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Taylor Marsh has been writing on line since 1996, with the archives provided here a representation of that work.

Tag Archives | culture

David Brooks Fears First Lady’s Biceps

By on 08 March 2009
Photobucket

Alert the media! Michelle Obama is showing arm. Because a dress up to her neck isn’t covering enough, at least according to the quivering Mr. Brooks.

Maureen Dowd lifts Washington’s shirt on this one today. There was Clinton cleavage-gate, now we’ve got Michelle Obama’s biceps stirring the fears of Washingtonians. Of course, all of this comes to us compliments of Washington’s gossip columnist Maureen Dowd, who decided to dish about a cab ride she took with her New York Times colleague David Brooks. However, unlike Dowd’s never ending Clinton hatred, she evidently finds Michelle Obama the strongest person in town, by virtue of “Thunder and Lightning,” as Brooks calls the First Lady’s biceps:

In the taxi, when I asked David Brooks about her amazing arms, he indicated it was time for her to cover up. “She’s made her point,” he said. “Now she should put away Thunder and Lightning.”

I’d seen the plaint echoed elsewhere. “Someone should tell Michelle to mix up her wardrobe and cover up from time to time,” Sandra McElwaine wrote last week on The Daily Beast.

Washington is a place where people have always been suspect of style and overt sexuality. Too much preening signals that you’re not up late studying cap-and-trade agreements. [...]

Time for her to cover up, clucks Brooks.

If this doesn’t say it all about the spineless upper echelons of the traditional media. First you’ve got Brooks offended because the First Lady has sculpted biceps where he doesn’t. Secondly, you’ve got Maureen Dowd writing a column on it, though she does give Mrs. Obama her due, while not missing the opportunity to whack Hillary Clinton yet again.

Brooks babbles on, the fear of Mrs. Obama’s biceps dancing across his brain. Something about it must take him back to high school.

He said the policy crowd here would consider the dress ostentatious. “Washington is sensually avoidant. The wonks here like brains. She should not be known for her physical presence, for one body part.” David brought up the Obamas’ obsession with their workouts. “Sometimes I think half the reason Obama ran for president is so Michelle would have a platform to show off her biceps.”

Women’s prowess of mind has been emasculating the pyramids of power in this country for decades. Now it seems Michelle Obama has tipped the scale with her new weapons, Thunder and Lightning, putting the physical fear of retaliation at the right-wing weaklings’ doorstep, while revealing a consummate conservative horror. The trepidation they have with all things sexual when it comes to women. Men are to be macho, testosterone pumping kings, while women should know their place as these perverts to personal privacy tell women what to do with our bodies, as well as what’s appropriate to wear especially when our bodies are stronger than theirs, and even if we’re covered to the neck.

Brooks’ Talibanic protestations are symbolic of all things amiss with Republicans who refuse to come into the 20th century.

Somewhere I think I hear Camille Paglia laughing, as she wrote the book on sexual persona a long time ago.

The male ego is a sexual persona (the Latin word for mask)–one of many personae adopted at different times and for different reasons by different people–that reduplicates itself in phallic monuments and skyscrapers (stairways to the sky, the sun, to Heaven), in religious doctrines that designate women as the servants of men, in plays were “shrews” are to be tamed. By controlling “their women,” men are attempting to control “nature,” the ultimate representation of POWER. But deep down they know that, like their own penises that shrivel into a flaccid strands of flesh once orgasm has been achieved, their own power is fleeting. So they fight and fight the unwinnable war–and Western Culture is the dazzling carnage their havoc has wreaked.

Neither David Brooks or Rush Limbaugh, the Republicans’ current king of conservatism, could take on Michelle Obama in any manner of voice, spirit or physical persona. That first ladies are to be seen, not heard, and certainly never feared, is the never ending message from these men. Hillary Clinton broke the mold on the role and it looks like Michelle Obama is going to take it the rest of the way. That she’s doing it in grand style while leaving cowering, wimpy conservatives in her wake is just a bonus.

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Thank The Gods It’s Friday Cocktail Time

By on 06 March 2009

Tip O’Neil cocktail hour is here. First drink is on the house.

As for the music, this one is picked because it’s a favorite of the house and your hostess has had a long week, let me tell you. Moving across the country is one thing, unpacking is another. Getting all the technical stuff to work, especially when you have the set up that I do is yet another. That part of the saga continues into next week, but we’re getting there.

Thanks to you all who have been patient during the move, especially when reality interrupted regular posting. I promise it will get back to normal (and then some) very soon.

Bartender, make mine a martini, Ketel One Citron Vodka. Sugar rim, please. Very cold. Hold the Vermouth.

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Slow Jammin’ the News

By on 03 March 2009

If last night was any indication, Jimmy Fallon is in for quite a ride and so are we. Hilarious stuff.

Consider this evening kickback.

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Common Ground and ‘Conscience’ Rule

By on 01 March 2009

Hello, and welcome to the 21st century where most of us live. “Most” being the operative word here. A time where in the age of Obama much is being made out of “bipartisanship” and common ground. But if the stimulus vote, and CPAC are any indication, with 95% of the attendees disapproving of Obama’s job on the economy, 85% “strongly disapporving,” I’d say the show of common ground means Obama is expected to do whatever Republicans want, while they stay moored in the swamp of 20th century morass that created the tension in the first place. Who says the culture war is over?

