45% to 45%, according to a message put out this morning by Harley Rouda!
Had I known the election would be this close, I might not have chosen to be traveling abroad for the next two weeks, but those plans were made months ago. So I'll be watching from afar.
I did send in another donation to the Rouda campaign this morning, before leaving. I hope you'll join me, to the best of your ability.
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Saturday, September 29, 2018
JEKYLL AND HYDE
Regardless of the outcome of the FBI investigation, Kavanaugh disqualified himself in public with his ranting, misogynist, partisan performance on Thursday.
He was all boy scout do-gooder in his first appearance. But is that raging Trumpiac we saw on Thursday the kind of person we want sitting on the bench of the US Supreme Court?
I say, No!
(I say No to all bad-faith Republicans, too--and there are many of them!)
He was all boy scout do-gooder in his first appearance. But is that raging Trumpiac we saw on Thursday the kind of person we want sitting on the bench of the US Supreme Court?
I say, No!
(I say No to all bad-faith Republicans, too--and there are many of them!)
Friday, September 28, 2018
MY ANGER. HOW ABOUT YOURS?
My anger knows no bounds. I watched yesterday as cowardly, bullying Republican senators hid behind the skirts of a special "prosecutor"--a woman brought in to do their dirty work, whose questions entirely failed to budge Dr. Ford from her compelling testimony. Once spared the dignified spectacle of their victim, they began to vent their spleen against her and heap praise on her attacker.
Yes, I'm quite clear in my own mind that he was her attacker. The difference between the two could not have been more stark. A modest, calm (though "terrified") and clear minded woman answering every question put to her with consideration and care, and a raging, belligerent bully who answered not one single question of importance and showed appalling disrespect for the senators who asked perfectly reasonable questions--especially, I have to note, the women.
It seems, from this morning's reports, that craven Republicans are lining up with their "yes" vote for a man who lied blatantly in front of them. If he is confirmed, the Supreme Court of the United States will be disgraced for decades by his presence.
In addition to my anger, I feel genuine frustration at my own impotence to prevent this shameless, public atrocity. I can only hope that November will prove the occasion when Americans come together to reject this corrupt, unseemly administration and the party that supports it.
It also came to my attention yesterday that the man who is supposed to "represent" me in the US Congress, Dana Rohrabacher, is an enthusiastic supporter not only of Trump but of Trump's undeserving nominee. We must depose him, run him out of office, and elect a man who can show some common human decency, Harley Rouda, to the US Congress.
Yes, I'm quite clear in my own mind that he was her attacker. The difference between the two could not have been more stark. A modest, calm (though "terrified") and clear minded woman answering every question put to her with consideration and care, and a raging, belligerent bully who answered not one single question of importance and showed appalling disrespect for the senators who asked perfectly reasonable questions--especially, I have to note, the women.
It seems, from this morning's reports, that craven Republicans are lining up with their "yes" vote for a man who lied blatantly in front of them. If he is confirmed, the Supreme Court of the United States will be disgraced for decades by his presence.
In addition to my anger, I feel genuine frustration at my own impotence to prevent this shameless, public atrocity. I can only hope that November will prove the occasion when Americans come together to reject this corrupt, unseemly administration and the party that supports it.
It also came to my attention yesterday that the man who is supposed to "represent" me in the US Congress, Dana Rohrabacher, is an enthusiastic supporter not only of Trump but of Trump's undeserving nominee. We must depose him, run him out of office, and elect a man who can show some common human decency, Harley Rouda, to the US Congress.
Thursday, September 27, 2018
KAVANAUGH
I watched a good deal of yesterday's hearings. In the morning I saw a modest, thoughtful, truthful woman answering questions to the best of her ability. Her story was compelling and convincing. In the afternoon I saw and aggressive, bullying, bellicose man--in fact, a posse of aggressive, bullying, bellicose men--but I watched the one who was the center of attention as he dodged and ducked, never answering a single question with a straight and honest answer.
At the end of it all, the Republicans seemed to be celebrating what they thought to be a victory. I hope they will not have one. I hope there will be enough fair-minded Americans--men as well as women--who were as appalled as I was by this travesty and who will make their displeasure loudly known. I hope they will put the fear of G*d in enough Republican senators to provide the votes needed to defeat this outlandish nomination.
Kavanaugh revealed his true colors at the hearings, showing himself for the belligerent man who is entirely capable of the act he stands accused of.
Please join me in registering your protest.
