Picking Nits

Mon 01/29/07 at 12:49 pm

I was shocked to hear Newt, er, Nit Romney say Grover Norquist’s name without gagging. You can judge a man by whose ass he kisses. Norquist is a paragon of Republican ideals: inflame the masses while serving the rich. mjh

Romney, Brownback Sign Taxpayer Protection Pledge

“America needs leaders who are committed to protecting taxpayers, and signing our Pledge demonstrates that kind of leadership,” said Grover Norquist, president of ATR. “By signing the Pledge, Sam Brownback and Mitt Romney demonstrate allegiance to hard-working taxpayers nationwide. It is now up to the other candidates in the race to stand up to the challenge.”

Bush tries to regain footing - Los Angeles Times By Janet Hook, Times Staff Writer

“There’s nothing good or useful that can be passed out of this Congress in the next two years,” said Grover Norquist, a Bush ally and president of Americans for Tax Reform.

Bush’s Conservative Base Frets Key Issues Are Losing Focus - WSJ.com By JACKIE CALMES

[T]he early frontrunners among Republicans — Arizona Sen. John McCain, former New York City Mayor Rudy Guiliani and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney — all have problems among conservatives. The two Republican aspirants with the most appeal are Kansas’s Republican Sen. Sam Brownback and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.


Jeb Bush Rallies Conservatives at Summit

Mon 01/29/07 at 12:48 pm

Jeb Bush Rallies Conservatives at Summit
Non-Candidate Shows Ability to Excite the Party
By Zachary A. Goldfarb, Special to The Washington Post

At a time when the conservative movement is looking bereft, humbled by midterm-election defeats and hungering for a presidential candidate to rally around, Jeb Bush delivered yesterday in Washington a resounding endorsement of conservative principles, bringing his audience repeatedly to its feet.

In his lunchtime remarks to the Conservative Summit, Bush struck every conservative chord, blaming Republicans’ defeat in November on the party’s abandonment of tenets including limited government and fiscal restraint.


Sticks, Stones and Mr. Obama

Mon 01/29/07 at 12:47 pm

Sticks, Stones and Mr. Obama

Mr. Obama’s slimers seem to think such name-calling and Muslim-baiting can score points with the American people. On the contrary, Mr. Obama’s multicultural background (his father was Kenyan, and he spent several years living in Indonesia with his mother and stepfather) ought to be viewed as a plus. A president with an understanding of Islam and the developing world would be welcomed by those who too often feel misunderstood and slighted by the United States.

Mr. Obama has never tried to hide his past or his family name: He has written about being educated at a predominantly Muslim school. His father, a non-practicing Muslim, was Barack Hussein Obama Sr. His grandmother is Sara Hussein Obama.

The senator, however, does not use his middle name. Those who take pains to insert it when referring to him are trying, none too subtly, to stir up scary images of menacing terrorists and evil dictators. They embarrass only themselves.

The likes of Lush Limbaugh are shameless frat boys stuffing their pockets with the small change their corporate masters toss their way. mjh


Libros Interruptus

Sat 01/27/07 at 12:39 pm

A friend observed recently that I’m running on auto-pilot. I admit it: I’m on hold. I’m not in a funk; I don’t have ennui; I’m not even in a mood. I might say I’m on Winter Break, but it is more of a pregnant pause — more libros interruptus than anti-climax — the wait before I finally hold in my hands that bundle of joy I carried many months. Soon, the day will arrive and I will embrace my child, wishing I could forever delay the inevitable disappointment that follows, seeing its flaws and having to realize those are my flaws made undeniable.

In yoga class yesterday, as we all assumed half boat pose, the building shook with a low-pitched rumble. It was as if we had synchronized with some larger energy or, like an array of antennas, we had picked up the earth’s deep moan. The prosaic reality that it was a bulldozer did nothing to diminish the excitement we all felt. Consciousness lives in twilight. Awareness is a switch.

Is it any wonder then, that my thoughts have turned away from birth to my death. I wonder what place is most fitting for my memorial service? Understand, I think such services are for the living, not the deceased, and I’m confident my interest in everything expires with my last breath. So, I don’t wish to dictate from beyond the grave what people should do to bid me farewell. If someone wants to hold a Catholic Mass in Latin or sit shiva, so be it. At the very least, that would honor my sense of irony.