Obama to roll back the Bush-Cheney “conscience rule”:

[...] The debate centers on a Bush administration regulation, enacted in December, that cuts off federal funding for thousands of state and local governments, hospitals, health plans, clinics and other entities if they do not accommodate doctors, nurses, pharmacists or other employees who refuse to participate in care they feel violates their personal, moral or religious beliefs.

The rule was sought by conservative groups that argued that workers were increasingly being fired, disciplined or penalized in other ways for trying to exercise their “right of conscience.” …

The word in bold above is the rub, accommodate.

At work, wherever it is, there is a degree of relinquishing your own personal viewpoints for those of your employer. In the health field, since when are patients to kowtow to the personal beliefs of a doctor, nurse or pharmacists? Since the Republican Party decided to impose their religious viewpoints in the public square.

Frankly, I’ll put my faith up against any conservative, who evidently thinks his or her religious convictions are stronger than mine, or even the atheist whose guide might simply be the golden rule. Such spiritual egotism wherever it lies is anathema to the very notion of enlightenment, but also service to the greater good.

The “conscience rule” is a prejudicial pronouncement meant to strip the rights of women through a Taliban like rule — harsh but true — that the Republicans believe make them morally superior, which was extended into the health care arena in order to strip privacy and personal freedoms away from people seeking medial aid. It has no place in our democratic republic.

After fleeing England, I can’t imagine any of our founders condoning such medieval and anti-constitutional rules in law.

Besides, whose “conscience” will be our guide?

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Broadway Meets Oscar

By on 22 February 2009

–updated–

One of the most remarkable films the season is “Revolutionary Road,” which is directed with ferocity and honesty, delving into the reality of what happens to a soul sold out. Too dark for such a dark year, perhaps, but no director is finer than Sam Mendes.

Except if you’re talking about Clint Eastwood, who acted and directed in the best film of the year, “Gran Torino.” Never mind it wasn’t nominated in that category. Remember, neither was “American Gangster.”

Of course, the odds are on “Slumdog Millionaire,” though after “Babel” (a movie I detested) I wouldn’t be surprised if “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” won. Another movie I could have lived without.

As for best actor, if there is any justice it will go to Frank Langella, whose human portrayal of Richard Nixon was the most difficult role of the season. Just ask Anthony Hopkins, who didn’t come anywhere near Langella’s performance, or the humanity. That some thought the film was a documentary hardly matters.

But Mickey Rourke, who is fantastic in “The Wrestler,” is likely to get the best actor, something that anyone can appreciate. Though I’m still puzzled by that weird, oddly flat representation of a local stripper played by Ms. Tomei.

The best female performance is Meryl Streep in “Doubt,” one of the most disturbing movies ever made. The script is flawless, the acting sublime, with everyone in it outrageously on target.

Best song must go to The Boss, which is really the only sure thing.

Except that in picking Hugh Jackman, a Broadway and Hollywood star, the Academy obviously decided to choose someone of extreme talents, not just comedic stylings. As a former Broadway babe, my money is on Jackman to put on quite a show. His movie “Australia” didn’t quite live up, but he always does. The true definition of triple threat, something I know a little bit about.

Either way, it will be fun to watch, though that wasn’t Bill O’Reilly’s take last time I heard him bloviate. Evidently, the lack of big family blockbusters means nobody cares about the films this season. Utter hogwash. The films of 2008 were superb, sometimes stunning, even surprising, with performances that were off the charts, even when the movie slipped into oblivion.

Glass of red wine in hand, I’ll toast them all. After all America is the movies. It is our crowning export. Something that no other country can match in intensity, sheer mass, as well as creativity. I grew up on the movies, as they took me away from the small town I longed to escape. They remain that magical, if for different reasons, today.

UPDATE: Wonderful show, but then again I love musicals, with Jackman wonderful, and the theme as well as bringing back actors a marvelous touch. As for Bruce… um… it’s a theme, folks: see “Gran Torino.” Get it? But what a wonderful surprise to see Sean Penn win for “Milk.” I didn’t think he had a chance even though his performance rated it. Can there be any doubt Penn will be up front and center on “The Factor”? How delicious. Can’t complain with Kate Winslet, who is a marvelous actress. But oh what an elegant presence she made tonight, fitting an Oscar winner. Just a grand night for all.

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You Know Those People You Pass on the Road Changing a Tire on their Trailer?

By on 18 February 2009

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn105/TaylorMarsh/tire.jpg Sometimes a rainbow is just a rainbow.

Case in point, we were driving along after coming through a particularly nasty bit of highway when we looked up to see a gorgeous full rainbow complete with a shadow of a second one. A couple of minutes later my husband uttered an expletive, just moments after I sensed what had just happened. A blow out on one of our brand new trailer tires (though the picture is not our actual tire, by the way).  Needless to say our rainbow euphoria evaporated on the spot.

Of all the road trips I’ve taken, as well as those my husband and I have now taken together, those poor souls you see on the side of the road changing a trailer tire with their stuff unloaded nearby was now very close to my every thought, as we were now one of them. That I never imagined that would be me some day is not a minor point.

