A confession first. I don't particularly like The Colbert Report. In fact, I don't like The Office either. I'm more of a My Name Is Earl fan. I guess I am just not erudite enough to enjoy subtle ironic comedy. On this point, I suppose President Bush and I have something in common.
Stephen Colbert was the featured speaker last night at the White House Correspondent Dinner. His performance was the to be expected dry, irony laced commentary. Although I haven't seen it myself, most reports are that it didn't go to well with the audience.
The right of course have wasted no time calling the performance a bomb and not in the good way the kids are all using.
The left are pretty solid in the opinion that Colbert has balls.
Of course the left are really just happy that Colber stuck it to the evil Bush. While, the right believes that since no one laughed and Colbert is someone who appears on TV (just not on right-winged approved TV) that it was another mean-spirited liberal screed.
They're probably both wrong. But if no one really laughed, in this case, the right is probably less wrong.
Joe Gandelman was actually there and has his take. As well as a larger circle of opinions.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Katherine Harris And The Higher Calling
It's almost as if she knows I am in her state. God is telling Katherine Harris to run for Senate.
"Harris has hinted at that, but former top political adviser Ed Rollins says it straight out, quoting Harris as telling him: "God wants me to be senator.""
Mysterious ways indeed.
"Harris has hinted at that, but former top political adviser Ed Rollins says it straight out, quoting Harris as telling him: "God wants me to be senator.""
Mysterious ways indeed.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Florida State Senate Freak Show
I'm spending a few days in the Sunshine State, so I glanced at the St. Pete Times blog today.
What a potential freak show.
I do love local politics.
What a potential freak show.
I do love local politics.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Sad News
It's sort of funny that I set out to do a political blog and the first two blogs that ever linked to me were movie blogs.
I followed a link to Matt Seitz' blog that led me to Eddie Copeland's blog where there was a poll for worst Best Picture of all time. I participated and linked to the two blogs. It wasn't long until they both linked back to me. My first two outside contacts in the blogosphere. You just never can tell how this little petri dish called the internet will grow.
Matt has suffered a terrible family tragedy.
I don't know Matt. We've never even corresponded. But as some one that recently lost someone, it feels appropriate to express my sympathy here.
The thoughts of Drifting Through The Grift are with him and his family.
I followed a link to Matt Seitz' blog that led me to Eddie Copeland's blog where there was a poll for worst Best Picture of all time. I participated and linked to the two blogs. It wasn't long until they both linked back to me. My first two outside contacts in the blogosphere. You just never can tell how this little petri dish called the internet will grow.
Matt has suffered a terrible family tragedy.
I don't know Matt. We've never even corresponded. But as some one that recently lost someone, it feels appropriate to express my sympathy here.
The thoughts of Drifting Through The Grift are with him and his family.
The Road Goes On Forever
And the party never ends.
griftdrift will be on the road AGAIN today. As I go to fill up my car all I can think is, DAMN YOU BIG OIL!
There. I had my socialist moment for the day.
Expect some blogging from the road this weekend although I am not sure how much. Keep checking in though. You never know how weird things might get.
griftdrift will be on the road AGAIN today. As I go to fill up my car all I can think is, DAMN YOU BIG OIL!
There. I had my socialist moment for the day.
Expect some blogging from the road this weekend although I am not sure how much. Keep checking in though. You never know how weird things might get.
Elvis Is Everywhere
Remember all the discussions of how the press used to turn a blind eye to certain politician's picadillos?
More confirmation that era is long, long gone.
Video
Memo to politicians. In the new world, no gaffe will go unpunished.
h/t: Crooks and Liars
More confirmation that era is long, long gone.
House Speaker Dennis Hastert of Ill., center, gets out of a Hydrogen Alternative
Fueled automobile, left, as he prepares to board his SUV, which uses gasoline,
after holding a new conference at a local gas station in Washington, Thursday,
April 27, 2006 to discuss the recent rise in gas prices. Hastert and other
members of Congress drove off in the Hydrogen-Fueled cars only to switch to
their official cars to drive back the few block back to the U.S. Capitol.
Video
Memo to politicians. In the new world, no gaffe will go unpunished.
h/t: Crooks and Liars
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Georgia Political Podcast
Is podcasting the next big thang in Web 2.0 land?
I think the jury is still out. But then again, two years ago, I thought blogging was just a bunch of hoo hah that would blow over. Have I mentioned I run an internet radio station?
