Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
The Grind
Get up, shower, dress, walk to office, get the canvass out.
Been there, done that.
But every campaign is a different animal.
KC, STL, GFMT were all unique.
I think I'll call this one, "PME".
It's pouring down rain, so the volunteer flake rate will be as high as Samuel Jackson in "New Jack City."
Crews starting to arrive, so will probably blog from the field.
Remind me to tell you about the monster German Shepard mutant dogs I faced down yesterday...
Been there, done that.
But every campaign is a different animal.
KC, STL, GFMT were all unique.
I think I'll call this one, "PME".
It's pouring down rain, so the volunteer flake rate will be as high as Samuel Jackson in "New Jack City."
Crews starting to arrive, so will probably blog from the field.
Remind me to tell you about the monster German Shepard mutant dogs I faced down yesterday...
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Ugh.
I'm tired.
It's been an interesting week, and as soon as I got off the train, I hit turf, canvassing.
I'm tired.
I'm going to bed, and tomorrow I'll talk more, ok?
G'nite.
It's been an interesting week, and as soon as I got off the train, I hit turf, canvassing.
I'm tired.
I'm going to bed, and tomorrow I'll talk more, ok?
G'nite.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Karma
Bus breaks down on the way to Ch'ville from Roanoke.
Yeah, I know, it's been ages since I've been home, and I was actually looking forward to it.
FYI, the son of my pediatrician is now a Congressman!
Anyways, we ended up 3 hours behind schedule. So, we went to DC!
Iwo Jima memorial is impressive.
Too many people talk about their jobs over dinner.
Hilton Washington Embassy Row has pillows from heaven.
This is my last day on the tour, and I'm doing what Brett, Michael, and others like them should have done--gone out in style, at the top of their games. I'll miss a few folks, here.
Nothing like that band of brothers on a common mission in defense of our country.
Make no mistake, we volunteered (again) to strengthen America's security thru promoting a clean energy policy. Too many dead and wounded moms, dads, aunts, uncles, sons and daughters in a vain and ignorant attempt to feed our oil addiction.
My favorite question?
"What's this all gonna cost?"
Well, John Q. Citizen, let me ask you, which is the cost you're more willing to pay--a few extra dollars a month, knowing those dollars are staying in the US? Or would you rather pay the cost of our current energy policy in the currency of dead American servicemembers?
What goes around, comes around. That's karma, right?
China, India, and Russia are powerful emerging economies seeking to advance their individual energy security. Just look at the Caspian Sea region and Africa. If they follow our example, then expect a few hundred thousand Chinese or Russian troops in Texas, Oklahoma or North Dakota, securing our oil assets as their own.
Karma.
Yeah, I know, it's been ages since I've been home, and I was actually looking forward to it.
FYI, the son of my pediatrician is now a Congressman!
Anyways, we ended up 3 hours behind schedule. So, we went to DC!
Iwo Jima memorial is impressive.
Too many people talk about their jobs over dinner.
Hilton Washington Embassy Row has pillows from heaven.
This is my last day on the tour, and I'm doing what Brett, Michael, and others like them should have done--gone out in style, at the top of their games. I'll miss a few folks, here.
Nothing like that band of brothers on a common mission in defense of our country.
Make no mistake, we volunteered (again) to strengthen America's security thru promoting a clean energy policy. Too many dead and wounded moms, dads, aunts, uncles, sons and daughters in a vain and ignorant attempt to feed our oil addiction.
My favorite question?
"What's this all gonna cost?"
Well, John Q. Citizen, let me ask you, which is the cost you're more willing to pay--a few extra dollars a month, knowing those dollars are staying in the US? Or would you rather pay the cost of our current energy policy in the currency of dead American servicemembers?
What goes around, comes around. That's karma, right?
China, India, and Russia are powerful emerging economies seeking to advance their individual energy security. Just look at the Caspian Sea region and Africa. If they follow our example, then expect a few hundred thousand Chinese or Russian troops in Texas, Oklahoma or North Dakota, securing our oil assets as their own.
Karma.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
"Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated."--Coretta Scott King
I forgot to tell you about Zanesville!
It was CRAZY!
