Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Being an Angry Old Man
I just watched Ron Paul on The Ed Schultz Show. While I appreciate his independent voice, even some of his positions save his whacked idea about getting rid of the agriculture and education departments, I wonder if he is becoming more and more an angry old man. Ed Schultz is a talk show host. Mr. Paul is a congressman. His yelling and going tit for tat was a bit off putting. Who would elect such a one to the presidency?
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What is more whacked than his problem with the agriculture department is his position the the Civil War. Last summer I saw him discuss how Lincoln should never had fought the south to keep the union together.
I think Ed Shultz had the guy on TV just for the entertainment value.
Judith,
Angry...check! Old...check! Man...check! Three things that make me, well me.
Anger can be a good thing, or not. My anger is now getting me focused, educated, and involved in trying to make a difference in the lives of others and the communities they live in. What I see is the need for change and new ideas.
I read a great article in Fortune that spoke of former E-bay CEO Meg Whitman running for Governor of California. It would appear that many feel she isn't "qualified" for the position. I think se would be an excellent choice. Today's problems don't need more "political" solutions. I'm thinking the federal government has never shown they could run a "business" They need leadership and business acumen. Real change...
I did get to have a conversation with Arkansas State Senator Joyce Elliot. A former classroom teacher and community advocate and frequently critisized for her "liberal"-ness. It's funny how one's impression of someone can be so distorted by what you read in the newpaper. I found that with one exeption, that we see many of the same things. That was a terrific experience and lesson for me to learn.
Wish I would have heard his position on the Civil War, dan. I think you're right about the entertainment value and Mr. Paul gave it in spades. This was the first time I watched that show. Katrina vanden Heuvel was on tonight. Whether you agree with all of her positions or not, you gotta say that she is one smart lady. By the way, I rarely hear her make an argument that isn't well constructed.
Age should teach wisdom; unfortunately it does not always. I have no problem with anger. My problem is with stupidity. While education needs some serious overhauling, it most certainly should NOT be done away with. That is simply ludicrous. An ignorant country is an unsafe and underdeveloped country.
Regarding Meg Whitman, I hold judgment. If I'm not mistaken she made some whacked comments too when she was supporting Senator McCain during the presidential debate. But I liked her as an executive. She will probably not do any worse than those who have been in the position before.
Good to hear that your meeting went well with State Senator. I have had my share of meetings with government officials and I must say that I have not always been impressed to say the least, beginning from the administration assistants to the official themselves.
All the best with your efforts, Dave.
One problem with MSNBC I have is that most of it isn't news. It is mainly opinion. I happen to agree with most of their opinions, but the actual news is lacking. Opinions are very cheap, but gathering actual news is expensive. Smart people can make great points, but I'd like to see a little more actual news and a little less brilliant opinion. Thirty years ago,the networks and the papers would be all over the story about torture being used get detainees to admit to a connection between Iraq and Bin Laden. I didn't catch Katrina tonight (I channel surf) but I usually like what she has to say.
Judith,
I think the terrific thing about Senator Elliott is that she has always been on the "frontline". She is visible and accessible to those she represents. Her view at 10,000 ft reflects the reality of what's going on at ground zero.
Change is critically needed and long overdue when it comes to public education. Is the function of the Dept of Ed to educate or regulate? I know of the bazillions that get spent of education, far to much of that money doesn't make it's way to the buildng level.
Thanks Judith...great topic!
"One problem with MSNBC I have is that most of it isn't news. It is mainly opinion. I happen to agree with most of their opinions, but the actual news is lacking. Opinions are very cheap, but gathering actual news is expensive. Smart people can make great points, but I'd like to see a little more actual news and a little less brilliant opinion."
Brilliant comment, allen. I could not agree more.
"Is the function of the Dept of Ed to educate or regulate?"
Dave - This is not an either/or situation as I see it. Public education needs to both educate and regulate. Responsibility and accountability need to infused within the Department of Education. And it also takes a village to both raise and educate a child. The responsibility of my mom, pastors, neighbors, and teachers made the difference for me.
Judith,
I agree! The "village" however has changed a great deal and no longer has the capacity or capability it used to have. New ideas and approaches are needed but money is thrown at programs and policies that do not work!
"Responsibility and accountability need to infused within the Department of Education." Absolutely! And with every other federal or state program or agency that receives taxpayer funding.
"All things are possible."
I too have mixed opinions about MSNBC, but perhaps the poor competition (Fox & CNN) is to blame. (Having said that, I still watch some of it almost every night.)
I'm sorry I missed Ron Paul. I loved him on Meet the Press last year because he had the temerity to question American exceptionalism/triumphalism. But I know he harbors some mighty heterodox (and eccentric) views. Returning to the gold standard, for instance, is pretty out there.
John - You most certainly have a point about the other networks and I too have appreciated Ron Paul. I must admit that when the financial crisis first began I too thought that perhaps returning to the Gold Standard to be released from our current Debt Standard was an option.
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