the U.S. is a divided nation. It is essential that political leaders who disagree , can and must do so, with civility."

In essence, Tim Russert was asking questions of history : example -- where have the days gone that had disagreements between President Ronald Reagon and Speaker Tip O'Neill who could also work privately together to reach some limits on government spending".

Also he pointed to today's lack of reaching a middle ground: example -- the utter failure of politicians in Congress and the White House to DO, not just talk about emerging decrease of funds for social security protection for the retirement years of our children and grandchildren. What Russert means is that politicans of this generation cannot "leave a legacy of old vs. young."

To leave no stone unturned: Maryland! Our state government,dominated by a single party, is moving in a direction of "little compromise" as it heads towards a high tax/ reducing opportunity environment for small business and mid-level income earners. Maryland may be accelerating its pace towards lack of moderate politics, with State politicians carrying the banner "my way , or the highway."

For further commentaries on Maryland: Stay Tuned for "blogentaries" to come !

Labels: Maryland, politics, Roosevelt, Truman

  4:21 PM •  0 Comments •

A Ripple Effect From Virginia Tech? Lessons from Father Joseph Sellinger, Milton Eisenhower and McDonough School April 16, 2007: a day on which the only expected news was the deadline for filing our 2006 Federal income taxes. But, in the small town of Blacksburg ,Virginia, the Virginia Tech college campus and its 36,000 students were thrown into a nightmare of murder by a deranged student. The public was subjected to a media onslaught that invaded the "Hokie" campus and created a national icon of sorts out of Cho Seung-Hui -- including a excessive coverage of thoroughly mixed up letter he sent to NBC in the 2 hours between murdering 2 students at 7AM and 30 more at 9:30 AM.

Enough time has passed to put some perspective on this human and institutional tragedy . Several themes emerge, three of them on this morning's Op-Ed page of The Baltimore Sunpapers:

--- Susan Reimer, columnist: "The killings at Virginia Tech serve as a vivid break between family and the other world --- the world of experiences family does not share and cannot understand." .... "Someday soon -- sooner than we wish, our children will be sinking their emotional roots into new soil: among friends and co-workers . Among their own kind."

--- Paul Steinberg, psychiatrist and former director of counseling at Georgetown University about responsible intervention: "in our culture of self-reliance, the essential responsibility of getting help when distressed, lies within ourselves.... Alcoholics Anonymous may state it best: "I am not responsible for my illness,but am responsible for getting help"

Dr. Steinberg lives with reality: With high school or college, " the crucial element in any intervention is the tremendous coordination required among faculty,student affairs staff and counseling service ... Tragically when students show us troubled inner lives, we are left with the slings & arrows --- and bullets --- of absolutely ourtrageous misfortune."

--- Finally, in a typically politically reactive comment "unloaded" on the PBS talk show host Charlie Rose, former House majority leader Tom Delay: "We need to remove the ban on guns on the Virginia Tech campus, and allow people to defend themselves."

With the exception of Delay's simplified solution, best suited for an NRA convention, the Reimer and Steinberg commentaries point out the complexities of education and interaction between help and discipline for students.

Two experiences come home to me -- one from the 1960's and the other, more recent:

1. Gifts from two university presidents in Baltimore:

As a student at Penn State -- and subsequently, as a staff member at Johns Hopkins, I remember and participated in a special "open door" policy by Milton Eisenhower, President of those two universities. Whenever the front porch light of the President's House was on, in the evening, students could simply drop in and visit/talk and listen to others -- some nights, as many as 30 or 40 were there. A similar "student connection" was part of the leadership style of Father Joe Sellinger of Loyola College. These two individuals listened/ learned as well as providing guidance and experience to young people who came to those two universities to receive an education.

These two leaders did their work in the challenging 1960's era of student protests , even violence during the Vietnam/ "protest" years of the 20th century.

2. Volunteer teaching -- a personal experience at my alma mater, McDonogh School:

Last week, following an invitation from a talented history teacher, Bridget Collins , to "team teach" with her for 3 classes studying the 1930's Depression and World War II. Actually, Bridget sat in the back row with group of McDonogh School juniors --- and I realized I was "on my own"!

These students -- different from my days of guys in uniforms -- were young men, women, white and African American. Thanks to them and their teacher, I felt really "alive" in the give-&-take of discussion about isolationism prior to World War II / the shock of Pearl Harbor / the emotion of the D Day landings at Normandy / the challenges facing wartime leaders Churchill and Roosevelt . These young people seem very "grounded" ! They, and teacher Bridget Collins are case studies for the axiom that listening and learning -- as well as teaching -- is possible, by both teachers and "learners".

From all the challenges facing the students and the college faculty/administrators at Virginia Tech, I sense a "grounding" that will enable them to move through the recent nightmare. VT's President Charles Steger faces similar challenges and opportunities as those which confronted Dr. Eisenhower and Father Sellinger. But, in an era of "media onslaught" and high visibility to these challenges, the wisdom of Dr.Steinberg and Susan Reimer can and should be given attention. And, the typically reactive barrage of Tom Delay will hopefully be get a firm "delete"!