At the end of it all, the Republicans seemed to be celebrating what they thought to be a victory. I hope they will not have one. I hope there will be enough fair-minded Americans--men as well as women--who were as appalled as I was by this travesty and who will make their displeasure loudly known. I hope they will put the fear of G*d in enough Republican senators to provide the votes needed to defeat this outlandish nomination.
Kavanaugh revealed his true colors at the hearings, showing himself for the belligerent man who is entirely capable of the act he stands accused of.
Please join me in registering your protest.
RIVETING TV
I'm watching Dr. Christine Blasey Ford's testimony on television this morning. Totally compelling viewing. Dr. Blasey Ford is proving 100 percent believable and 100 percent sympathetic. Is there now a chance that one likely sexual predator nominated for the Supreme Court by another admitted sexual predator will be rejected for this lifetime appointment to the highest court in the country? I sincerely hope so!
I hope, too, that the repercussions of this event will be registered in voter disgust with Republicans in November.
I hope, too, that the repercussions of this event will be registered in voter disgust with Republicans in November.
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
ON ANOTHER NOTE...
Does anyone else find it odd that the man who is supposed to be representing us in the US Congress seems to have settled on a burning issue as his new pet project...? Airport noise!
Well, I agree that noise pollution is pernicious. I'm no big fan of the sound of jets taking off and landing. But what disturbs me far more than their noise, quite frankly, is their contribution to the much more serious air pollution that threatens the very future of our planet.
To be obsessed with the comfort of the (mostly) affluent folk who live in the (mostly) affluent flight path of those jetliners that carry them off on business trips (hopefully profitable: I wish them well) or nice vacations is all very well... but at the same time to deny the effects of climate change on the planet and our entire species is, in my view, to have some very misplaced priorities.
Perhaps you disagree with me. If you live near the airport, you have my sympathies. But still, we surely need a congressman who listens to what science has to say and believes it. And is willing to take action based on scientific fact.
In other words... vote for Harley Rouda in November. And persuade others to vote for him, too. Particularly Republicans. And Independents. Vote Democratic. That's the ticket.
Well, I agree that noise pollution is pernicious. I'm no big fan of the sound of jets taking off and landing. But what disturbs me far more than their noise, quite frankly, is their contribution to the much more serious air pollution that threatens the very future of our planet.
To be obsessed with the comfort of the (mostly) affluent folk who live in the (mostly) affluent flight path of those jetliners that carry them off on business trips (hopefully profitable: I wish them well) or nice vacations is all very well... but at the same time to deny the effects of climate change on the planet and our entire species is, in my view, to have some very misplaced priorities.
Perhaps you disagree with me. If you live near the airport, you have my sympathies. But still, we surely need a congressman who listens to what science has to say and believes it. And is willing to take action based on scientific fact.
In other words... vote for Harley Rouda in November. And persuade others to vote for him, too. Particularly Republicans. And Independents. Vote Democratic. That's the ticket.
Monday, September 24, 2018
RISE UP!
Last week I posted a couple of entries in solidarity with Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. I hope you read them. I now catch wind of the fact that other women assaulted by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh are stepping forward. Will their voices be heard? In their rush to confirm a nomination by a "president" who is himself an admitted predator on women, I suspect that those white male Republicans will try to find some way of blocking them--without, they hope, losing the support of women nationwide.
I, in my turn, hope they will not succeed. I hope that women everywhere will rise up, appalled by the spectacle of the last bastion of male domination defending itself against the steady march of time. The #MeToo movement is a powerful one because its multitude of voices is passionate and true. Those in denial of the truth they tell will suffer its consequences, and it's my hope that November will prove the turning point.
Dana Rohrabacher is NOT on the side of the angels, in this or any other matter. I believe that sufficient numbers of enlightened women in his district will join those (well, semi-!) enlightened men who support them in their effort, and properly send this one Republican packing in November, with his tail between his legs.
I, in my turn, hope they will not succeed. I hope that women everywhere will rise up, appalled by the spectacle of the last bastion of male domination defending itself against the steady march of time. The #MeToo movement is a powerful one because its multitude of voices is passionate and true. Those in denial of the truth they tell will suffer its consequences, and it's my hope that November will prove the turning point.
Dana Rohrabacher is NOT on the side of the angels, in this or any other matter. I believe that sufficient numbers of enlightened women in his district will join those (well, semi-!) enlightened men who support them in their effort, and properly send this one Republican packing in November, with his tail between his legs.
Friday, September 21, 2018
BUNKERED
(My entry today is cross-posted, verbatim, from my other blog, The Buddha Diaries).