Anyway, check out the new Georgia Podcast Network. Georgia Politics Podcast is good local political commentary by local political bloggers.
I think the jury is still out. But then again, two years ago, I thought blogging was just a bunch of hoo hah that would blow over. Have I mentioned I run an internet radio station?
Anyway, check out the new Georgia Podcast Network. Georgia Politics Podcast is good local political commentary by local political bloggers.
When Comics Get It Right
PTSD in returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans is not discussed nearly enough.
If you aren't reading Doonebury, you should be.
If you aren't reading Doonebury, you should be.
Midday Quiz
Are you a talent, a lifer or a mandarin?
Don't be shy. Post results in comments. I was in painful tears on the Books, Music or Beer question.
griftdrift is a MANDARIN.
"You're an intellectual, and you've worked hard to get where you are now. You're a strong believer in education, and you think many of the world's problems could be solved if people were more informed and more rational. You have no tolerance for sloppy or lazy thinking. It frustrates you when people who are ignorant or dishonest rise to positions of power. You believe that people can make a difference in the world, and you're determined to try. "
Don't be shy. Post results in comments. I was in painful tears on the Books, Music or Beer question.
griftdrift is a MANDARIN.
"You're an intellectual, and you've worked hard to get where you are now. You're a strong believer in education, and you think many of the world's problems could be solved if people were more informed and more rational. You have no tolerance for sloppy or lazy thinking. It frustrates you when people who are ignorant or dishonest rise to positions of power. You believe that people can make a difference in the world, and you're determined to try. "
Wikigate Claims Cox Campaign Manager
It has already been reported here, here, here, here and here, but I have a few final comments.
It's a good sign for the Cox campaign that this was quickly nipped in the bud. This type of "scandal" is the perfect blog fodder. A quick reaction to squelch this type of misstep speaks to a well organized campaign machine.
The sad fact is that I believe this latest Wikismear is only the tip of the iceberg. As one of my commentors pointed out, Wikipedia has already been forced to shut off all editing from Capitol Hill domains. Now, it is apparent this hideous tactic is filtering down to the state level.
It should be stopped. If political operatives manage to ruin the reputation of an internet resource the stature of Wikipedia, how does anyone deny what most of the public already believes? That politics is poison.
It's a good sign for the Cox campaign that this was quickly nipped in the bud. This type of "scandal" is the perfect blog fodder. A quick reaction to squelch this type of misstep speaks to a well organized campaign machine.
The sad fact is that I believe this latest Wikismear is only the tip of the iceberg. As one of my commentors pointed out, Wikipedia has already been forced to shut off all editing from Capitol Hill domains. Now, it is apparent this hideous tactic is filtering down to the state level.
It should be stopped. If political operatives manage to ruin the reputation of an internet resource the stature of Wikipedia, how does anyone deny what most of the public already believes? That politics is poison.
Wherefore Art Thou FEMA?
In 1994, Georgia experienced its worst natural disaster in recorded history. Tropical storm Alberto sat for days over the headwaters of the Flint and Ocmulgee rivers dumping two feet of water in less than 24 hours. Macon and Albany were inundated with frothing, raging flood water. In Albany, the river flowed over the banks for miles in all directions wreaking untold havoc on the poorest sections of the city.
Sound familiar?
I was working for the state of Georgia at the time and was part of a second wave of disaster relief crews sent from Atlanta. I will never forget the words of my director as I sat in a room, overnight bags packed, keys in hand. He told us that the disaster center in Albany was "covered like flies" and needed help. We were to immediately leave the room and drive south. Do not stop. Do not detour. Get there as fast as humanly possible, report to the center coordinator and work until they told you to stop. And that's exactly what we did.
Four weeks later, as I left Albany, the flood waters had receded, businesses were beginning to operate and people were going back to work. In short, a city that seemed on the brink of death was breathing on its own.
As I watched the tragedy of Katrina unfold, I could not help but let me mind wander back to 1994. I understand that the tragedy of Albany would never compare to the biblical scale of New Orleans. Still, I could not fathom that no one seemed to be in charge. No one was telling relief workers to get to the sites by any means necessary.
In Albany, I remember that GEMA (Georgia Emergency Management Agency), FEMA and the Red Cross seemed to be everywhere. There was the expected chaos but when desperate people needed desperate answers, someone was there to answer.
Now, I read that the U.S. Senate has determined that FEMA should be abolished and replaced.
