One By One

Halloween is over now. I can tell because stores have taken down the candy and put up the Christmas displays. I recognize it as well because I can now no longer watch all of the cheesy horror movies that were being played back to back on broadcast and cable TV. 

You know the ones that I am talking about. They start with a diverse and often unrelated group of people either finding themselves on or in a house, castle, ship, island, cave, spaceship, etc; usually in search of some unnamed wealth or fame. Once there, they discover that the reward that they were seeking was either unavailable or not all it was cracked up to be and that instead what they are facing a challenge that they neither sought, nor are prepared to deal with. Realizing that their fate may not be what they dreamed of and that the world that they have found themselves in is fraught with danger, they discover that it will take all that they can give merely to survive this experience. Such however, is not to be the case for most. One by one, their frailties and personal foibles are exposed, making them vulnerable to the danger around them. Foolishly failing to recognize that their only strength is in unity both in person and of purpose, they wander about individually and one by one they lose their gamble and their lives to the hazards that surround them.

And in so many of those films, there are likewise those complicit with the evil, searching for purely personal gain as the reward to betrayal of their fellows. They are easily recognizable by their smiling faces and false pronouncements seeking only the safety of all. Almost as evil as that with which they are allied, it is of little surprise when it's discovered that all they seek is the advancement of their own situation. I have often wondered what madness possesses these people to allow themselves to be placed in such positions in the first place (though in some movies, such placement is strictly accidental). I have wondered why once finding themselves in such peril, they treated it with such denial and aplomb; recklessly ignoring the threats to their health, their security, and in fact their very lives. Surely vanity or greed can play a role in the taking such risks, but could any be foolish enough to believe that any reward could be accomplished without real labor and the accompanying risks.

I begin to understand it more these days however. In these heady times of bailout and stimulus, it begins to become more clear. How in these times of government bailout of private industry "too big to fail" can anyone fail to believe in a lack of consequence for bad decisions and hugely inappropriate risk-taking? In this period when legislators rigorously defend those who gambled on both the economy and the housing market to protect themselves from the tragically bad real estate decisions, should we not believe that such risky behavior is justified?

Such is the plot it appears, that we now find ourselves in. It is reality however, where we find ourselves discovering this dangerous challenge. And while some have consciously sought to dare the fates, many others appear to have simply blundered into this world, oblivious to the situation they now find themselves in and uncaring of the consequences. Still others, mostly ordinary people attempting to lead ordinary lives, are only now waking up to the seriousness of the times and the reality of the threat to such an existence.

As in those tired films, the danger seeks to separate us in order to achieve its end. Fearing defeat from a united front, it continually attempts to divide us by race, by religion, by income, and even by opportunity. Seeking to thwart any attempt to come together as either criminal or futile, that danger seeks to keep us at odds with each other to achieve our individual demise. Likewise using the tool of those weakest among us to its own ends, this impending doom continues to make use of such cowards, rascals, and charlatans as put themselves forward for such efforts. Neither effort must be permitted to succeed.

It is time to put an end to this poorly written B-movie plot, time to end this shoddy bit of cinema. We can no longer permit ourselves to be the victims in this tragic melodrama. Time indeed to throw out the villains, bridge the separations, and win back our lives before someone rolls the final credits. For if we do not do so, we will surely find that the evil that many of us so now fear has picked us off one by one.

TFP Column: Election Results In, Voters Lose

Here we are once again with the election behind us and the weekend before us. That means that it's time for another edition of the Toledo Free Press, where you know that I could not keep my two cents out of the mix when it came time to analyze the results. 

I didn't, with this column on my thoughts on the recent choices. 

There is as always, much more of interest in this weekend's effort in the TFP (I was personally taken with Michael Miller's family experience with H1N1). But this weekend's TFP is where you can catch up on everything that happened from the election of 2009 and everything that will be happening in Toledo. 

Texting Legislation

I have watched from the sidelines long enough, and now feel obligated to step up on something. Legislation to ban texting in automobiles and new safety legislation for cyclists are both being bandied about Toledo City Council. It is time for Council step forward, since "even if one life is saved, it will be worth it". 

I am therefore proposing that Mr. Steel and Mr. Collins combine their efforts into the Toledo Omnibus Auto / Bicycle texting while Driving Legislation TOAD.

TOAD would allow no texting while driving a car, riding a bicycle, or passing a bicycle at a safe distance while driving a car. [OK, sarcasm off] 

I actually do think that they should combine these odorous pieces of nonsense so that we can more efficiently dispense with them. Besides, really lame legislation requires a really neat name to see it through. Using this one will allow us to say that anyone supporting this bit of natural fertilizer is, "Kissing the TOAD". 