So, a VFW member wearing the ubiquitous POW/MIA cap was drunk, hostile and ignorant.
His name was "Butch," according to other patrons of this post.
Butch tried picking a fight with our Coastie; told us to get our drinks, enjoy them quickly, then leave. He even stared at us hostile-like the entire time we were in the post.
Amazing.
The post commander in Springfield, MO asked us to keep in touch with him, to help him figure out how to recruit members like us--younger than the average VFW or AmVets member.
Then we go to a post like Zanesville's?
Even the post commander in Morgantown chose to treat us like fellow veterans; he even introduced us to the assembled media and members.
The way I see it, this illustrates 3 reasons why veterans like me won't join a post:
1) Members like Butch = #fail. Why do people like him not only embrase the absolute worst qualities of the dregs of American society, then choose to prominently display them like medals? Ugh.
2) VFW's current story = #fail. What is it? How can we share values when you don't articulate a modern message? What's your story, VFW?
3) Social media = #fail. It's great that VFW and other veterans' membership organizations are on Twitter and Facebook. But until you stop regurgitating information that's questionable in application to our lives, and really start to engage your audience, I'll eventually unfollow and unfriend you. No offense, please?
So, Butch, thanks for helping me clarify the reasons why I'm not a member of VFW, AmVets, American Legion, Chipmunk Club or anything resembling a 20th Century veterans' organization. With Neanderthals like you lurking in the cave-like bars of those posts, those organizations are guaranteed to go the way of the dinosaurs.
I forgot to tell you about Zanesville!
It was CRAZY!
So, a VFW member wearing the ubiquitous POW/MIA cap was drunk, hostile and ignorant.
His name was "Butch," according to other patrons of this post.
Butch tried picking a fight with our Coastie; told us to get our drinks, enjoy them quickly, then leave. He even stared at us hostile-like the entire time we were in the post.
Amazing.
The post commander in Springfield, MO asked us to keep in touch with him, to help him figure out how to recruit members like us--younger than the average VFW or AmVets member.
Then we go to a post like Zanesville's?
Even the post commander in Morgantown chose to treat us like fellow veterans; he even introduced us to the assembled media and members.
The way I see it, this illustrates 3 reasons why veterans like me won't join a post:
1) Members like Butch = #fail. Why do people like him not only embrase the absolute worst qualities of the dregs of American society, then choose to prominently display them like medals? Ugh.
2) VFW's current story = #fail. What is it? How can we share values when you don't articulate a modern message? What's your story, VFW?
3) Social media = #fail. It's great that VFW and other veterans' membership organizations are on Twitter and Facebook. But until you stop regurgitating information that's questionable in application to our lives, and really start to engage your audience, I'll eventually unfollow and unfriend you. No offense, please?
So, Butch, thanks for helping me clarify the reasons why I'm not a member of VFW, AmVets, American Legion, Chipmunk Club or anything resembling a 20th Century veterans' organization. With Neanderthals like you lurking in the cave-like bars of those posts, those organizations are guaranteed to go the way of the dinosaurs.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
I <3 Zanesville VFW!
"Maybe all one can do is hope to end up with the right regrets."--Arthur Miller
Today went from sugar to shit, really quickly.
I first encountered Mr. and Mrs. Teabagger, who said, in no particular order:
1) There WERE 2.2 million people in DC, despite the liberal media. (Wasn't sure if they were referring to population or Teabagger events, they never clarified.)
2) There is NO such thing as "climate change" or "global warming;" as a matter of fact, their scientists prove "global COOLING" (I never got an attribution as to who was promoting this theory).
3) If I'm supporting "clean energy," then I'm contributing to the decline of my country, and it's a shame.
I want to tell Mr. and Mrs. Teabagger, in no particular order:
1) I don't really give a damn how many Teabaggers you claim to have @ your parties. All I know is that it takes a majority to win an election, and we're saying, "President Obama" instead of "President McCain." The people spoke with a vote.
2) I don't really give a damn if you believe in "global cooling." It's great that in your ignorance or arrogance, you can pick and choose what science you believe in. All I know is that our ice caps are melting (according to, oh, I don't know, NASA!), the air and ocean temperatures are rising (according to, oh, I don't know, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency?) and when that happens, storms and tsunamis and hurricanes are more intense and impactful (according to, oh, I don't know, Greensburg, Kansas, the Gulf Coast and Indonesia?).