Stuff happens on the road.

No sooner had we changed the tire than we hit a torrential downpour. … .. It soon turned into serious snowfall (that lasted into the night), so we cut our driving short and hunkered down in a hotel room smaller than a New York City studio apartment bathroom. We were too tired to care. Well, that’s not entirely true, especially once the train started going by hourly. A fitting end to a day from hell. Thank the gods for alcohol.

Blue skies and freezing temps greeted us the next day, but that was nothing compared to the mountain passes, which were icy and dangerous. I slid through half of the drive, as my husband followed in his truck.  The sunrise morning was a nerve racking focus driven experience through beautiful elk country at freezing temperatures, with nearly unpassable roadways. Even my windshield wipers and fluid were frozen until almost midday. But the glorious beauty of the drive made any tension disappear.

Once the day unfolded we had clear sailing, with a long way still to go.

Meanwhile, back in the world of politics a lot was happening.

All the while I listened to the soundtrack of “The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly,” a fitting backdrop to red clay bluffs flying past.

Lordy how I love driving through the American west. (I’ve done it enough times.)

President Obama’s first decision about Afghanistan seemed miles away.

President Obama said Tuesday that he would send an additional 17,000 American troops to Afghanistan this spring and summer, putting his stamp firmly on a war that he has long complained is going in the wrong direction.

The order will add nearly 50 percent to the 36,000 American troops already there.

I support a limited addition of troops wholeheartedly, as I’ve stated many times before. VoteVets issued a statement on it, welcoming the move as well. Sen. Feingold expressed the need for more than just troops on Afghanistan, because a strategy is needed beyond the military, something on which most can agree, though you wouldn’t know it by the rhetoric of some.

I’ll check in from the road again before I finally make it to Washington if I possibly can. Let’s hope it’s clear sailing from here.

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Israeli Election, ‘Believni’ and the Supermodel

By on 12 February 2009

First, dealing with Gaza amidst the elections, today Egypt’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit said “The secretary will be coming to Cairo on the second of March. We expect lots of commitments from everybody, lots of commitments for reconstruction.” The statement from State today emphasized that “The needs of Gaza’s Palestinians remain acute.” Amidst this, Reuters is reporting that Sen. John Kerry will meet Syria’s Assad next week, having met with Clinton today.

Needless to say, Israel’s Gaza skirmish with Hamas is on everyone’s mind as Livni and Netanyahu begin their very public campaign on what comes next. Aside this, there’s a lot of talk right now about Avigdor Lieberman being the “kingmaker,” though he’s not yet decided which way to weigh in just yet. His statement is a classic: “I know exactly who I will recommend to the president, but I am not telling because it is too early.” Clearly, he’s relishing his role, whether it’s “kingmaker,” frankly, I think is up to question. But he sure stopped Bibi.

The only thing we know for certain is that Israeli politics will be directed inward to this mounting friction making any efforts by former Sen. George Mitchell to move a peace agreement out of Bush’s foreign policy storage even more difficult than they were at the beginning, which is a feat unto itself.

The election, remembering Lieberman’s part as well, has left nothing settled. Dueling statements from Kadima and Likud prove this point beyond question.

“Tonight the campaign led by Bibi (nickname of Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu) and the wheeler-dealers of the Likud aimed at stealing power and the will of the voter in Israel must come to an end,” read a statement released by Kadima minutes after the official results were announced.

Kadima repeated its call for Netanyahu to join a national unity government with Tzipi Livni serving as prime minister. “With the completion of the vote count Kadima won and it is the largest party,” the party statement read. “Netanyahu must accede to Tzipi Livni’s call and join a centrist national unity government headed by her.”

Likud officials responded to Kadima’s statement with scorn. “Kadima’s statement is pathetic and shows that it continues to spin some imagined reality instead of recognizing a political reality in accordance with the voter’s verdict,” a Likud communiqué read. “An absolute majority of Israelis wants Netanyahu as prime minister and clearly rejected Kadima’s way which has failed.”

What also matters in all this is how the election was seen through the eyes of the world, including Arab eyes. You know, like the message electing President Obama sent to the world after the horrific foreign policy mismanagement by Bush-Cheney. Marc Lynch:

The skepticism bridges today’s great divide in Arab politics. There’s little difference between the coverage in al-Quds al-Arabi (the most populist / “rejection camp” of the major Arab papers) and al-Sharq al-Awsat (the most conservative / “moderate camp” Saudi paper). The Saudi station Al-Arabiya leads with the rise of Israeli extremists (mutatarufin, the same word used to described al-Qaeda extremists). Al-Sharq al-Awsat describes the election as the choice between “the right and the extreme right.” Neither Barak nor Livni is seen as offering a particularly better choice after Gaza. The veteran journalist Abd al-Wahhab Badrakhan is “waiting for Lieberman,” marveling that Netanyahu finally succeeded in finding someone worse than himself — and arguing, as many do, that Lieberman would be the best winner since he would show Israel’s “true face.”

