loco

You, too, can be a Citizen Journalist – whatever that is

Start blogging. Writing is an exquisite exploration of the world and self, at once. If you think you have nothing to say, think again. If you think no one will care, you’re in for a surprise, but don’t despair if it seems no one is reading – they just don’t think they have anything to say. Setting up a blog takes a few minutes.

Consider using Windows Live Writer as a tool for blogging (after you set up your account with some service). WLW is a great wordprocessing-like tool.

Join Facebook. Whereas blogging may connect you to anyone in the world, Facebook connects you to people you already know. Hermits blog; Facebook draws you out of your cave. But don’t ‘friend’ everybody or ‘like’ everything – you’ll be overwhelmed. Learn about Friend Lists as a way to organize Facebook.

rss iconRead the Web. Find sites you like. Explore randomly, as well. www.dukecityfix.com has an extensive list of Albuquerque blogs. Use RSS (Really Simple Syndication) to keep up with sites without visiting them directly – look for an orange icon on the site or near the address bar. Consider using Google Reader to organize your RSS feed subscriptions.

Share links. On your blog or in Facebook, link to the items you like or learn from. Look for a Share button or link. Learn how to add Share to your browser for any site. If you use WLW and Firefox, add a Blog This button to Firefox, as well.

Note the difference in these links:

www.edgewiseblog.com/mjh/ (links to this blog – newest content always at top)
www.edgewiseblog.com/mjh/you-too-can-be-a-citizen-journalist-whatever-that-is/ (links to this specific entry: permalink)

Comment. React. Discuss. (Be nice.)

What about Twitter? Meh, but some people love it. (Hint: RSS works with Twitter, too.)

Write me (mark@mjhinton.com). My stuff (each has RSS feeds):

For the 2011 Open Government Academy, presented by the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government, New Mexico Press Association, and New Mexico Broadcasters Association.

Information is power. Get yours!

Are you passionate about a political, social or economic issue? Are you a neighborhood organizer, non-profit volunteer, or maybe just a taxpayer who’s ‘mad as hell’?

Whatever your cause, this one-day workshop will deliver the tools YOU need to become an informed and active participant in state and local policy-making.

NADA - New American Dark Ages

“Are we still in America?”

Read the whole thing – it won’t take very long. Well-reasoned.

Robert Reich (Why Governor LePage Can’t Erase History, and Why We Need a Fighter in the White House)

The Governor’s spokesman explains that the mural and the conference-room names were “not in keeping with the department’s pro-business goals.”

Are we still in America? …

Big business and Wall Street thought Perkins and Roosevelt were not in keeping with pro-business goals. So they and their Republican puppets in Congress and in the states retaliated with a political assault on the New Deal.

Roosevelt did not flinch. In a speech in October 1936 he condemned “business and financial monopoly, speculation, reckless banking, class antagonism, sectionalism, war profiteering.”

Big business and Wall Street, he said,

“had begun to consider the Government of the United States as a mere appendage to their own affairs. We know now that Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob.”

Robert Reich (Why Governor LePage Can’t Erase History, and Why We Need a Fighter in the White House)

NADA - New American Dark Ages, WTF?!

Your Tax Money Went to GE Shareholders

ThinkProgress » Despite Paying No Income Taxes, GE CEO Lauded His Company’s Patriotism In 2009 West Point Speech

On its front page this morning, the New York Times reported that General Electric — the world’s largest company — made $14.2 billion in profits ($5.1 billion in America) and managed to not pay a dime in federal taxes. In fact, the company actually received “a tax benefit of $3.2 billion.”

The mega corporation’s tax dodging flies in the face of the rhetoric of its CEO Jeffery Immelt — also the head of President Obama’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness — who sought to portray his company as one that values fairness in a speech at West Point in 2009.

ThinkProgress » Despite Paying No Income Taxes, GE CEO Lauded His Company’s Patriotism In 2009 West Point Speech

loco, NADA - New American Dark Ages

The Loons Gather in New Mexico

Wilson is “too moderate.” No one will be more conservative unless they’re on the “loon right,” which is “like coming back around on the left.” (Yes, they’re so conservative their liberal!) It’s going to be great fun watching Republicans shoot each other in the foot in 2012.

Attacking Wilson as ‘moderate-type,’ Sanchez says he’ll decide on Senate run soon | New Mexico Independent

Sanchez also was dismissive of the tea party movement, saying, “I don’t necessarily need to be the Tea Party candidate.” He did say that he agreed with tea party positions like smaller government and less taxes.

Attacking Wilson as ‘moderate-type,’ Sanchez says he’ll decide on Senate run soon | New Mexico Independent

Sowards: ‘There will be no one to my right’ in GOP primary | New Mexico Independent

“There will be no one to my right, and I believe the other candidates are more conglomerated around the moderate area,” Sowards said, according to David Cantanes. “I don’t see how anyone would get between me and conservative principles. They can go to the loon right, which is, as far as I’m concerned, like coming back around on the left.”

Sowards also said that Pearce supporters had told him they would oppose a second Senate run from the Republican congressman.

Sowards: ‘There will be no one to my right’ in GOP primary | New Mexico Independent

Sowards sells himself as the conservative candidate | NMPolitics.net

Sowards has run for federal office twice in the past, without success; however, with the growth of the tea party movement, he appears to be getting a closer look from some influential groups this time around. He also recently got a prominent mention in an investors.com article.

One of Sowards’ missions is to keep U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., out of the race.

Sowards sells himself as the conservative candidate | NMPolitics.net

Poems

Billy

Happy Birthday, Billy Collins! Time to re-read On Turning Ten, Forgetfulness or The Country (bottom of that page). Collins is one of my favorite poets — perhaps he and Frost share #2 and there is no #1 for me (though I could hardly imagine poets more different than Frost and Collins).

Time to trot out my tribute to Collins (for Merri):

Billy

It doesn’t seem the least bit odd
that all the members of the orchestra
are dogs.
Some in tuxedos,
some in black gowns,
sitting, waiting — good dogs! –
for the conductor
to raise a long meaty bone.
Some clear their throats,
some drool,
none look away for a moment.

It doesn’t seem the least bit odd
that everyone in the audience
is in a tutu.
Men and women dressed for the
ballet, though this is a concert,
each holding a pen and pad
planning to pounce
to snatch some new idea.
As if Beethoven for Dogs
weren’t enough.

It doesn’t seem the least bit odd
in the end
when the conductor puts down his baton,
most of the meat shaken off
to the delight of the First Chair.
He turns and bows
and then I recognize him:
the poet laureate,
the old dog himself. mjh

8/13/02

PS: Frost’s birthday is 3/26/1874.

"It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds." — Sam Adams