As a person with an inherent distrust for large federal agencies, I have always looked at departments like FEMA with a skeptical eye. However, 1994 made me realize that there are some instances where the scope of the problem can only be wrangled by the massive resources of the federal governement. It should never be a crutch, but when nature uses Revelations for a playbook it should be there.
How did this happen? How in 12 short years did this agency turn rotten to the core? Logic would dictate that after 9/11 FEMA would have been made stronger. Instead, it seems to have been gutted.
That's not only sad. It's terribly worrisome.
Sound familiar?
I was working for the state of Georgia at the time and was part of a second wave of disaster relief crews sent from Atlanta. I will never forget the words of my director as I sat in a room, overnight bags packed, keys in hand. He told us that the disaster center in Albany was "covered like flies" and needed help. We were to immediately leave the room and drive south. Do not stop. Do not detour. Get there as fast as humanly possible, report to the center coordinator and work until they told you to stop. And that's exactly what we did.
Four weeks later, as I left Albany, the flood waters had receded, businesses were beginning to operate and people were going back to work. In short, a city that seemed on the brink of death was breathing on its own.
As I watched the tragedy of Katrina unfold, I could not help but let me mind wander back to 1994. I understand that the tragedy of Albany would never compare to the biblical scale of New Orleans. Still, I could not fathom that no one seemed to be in charge. No one was telling relief workers to get to the sites by any means necessary.
In Albany, I remember that GEMA (Georgia Emergency Management Agency), FEMA and the Red Cross seemed to be everywhere. There was the expected chaos but when desperate people needed desperate answers, someone was there to answer.
Now, I read that the U.S. Senate has determined that FEMA should be abolished and replaced.
As a person with an inherent distrust for large federal agencies, I have always looked at departments like FEMA with a skeptical eye. However, 1994 made me realize that there are some instances where the scope of the problem can only be wrangled by the massive resources of the federal governement. It should never be a crutch, but when nature uses Revelations for a playbook it should be there.
How did this happen? How in 12 short years did this agency turn rotten to the core? Logic would dictate that after 9/11 FEMA would have been made stronger. Instead, it seems to have been gutted.
That's not only sad. It's terribly worrisome.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
More Wikipedia Madness?
First we have an attempted Wikipedia smear in the Georgia Governor's race.
Has it now happened in the Florida Governor's race?
In the thread Politics of Flash Dancing commentor Sara points out there are some interesting passages in candidate Charlie Crist's Wikipedia entry.
If you search the history portion of the entry, you have this little nugget being added on April 16th:
Echoes of Rove's push polling against McCain in 2000 South Carolina primaries?
Any way you slice it, unsubstantiated rumors do not belong any Wikipedia. If childish politics end up ruining one of the greatest web resources ever, we should all grab our pitchforks, torches and toss all the scoundrels out.
Has it now happened in the Florida Governor's race?
In the thread Politics of Flash Dancing commentor Sara points out there are some interesting passages in candidate Charlie Crist's Wikipedia entry.
If you search the history portion of the entry, you have this little nugget being added on April 16th:
"While the Florida media has reported on the existence of unsubstantiated but loud rumors regarding the divorced Crist's sexual preference, he has now stated repeatedly that he is heterosexual."
Echoes of Rove's push polling against McCain in 2000 South Carolina primaries?
Any way you slice it, unsubstantiated rumors do not belong any Wikipedia. If childish politics end up ruining one of the greatest web resources ever, we should all grab our pitchforks, torches and toss all the scoundrels out.
Tommy Franks In Florida?
Latest polling plays potential trouble for Katherine Harris in the Florida Senate race.
Potential candidate General Tommy Franks (ret.) polls 4 points higher than Harris.
Say it ain't so Katherine! I'm still waiting for my one on one!
Potential candidate General Tommy Franks (ret.) polls 4 points higher than Harris.
Say it ain't so Katherine! I'm still waiting for my one on one!
The Politics Of Flash Dancing
Charlie Crist, Florida Attorney General, is in a tight race with Tom Gallagher, Florida CFO, for the Republican nomination for Governor. The tighter the race, the greater the potential for wackiness.
Check this out.
Jib Jab should probably call their attorneys.
The Florida gubernatorial race has been flying a little under the radar. Nice to see it heating up and you can expect more posts on the fun by the grifter.
h/t: St. Petersburg Times Buzz
Check this out.
Jib Jab should probably call their attorneys.