From what I read and hear, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh has been bunkered in the White House for the past three days. (I like the pun, evoking the memory of that arch bigot, Archie!) I suspect he has not been engaged in the kind of self-reflection and self-examination that is called for at a moment of personal crisis, but rather plotting ways in which he can exculpate and extricate himself from the threat to his candidacy brought about by the accusation of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford.
Here's what I'd want to see from a man I could vote for, were I in a position to do so, to serve for a lifetime on the Supreme Court of the United States: rather than deny, blame, and attack, I'd like to see a man chastened and humbled by the story of a woman that so obviously has not only the ring of truth but the evidentiary support of at least three witnesses. I'd like to see him ask her to confront him with the story in as much detail as she can muster, listen attentively and without defensive reaction to the events as she remembers them, and repeat back to her what he has heard, to be sure that he has fully understood and registered the facts.
I'd like him then to acknowledge that, if he himself has no memory of the event, it is likely because he was too drunk at the time of its occurrence--but that this is no excuse, and is not offered as such; or that his conscious mind repressed it as being too onerous to bear--again, no excuse! I'd like him to accept the truth of her experience and to ask, in all humility, if there is anything he can do to make up for a past he is unable to change and for the pain and suffering his action caused. Should she reject his offer, I would like him to publicly propose his own act of compensatory service, proportionate to circumstance, and commit to its completion.
That, in my view, would be a man who might yet be worthy of confirmation, no matter how despicable the action of his youth. Instead, he is bunkered in the White House--the very place that has become the epitome of intrigue, calumny and lies--presumably plotting out a course for enough exculpation and justification to gain the minimum of votes needed for "success." There is no place on the Supreme Court for one who follows this course. Nominated by a man whose legitimacy as president is in serious question and supported by a band of shameless co-conspirators in the subversion of the laws upon which we have stood for centuries, Judge Kavanaugh could possibly redeem himself with an unsparing and impartial search for the truth. Otherwise, we shall all be witness to a monumental travesty of the justice he is privileged to serve.
From what I read and hear, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh has been bunkered in the White House for the past three days. (I like the pun, evoking the memory of that arch bigot, Archie!) I suspect he has not been engaged in the kind of self-reflection and self-examination that is called for at a moment of personal crisis, but rather plotting ways in which he can exculpate and extricate himself from the threat to his candidacy brought about by the accusation of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford.
Here's what I'd want to see from a man I could vote for, were I in a position to do so, to serve for a lifetime on the Supreme Court of the United States: rather than deny, blame, and attack, I'd like to see a man chastened and humbled by the story of a woman that so obviously has not only the ring of truth but the evidentiary support of at least three witnesses. I'd like to see him ask her to confront him with the story in as much detail as she can muster, listen attentively and without defensive reaction to the events as she remembers them, and repeat back to her what he has heard, to be sure that he has fully understood and registered the facts.
I'd like him then to acknowledge that, if he himself has no memory of the event, it is likely because he was too drunk at the time of its occurrence--but that this is no excuse, and is not offered as such; or that his conscious mind repressed it as being too onerous to bear--again, no excuse! I'd like him to accept the truth of her experience and to ask, in all humility, if there is anything he can do to make up for a past he is unable to change and for the pain and suffering his action caused. Should she reject his offer, I would like him to publicly propose his own act of compensatory service, proportionate to circumstance, and commit to its completion.
That, in my view, would be a man who might yet be worthy of confirmation, no matter how despicable the action of his youth. Instead, he is bunkered in the White House--the very place that has become the epitome of intrigue, calumny and lies--presumably plotting out a course for enough exculpation and justification to gain the minimum of votes needed for "success." There is no place on the Supreme Court for one who follows this course. Nominated by a man whose legitimacy as president is in serious question and supported by a band of shameless co-conspirators in the subversion of the laws upon which we have stood for centuries, Judge Kavanaugh could possibly redeem himself with an unsparing and impartial search for the truth. Otherwise, we shall all be witness to a monumental travesty of the justice he is privileged to serve.
Thursday, September 20, 2018
ME TOO, CONT'D
Reflecting on the story of sexual assault that I told yesterday in the context of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford's dilemma, I realize...
... that while I have a clear and detailed memory of the incident, my assailant might have wiped it from his memory bank;
... that I do not remember the name of a single one of the several witnesses; but if it had happened here in the US, the FBI would have no trouble in locating some of them;
... that I did not tell anyone about the incident--not the housemaster, who would have been the responsible authority, nor my parents; nor have I mentioned to anyone else since; that I chose, out of embarrassment and humiliation, to remain silent;
... that it was painful and embarrassing to recall the incident, even in the public forum of my blog and Facebook; to be subjected to a grilling about it before a Senate committee and a national television audience would be intimidating indeed.
