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 •

"Round Pond , Maine : The REAL 4th of July" Each year, the Maryland summer begins with 4th of July parades , nearly all invaded,even "infected" by politicians : incumbent and aspiring (or better known as "candidates" ) . From Baltimore outward to the surrounding counties and way out to the eastern shore and western Maryland mountains , glad handers with brochures and jump out of convertibles, run to friends or would-be friends. They carry one message :" I am just the person to vote for! "

We have seen this scene , going back to the days of the real grass roots types -- of which Louis Goldstein was the prime example. "Louie" would greet parade watchers with his wonderful drawl : "God Bless Ya All , Real Good!" Since those days the scene has enlarged to every size, shape and smile from candidates running for everything.

Is there an alternative that will truly encourage us all to be really entertained? Yes! My wife Suzanne and I found one 10 years ago in Maine where understated and low-key humor prevails . It is the famous/ even infamous 4th of July parade in the small coastal town of Round Pond, Maine -- known for years as the location of the a small church -- made famous by the folk song "Little Brown Church in the Vale".

Every year, our annual welcome to a beautiful quiet lake in Maine is equaled only by the pure fun of 4th of July parade that makes fun of everybody ! -- particularly politicians : elected or aspiring . There are also funny "darts" thrown at "celebrities" or impersonators who think they are important .

How is this done ? Answer : by a float that "roasts". Quite a variety :

1997 : a float with a Hillary Clinton casting a fishing rod and catching "mermaids" jumping out of a pond -- each having a "fish tail" , attractive figure to match, and individual identities : among them -- Jennifer Flowers, Susan McDougall, Monica Lewinsky!

2005 : a moving prison cell with Martha Stewart teaching prisoners to bake cakes in the shape and icing just like license plates!

This July 4, 2007 : a float with Dick Cheney hold a shot gun, and misfiring at a plastic figure in hunting gear. But , the special feature was the V.P.'s holding a toy monkey strongly resembling another high official and on his hat , the one big letter : "W"!

But,again this July 4 -- far more exciting than Martha Stewart , Dick Cheney, Hillary/Bill Clinton , George "W" : a young couple who chose the Round Pond Parade and a float to be the site of their wedding . Ellen Peterson and Kyle Westhaven has always joked about getting married during the parade -- and last fall, decided 4th of July was to be the date. The altar for the service was on the back of a truck and "bridesmaids" , actually the groom's male friends, in dresses, trailing the float and toasting the occasion while drinking beer.

This year , participants carrying "Impeach Bush" signs threw candy at flag waving children on Round Pond Road.and, a float blasting global warming was followed by a cluster of "tacky tourists" clattering folding chairs -- several "dressed" in lobster traps.

All of us -- whether year-round or "summah" (Downeast for "summer") people -- knew that the Round Pond Parade had made it "big time" when the next day's New York Times actually noticed this special 4th of July with a front section article and photos of the newlyweds and tacky tourists. How nice for the NYT to descend from its proper perch to catch a slice of real Americana!

Is Round Pond a lesson for future Maryland parades where politicians should only be represented by funny or outrageous imitations on tacky floats ?

The answer is "Yes". Come back,Louie Goldstein help Maryland ,the "Free State", really be free on the 4th of July!

Labels: July 4th, Maine, parades, politics

  4:44 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 •

"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 •