This is a silly exercise in so far as one could gather all of my friends in one room and no one would have to wait for the bathroom. But, you never really know who might turn out for the final show. We all connect in ways we fail to recognize. The big social events — birthdays, weddings and funerals — remind us of those connections. Though funerals are the only celebration the guest of honor misses. “Nice to see you, thanks for coming.” Which leads me to wonder if UNM Continuing Education does funerals. They certainly have rooms of various sizes to accommodate a small clutch of friends or an unexpected outpouring.

Of course, the obvious place to review my life and passing is outside. Although I’ve spent most of my life inside and have many glorious memories indoors, I’ve seldom felt more alive — more connected — than outside, on a trail, in a clearing, by a stream. I know several people who are out there much more so than I am, people who connect to deeper wilderness for longer expeditions. I am lazy and sometimes fearful, but I am sustained by vistas and completed by walking in the wild.

I’m so lucky I don’t have to go far for this sensation. I feel it watching a flicker bathe in a gutter. It’s in me among the cosmos and morning glories. It’s on my doorstep and everywhere I look when I really look.

Last night, I stopped to watch clouds stream from south to north. They formed a patchwork of bright white alternating with deep blue. They rushed over me like time-lapse photography or someone pulling gauze over my head. It was beautiful, though it made me regret being alone except for the dog, who puts sniffing and licking way ahead of seeing. The earth is in constant motion, seen and unseen. Enjoy the brief ride. mjh


Where is the NRA?

Thu 01/25/07 at 9:59 am

Iraq PM outlines coming security sweep - Houston Chronicle By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA Associated Press Writer

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki did not reveal the details of the plan, which he has dubbed “Operation Imposing Law,” or say when it would begin. …

The crackdown “aims to disarm all groups and only leave weapons in the hands of the government,” al-Maliki said, repeating a phrase he has used consistently. “This plan will not be the last. The battle between us and terrorists is open and continuous.”

Where is the NRA on the issue of forced disarmament of Iraqis? As the NRA sees it, our freedoms are guaranteed by your right to have as many guns as you like and any effort to restrict that is unconstitutional and un-American. So now American soldiers are involved in taking guns from Iraqis. And the NRA remains silent? This is their worst nightmare. mjh


Mom

Sun 01/14/07 at 6:27 pm

EJH November 1978Ernestine Hinton loved all kinds of fabric. She frequented fabric stores, buying yards of cloth she liked, which she piled in an out-of-the-way corner solely to paw through, no specific project in mind. She loved sensual materials like satin, silk and velor. She loved color and was happy to put colors next to each other that some might call daring. When she remodeled the house — transformed it, really — she brought together golds, yellows, reds, greens, sage and Chinese lacquer, all unified by a carpet that might have pleased Jackson Pollack, a studiously patternless palette of color blotches that gave every first-time viewer pause. She wanted you to be comfortable but never complacent and she trusted you to know the difference.

Ernestine was a natural hostess, welcoming everyone with such genuine charm. Out and about, she spoke to people most others ignore, extending courtesy to everyone equally. She worked to improve the lives of many and was outraged by those who did the opposite. She did not suffer fools. She would be appalled by what we’ve become.

Mom 1980 She preferred to be called Teen, but I could only call her Mom, or in occasional shock, Mother! And shock me, she did. She was her own woman and expected to be accepted as such. In conversation, she was alive and witty. She could turn a deft phrase to knock you off your feet and then pick you up and dust you off and make sure you were still OK. She was brilliant.

Although Teen was a feminist role model before that concept emerged, she loved being a mother and loved children without reserve. There was nothing more important or valuable than nurturing children. We make our future by teaching our children and by loving them.

Mom taught me to love quick wit, language and laughter. She taught me to despise ignorance, the root of hatred and most of the ugly things we do to each other. She taught me empathy and compassion and patience. She taught me to speak out when I see the emperor has no clothes. She believed everyone’s life would be improved by a little more gentle affection, even between strangers. She was kinder and more gracious than I’ll ever be. Many people and events have shaped me; she did it first and gave the world what there is to work with.

