Reid Gets a Pass for Racist Remarks?

Comments that are nothing but ignorant and racist seem to have little affect if you are in the right party it seems. I know this is being commented on ad nauseam, but in the new book, Game Change by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin, many bombshells explode. In my opinion, Sen. Harry Reid should no longer carry the title of Senator after reports have surfaced and he has admitted to calling President Obama a "light-skinned" African American with "no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one." That absolutely sounds like something an ignorant old white guy would say. Test out the theory of substitution with these comments. Imagine if a conservative had said they same thing. Imagine if McCain had said that in his concession speech on election night last year. Imagine if a tool like Glenn Beck had said that. He might as well commit suicide at that point. This is not about me defending conservatives, though, because they are idiots as well. It is about a double-standard and bullshiat hypocrisy. This is the kind of thing that brings down political careers and this guy is shaking it off like a polaroid picture. Look at the conservative political scandal trail of dead, Newt Gingrich, Trent Lott, among others. Then look at Democrats shaking off their scandals. Some people think our current president was not even born in this country, but that issue is never dignified with a response so I assume no one with any sort of power is even checking on it.

Bad American Because She Likes Other Countries?

Patriotism is an idea that has been, at the very least, muddled over time. No one wants to seem unpatriotic so there is a bit of one-upping that takes place in our quest to let others know we are patriotic. One may start with the idea that I like America because of freedom of religion and say it calmly with a sigh at the end. Then someone overhears that and says, "Yeh, America kicked ass in the WWII, saved the Brits and the Frenchies." Then the quest to seem patriotic eventually turns to, "Yeh, fuck other countries, let's nuke all of their camel's asses and take a dump on their flag." Adolescent level thinking has led to situations such as this one. The author of that article, whose name is Montana Wildhack (pseudonym much?), is jesting that she is a bad American because she likes other countries. I think she captures a notion with the article that is so true it may make an American who previously thought they never even want to leave the USA give their stance a second thought. Well done, Montana, but I would never trade my right to own an "assault" rifle. In fact I am shopping for a scope for mine in another browser tab. In my experience with people from other countries, that is the freedom they envy Americans for the most.

Populist vs. Nonpopulist: Let Me Get This Straight. You Don't Want the Law Enforced?

Sherriff Joe Arpaio is a lightning rod of controversy to say the least. He has taken the most active and outspoken stance against illegal immigration since they used to drown the potato-mongers at Ellis Island (note: I am of Irish descent-lighten up.) His department has arrested 33,000 illegal immigrants since 2007 under a now rescinded mandate for the Department of Homeland Security that allowed him to enforce federal immigration laws. That power has been stripped, but he does not mind. There are still state laws in Arizona that he can use to bust immigrants and send them home. Most people fall on one of the two extremes on the issue of immigration. Some want more open borders and basically want to give amnesty to any illegal immigrant who has bypassed law enforcement and made their way into America. Others want to put a fence up and connect high-voltage electric charges to shock the would-be illegals back from which they came. Those are the populist views. My view, the nonpopulist view is that America as it is today is a country founded by immigrants, and we still need immigrants of all shapes, sizes, colors, education levels and skill sets to keep this country going.

Populist Vs. Nonpopulist: Michael Jordan's Hall of Fame Speech

Michael Jordan's Hall of Fame acceptance speech was more polarizing and controversial than anyone expected. Personally, I loved it. I ate it up. I wasn't always a Bulls/MJ fan growing up. Since I have been a Nonpopulist my whole life you can imagine that I rooted against Michael for many years because he was always on top. I was a Phoenix Suns fan when Charles Barkley went to play for them and a Celtics fan before that when they were done winning championships and Larry "Back Spasm" Bird was a mere shell of his former self. No, it took many years for Michael to win me over. I wasn't really a fan of his until after his 2nd retirement (the first non-baseball one.) I don't remember the moment he won me over, but he did. It was probably with the help of a close friend who kept feeding me Jordan stories like the time he was playing for the Wizards and a younger player blocked one of shots. Jordan was so indignant that a player had dared to block one of his shots he ran the floor and pinned that guy's shot against the backboard and the trash MJ talked to that young player was also visible on his face. What really sealed my fandom for Jordan was his book, Driven from Within. That book was amazing in detailing Jordan's personal drive. He really wanted to win by any means necessary and meant it as you can see by his career.
All that aside, I can't really find any fault with his Hall of Fame induction speech where he has come under so much fire since he gave it. Sure, he got a few jabs in. He's Michael effing Jordan. He's allowed to do what he wants as far as basketball is concerned. Yes, he jokingly ribbed the coach that cut him in favor of Leroy Smith. Since that fact has come to light so many years ago everyone else in the known universe has as well. The main comment I've heard disparaging Jordan's Hall of Fame speech is that he was being petty or vindictive. That's a crock of crap. When you look at his speech through the perspective of his competitive desire being the only thing in his life, understanding that it consumed him and still does, you can accept him for who he is and appreciate his speech for what it was. And if you can't get on board go watch the flu game and the Sports Century classic on the flu game. Child, please.