For Palestinians, especially Hamas, the Israeli elections did nothing to engender hope. However, President Abbas feels that international pressure will make whoever is in charge deal with the pressing reality. From US News & World Report:

President Mahmoud Abbas said whatever the next Israeli cabinet is, it would be obliged to continue peace talks and meet international obligations. “The ascent of the Israeli right does not worry us,” he told Italy’s La Repubblica newspaper.His Prime Minister Salam Fayyad told reporters Israel must meet international obligations. “We imagine that the expectations of the international community (toward Israel) will be the same as ours,” he said.

Al Arabiya called the elections “indecisive.”

Did supermodel tip Israeli elections?

No one is sure what will happen next, but I doubt Mr. Netanyahu is taking Livni’s prowess lightly. It’s not what he expected. Using “Believni” and channeling some of the Obama magic, Netanyahu was left to ignore debates as Livni surged at the end.

But who knew it was a supermodel that made the difference?

From Sports Illustrated:

You’re Israeli. Are you voting in the elections?
I am in New York, so I can’t.

How do you think they’re going to go?
I actually don’t know who I would vote for. If I knew I was going to, I’d probably research more. I think I’d probably go for [Foreign Minister Tzipi] Livni, but I don’t know.

If nothing else, the swirling mess gives us all another way to look at Israeli politics. As for peace, at present, stopping settlements seems a long way down the to do list.

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Wind Down

By on 03 February 2009
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mji4nAk_8ZY

Free for all on topics.

I’ll start by answering a question we’re getting: have you looked at your new website with your monitor set at 800 x 600? Short answer from my tech whiz is that this resolution is receding from popularity, my words not hers, but the gist of what I picked up.  A portion of the site, including the post itself does fit the screen at that resolution, is easily seen, as is the header. So, we made a decision, but yes we definitely checked that out. No doubt there will be tweaks and additions along the way, so this is just a start.

The post of the day for my money is over at Media Matters, where they take a defense cutting rumor by Robert Kagan apart:

In his February 3 Washington Post column, headlined “No Time To Cut Defense,” Robert Kagan claimed that “Pentagon officials have leaked word that the Office of Management and Budget [OMB] has ordered a 10 percent cut in defense spending for the coming fiscal year, giving Defense Secretary Robert Gates a substantially smaller budget than he requested.” In fact, as Josh Rogin reported in a February 2 Congressional Quarterly article, the Obama administration has actually proposed increasing the Pentagon’s fiscal year 2010 budget by about $14 billion from its 2009 budget. In stating that OMB has “ordered a 10 percent cut,” Kagan was comparing the limit reportedly set by the Obama administration for defense spending with what Rogan reported was “a $584 billion draft budget request compiled last fall by the Joint Chiefs of Staff for fiscal 2010″ — not a budget that Gates “requested,” as Kagan claimed. Indeed, Kagan baselessly suggested a split between OMB and Gates over the increasing size of the budget, writing that President Obama “should side with Gates over the green-eyeshade boys.” But Gates has stated that the “FY 2010 budget must make hard choices” and that the “spigot of defense funding opened by 9/11 is closing.”

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Tip O’Neill’s After Hours Salon

By on 30 January 2009
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g32oijfkhH4

Well, this certainly seems fitting in the afterglow of Republican stiffing the new, popular President, all the while people are freezing because of a failed power grid. Nope, can’t spend money on that.

But when it’s Tip O’Neill time that means we enjoy our favorite beverage, putting all worries on ice. Free for all as to topic, just leave your troubles behind.

The first one’s on me.

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A Personal Note on Labor and the Middle Class

By on 30 January 2009

“I do not view the labor movement as part of the problem, to me it’s part of the solution.” – President Barack Obama

I married a blue collar craftsman not all that long ago. Today, after many, many years as a Southwest Gas technician, he took early retirement. One of the things he’s said over the years I’ve known him is that without unions his job likely wouldn’t have been as good, with solid middle class pay, overtime, full ranging benefits, vacation days (something we often joked about as I continued to work 24/7 without vacation or health benefits, except for sharing in his largess) and everything else that went along with his job, including retirement benefits. My husband with his many skills (give him two toothpicks, and he can build you a shopping mall) is the epitome of what we’re now fighting for today. Good middle class jobs where a man or woman can feed his or her family. But today, at our house, it’s his day. A day to honor his incredible work ethic, his tremendous talents and skills, and the fact that his company honored him, with people from the entire company descending to do the same this morning at a breakfast. They asked him why he showed up in his gas uniform. Mark simply said, “Because I’m proud of this job.” Tonight is a big party for him. No one has earned it more. A man who represents the American work ethic to his core. He is quite simply my hero.

Listening to President Obama and Vice President Biden this morning talking about workers and the middles class at the very moment my husband was being honored was an emotional moment for me. It’s just one of those amazing days in our lives.

For the backbone of the USA, it’s insult on top of injury. Over the course of America’s last economic expansion, the middle class participated in very few of the benefits. But now in the midst of this historic economic downturn, the middle class sure is participating in all of the pain. Something is seriously wrong when the economic engine of this nation — the great middle class — is treated this way. President Obama and I are determined to change this. Quite simply, a strong middle class equals a strong America. We can’t have one without the other. – Vice President Joe Biden

With a good job, in this country anything is possible. Labor is always there, ever vigilant, benefiting all workers, whether you’re in a union shop or not.