Yesterday was the 22nd anniversary of my Mother’s death. Mer was surprised I didn’t blog about it and had little to say during the day. She asked if I’m still angry about Mom’s death. I’ll never stop being angry about that, though I do better understand the burden of anger after all these years. Anger is a poor memorial. mjh

Ernestine 1966

Teen 1973

mjh’s Blog: Cut (2004)


Idiot on Board

Sun 01/14/07 at 4:22 pm

ABQjournal: Daskalos Stopped Again By T.J. Wilham

Jason Daskalos got caught again.

On Thursday, the Albuquerque developer, who has a history of getting traffic citations dismissed, was stopped by an Albuquerque police officer and issued two tickets— one for not wearing a seat belt and the other for having no proof of insurance.

In the past 18 years, Daskalos, who also is an amateur race car driver, has been issued 36 other traffic citations, 20 of which were dismissed.

I wonder if Daskalos wears a seatbelt when he drives a race car. Daskalos seems to have a certifiable emotional problem. However, until he seeks therapy, he’s just another asshole. mjh


On Public Transportation

Sun 01/14/07 at 4:13 pm

This is very well put (read the whole thing.) mjh

Commentary: Just like libraries : Commentary : Albuquerque Tribune by Stevie Olson

I encourage you to ride the train or use the bus system in your commute if you have never tried it. Save a buck and be empowered by breaking your dependence on the automobile.

If you cannot or refuse to use Rapid Ride or Rail Runner, no problem. But when you hear the train’s whistle or see a city bus, do not curse public transportation as misappropriation of funds. Realize your taxes are being used to make our community a better place.


Using Copyright Law to Silence Bloggers

Wed 01/10/07 at 10:19 am

Progress Report Archives 2006-07 - Center for American Progress Action Fund

MEDIA — ABC/DISNEY SHUTS DOWN BLOGGER WHO HIGHLIGHTED INFLAMMATORY RHETORIC ON ABC STATION: For several months, a blogger nicknamed “Spocko” has been highlighting the inflammatory rhetoric used by talk radio hosts on KSFO, an ABC Radio-owned station in San Francisco. As Media Matters documents, “Spocko compiled a litany of examples on both his weblog, Spocko’s Brain, and in numerous letters to corporations advertising on KSFO. He noted that KSFO hosts had claimed to have put ‘a bull’s-eye’ on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), advocated hanging various New York Times editors, called for the murder of millions of Muslims, and so on.” Major advertisers, including MasterCard, Bank of America, and Visa, reportedly pulled their ads from the station. In response, “on December 21, ABC Inc., a subsidiary of the Disney-ABC Television Group, apparently issued a cease-and-desist letter targeting Spocko and his blog for copyright violation. Specifically, ABC alleged that by posting brief audio clips of various talk radio hosts on KSFO, the site was ‘in clear violation’ of the station’s copyright. The letter demanded that the owner of the site ‘remove the content immediately.’ Soon after, according to Spocko, his Internet service provider shut down his blog.” The major media has yet to report on this story.

In related news, ABC News announced this week that right-wing talk show host Glenn Beck will soon join Good Morning America as a “regular commentator.” Beck has a history of inflammatory and offensive remarks. During an interview with Muslim Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), Beck said “what I feel like saying is, ‘Sir, prove to me that you are not working with our enemies.’” On another occasion, Beck said that if “Muslims and Arabs” don’t “act now” by “step[ping] to the plate” to condemn terrorism, they “will be looking through a razor wire fence at the West.”


Trip to Bosque

Tue 01/09/07 at 11:16 am

For a few years now, a group of us has been renting a van and driving south of Socorro, New Mexico, for a day at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Bosque is a managed habitat for migrating waterfowl cupped in the hands of distant mountains. Miles of dirt roads weave around several large, shallow lakes. In winter, it is a great spot to see thousands of sandhill cranes and snow geese among myriad other birds and some other wildlife.

We had planned to drive down the day the first snowstorm blew in. As it happened, our rescheduled date was after the third storm in as many weeks, but we weren’t going to be stopped this time.

One member of our group is a world traveling ornithologist for the Nature Conservancy, Dr. David Mehlman. Dave has the great eye, ear and encyclopedic mind of a top-notch birder. Along the way, we can’t help but learn something from him. We know our grebes, pintails and coots. We see the Ross’ geese among the larger snow geese.