I would suggest however, that Council drop this "media friendly" crap and put their minds to areas where they might be put to better use, filling holes in the city budget or the streets of Toledo come to mind. 

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

I was trying to think of what to say about doing my civic duty in the elections held just two days ago when the title of this posting popped into my head. I realized that with the mood that I am in, little could be more fitting. 

I won't go into the specifics of the candidates and the issues here, as I have done that for this week's column for the Toledo Free Press, which I expect will be available online in less than 24 hours. Instead, I thought that it might be worth the effort to spend just a minute speaking about the process. It appears that about 38% of the registered voters cast ballots in Tuesday's election. This is better than the meager numbers that we got in the September primary, but obviously not nearly as good as it should be. Yet even as less than 40% of us acted on our greatest freedom, few appeared to do so with the due consideration required to perform this function responsibly. 

Far too many of our fellow citizens (at least those who cast ballots) appear to have done so with other than the knee-jerk response to candidate names that have kept Toledo in its currently unenviable position. While many claimed a desire to end to the "same old, same old" or the "good old boys network", when presented with an opportunity to make such a change we instead held a "Green Election", recycling our local politicians. 

In the first real election since so many voted for "hope and change" in this country, we here in Toledo chose instead to trod a well-worn path to destruction. While complaining over the way that things have been done in this city, we still managed to redefine stupidity by "doing the same thing over again and expecting a different result". 

As for issue balloting in the state, I am afraid that the slick advertising campaigns appear to have once again gotten the better of the Ohio voters. Using scare tactics, unsubstantiated accusation, and juggled (if not blatantly fabricated) statistics, they insidiously worked their way into the public consciousness to reap the results that they were designed to. With aggressive ignorance, weak wills, and a drone mentality that is fascinating to those of us attempting to analyze them, these campaigns of misinformation worked their magic on the electorate with all the subtlety of an insurance commercial. (I am beginning to understand now how those Geico cavemen feel.) 

As for me, the glass of wine that indulged myself with while watching the results come in Tuesday night now seems to taste of sour grapes. Perhaps the professional politicians, the slick corporate entities with their phony ad campaigns, and the malaise and apathy of the voters are simply symptoms (or proof) that the game of politics has simply outpaced our ability as citizens to play it. 

After watching the performance of the players on running up to Tuesday however and seeing the results reaped upon wide-eyed and gullible voters, I can't help but feel that performing my sacred duty as a citizen of this country is beginning to feel like a good deed that I fear will not go unpunished. 

Election Analysis

I would love to be able to provide for you exactly what the title of the posting states ... unfortunately I spent a bit of time (and most of my limited wit) this morning doing exactly that for my column for the Toledo Free Press this weekend. 

Yesterday's results deserve something suitable (I'm not sayin' what yet, but something suitable). Have no fear, I will undoubtedly come up with further nonsense to share if given a little time (no one has yet been able to accuse me of less nonsense in my life). 

Such will have to wait however, until I get a chance to rest my weary mind and get over the pall of grief that I feel and the level of apathy and aggressive ignorance shown in this city and state by the electorate yesterday. 

Election Night 2009 - Live

Last year, I did a bit of live blogging for the Toledo Free Press on election night. They have chosen not to do this again this year (or at least have chosen not to ask me to participate) so I thought that I would do this on a reduced scale on my own this evening. I will be posting throughout the evening on any random thoughts (usually the only kind that occur to me) as the night progresses. Please feel free to join in with me and comment as we go along ...  

11:30 
The pundits on Fox Toledo debated the influence of Jon Stainbrook on this most recent election. I am looking at this from the outside, being neither Republican nor Democrat; but it appear to me that Mr. Stainbrook has been all but invisible lately. Quite frankly, his endorsement, as well as that of his mentor at the Blade appear to be the kiss of death. Maggie Thurber has talked about the influence of the Blade recently in Thurber's Thoughts, and the discussion is well worth reading. Fox Toledo has signed off for the night on election coverage, and I believe that I will as well, it being well past my bedtime. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all that participated in the process.  

11:15 
Two of the three candidates that I hoped would shake things up (one dropped out for personal reasons) are currently all but tied for "Nah". It's not that I mind being wrong, I'm used to that. It's that I feel that I am so out of step with my fellow citizens in Toledo that I have to wonder. I have loved my time in this, my latest home; but have to wonder if the feeling is mutual.  

11:00 
Bell continues to lead, but this one is so close that it is likely that a recount will be required almost automatic. No matter what we know this evening, it will be some time before we know who is actually mayor. As for City Council, it looks like more of the same. For Issues 1-4, all seem to be passing with easy margins.  

10:35 Bell just jumped into the lead, for the first time in the evening ...  