In short, it is not hard for me to understand Dr. Ford's long silence on this private matter, not her reluctance to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee, absent a thorough, impartial investigation by the FBI. To use her reluctance to question the truth she has to tell is a cruel reminder of the easy abuse of power by men who wish to undermine her for their own political purposes.
I do not trust these men half as much as I trust Dr. Ford.
... that while I have a clear and detailed memory of the incident, my assailant might have wiped it from his memory bank;
... that I do not remember the name of a single one of the several witnesses; but if it had happened here in the US, the FBI would have no trouble in locating some of them;
... that I did not tell anyone about the incident--not the housemaster, who would have been the responsible authority, nor my parents; nor have I mentioned to anyone else since; that I chose, out of embarrassment and humiliation, to remain silent;
... that it was painful and embarrassing to recall the incident, even in the public forum of my blog and Facebook; to be subjected to a grilling about it before a Senate committee and a national television audience would be intimidating indeed.
In short, it is not hard for me to understand Dr. Ford's long silence on this private matter, not her reluctance to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee, absent a thorough, impartial investigation by the FBI. To use her reluctance to question the truth she has to tell is a cruel reminder of the easy abuse of power by men who wish to undermine her for their own political purposes.
I do not trust these men half as much as I trust Dr. Ford.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
ME TOO, DR. CHRISTINE BLASEY FORD
On my other blog, The Buddha Diaries, which I have been writing now for many years, I wrote an account of an experience I had as a teenager in boarding school--one that has a good deal in common with Dr. Christine Blasey Ford's story. I admire her courage, and am appalled to see so many powerful white males lining up to add insult to her injury. For this reason, I felt the need to stand in solidarity with her. There are too many of us--and, yes, men as well as women--who have been subjected to sexual assault. You can read my story here.
Please join me in voting some of these clueless men out of office this November. First one out should be Dana Rohrabacher.
Please join me in voting some of these clueless men out of office this November. First one out should be Dana Rohrabacher.
WHITE MALE PRIVILEGE... AGAIN (OR STILL)
I'm for Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. Aren't you?
1) Her story, insofar as I have read about it, is entirely credible;
2) She has shown incredible courage in allowing herself to be identified;
3) She is under threat not only from the yahoos hounding her on the Internet, who have gone so far that she has been forced to leave her home; but also from establishment white male politicians, including some on the Senate judiciary committee. Why should she be prepared to be "interviewed" by hostile men whose words have shown that their minds are already made up?
4) Her story is one that rings true to me (as a schoolboy, I was also subject to public abuse by a self-infatuated bully), as well as to untold numbers of women who have experienced the same, or similar humiliation.
She is right, The FBI should be instructed to investigate her allegations before she agrees to appear before the Judiciary Committee and the country on national television. She deserves to have the support of a factual investigation in the face of sheer emotional hostility, white male privilege, and prejudice.
Vote the entire Democratic ticket in November. Ask your Republican friends to do the same, if they truly wish to save our threatened democracy.
1) Her story, insofar as I have read about it, is entirely credible;
2) She has shown incredible courage in allowing herself to be identified;
3) She is under threat not only from the yahoos hounding her on the Internet, who have gone so far that she has been forced to leave her home; but also from establishment white male politicians, including some on the Senate judiciary committee. Why should she be prepared to be "interviewed" by hostile men whose words have shown that their minds are already made up?
4) Her story is one that rings true to me (as a schoolboy, I was also subject to public abuse by a self-infatuated bully), as well as to untold numbers of women who have experienced the same, or similar humiliation.
She is right, The FBI should be instructed to investigate her allegations before she agrees to appear before the Judiciary Committee and the country on national television. She deserves to have the support of a factual investigation in the face of sheer emotional hostility, white male privilege, and prejudice.
Vote the entire Democratic ticket in November. Ask your Republican friends to do the same, if they truly wish to save our threatened democracy.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
DAMNED IF THEY DO...
... damned if they don't. Senate Republicans find themselves in a no-win bind--one of their own making. If they rush through their Supreme Court confirmation despite credible allegations against the candidate, they risk rousing the ire of every thinking/feeling woman in America who is not a died-in-the-wool Trumpter. The travesty of the Anita Hill hearing rings even more poignantly in the #MeToo era. If they fail to confirm, and soon, they risk not only rousing the ire of their right-win evangelical base, but also losing the seat on the Supreme Court they have cheated and lied for these past couple of years.
I am sufficiently disenchanted with these people and their tactics to enjoy watching them squirm.