3) According to the Defense Intelligence Agency, a dollar out of every $5 you spend in gas goes to a terrorist organization like, oh, say, AL-QUAIDA, to assemble another roadside bomb to kill another American soldier or Marine.
My real question to you, Mr. and Mrs. Teabagger, is what's more important to you: rhetoric from your Right, or more American flag-draped coffins flying into Dover AFB?
Clean American power contributes to a more secure America.
It ain't rocket science, but that's what I love about Teabaggers! There's no LACK of rocket scientists in their ranks who can tell me why I'm wrong with this.
I'm going GOP, yeah, are you with me?
Changing my blog title to, "WHAZZUP?"
Wait, that's taken already...sugar to shit, my day has been, dammit.
Today went from sugar to shit, really quickly.
I first encountered Mr. and Mrs. Teabagger, who said, in no particular order:
1) There WERE 2.2 million people in DC, despite the liberal media. (Wasn't sure if they were referring to population or Teabagger events, they never clarified.)
2) There is NO such thing as "climate change" or "global warming;" as a matter of fact, their scientists prove "global COOLING" (I never got an attribution as to who was promoting this theory).
3) If I'm supporting "clean energy," then I'm contributing to the decline of my country, and it's a shame.
I want to tell Mr. and Mrs. Teabagger, in no particular order:
1) I don't really give a damn how many Teabaggers you claim to have @ your parties. All I know is that it takes a majority to win an election, and we're saying, "President Obama" instead of "President McCain." The people spoke with a vote.
2) I don't really give a damn if you believe in "global cooling." It's great that in your ignorance or arrogance, you can pick and choose what science you believe in. All I know is that our ice caps are melting (according to, oh, I don't know, NASA!), the air and ocean temperatures are rising (according to, oh, I don't know, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency?) and when that happens, storms and tsunamis and hurricanes are more intense and impactful (according to, oh, I don't know, Greensburg, Kansas, the Gulf Coast and Indonesia?).
3) According to the Defense Intelligence Agency, a dollar out of every $5 you spend in gas goes to a terrorist organization like, oh, say, AL-QUAIDA, to assemble another roadside bomb to kill another American soldier or Marine.
My real question to you, Mr. and Mrs. Teabagger, is what's more important to you: rhetoric from your Right, or more American flag-draped coffins flying into Dover AFB?
Clean American power contributes to a more secure America.
It ain't rocket science, but that's what I love about Teabaggers! There's no LACK of rocket scientists in their ranks who can tell me why I'm wrong with this.
I'm going GOP, yeah, are you with me?
Changing my blog title to, "WHAZZUP?"
Wait, that's taken already...sugar to shit, my day has been, dammit.
Weeds
"What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have never been discovered."--Ralph Waldo Emerson
So, like a neglected garden, my blog has not been tended to the last couple of days.
Blame it on the difficulty accessing technology, laziness, whatever. The weeds are starting to grow, making it more and more unattractive, now.
We talk a lot about weeds in the field; when a person is "in the weeds," then they're off-message, debating the finer points of a topic instead of staying on-message with the overarching theme.
When I get questions like, "So if these wars in the Middle East are for oil, then how do other countries feel?"
ANSWER: "Um, ma'am, that's a great question. Let me call up Hillary real quickly to get you an answer to that, ok?"
READ: How do I know? I don't work for the State Department. All I know is that our current addiction to fossil fuels and reluctance to move to clean energy is costing American lives, and making the country I swore an oath to protect less secure.
Weeds.
So, like a neglected garden, my blog has not been tended to the last couple of days.
Blame it on the difficulty accessing technology, laziness, whatever. The weeds are starting to grow, making it more and more unattractive, now.
We talk a lot about weeds in the field; when a person is "in the weeds," then they're off-message, debating the finer points of a topic instead of staying on-message with the overarching theme.
When I get questions like, "So if these wars in the Middle East are for oil, then how do other countries feel?"