10:30 Is it just me, or does it seem fitting to anyone else that Mike Bell is celebrating at a public restaurant and Keith Willkowski is at a UAW hall?  

10:00 The margin on the Mayor's race is closing. This is a good thing, as it proves that the cumulative IQ of the city is not on the decline. This is not to say that the two candidates were dramatically different, but there has to be more to life in Toledo than standing in lockstep behind an endorsed Democratic candidate. Interestingly enough, the NY 23rd district race is closer than I expected and the race for Mayor in NYC has the two candidates in a virtual tie.\  

9:45 
Well the results are beginning to dribble in, and the Mayor's race is probably too close to call this early, though it looks like a Democrat won (actually, one would have either way). City Council appears to be one more chance for "more of the same".  

9:15 
The numbers coming in seem to tell us what we already knew. The voters of Toledo, Lucas County, and Ohio seem to have no concept of money, the dire situation that this city, county, and state are in, and anything about a candidate except the familiarity of a name. It does not bode well for the future of any of these entities.  

8:50 
Both Kevin Milliken and Terry Shanklin are running behind in the voting on Council races in favor of a Gerkin who has little going for her other than her name. I had hoped that if at least one them had reached office that there was hope for some kind of change, but it appears that Toledo is still in the death grip of mediocrity.  

8:45 
It appears that we do love our Issues here in Ohio. Currently all are ahead by healthy margins. It appear that not only have the fear tactics worked with the voters, but that few understand the concept and restrictions of a State Constitutional Amendment. I am convinced that Ohio voters believe that all of these promises are being made with OPM (Other People's Money), not realizing that the state has no money. Can such ignorance really be possible? It brings to mind the old theme song from M.A.S.H., "Suicide is Painless".  

8:30 
Perhaps we know now why the president's press secretary tried to distance the administration from the local elections today. It's easy to say that they are not a commentary on the direction that the country is taking, but it appears obvious that the voters out there are feeling different. The only one that I have seen no news on is the NY 23rd District, where the Republican candidate dropped out of the race and supported the Democratic candidate rather than the conservative. If this triumvirate should happen, there is a good chance that Cap and Trade and the Health Care legislation could be derailed. I am watching the CNN coverage (in the spirit of bi-partisanship LOL). I watch it with the sound turned down however, as the pundits are too annoying for words.  

8:15 
CNN is calling the election in Virginia a sweep for the Republicans. Governor, Lt. Governor, and Atty. General will all be from the party that the president is not part of by a fairly significant margin. Just saw the NJ numbers, and the Republican Christie has a significant lead there as well.  

8:00 
Willkowski appears to have the early lead for Mayor. This is not much of a surprise since he is the endorsed Democratic candidate. As for Council, it appears that the same names and faces will be a part of it once more. I find it amazing in this city that everyone can complain about the "same old thing" leading to the financial hole that the city currently finds itself in, yet votes for little or no change in its government. Is it laziness, aggressive apathy or ignorance, or simply that there is so little interest that no one bothers to look behind the familiar? That we should have such an opportunity in this city and choose to waste it is almost beyond comprehension.  

6:00 
I will not speak about the candidates that I voted for, but in the spirit of full disclosure, I will at least talk about my Issue votes. I voted no on all. While I believe that our service personnel deserve our support, I do not believe that they fought for this country for money. At a time when the state is in hock up to its personnel deserve our support, I do not believe that they fought for this country for money. I don't believe creating more is a good idea, no matter how noble the cause. Issue 2, as I have stated earlier, is a coward's amendment. The state legislature, rather than take up its responsibilities and ignore the threats of radical fringe groups, ducks its obligations and tries to put this on the voters without proper explanation or justification. Creating more bureaucracy is always wrong. Issue 3 is a mandated monopoly and I will never support such. Quite frankly the only thing worse than this proposed amendment is the behavior of groups on both sides in attempting to scare and intimidate voters. As a senior (well almost), certainly Issue 4 is of concern to me. I find however, that I would rather let voters keep their money rather than have the county redistribute it. I know that this may sound callous, and this money may be doing a lot of good, but voting on principle means just that. Government's place in such areas should be eliminated wherever possible. If however, they want to create a charity to fill the same role, I will be one of the first to step up and donate.  

5:30 
I have to share my voting story with you first off. Traffic was light when I walked down to the polling place this morning. After I had completed my civic duty and was about to leave, a woman of similar age was leaving at the same time. As we walked towards the door she commented, "I don't know anything about all of these issues on the ballot. They were all so confusing, and I didn't know which way to vote. How about you?" I commented that I had written a couple of pieces on the issues for my blog and for the TFP, and therefore had done a fair bit of research on the subject. "Really" she replied. "I wish that I had spoken to you before I voted so that you could explain them to me." ... such is the state of the informed voter in Toledo today. 