Meanwhile, however, let us not forget the goal for this November: to restore those checks and balances ordained by the Constitution, and flouted by the current Republican Senate and House. There is talk, now, of the possibility of Democrats returning with a majority in the Senate. I would like to believe this could happen.
What CAN happen, however, and what it falls to us, in CA 48 to MAKE happen, is the dumping of our current poor excuse for a congressional representative and his replacement with one who listens to his constituents and is capable of what we Buddhists call RIGHT ACTION.
Vote early! Be sure that every friend and associate is ready to vote! Let's elect Harley Rouda for a future that America can be proud of.
I am sufficiently disenchanted with these people and their tactics to enjoy watching them squirm.
Meanwhile, however, let us not forget the goal for this November: to restore those checks and balances ordained by the Constitution, and flouted by the current Republican Senate and House. There is talk, now, of the possibility of Democrats returning with a majority in the Senate. I would like to believe this could happen.
What CAN happen, however, and what it falls to us, in CA 48 to MAKE happen, is the dumping of our current poor excuse for a congressional representative and his replacement with one who listens to his constituents and is capable of what we Buddhists call RIGHT ACTION.
Vote early! Be sure that every friend and associate is ready to vote! Let's elect Harley Rouda for a future that America can be proud of.
Monday, September 17, 2018
MAKING WAVES
I was at the big rally yesterday afternoon outside the William Turner Gallery at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica. A huge, enthusiastic crowd, in bright sunlight, with shade at a premium. The biggest rally in history, it was said, for a mid-term political campaign in Southern California. By some-one's rough count, at least 1,000 people showed up--as Rouda joked, that's 2,000 by Trump's math.
A rousing reception for all the speakers, especially for Julia Brownley and Ted Lieu...
... current congressional representatives who are eager to welcome new House members from Southern California. I was impressed with the passion and sturdy eloquence of Katie Hill, candidate for the 25th District, and have contributed to her campaign. I hope you will, too.
Our Harley also gave a terrific address--rather short, because the event had started an hour late, and speakers were obviously encouraged to be brief. Still, in a few words, he managed to both royally roast the current incumbent ("Russia-backer") and put forth a few good policy points of his own.
By this time--having waited for an hour and sat for another in blazing sunlight, both Ellie and I were done for the afternoon. We retreated to our air-conditioned car as the indomitable Jackie Goldberg was regaling the crowd with another punchy speech. So sorry to have missed her finale, AND... if he finally made it, Eric Swalwell, who has become, along with Ted Lieu, one of the most eloquent TV spokespersons for the work of Democratic committees.
Okay. I was enormously encouraged by the size and enthusiasm of the crowd. I joined in with their jubilation over the quality and passion of those who currently represent us, and those whom we hope will be representing us very soon. Well and good, BUT...
PLEASE DON'T JUST TRUST THE BLUE WAVE--MAKE IT HAPPEN!...
... as every speaker stressed, we need to keep working. We need to keep contributing what we can, or MORE than we can--because, sadly, American politics is all about money. Here's a link to the Rouda campaign. Please join me in giving just a little bit more today.
And if you have friends who'd be interested in hearing about the rally, please send them a link to this entry. Who knows, maybe they too would click on the donate button.
A rousing reception for all the speakers, especially for Julia Brownley and Ted Lieu...
Our Harley also gave a terrific address--rather short, because the event had started an hour late, and speakers were obviously encouraged to be brief. Still, in a few words, he managed to both royally roast the current incumbent ("Russia-backer") and put forth a few good policy points of his own.
By this time--having waited for an hour and sat for another in blazing sunlight, both Ellie and I were done for the afternoon. We retreated to our air-conditioned car as the indomitable Jackie Goldberg was regaling the crowd with another punchy speech. So sorry to have missed her finale, AND... if he finally made it, Eric Swalwell, who has become, along with Ted Lieu, one of the most eloquent TV spokespersons for the work of Democratic committees.
Okay. I was enormously encouraged by the size and enthusiasm of the crowd. I joined in with their jubilation over the quality and passion of those who currently represent us, and those whom we hope will be representing us very soon. Well and good, BUT...
PLEASE DON'T JUST TRUST THE BLUE WAVE--MAKE IT HAPPEN!...
... as every speaker stressed, we need to keep working. We need to keep contributing what we can, or MORE than we can--because, sadly, American politics is all about money. Here's a link to the Rouda campaign. Please join me in giving just a little bit more today.
And if you have friends who'd be interested in hearing about the rally, please send them a link to this entry. Who knows, maybe they too would click on the donate button.
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