The Florida gubernatorial race has been flying a little under the radar. Nice to see it heating up and you can expect more posts on the fun by the grifter.
h/t: St. Petersburg Times Buzz
Tony Snow Announced
Just watched it on CNN. It was all very bland and back slapping. Except for one thing. When Snow took the podium you could see the glimmer in his shark eyes that he was comfortable in the water. Unlike McLellan, who frequently looked like Albert Brooks on Broadcast News.
Some have stated over the past day that Tony Snow is a different kind of conservative. That even on his radio program he does not fall back on viciousness ala Hannity. That may be true. To be honest, the only time Tony Snow is on in Atlanta is the weekends. I've heard him maybe half a dozen times.
Still, I stand by my previous opinion.
You shake hands with the devil and you carry that mark with you forever.
Some have stated over the past day that Tony Snow is a different kind of conservative. That even on his radio program he does not fall back on viciousness ala Hannity. That may be true. To be honest, the only time Tony Snow is on in Atlanta is the weekends. I've heard him maybe half a dozen times.
Still, I stand by my previous opinion.
You shake hands with the devil and you carry that mark with you forever.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Home Grown Torture
Sweet Jesus!
Warning: If you listen to the audio, it is extremely graphic.
I'm going to avoid discussing how this could be linked to the current political attitude that some forms of torture are okay. I think we can all agree what is on this audio is wrong. But it does make you question how the stain of torture is affecting our current national conscience.
Warning: If you listen to the audio, it is extremely graphic.
I'm going to avoid discussing how this could be linked to the current political attitude that some forms of torture are okay. I think we can all agree what is on this audio is wrong. But it does make you question how the stain of torture is affecting our current national conscience.
Size Matters
First, Katherine Harris questions her opponents, ummmm, size:
Now the Mexicans are getting into it:
Freud's corpse just lit a cigar.
"They don't talk about men's balding or their weight, or their diminutive
size"
Now the Mexicans are getting into it:
A radio ad for ruling party candidate Felipe Calderon, ranked second in polls, says the conservative is the one who could spur job creation because "he's got balls".
Freud's corpse just lit a cigar.
Tiramisu Republicans vs Varsity Democrats
When I first heard that the Georgia General Assembly had ditched the traditional last day working dinner of Varsity for a buffet including tiramisu I was outraged. Is nothing sacred, I thought? Now, after a few weeks of reflection, I think the Republicans controlling the legislature made a mistake. A mistake that the now woefully out of power Democrats can exploit.
Let's get past the fact that the Varsity serves delicious food and is an Atlanta, nay, a Georgia institution. At my company, when we have a working lunch, we are served a box containing a sandwich, a bag of chips, an apple and if we are lucky, a Little Debbie. I doubt there are many Georgians that have working lunches involving a catered buffet served by waiters in suits.
Bucking a tradition? Insulting a venerable institution? Fancy, expensive tiramisu instead of God Bless America frugal hot dogs?
This sounds like the perfect opportunity for some good old fashioned populism! Remember when the Democratic party was about populism?
Think this is a little contrived? Especially, when so many important issues lurk? Maybe it is, but it's a symbol and symbols win elections. Give me a symbol over an issue every day of the week and twice on election day.
Here is the exchange I would love to hear between a Republican spinmeister and a Democrat spinmeister:
SNAP!
Let's get past the fact that the Varsity serves delicious food and is an Atlanta, nay, a Georgia institution. At my company, when we have a working lunch, we are served a box containing a sandwich, a bag of chips, an apple and if we are lucky, a Little Debbie. I doubt there are many Georgians that have working lunches involving a catered buffet served by waiters in suits.
Bucking a tradition? Insulting a venerable institution? Fancy, expensive tiramisu instead of God Bless America frugal hot dogs?
This sounds like the perfect opportunity for some good old fashioned populism! Remember when the Democratic party was about populism?
Think this is a little contrived? Especially, when so many important issues lurk? Maybe it is, but it's a symbol and symbols win elections. Give me a symbol over an issue every day of the week and twice on election day.
Here is the exchange I would love to hear between a Republican spinmeister and a Democrat spinmeister:
Republican spinmeister - "While the Democrats are making an issue over what
politicians eat, Republicans are making sure the needs of Georgia citizens are
met."
Democrat spinmeister - "With all due respect to my Republican opponent, I
believe the people of Georgia understand quite well the difference between
continuing to work while eating a good old-fashioned hot dog from the
Varsity rather than abandoning your post to eat some fancy,
imported meal paid for by a bunch of lobbyists."
SNAP!
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