ANSWER: "Um, ma'am, that's a great question. Let me call up Hillary real quickly to get you an answer to that, ok?"
READ: How do I know? I don't work for the State Department. All I know is that our current addiction to fossil fuels and reluctance to move to clean energy is costing American lives, and making the country I swore an oath to protect less secure.
Weeds.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Dear Mr. Becka
"This is a free country. Folks have a right to send me letters, and I have a right not to read them."--William Faulkner
Dear Mr. Becka,
Thanks for letting us on your show today!
We're not offended that you kept calling us VoteVets.org (one of our sponsors), nor are we offended by your vapid question about the mileage of our biodiesel-powered bus (model Prevost H3-45, 10 mpg). Even your provocative question about wheter we're pro-clean American power or anti-war (clean American power, aye!) didn't offend us.
What WAS offensive was your claim that the Verizon 3G network didn't provide a good enough connection for us to further engage in the critical dialogue concerning clean energy and national security. I was offended that you would rather fake a bad connection and cut off the conversation (read: HANG UP), instead of hearing veterans' stories. I was offended that as you fabricated that pretense to end the interview, you contributed to the attitude that is costing American lives around the world.
You showed your true colors, Mr. Becka, and you would like for the world to believe it's just a CORNHUSKER red, instead of the Grand Old Pigment, wouldn't you?
Signed,
Veterans for American Power
Operation Free
###
Dear Mr. Becka,
Thanks for letting us on your show today!
We're not offended that you kept calling us VoteVets.org (one of our sponsors), nor are we offended by your vapid question about the mileage of our biodiesel-powered bus (model Prevost H3-45, 10 mpg). Even your provocative question about wheter we're pro-clean American power or anti-war (clean American power, aye!) didn't offend us.
What WAS offensive was your claim that the Verizon 3G network didn't provide a good enough connection for us to further engage in the critical dialogue concerning clean energy and national security. I was offended that you would rather fake a bad connection and cut off the conversation (read: HANG UP), instead of hearing veterans' stories. I was offended that as you fabricated that pretense to end the interview, you contributed to the attitude that is costing American lives around the world.
You showed your true colors, Mr. Becka, and you would like for the world to believe it's just a CORNHUSKER red, instead of the Grand Old Pigment, wouldn't you?
Signed,
Veterans for American Power
Operation Free
###
Don't Know Much About Cap'n Trade?
"So, which one of y'all can tell me 'bout Cap'n Trade?"
We looked at each other, wondering how the heck did he miss the fact that, as veterans, we aren't policy experts on the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (SB 1733).
As veterans, we are concerned about the national security threat climate disruption and peak oil represent to America.
We're concerned about climate disruption as a threat mulitplier (factor that enhances the impact of an action or event) due to the increase in impact and intensity of natural disasters occuring with rising sea levels and temperatures.
We're concerned about multiple deployments of our brothers and sisters in arms to defend what President Bush declared in his 2003 State of The Union Address as "American oil interests." This attitude wears down manpower and materiel, causing the United States to be even more vulnurable to real security threats.
We're concerned because others are concerned: National Security Agency, CIA, United Nations, even the National Association of Insurance Carriers. Each have written dire reports on climate disruption and how the country with 5% of the world's population that burns 25% of the world's fossil fuels needs to embrace a paradigm shift towards clean energy.
How to describe Cap'n Trade? He's a real American hero, sir. He's clean American power.
He's what we need, right now.
We looked at each other, wondering how the heck did he miss the fact that, as veterans, we aren't policy experts on the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (SB 1733).
As veterans, we are concerned about the national security threat climate disruption and peak oil represent to America.
We're concerned about climate disruption as a threat mulitplier (factor that enhances the impact of an action or event) due to the increase in impact and intensity of natural disasters occuring with rising sea levels and temperatures.
We're concerned about multiple deployments of our brothers and sisters in arms to defend what President Bush declared in his 2003 State of The Union Address as "American oil interests." This attitude wears down manpower and materiel, causing the United States to be even more vulnurable to real security threats.
We're concerned because others are concerned: National Security Agency, CIA, United Nations, even the National Association of Insurance Carriers. Each have written dire reports on climate disruption and how the country with 5% of the world's population that burns 25% of the world's fossil fuels needs to embrace a paradigm shift towards clean energy.