Similar challenges face us as business executives and government officials : to be reasonable and wise in mediating disputes, corporate and agency challenges -- and, after decisions are made: to follow through with results. That can be the "ripple effect from Virginia Tech".

Labels: Maryland, McDonough, Virginia Tech

  12:47 PM •  0 Comments •

CELEBRITIES, POLITICIANS: HAD ENOUGH? This week's media articles hovered over us about celebrities -- of the movie and political variety -- "showing up" too much . Two categories have been identified and covered with names by Sunpapers reporter John Woestenkiek after a month's balloting from 215,000 readers in a survey -- "March Madness:Celebrity Version!":

"The Talking Head Division" in which Rev. Al Sharpton narrowly won out over Paris Hilton! These two outdistanced such "revered" figures as Britney Spears, the late Anna Nicole Smith, Ann Coulter, and presidential candidates Hillary Clinton/ Newt Gingrich ; political manipulators James Carville, Pat Buchanan; media writer/ voice Robert Novak.

"The Can't Seem to Stop Talking Division": Here, the intense competition is even more intense with Rosie O'Donnell who won by 62% over Tom Cruise. Donald Trump was a close runner up followed by such names as O.J. Simpson, and opinionated television commentators Bill O'Reilly and Nancy Grace.

Now, MARYLAND: Dear Readers, a challenge for you: come up with some local and statewide names from which you would may want some relief!

To get the process moving, a few suggestions: House Speaker Michael Busch, Senate President Mike Miller , the new "taxing" (?) overnor O"Malley, former State Senator / still wheeler dealer Tommy Bromwell -- and, from the Orioles as the baseball season begins: owner Peter Angelos who, hopefully , will soon be outshown by a re-habilitated team for the 2007 season!

Is notority a temporary status, or are there lasting impacts of longtime public involvement? One has to come up with two who have ultimately been on the positive side : the late Louis Goldstein, colorful personality and Comptroller for more than 30 years; and the equally colorful William Donald Schaefer, 4-term Mayor; Governor/Comptroller, 8 years in each job.

Any others? -- from the the worlds of government/politics, business, sports, entertainment.

Suggestions welcome: national and state; good/not so good/or "had enough"!

Labels: Clebrities, Maryland, Media, O'Malley

  12:54 PM •  0 Comments •

"THE ENDLESS CAMPAIGN: WHO BENEFITS?" Rumbles are stirring in Annapolis -- that Maryland's 2008 primary may be moved, by the Legislature's power brokers, to February 2008, nearly 10 months before the general election. This was attempted last year, when the dominant Democratic party tried to dump Governor contender Doug Duncan earlier than his self-decided withdrawal.

What does this mean for 2008 and the Presidential election ?

Is Maryland -- and each of the other 49 states -- going to have to endure a nearly 2-year marathon of hot air and media blitzing in what used to be a more normal campaign & election? Are citizens and small/big businesses going to be hit up in an endless stream of telemarketing, arm-twisting by those who get paid to get money?

Trying to answer that question took me back, nearly 20 years ago, I was going through a clutter of files in my office. In that clutter, I found a 1988 article : "No Time to Run the Country" -- a critique of what I found wrong with the growing amount of time required to elect a President. Published on the Sunpapers' op-ed page, that commentary on the "endless campaign", generated favorable response from readers.

Two decades later, we still endure a what has become 2 years of non-stop media infusion of rhetoric and over-blown promises from what are now a stable of 20+ candidates infusing media coverage and the beginnings of attack television ads and unending entry into our internet world.

Who are the beneficiaries of this perversion of democracy?

As we endure another "endless campaign", should American elections be increasingly controlled by a hyperactive media, the 30 second sound bite, and political "handlers" (cosmetically called "consultants")? Did Washington and the Founders really envision a future President having to provision his election -- and when in office -- reelection caravan for 3 of the 4-year term when he should be managing the executive branch of government? More bluntly said by the creatively caustic columnist Molly Ivans before her recent passing: " Corruption of elections by cash, cash, cash ..."

To bring us to "now", is the current Democratic favorites Clinton/Obama, and less known Republican Huckabee/Brownback media noise -- nearly 2 years before the election -- an essential part of American democracy? Have elections become a deal which benefits -- first and foremost-- the television and advertising industry and those political handlers manipulating web sites/internet/television -- AND the candidates?

In Maryland , the cost of campaigning for statewide office has ballooned to unreal proportions -- in the millions . And the results? repetitious ads that have almost no content! The self interest result of money to just a few is the outcome. The only predictable change,for the Presidential level, in April 2007 is "worse', more expensive"

Let's think and act about a money system is a far cry from the "Founding Brothers" rational approach as they hammered out the Constitution during that hot 1787 Philadelphia summer. Did the First Amendment really mean an unending sound bite? Is it not a more rational step to take by limiting the election -- as the England did and still does -- to a more rational, focused 3 months ?

Take your choice. Do we really want American democracy to become an "endless campaign"?

Labels: campaigns, Maryland, politics

  2:05 PM •  0 Comments •