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Clinton Today

By on 27 January 2009

Secretary Clinton in her first news conference:

“There is a great exhalation of breath going on in the world as people express their appreciation for the new direction that’s being set and the team that is put together by the president,” Clinton said. “We have a lot of damage to repair.”

On North Korea:

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, you have raised a number of questions that we are in the process of assessing ourselves. With respect to North Korea, I think the Six-Party Talks are essential. They’ve not only been a useful forum for the participants to deal with the challenge of North Korea’s nuclear program and the other issues that are part of the North Korean agenda, but within the Six-Party Talks there have been bilateral meetings. And we are going to pursue steps that we think are effective. And I think I’ll leave it at that. But it is important that I underscore what we see as the significance of the Six-Party Talks. They’ve been useful not only vis-à-vis North Korea, but among the participating nations on related matters in the region.

Clinton also weighed in on the breach ceasefire, coming down strongly on the side of Israel, as expected:

“We support Israel’s right to self-defence. The (Palestinian) rocket barrages which are getting closer and closer to populated areas (in Israel) cannot go unanswered,” Clinton said in her first news conference at the State Department.The top U.S. diplomat, whose comments may be seen by some as giving Israel a green light to once again pound Gaza, accused Hamas of “offensive” action against the Israeli Defence Forces on the border.

“It is regrettable that the Hamas leadership apparently believes that it is in their interest to provoke the right of self-defence instead of building a better future for the people of Gaza,” said Clinton. [...]

But one of the biggest things in Hillary’s day today was also the letter she received requesting partnership benefits for gays and lesbians.

Nearly 2,200 government employees involved in foreign policy issues signed a letter delivered to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton yesterday calling on the government to give equal benefits to same-sex partners.

The Bush administration had eased some rules, opening up some training to same-sex partners, but had resisted efforts to treat homosexual partners the same as married couples. But Clinton, during her confirmation hearings, indicated a greater willingness to explore the issue.

“I think that we should take a hard look at the existing policy,” Clinton said in response to a question from Sen. Russell Feingold (D-Wis.). “My understanding is other nations have moved to extend that partnership benefit.” [...]

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The Masterpiece

By on 24 January 2009

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpra9OEw6nQ

It’s a “Mad Men” landscape. The Yates novel “Revolutionary Road” was Matthew Weiner’s inspiration for the award winning series. Seeing Winslet’s project manifest in film you can see why. The 1950′s despair of suburban promises falling flat on the American housewife is the stuff of legend. That is unless you grew up with your own version. Betty Friedan’s historic work chronicled it. However, there is nothing like seeing the hopelessness of life through the eyes of a woman who can’t escape to manifest her bliss, after her own dreams are dashed, revealed through the performance of an actor inhabiting the skin of a stricken housewife. As was true of so many “Leave It To Beaver” households back in those days, her husband is pulled back at the moment the wife believes they both will finally be set free. Brought crashing to earth on the promise of money buying happiness, courage sacrificed on the altar of finding your soul’s desire. In the end the heartbreak is total. How could it not be?

There are many films this year getting raves, while “Revolutionary Road” has had as rough a journey as the characters that inhabit it. The subject matter is just too real in an age of hope. “Revolutionary Road,” directed by Sam Mendes, starring Kate Winslet, who pushed to get the film made, and Leonardo DiCaprio, put together a withering portrait of the dangers of buying into suburbia, circa 1950′s, though there is no reason to believe it couldn’t also manifest today. The emotional torture revealed by both Winslet and DiCaprio is ripped from this wrenching reality. The film is a flawless marvel in human meltdown proportions. If you want to realize the dynamics that helped spawn the women’s movement, “Revolutionary Road” is your assignment.

I can only wonder what might have become of this important film if the people behind “Revolutionary Road” would have teamed up with Planned Parenthood or other women’s groups, including women in the media, to trumpet the importance of this story. Kate Winslet should be honored across this nation for having the courage to push to have this film produced, which under the direction of Sam Mendes (Winslet’s husband) is a masterpiece on relationship not seen since “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf,” though there is no comparison in storyline. It’s the palpable struggle of married lovers and the fierce power they have over one another to destroy, which is where they find their most fertile common ground.

Kathy Bates disappears into her character. The mother of Michael Shannon, playing John the supposed crazy one, whose projectile honesty rants leave everyone stricken, because the truth is held hostage in this drama. The players couldn’t survive the release.

In the end, it is the visceral violence of the subject matter that keeps the film at arm’s length, especially in this country. Not even today can we talk about the issues raised in the film, with the horror of saying that suburbia, marriage and paying for that life can rob you of your soaring purpose, even at the moment you begin to find it amidst the societal drudgery, one of the unspeakable parables of American life.

The choices we make change our life, can even destroy. In the 1950′s, women had few roads, least of all the revolutionary kind, while the tale told at the time was one bliss. Today it’s different. If a woman’s life isn’t working it is her own fault, because our decisions are limitless. Now we are responsible for our own happiness. …or lack thereof. That modern women want more than family and children likely was always the case, which was the great American secret not so long ago.