I’m a lesser birder, which is to say I love seeing birds and even learning more about them, but I’m mostly here to stare open-mouthed at the beauty of the world. My heart would stop for a sandhill crane even if I didn’t know that name. While the others stare through binoculars, I’m taking pictures. As they flip through well-worn bird books (Dave makes us do a little work for ourselves), I sip coffee and marvel.

Our slow drive around the bosque is also a movable feast, a finger-food potluck on wheels. Even after gorging all day on bison empanadas and prosciutto filo triangles, we all look forward to green chile cheeseburgers in Antonito (at the Buckhorn for two years and the Owl Cafe before that).

Every New Mexican and birders from all over owe themselves a pilgrimage to Bosque del Apache for the sunset fly-in or the dawn fly-out. Be sure to lower your camera and be quiet to drink it all in. mjh

I’ve posted a couple of dozen photos, mostly of sandhill cranes at:
Bosque del Apache - a photoset on Flickr
www.flickr.com/photos/mjhinton/sets/72157594468819628/detail/

mjh’s blog — Bird Man of Albuquerque (no, not me!)
www.edgewiseblog.com/mjh/uncategorized/bird-man-of-albuquerque-no-not-me/


PC Magazine Windows Vista Solutions, by Mark Justice Hinton

Mon 01/08/07 at 4:45 pm

I’ve written about my adventure writing a book on Windows Vista. Now I’m announcing the book itself, which goes to the printer tomorrow. I’ve been waiting for Amazon to update its listing (they had the wrong author). mjh

Amazon.com: PC Magazine Windows Vista Solutions by Mark Justice Hinton

Wiley::PC Magazine Windows Vista Solutions
Mark Justice Hinton


Gore Leaves Door Ajar for 2008

Sun 01/07/07 at 11:08 pm

Gore Leaves Door Ajar for 2008 By Chris Cillizza And Shailagh Murray

Early last month, Gore addressed more than three dozen labor leaders in Washington, a wide-ranging talk about the Democratic congressional gains and the media, said one attendee, who demanded anonymity. Asked about 2008, Gore said that he has taken a number of calls from people encouraging him to consider running but he “didn’t know whether he was going to or not,” the source said. “Everybody felt he left a small door open.”


NRA Pressured To Resist Bush Energy Policies

Sun 01/07/07 at 11:08 pm

NRA Pressured To Resist Bush Energy Policies By Blaine Harden, Washington Post Staff Writer

After years of close association with the Republican Party and hard-nosed opposition to federal land-use regulation, the National Rifle Association is being pressured by its membership to distance itself from President Bush’s energy policies that have opened more public land for oil and gas drilling and limited access to hunters and anglers.

“The Bush administration has placed more emphasis on oil and gas than access rights for hunters,” said Ronald L. Schmeits, second vice president of the NRA, a member of its board of directors and a bank president in Raton, N.M. …

But, during the past six years, an increasing number of the country’s 46 million hunters and anglers, including Republican-leaning shooting organizations such as the Boone and Crockett Club, have been grumbling about the Bush’s administration fast-tracking of oil and gas drilling leases on public lands.


A Heckuva Claim

Sun 01/07/07 at 3:58 pm

A Heckuva Claim

PRESIDENT BUSH wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed Wednesday that “it is also a fact that our tax cuts have fueled robust economic growth and record revenues.” The claim about fueling record revenue is flat wrong, and it is shocking that the president should persist in making such errors. After all, tax cuts are the central plank of his domestic policy. How can he fail to understand the basic facts about them?

This is not just our opinion. Harvard’s N. Gregory Mankiw, an economic conservative who served as chairman of Mr. Bush’s Council of Economic Advisers, has tested the hypothesis on which Mr. Bush’s claim is based ….

If Mr. Bush does not believe Mr. Mankiw, perhaps he may believe the Congressional Budget Office. …

If Mr. Bush believes neither Mr. Mankiw nor the Congressional Budget Office, he should at least respect his own Treasury. …

Mr. Bush’s op-ed included nice statements about bipartisan cooperation. But the Democrats would be more likely to cooperate with the president if he stopped making things up.


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