How to describe Cap'n Trade? He's a real American hero, sir. He's clean American power.
He's what we need, right now.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Ooh-ee-ooh-ah-ah, ting-tang-walla-walla-bing-bang...
I spoke to a teabagger, and this is what he said:
Ooh-ee-ooh-ah-ah, ting-tang-walla-walla-bing-bang.
Or the conservative equivalent of that.
Guy was obviously a plant, working in collusion with an "Independent" candidate for US House of Representatives who was also present. And vocal.
I guess conservatives can't stand their own party, and have to go center of right to be liked.
Anyways, after having my veteran status challenged (nothing new, eh, Brutus?), he went on to say that his real issue with "Cap'n Trade" (the imaginary foe of all conservatives who huff and puff and blow more CO2 into the atmosphere as they deny climate disruption), is the "$1,700 that families are going to have to pay when it passes," according to the liberal scourges of the universe, Senators Boxer and Kerry.
Um, let's affirm, answer, and redirect, now, ok?
AFFIRM: I understand your concern, Mr. I'm-A-Conservative-Consultant-Disguised-As-A-Concerned-Citizen.
ANSWER: I don't know where you're getting that data; all I know is that the nonpartisan (read: NONPARTISAN) Congressional Budget Office released data showing that over a 10 year implementation of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act policies, the average American family would pay less than $180 for energy a year.
Yup, $15 a month.
Wait for it...
REDIRECT: So, Mr. Teabagger, what's your REAL concern about the pending legislation?
"I'll tell you what," he huffed, "I am tired of people like you coming here and telling us what to think and how to vote!"
Ah, the hypocricy.
"You've been keepin' love from me just like you were a miser,
And I'll admit I wasn't very smart.
So I went out and found myself a guy who's so much wiser
And he taught me the way to win your heart.
My friend the witch doctor, he taught me what to say.
My friend the witch doctor, he taught me what to do.
I know that you'll be mine when I say this to you:
Ooh-ee-ooh-ah-ah, ting-tang-walla-walla-bing-bang..."
Ooh-ee-ooh-ah-ah, ting-tang-walla-walla-bing-bang.
Or the conservative equivalent of that.
Guy was obviously a plant, working in collusion with an "Independent" candidate for US House of Representatives who was also present. And vocal.
I guess conservatives can't stand their own party, and have to go center of right to be liked.
Anyways, after having my veteran status challenged (nothing new, eh, Brutus?), he went on to say that his real issue with "Cap'n Trade" (the imaginary foe of all conservatives who huff and puff and blow more CO2 into the atmosphere as they deny climate disruption), is the "$1,700 that families are going to have to pay when it passes," according to the liberal scourges of the universe, Senators Boxer and Kerry.
Um, let's affirm, answer, and redirect, now, ok?
AFFIRM: I understand your concern, Mr. I'm-A-Conservative-Consultant-Disguised-As-A-Concerned-Citizen.
ANSWER: I don't know where you're getting that data; all I know is that the nonpartisan (read: NONPARTISAN) Congressional Budget Office released data showing that over a 10 year implementation of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act policies, the average American family would pay less than $180 for energy a year.
Yup, $15 a month.
Wait for it...
REDIRECT: So, Mr. Teabagger, what's your REAL concern about the pending legislation?
"I'll tell you what," he huffed, "I am tired of people like you coming here and telling us what to think and how to vote!"
Ah, the hypocricy.
"You've been keepin' love from me just like you were a miser,
And I'll admit I wasn't very smart.
So I went out and found myself a guy who's so much wiser
And he taught me the way to win your heart.
My friend the witch doctor, he taught me what to say.
My friend the witch doctor, he taught me what to do.
I know that you'll be mine when I say this to you:
Ooh-ee-ooh-ah-ah, ting-tang-walla-walla-bing-bang..."
Friday, October 9, 2009
U.S. Department of State, Office of International Information Programs Conference: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency to Enhance Energy Security
Check out this SlideShare Presentation:
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Uh-oh, I feel a rant coming on...