Nonpopulist Music: Oasis Will Be Missed

Oasis is one of my two favorite bands of all time. They are also the one of that two that I have not seen perform live, so you can imagine my disappointment when the news came out recently that the band had broken up- Again. This time the breakup feels permanent. Nonpopulism has some caveats/exemptions- what have you, and this is one. Regional Nonpopulism. In England, liking Oasis is the American equivalent of liking Justin Timberlake or whatever you consider to be one of the most popular people that makes music. In America, Oasis is a drop in the musical bucket. Wonderwall is usually the only song anyone can name by them which is annoying and cool but mostly cool. Being a yank, it is very unpopular to like Oasis, but I think Noel Gallagher, who just quit the band, is one of the best songwriters of our time. I hope all of the rumors I have been hearing for ten years is true; that Noel has solo material ready for an occasion such as this. Maybe I will get to hear Noel by himself someday. Until then I will be sad. I leave you with one of Oasis' better live performances I have seen with the best set of band members in my opinion and one of their better songs. LIVE FOREVER.

Populist vs. Nonpopulist

I received this email forward and I found it to be a mixed bag so I say it's populist (what I perceive popular opinion to be) vs nonpopulist (the rational, independent opinion of me) time. All of the original text of the conservative email forward will be labeled Populist, and all of my takes will be labeled Nonpopulist. Understand that this will be a sort of debunking, but agreeing with the valid points and being scathing. Yes, has to be scathing. Keep in mind I'm not necessarily supportive of Obama.

Subject: Urgent! Just in the FIRST 4 Months! Unbelievable!

First 4 Months Accomplishments
WE CAN NOT STAND FOR THIS - 4 Years he will destroy the United STATES OF AMERICA!!!
This pretty much wraps it up. Have a stiff drink close at hand before reading this!

Observations on the President's Early Days: (They get progressively worse as you read down the list!)
Populist: Offended the Queen of England.

Populist: Bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia.

Nonpopulist: What was he supposed to do? Kick him in the crotch? It's probably just some sort of custom, and I would be embarrassed if was supposed to do that and he didn't. In fact, this same email would be lambasting him if he didn't bow.
Populist: Praised the Marxist Daniel Ortega.
Nonpopulist: I wouldn't say praised as much as I would say he was tolerating.
Populist: Kissed Hugo Chavez on the cheek.
Nonpopulist: What the gay? I missed this one.
Populist: Endorsed the Socialist Evo Morales of Bolivia.
Nonpopulist: ... instead of the other candidates, Anarchist Martinez and Dictator Sanchez. He's a democrat, socialism is the Latin American equivalent of being a democrat.
Populist: Announced we would meet with Iranians with no pre-conditions.
Nonpopulist: This is not entirely true, we insisted they bring the potato salad.
Populist: Gave away billions to AIG also without pre-conditions.
Nonpopulist: Yes, but you would have to since it really wasn't his decision to make. He bowed to pressure. It sucks, but Obama alone can't be blamed for that.
Populist: Expanded the bailouts.
Nonpopulist: Yes, again, not solely his decision.
Populist: Insulted everyone who has ever loved a Special Olympian.
Nonpopulist: I use the word retard a lot, so I'm not going to judge.
Populist: Doubled our national debt.
Nonpopulist: Is he the first president in history to spend a lot of money? No.
Populist: Announced a termination of the space defense system the day after the North Koreans launched an ICBM.
Nonpopulist: I don't think we have to have a space satellite to defeat ICBM's. I could be wrong on that, though.
Populist: Despite the urgings of his own CIA director and the prior 4 CIA directors, released information on intelligence gathering.
Nonpopulist: The people have a right to know. Did no one watch last season of 24. Even Jack Bauer wants to come clean and let the people judge for themselves. That show represents the American psyche better than any I can remember.
Populist: Accepted without public comment the fact that five of his cabinet members cheated on their taxes and two others withdrew after they couldn't take the heat.
Nonpopulist: Yeh, that was bad. I thought Geithner should have removed his name from consideration after his tax scandal came to light considering he's the Treasury secretary and his department oversees the IRS.