Election Day 2009

In Iran, Honduras, and Somalia; people long to do what far too few in this country can be bothered with today. In North Korea, China, and Bosnia they dream of doing what probably just a fraction of us will briefly interrupt their falsely perceived busy days to do. In Afghanistan, they hope one day to get the opportunity to attempt this once again, hopefully this time without someone intimidating them into voting a certain way or stuffing the ballot boxes to insure a proper result (and maybe with more than one candidate). 

In places all over the world people either fantasize about or are crying out for the mere opportunity to experience the freedom and take up the responsibility to do such a simple thing as vote in a free election. How many of us feel the same today? How many accept the burden of the right of universal suffrage in this country? How many understand or take seriously the responsibility that they have today to choose their leaders and their laws? Far too few I suspect. 

Some will decry the low numbers and cast aspersions on the many who will not exercise this privilege, and I have been among them. I choose now instead however to show my gratitude. Far be it from me to call on people who have not taken notice, properly researched the candidates or understand the issues on the ballot to attempt to make an informed choice. Rather than their uniformed selection would I see such choices made by random chance. 

I would in fact, prefer that those of you choosing to remain uninformed of such issues keep your opinions out of the voting booth. Rather than have those of you whose only knowledge comes from reading a daily newspaper, listening to TV and radio commercials, or using the talking points of your local union leaders decide the future of the city and state that I live in; I would prefer that you keep the firm grasp that you appear to have on your aggressive ignorance to yourself and out of the ballot booth. 

We have the opportunity today to vote on a local level for both our new mayor and for city council members. For the first time since the institution of the strong mayor form of government in Toledo neither Jack Ford nor Carty Finkbeiner will be on the ballot. Because of this, change of some type will occur in the city that I call home. New faces appear as well on the city council ballot (as well as a couple of tired old names). These people will decide the direction that this city will take for the foreseeable future and likewise decide if we get out of the political and economic doldrums that this city has suffered under for far too long. 

It bodes as a major turning point in this city and I only hope that we can take advantage of it. On a state level, there are a number of issues on the ballot this year, some that I have spoken out on, some not. I have given such opinions as I chose both here in this blog, and in my columns in the Toledo Free Press. I urge you to read them if you are curious. 

Since it is Election Day however, I will not try to further influence your vote. After all, I don't want the McCain-Feingold police giving me or my work any closer scrutiny than they may already be. It should be a quiet election day for me this year, as unlike last year's circus, I have not been asked to do live blogging as the election results begin to come in. I urge each of you however busy you are, to get out and make an informed choice on election day, even if it is not the one that I would make.  
(I also ask each of you to thank whatever God that you pray to that they no longer close the bars on election day. I have a terrible feeling that we're going to need a stiff drink to get through the day's experience.)
 

Election Day Eve Quotes of the Day

As we all gather our thoughts before entering the polling place (except you wise few who voted early), I thought that I would share with you a bit of appropriate wisdom from one of my favorite authors, Robert Heinlein.  

If you are part of a society that votes, then do so. There may be no candidates and no measures you want to vote for ... but there are certain to be ones you want to vote against. In case of doubt, vote against. By this rule you will rarely go wrong. If this is too blind for your taste, consult some well-meaning fool (there is always one around) and ask his advice. Then vote the other way. This enables you to be a good citizen (if such is your wish) without spending the enormous amount of time on it that truly intelligent exercise of franchise requires.

 

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There are hidden contradictions in the minds of people who "love Nature" while deploring the "artificialialities" with which "Man has spoiled 'Nature'." The obvious contradiction lies in their choice of words, which imply that Man and his artifacts are not part of "Nature" - but beavers and their dams are. But the contradictions go deeper than this prima-facie absurdity. In declaring his love for a beaver dam (erected by beavers for beavers' purposes) and his hatred for dams erected by men (for the purposes of men) the "Naturist" reveals his hatred for his own race - i.e., his own self-hatred. In the case of "Naturists" such self-hatred is understandable; they are a sorry lot. But hatred is too strong an emotion to feel toward them; pity and contempt are the most they rate.

Constitutional Question

Is it just me, or is anybody else out there wondering ... Does it not seem as though the politicians who spend so much time talking about a living Constitution in this country are in fact the very ones that appear to be trying to kill it?

Personal Photography

As some of you might know, my son-in-law is a professional photographer living just outside of NYC with my daughter and granddaughter. The picture that he took of me at my granddaughter's christening is in fact the one of me that graces this blog (and one of the few of me that I approve of). There are two advantages to having a professional photographer in the family:

1. You are never tempted to compete with his picture taking at family gatherings that he attends.
2. You always get great pictures of the grandkids.