Buying in to the suburban dream, something that in the days of “Revolutionary Road” cost women their pursuit of happiness, was done so they might serve only the family. The head on collision came when women realized that in the end it is our soul journey to find our own purpose, which is attached to no one else. To do that we must all first serve ourselves. In the 1950′s, that was a revolutionary road to take, having no resemblance to “Revolutionary Road,” which was simply the street on which you lived.

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Another Reason Why Reagan Won’t Save Republicans

By on 23 January 2009

Just another reason why Sean Hannity channeling Reagan every day on radio and Fox will not serve Republicans. It’s an era whose time has passed, especially regarding women’s civil rights.

Addressing first things first, Obama waited until day three to announce the reversal of Ronald Reagan’s short-sightedness known as the Mexico City Policy, the place where Reagan announced it as law. Waiting until after the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, today Obama made a statement to women here and around the world that the United States will defend women’s rights as human rights, which by the way includes lifesaving healthcare. Brava, Mr. President.

Amy Sullivan says Obama is being quiet about it. Nobody cares. It’s done.

Bush’s statement is one being echoed by supporters of the policy today. But in fact, since 1973 federal law has banned the use of U.S. taxpayer funds for abortions overseas. What the Mexico City policy did was take that prohibition several steps further. Under the policy, NGOs that applied for family planning funds from the U.S. Agency on International Development (USAID) had to refrain from using any of their own funds to provide abortion (with exceptions for cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother). The organizations also were not eligible if they lobbied to make or keep abortion legal in their own countries, or if they provided abortion referrals, a requirement that led many opponents of the policy to dub it a “global gag rule.” [...]

President Obama:

Statement of President Barack Obama on Rescinding the Mexico City Policy

“It is clear that the provisions of the Mexico City Policy are unnecessarily broad and unwarranted under current law, and for the past eight years, they have undermined efforts to promote safe and effective voluntary family planning in developing countries. For these reasons, it is right for us to rescind this policy and restore critical efforts to protect and empower women and promote global economic development.

“For too long, international family planning assistance has been used as a political wedge issue, the subject of a back and forth debate that has served only to divide us. I have no desire to continue this stale and fruitless debate.

“It is time that we end the politicization of this issue. In the coming weeks, my Administration will initiate a fresh conversation on family planning, working to find areas of common ground to best meet the needs of women and families at home and around the world.

“I have directed my staff to reach out to those on all sides of this issue to achieve the goal of reducing unintended pregnancies. They will also work to promote safe motherhood, reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and increase educational and economic opportunities for women and girls.

“In addition, I look forward to working with Congress to restore U.S. financial support for the U.N. Population Fund. By resuming funding to UNFPA, the U.S. will be joining 180 other donor nations working collaboratively to reduce poverty, improve the health of women and children, prevent HIV/AIDS and provide family planning assistance to women in 154 countries,” said President Obama.

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New York Gets a Senator

By on 23 January 2009

–updated–

Paterson is doing as expected according to reports yesterday. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand will be appointed to Hillary Clinton’s Senate seat. I’ve been out this morning, but it becomes official at noon today, when Paterson is expected to make the announcement.

The N.R.A. backed her to help her win her seat, and she’s not been exactly enthusiastic (h/t American Prospect) about gay rights, but recently came out in favor of gay marriage, which her fans are trumpeting. TNR has more. As gun owners, we stay miles away from the N.R.A., an organization that wouldn’t know a responsible gun law even if it was approved by the whole town. She also voted in favor of the laws repealing the prohibition of possessing semiautomatics in D.C. Gillibrand comes from a conservative district in New York, with few thinking she can win re-election. But she opposed TARP, so she’s not stupid. One thing is certain, however, is that there will be a primary fight for her seat.

Oh, and let me add, she isn’t Miss Popularity.

“Nobody really likes her,” said one New York City-area member, speaking on condition of anonymity.”She’s smart and capable but she’s rubbed people the wrong the way,” said another.

“I think she’s going to get a serious primary in 2010,” opined a longtime state Democratic operative who supports Gillibrand. …

UPDATE: Obama statement on appointment:

“Governor Paterson made a wonderful choice in appointing Kirsten Gillibrand to fill Secretary Clinton’s seat in the United States Senate. I am confident that she will continue Secretary Clinton’s distinguished service to the people of New York and to our country.

“During her career, Kirsten has been a strong voice for transparency and reform in government and shares the belief that government should be open, accessible and work for all of our citizens. In Congress and as special counsel for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, she worked to strengthen public and private partnerships to invest in infrastructure and New York’s economy.

“At this time of great challenge, I know that Kirsten has the integrity, character, and dedication to public service to help us achieve our greatest goals,” said President Obama.

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And the Oscar Nominees are…

By on 22 January 2009

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OSvJvSwmd4

The full list is here, but as usual, I think there is one glaring omission. “Gran Torino” was a monumental film, with Eastwood’s performance stunning. Hey, but when someting like “Slumdog Millionaire” gets full acknowledgment, it’s hard to get too picky.

