Palin and McCain's Shotgun Marriage [NYT Op-Ed piece]
The “no surrender” warrior surrendered to the agents of intolerance not just by dumping his pal for Palin but by moving so far to the right on abortion that even Cindy McCain seemed unaware of his radical shift when being interviewed by Katie Couric last week.
That ideological sellout, unfortunately, was not the worst leadership trait the last-minute vice presidential pick revealed about McCain. His speed-dating of Palin reaffirmed a more dangerous personality tic that has dogged his entire career. His decision-making process is impetuous and, in its Bush-like preference for gut instinct over facts, potentially reckless.
I read this comment/response on the Wiengarten WaPo chat today, and it motivated me to share.
MoCo: The thing that fascinates me about the Palin frenzy was the jibe by the Democrats that she is horribly inexperienced. She is, unquestionably. Her resume is not enough to be VP to an oldest President ever.
In fact, it has only slightly less resume points on it than Obama's. New Senator vs. new Governor. Former mayor vs. fomer state legislator. I am amazed how someone can tear Palin's resume apart, but uphold Obama's as good enough. Either they are both good enough or they're both horribly inexperienced. Can't have it both ways.
Gene Weingarten: No, there is a big difference. You will deny it, but it is an enormous difference:
Barack Obama has been running for president for three years. He has been traveling the country, developing complex positions on national and international affairs, speaking to knowledgeable people, getting vetted by the public, winning elections. He is, by now, a hugely knowledgeable man about the affairs of the country and the world.
Palin, until ten days ago, never thought outside Alaska.
Huge, huge difference.
Obama is more than qualified to be president. His resume is far and away better than Bush's was when he was handed to this country. Let me add to this that Obama has the necessary connections in DC to get things done. No matter what people say about the "Washington Establishment," a politician without connections won't be a successful president. Look at the historical performance of outsider presidents for confirmation.
Rather than continue rambling, I'll close with this, Pulling the Curtain on Palin. It has me wondering what will happen in the next act of "Candidate vs Media."
Domestic 14oz $3.59
Domestic 21oz $4.99
Imported 14oz $4.59
Imported 21oz $5.99
I didn't see it, but there was also a giant wall advert directly behind me, on the other side of the room, "Domestic Beer $1.99"
The waitress told us they only had Budweiser and Yeungling on tap. No worries, Yeungling is fine with us. We ordered the 14oz, and ended up with the 21oz because the bartender made a mistake. Okay. The waitress said we wouldn't be charged.
When the bill came, the price for our beers was $4.59 each. Hmmm. That's interesting. Why is the Yeungling priced like an international beer? I didn't even know about teh $1.99 special until this point, when DH pointed out that the price should be even less than the menu price.
We called over a manager, who gave us this priceless quote when we explained the situation,
I know that Yeungling is technically made in Pennsylvania or New Jersey or somewhere, but they've decided to price it as an import.
Technically? What? Maybe that bears repeating...
I know that Yeungling is technically made in Pennsylvania or New Jersey or somewhere, but they've decided to price it as an import.
After the point was gently made that maybe Don Pablo's management cannot just make up new definitions for words like, "domestic," they readily agreed to amend the bill to the correctly advertised price.
I just hope our waitress didn't get penalized because of a stupid management decision.
[ETA] DH just pointed out that Miller is owned by a South African company, and Anheiser Busch was just bought by a Belgian company....so really it could be argued that the Yeungling was the only domestic brew available.
- Mood:
mischievous
- Mood: hopeful
The CLOD, or clip of the day, is this excellent re-translation of Carmina Burana, courtesy my friend Caitlin Gibson. Caitlin and I agree that this borders on genius, largely because the lyrics are wonderful, but because they appear to be delivered in an Eastern European accent.
Third Annual Alexandria Earth Day Tree Sale on Saturday, April 26
Great Trees, Great Prices, and Great for Alexandria
Alexandria’s Urban Forestry Steering Committee (UFSC) and Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities will host a City tree sale on Saturday, April 26, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Dr. The sale will held in conjunction with the Alexandria Earth Day celebration. Tree stewards will be available at the sale to consult on tree choice and care.
The City’s tree supplier, Denison Landscaping and Nursery, will provide residents with a local selection of trees, sold in five-gallon containers that can be easily handled and planted. The trees will be sold at below retail market prices to encourage private planting in Alexandria, a major goal of the UFSC.
The sale will include shade, ornamental, and evergreen trees that grow successfully in this region. Shade and ornamental trees will be available for $30, and evergreen trees will be available for $40. If 10 or more trees are purchased for planting on one site, planting assistance may be obtained for an additional fee.
The Urban Forestry Steering Committee, established by the City Manager at the request of City Council in 2004, seeks to promote the preservation of the Alexandria’s tree canopy by encouraging the planting of trees on private property throughout the City.
Residents can reserve trees in advance through Wednesday, April 18. No deposit is necessary. To reserve a tree, call Jerry Dieruf, Arborist, at 703.838.4999, ext. 451, or e-mail jerry.dieruf@alexandriava.gov. A name, telephone number, and the type and quantities of the tree should be provided. Reserved trees that are not picked up by 10 a.m. on April 26 will be released for sale.
The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City’s Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, call Jerry Dieruf, Arborist, at 703.838.5040, extension 451, (TTY 703.838.4902) or e-mail jerry.dieruf@alexandriava.gov.
- Mood: excited
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