W/o the common enemy of anonymous anarchists burning down the Steel City to rally against, Pittsburghers have resorted back to political internecine warfare. Gubernatorial candidates preen, mayoral candidates scream, but state legislators squirm under the onus of not yet having passed a budget.
Meanwhile, back in Gotham, carpe diem'ing of the per diem has been the talk of the town. An article made the front page of the Trib earlier this week, telling tales of hotels, gas and grub reimbursements.
Are people THAT pissed off because legislators haven't brought home the bacon, but instead are getting reimbursed for eating high off the hog in H'burg?
Harumph.
Listening to talk radio (read: KDKA Radio) since the story broke, I never knew so many Hill District residents were fans. The ones I paid attention to tended to sound like the ones you see in the background of neighborhood shots on TV--you know, the ones txting, "Hey, can you see me on the screen?" In WWE-style vernacular, they called in to put area politicians on blast for eating, sleeping and putting fuel in their vehicles and getting reimbursed for it.
"They ain't done nuthin' for MY neighborhood," one caller yelled, as if the state representative could hear him from H'burg.
Well, being the ass that I am, I immediately yelled back, "Well, what have you done for HIM?"
Apparently, while I was away in a self-induced coma, the United States political process has devolved into the greatest welfare state in the known universe.
"No, I don't have to vote, but you need to put money in a brotha's pocket, ok?"
"What? The other guy got in? Well, let me steep my teabag in the hot stink of Glenn Beck's man-love."
Never have I seen a more lazy and less participatory electorate bitch, moan, groan, and complain so damn much. Never mind that people in other countries are DYING to get involved in their politics. Never mind that as Black folk, we were just 3/5s human for census purposes. Never mind that women suffered to gain suffrage just in the last century.
Sigh. Maybe I'm bitter 'cause I wasn't featured in a cool YouTube clip getting my wig split by a baton-wielding stormtrooper during G-20. Maybe I'm pissed 'cause I ain't had maple bacon in a while. But if you didn't knock on a door, make a phone call, or even pull a lever for an election, a cause, or a candidate, and you're BITCHING, I've got 2 words for you--East Timor.
Go rent the Rambo movie. Maybe I'll reimburse you, ok?
NOT.
Meanwhile, back in Gotham, carpe diem'ing of the per diem has been the talk of the town. An article made the front page of the Trib earlier this week, telling tales of hotels, gas and grub reimbursements.
Are people THAT pissed off because legislators haven't brought home the bacon, but instead are getting reimbursed for eating high off the hog in H'burg?
Harumph.
Listening to talk radio (read: KDKA Radio) since the story broke, I never knew so many Hill District residents were fans. The ones I paid attention to tended to sound like the ones you see in the background of neighborhood shots on TV--you know, the ones txting, "Hey, can you see me on the screen?" In WWE-style vernacular, they called in to put area politicians on blast for eating, sleeping and putting fuel in their vehicles and getting reimbursed for it.
"They ain't done nuthin' for MY neighborhood," one caller yelled, as if the state representative could hear him from H'burg.
Well, being the ass that I am, I immediately yelled back, "Well, what have you done for HIM?"
Apparently, while I was away in a self-induced coma, the United States political process has devolved into the greatest welfare state in the known universe.
"No, I don't have to vote, but you need to put money in a brotha's pocket, ok?"
"What? The other guy got in? Well, let me steep my teabag in the hot stink of Glenn Beck's man-love."
Never have I seen a more lazy and less participatory electorate bitch, moan, groan, and complain so damn much. Never mind that people in other countries are DYING to get involved in their politics. Never mind that as Black folk, we were just 3/5s human for census purposes. Never mind that women suffered to gain suffrage just in the last century.
Sigh. Maybe I'm bitter 'cause I wasn't featured in a cool YouTube clip getting my wig split by a baton-wielding stormtrooper during G-20. Maybe I'm pissed 'cause I ain't had maple bacon in a while. But if you didn't knock on a door, make a phone call, or even pull a lever for an election, a cause, or a candidate, and you're BITCHING, I've got 2 words for you--East Timor.
Go rent the Rambo movie. Maybe I'll reimburse you, ok?
NOT.
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