Mickey Rourke’s tour de force performance got a nod, as did Frank Langella, who I’d give the inside track to win, though you never know. Rourke’s resurrection is certainly the story of the year. However, playing a known figure like Nixon is no small feat. I first saw Langella on Broadway playing Dracula, sneaking in multiple times to see the second act, enthralled with his raw sensual power. He’s been around a very long time, with the roll of Nixon a gift from the creative gods. He takes Nixon to a place not even Anthony Hopkins did in the Oliver Stone film, but that could also be because of Ron Howard’s flawless direction of the film. It’s here I must state that the people ignorant of art evidently believe that Howard’s vision was a documentary. False; as false as the pontificating on the train wreck of history, so if you believed “Frost/Nixon” was fact, not filmed for dramatic purpose, read Drew. Supporting Langella, Michael Sheen as Frost has not gotten near enough credit for his brilliant supporting role.

Of course, Sean Penn in “Milk” got the nod as did the movie, with the history important to chronicle. I was in San Francisco immediately after the event, so I remember well the shock of the entire city after the assassinations.

I was thrilled that “Tropic Thunder” was at least somewhere in the nominations, though I believe best director for Ben Stiller was in order. Sure, it would have been a rarity, but the movie is fantastic from start to finish due to Stiller’s flawless stewardship in this hilariously delivered gem. Robert Downey, Jr. for best supporting actor represents the film, who is my personal favorite in this category. Heath Ledger is a good bet though, his performance in “Dark Knight” jaw dropping.

For best actress, Meryl Streep has never been better than she is in “Doubt.” The movie itself is unnerving in the extreme, with Close shattering previous performances in this raw portrait of a tortured nun. Viola Davis is also nominated for “Doubt,” after a performance that is well earned, with the scene between Close and Davis worth study by actors everywhere.

The weird inclusion of Marisa Tomei in best supporting actress jumps out at me as jarring. I respect anyone trying to depict the life of a local stripper, including full on nudity, but Tomei delivered a wholly unremarkable performance.

On the other side, Richard Jenkins being included in the best actor category is justice for a fine actor who has paid his dues for decades, finally landing in a film that got him acknowledged.

Maybe everyone can agree on one thing: Bruce Springsteen for best song. No other is in the same league.

As for the movie season currently in swing, including some of the Oscar nominees that are still around, I don’t remember a finer season of superb films. Get out and see a movie, rent it, whatever. There are so many good ones in distribution today, just pick one.

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National Service and Song… and Middle East Work

By on 21 January 2009

When the humming of “Amazing Grace” began… then that voice continued the vocal prayer, it was a moment of magic. It rendered former President Clinton slack-jawed and received a standing ovation, led by Vice President Joe Biden. That’s my kind of church service, one that revels in song as well as scripture. “America the beautiful” by the choir followed, with the Obamas, Bidens and Clintons listening in side by side.

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Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori gave the closing prayer today at the National Cathedral. She’s the leader of the Episcopal church (in the video above), a tremendous speaker, someone I’ve had the honor of meeting, as well as hearing.

The service today reminded me of why I so love the church I’ve belonged to in L.A. The beautiful music that is part of every service in the Episcopal church inspires deep reverence. The choir at All Saint’s in Los Angeles is unparalleled. On Easter, people arrive hours ahead to get a seat. It’s a concert every Sunday. Today I was once again reminded of the beauty of song in service. Maybe I’ll find it again in Washington, D.C. It would be a tremendous addition to my daily meditation.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozF0YqyPXmE

To add… just got a statement from Robert Gibbs, his first as press secretary, on what else President Obama has been doing today:

“This morning, the President placed phone calls to four Middle Eastern leaders: President Mubarak of Egypt, Prime Minister Olmert of Israel, King Abdullah of Jordan, and President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority. He used this opportunity on his first day in office to communicate his commitment to active engagement in pursuit of Arab-Israeli peace from the beginning of his term, and to express his hope for their continued cooperation and leadership. In the aftermath of the Gaza conflict, he emphasized his determination to work to help consolidate the ceasefire by establishing an effective anti-smuggling regime to prevent Hamas from rearming, and facilitating in partnership with the Palestinian Authority a major reconstruction effort for Palestinians in Gaza. He pledged that the United States would do its part to make these efforts successful, working closely with the international community and these partners as they fulfill their responsibilities as well. The President appreciated the spirit of partnership and warm nature of these calls.”

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At Last

By on 21 January 2009

We’re toasting the Obama’s tonight, as is the entire nation. That there will reportedly be a gathering of friends at the White House to toast President Obama in the wee hours is fitting. But amidst the party atmosphere comes news that President Obama has ordered a pause in Gitmo military tribunals. At last may be a song, but it applies across the board as Obama takes charge.

President Obama in white tie was the epitomy of class. First lady Michelle Obama wore a dress by Jason Wu. Vice President Joe Biden wore the traditional black tie, with Jill Biden in a deep red strapless dress.

Commander in chief Obama was immediately greeted with cheers.

“It’s a proud moment for us,” said Brigadier General Steven Huber, commander of the base, where many of the soldiers hail from Illinois, also Obama’s home state. “He is our new commander-in-chief and we will serve him with honour,” he told AFP.

But tomorrow, the party ends and the work begins. It starts with a meeting with President Obama’s “war council.”