Populist: Appointed a Homeland Security Chief who quickly identified as "dangers to the nation", groups including veterans of the military,=2 0and opponents to abortion on demand, and who ordered that the word "terrorism" no longer be used but instead referred to such acts as "man made disasters".
Nonpopulist: This was also very bad.
Populist: Circled the globe so he could openly apologize for America's greatness.
Nonpopulist: I wouldn't say it that way. I would say he was being diplomatic. Some people think we need more of that. To phrase it as "apologize for America's greatness" is an exaggeration.
Populist: Told the Mexican President that the violence in their country was because of us.
Nonpopulist: Dumb. But it's part of the pretext for tightening gun laws further.
Populist: Politicized the census by moving it into the White House from its Department of Commerce origins.
Nonpopulist: This does seem bad on paper. I think it reinforces the fear people have about collection gathering and invasion of privacy.
Populist: Appointed as Attorney General the man who orchestrated the forced removal and expulsion from America to Cuba of nine-year old whose mother died trying to bring him to a life of freedom in the United States.
Nonpopulist: His attorney general is also a gun-control hawk which puts me at odds with him since it is blatantly anti-Constitutional.
Populist: Salutes as heroes three Navy SEALS who took down three terrorists who threatened one American life and the next day announces members of the Bush administration will likely stand trial for "torturing" a terrorist who had played a part in killing 3000 Americans by pouring water up their nose..
Nonpopulist: You can't hate on the troops. This is also about playing politics.
Populist: Air Force One over New York City.
Nonpopulist: I don't think President Obama was sitting in his office bored and said, "Hey guys, you know what would be cool? Flying Air Force One over New York City. It would totally freak everyone out." I think some lower level staffer made this decision, er, took the fall for that.
Populist: Sent his National Defense Advisor to Europe to assure Europe that the US will no longer treat Israel in a special manner and they might be on their own with the Muslims.
Nonpopulist: Doubtful this is as strong as it sounds, but Israel can get you in trouble sometimes on the world stage.
Populist: Began the process of nationalizing the Auto Industry and the Insurance industry.
Nonpopulist: Bad.
Populist: Announced that for intents and purposes the Health Insurance Industry will be nationalized.
Nonpopulist: Very bad. Incentivize the health care companies, Mr. President. Don't put your thumb on them like your rhetoric indicates.
Populist: As of=2 07/8/2009, 1293 days Or 3 years, 6 months, 13 days remaining... God help us all!
Nonpopulist: Surprise, surprise. Someone's screwing up in Washington. Unprecedented! I'm aghast!

Populist: SENIOR DEATH WARRANTS:
Nonpopulist: Whoa, misconstrue much? Some of the language in HR3200 is rough, though.
Populist: The actress Natasha Richardson died after falling skiing in Canada . It took eight hours to drive her to a hospital. If Canada had our health care she might be alive today. We now have helicopters that would have gotten her to 20 the hospital in 30 minutes. Obama wants to have our healthcare like Canada's and England's.
Nonpopulist: Ok, but Obama didn't will that lady dead.
Populist: In England anyone over 59 cannot receive heart repairs or stents or bypass because it is not covered as being too expensive and not needed.
Nonpopulist: Too anecdotal, I think, to be relevant.
Populist: I got this today and am sending it on. If Obama's plans in other areas don't scare you, this should.
Nonpopulist: You should evaluate everything on a case-by-case basis. I had one professor in college that said, "Chew the meat and spit out the bones."
Populist: Please do not let Obama sign senior death warrants
Nonpopulist: I don't plan to.
Populist: Everybody who is on this mailing list is either a senior citizen, is getting close or knows somebody that is.
Nonpopulist: I wasn't, but ok.
Populist: Most of you know by now that the Senate version (at least) of the "stimulus" bill includes provisions for extensive rationing of health care for senior citizens.. The author of this part of the bill, former senator and tax evader, Tom Daschle was credited today by Bloomberg with the following statement. Bloomberg: Daschle says "health-care reform will not be pain free. Seniors should be more accepting of the conditions that come with age instead of treating them."
Nonpopulist: Not sure what to say about that.
Populist: If this does not sufficiently raise your ire, just remember that Senators and Congressmen have their own health care plan that is first dollar or very low co-pay which they are guaranteed the remainder of their lives and are not subject to this new law if it passes.
Nonpopulist: Yeh, screw the fat cats!
Populist: Please use the power of the Internet to get this message out. Talk it up at the grassroots level.... We have an election coming up in one year and nine months. We have the ability to address and reverse the dangerous direction the Obama administration and it allies have begun. Lets do it! And in 2010 you have the voting power to replace the congressmen and senators that are voting for this.

Nonpopulist: ...Internet, powering up... loading... loading...

Populist Vs. Nonpopulist

I hope to make this a regular installment. I call it Populist vs. Nonpopulist, a kind of point-counterpoint. See if you get the idea.
Justin Timberlake:
Populist- OMG, he's so cute and I love his music, even the N'Sync hits.
Nonpopulist- Sure he made gay music, but he's funny on SNL and you can see how talented he is on that show.
President Obama:
Populist- Awesome. He's the first black president which means he's different from every other politician since the beginning of time, and we have a reason to be hopeful.
Nonpopulist- Hope from a politician? Not bloody likely.
Ben Affleck-
Populist- I hate Ben Affleck because other people do because I'm a mindless tool.
Nonpopulist- Arbitrary Affleck haters make me laugh because they don't have the ability or judge works individually. Armageddon is supposed to be a throwaway movie. His cameo in Boiler Room can never be touched and he directed Gone Baby Gone which is a good movie. He also had a part in Good Will Hunting which is great.
Terrell Owens-
Populist- T.O is a team cancer, primadonna who tears teams apart.
Nonpopulist- One guy can tear a team apart? He works harder and is in better shape than 95% of people in sports. I doubt he's that bad, and he's still just one guy.
Having your own opinion is important.