Obama was summoning his holdover defense secretary, Robert Gates, and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, to the White House, along with other members of his National Security Council, to discuss a way ahead in the war, according to two senior military officers. … The war in Afghanistan also was to be discussed, with the commander overseeing both conflicts, Gen. David Petraeus, scheduled to attend. Also scheduled to participate via videoteleconference were Gen. David McKiernan, the top commander in Afghanistan, and Gen. Ray Odierno, the top commander in Iraq. [...]

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Song, Benediction and Celebration

By on 20 January 2009

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJX0cuUcvvw&eurl

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBI6c4yBJAU&eurl

“I’m a lefty. Get used to it,” Obama quipped as he signed his name. – CNN

What a celebration. ..and there was song, Aretha, who else? …and John Williams’ “Air and Simple Gifts.” As for being there, I’m being flooded with emails that it’s simply a disaster. The problem for people with tickets seems insurmountable and very frustrating. So, if you’re watching it at home, be glad. You’ve got the best seat around.

It’s also being reported that Senator Teddy Kennedy will be released from the hospital tomorrow. Exhale.

“Senator Edward Kennedy experienced a seizure today while attending a luncheon for President Barack Obama in the U.S. Capitol. … After testing, we believe the incident was brought on by simple fatigue. Senator Kennedy is awake, talking with family and friends, and feeling well. He will remain at the Washington Hospital Center overnight for observation, and will be released in the morning.”

Rev. Lowery’s Inauguration benediction is below (via Lynn Sweet). He showed Rick Warren how it’s done.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou who has brought us thus far along the way, thou who has by thy might led us into the light, keep us forever in the path, we pray, lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee, lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee. Shadowed beneath thy hand may we forever stand — true to thee, O God, and true to our native land.

We truly give thanks for the glorious experience we’ve shared this day. We pray now, O Lord, for your blessing upon thy servant, Barack Obama, the 44th president of these United States, his family and his administration. He has come to this high office at a low moment in the national and, indeed, the global fiscal climate. But because we know you got the whole world in your hand, we pray for not only our nation, but for the community of nations. Our faith does not shrink, though pressed by the flood of mortal ills.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-EAdktK-Kc&eurl=http://taylormarsh.com/archives_view.php?id=28997&feature=player_embedded

For we know that, Lord, you’re able and you’re willing to work through faithful leadership to restore stability, mend our brokenness, heal our wounds and deliver us from the exploitation of the poor or the least of these and from favoritism toward the rich, the elite of these.

We thank you for the empowering of thy servant, our 44th president, to inspire our nation to believe that, yes, we can work together to achieve a more perfect union. And while we have sown the seeds of greed — the wind of greed and corruption, and even as we reap the whirlwind of social and economic disruption, we seek forgiveness and we come in a spirit of unity and solidarity to commit our support to our president by our willingness to make sacrifices, to respect your creation, to turn to each other and not on each other.

And now, Lord, in the complex arena of human relations, help us to make choices on the side of love, not hate; on the side of inclusion, not exclusion; tolerance, not intolerance.

And as we leave this mountaintop, help us to hold on to the spirit of fellowship and the oneness of our family. Let us take that power back to our homes, our workplaces, our churches, our temples, our mosques, or wherever we seek your will.

Bless President Barack, First Lady Michelle. Look over our little, angelic Sasha and Malia.

We go now to walk together, children, pledging that we won’t get weary in the difficult days ahead. We know you will not leave us alone, with your hands of power and your heart of love.

Help us then, now, Lord, to work for that day when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, when tanks will be beaten into tractors, when every man and every woman shall sit under his or her own vine and fig tree, and none shall be afraid; when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness as a mighty stream.

Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around — (laughter) — when yellow will be mellow — (laughter) — when the red man can get ahead, man — (laughter) — and when white will embrace what is right.

Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.

AUDIENCE: Amen!

REV. LOWERY: Say amen –

AUDIENCE: Amen!

REV. LOWERY: — and amen.

AUDIENCE: Amen! (Cheers, applause.)

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As the ‘War on Terror’ Turns

By on 20 January 2009

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. … On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics. [...] So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people: “Let it be told to the future world…that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive…that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it].” – President Barack Obama

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“You cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you,” said President Obama today. Consider it a nod to the vanquished neocons. They would fall over dead if some use of force wasn’t presented from the new president. But Bush’s “war on terror” trilogy of the “axis of evil” ended today, nowhere to be heard. Still, everyone knows the brutality of the Bush-Cheney years will take time and deeds to undo. President Obama started today:

… Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort – even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus – and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.

To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West – know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist. [...]

And amidst the grandeur an old hand of another party and time offered up the analysis. Patrick J. Buchanan nailed it, saying the Obama we saw today is different from the man we met two years ago. An “authoritative,” even “paternal” Obama stood before us today. As a former harsh critic of our new president, though I will always keep a wary eye out as is my role, the man we saw take the oath today has not only grown into the role of president, but into his place in history, earning what we saw on display today.

The world has the signs and now awaits President Obama’s first deeds.

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Dick Cheney in a Wheelchair

By on 20 January 2009
by Paul Szep

 

If anything is a metaphor for the outgoing Bush-Cheney administration, seeing Dick Cheney in a wheelchair is it.
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