Monthly Archives: October 2010

(Community Matters) Andy’s blog is always a quick read and often  deliciously eclectic

He’s reminded me, you should check out this site – Progress, what are the very tangible, immediate steps Pres Obama and Ds have taken in our *local* economies

(Community Matters) I didn’t think too much about the European travel threat a friend in military intelligence sent last night – that is, until I read this morning about the Saudi warning of an imminent al-Qaeda attack in Europe, specifically France, Germany & UK. And, I’m now remembering the really serious (& striking) special forces sorta security around the US Ambassador to France when we were visiting the embassy. Of course, mindful as we’re preparing for a Germany – UK trip.

(Community Matters) Steven’s such a trooper, he wasn’t feeling 100% but he also couldn’t miss dinner at Julie & Fran’s – we just have too much fun with these two.  Not to mention, who the hell else would have explained the three body problem.  Aps on the roof, watching the Marfa sky sunset.  Dinner and drinks on the terrace; cigars and Fran plucking around the fireplace.

Two of my favorite pieces:

Adrift

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Witness

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of course, we also love Fishmonger

lots of interesting conversation. This morning, I’m reflecting on how Steven said if something happens to me, he’d simplify his life – probably sell the house, downsize & otherwise simplify.  Guess I might not want all the upkeep either –  gardens, ponds, pool, etc.  My simplification probably a small apt at the Four Seasons Residences (either a Tokyo or Shanghai). Ok, I better be sweet so no one black balls me

p.s. according to Ian, there’s a Tokyo on the 10th floor with a city view for $495k; four Shanghais on floors 7, 10, 11 or 12 for $610k to $670.  Homeowners for these units running about $600/month

(Community Matters) from the Boys to Men article in NYT

I’m not sure I see the transition making it all the way to men – seems rather boy+ – but if they say so

(Community Matters) I reject the narrative that America is a right of center country.  Americans are generally fiscally conservative and socially moderate to liberal.  We value accountability, initiative and opportunities over guaranteed outcomes.  We aren’t afraid to give neighbors a handup, even a hand out from time to time – though we expect good behavior, respect for the rule of law and a solid work ethic.

We value separation of church and state, while we honor our places of worship and the contributions they make to our society.  We don’t want our neighbors or government in our bedrooms, and we want support for families – all families – as it’s hard enough in today’s economy.

(Community Matters) Steven and I hate missing – Michael Barnes writes about here

(Community Matters)

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(Community Matters)

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(Community Matters) For those who don’t think President Obama is mindful of the horrible, hateful bullying endured by our LGBT youth, please read the below posting on Towleroad.  These were remarks given at a Town Hall meeting. My own parents, who love me and support me without question, couldn’t cite such specifics, and they are retired, not fighting two wars, and virtually fighting another against Republicans who’d rather he fail than our own country prosper, all while running the most powerful country in the world.

I’ve had no doubt that President Obama cares deeply about all children, youth and Americans – including LGBT Americans. I hope these citations help some others understand he does care and does follow and does prioritize our issues.  I don’t mean to incite debates about what hasn’t already been accomplished (though I believe a lot, more than ever before, and yet, not enough)

Q    Hello, my name is Allie Vonparis (ph).  I’m a junior at University of Maryland in College Park and also — this is more of a personal question — but I’m also a victim of anonymous, hurtful, degrading harassment over the Internet.  Police and university officials have been unable to help put a stop to it.  My question to you is, what can you do, if anything, to put a stop to these vicious attacks over the Internet while preserving our rights to freedom of speech?  I also ask this in light of the recent — the tragic deaths recently on the news of young people who are bullied and harassed online.  Thank you.

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(Community Matters) “The son of Tcheckoslovaquian immigrants in Germany, Rudolf Brazda was 20 when Hitler rose to power. He had lived his homosexuality freely and openly until the law penalizing homosexuality, the notorious “Paragraph 175″, was toughened by the Nazi regime. On August 8, 1942, after having gone to prison twice, he was sent to the concentration camp of Buchenwald, where he was given the number 7952, and a pink triangle. Even though Buchenwald wasn’t an extermination camp, an estimated 56.000 prisoners (out of the 238.000 who were incarcerated) died in the camp, either because they were executed or from exhaustion or illness.”

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(Community Matters) real time: at a Marfa Public Radio event with NPR’s John Burnett speaking about what’s happening south of the border – a place he says is as dangerous for journalists as *anywhwere* in the world.

Referencing a rancher who says shoot first, “I’d rather be judged by 12 than killed by 6.”

In Juarez , which some call the most murderous city in the world – an average of 12 homicides a day. A colorful story about his Canadian journalist friend and public urination – 8 police show up, gathering evidence but can’t pursue murders.

Cities in Mexico which are virtually under lock down by the cartels. They run city hall and the local newspapers – even in cities of up to a million citizens.

Federal customs collected at a bridge are set by a cartel and delivered to a cartel.

In Nuevo Laredo, they rolled a grenade into a newsroom.

Newspapers all over Mexico are begging to know what do the cartels demand, what can they say or not say. The six drug cartels rule.

Still some safe places: Mx City, Oaxaca, parts of Yucatan

These cartels serve the US drug consumption. Everywhere you effectively attack the cartels, it’s like cutting a snake and it becomes many – just more violent and less predictable. You can’t understand Mexico’s trauma without understanding the corruption from the police to the national security forces. John believes Pres Calderon sincerely fighting but corruption has cooped his own forces.

Pornography of violence. It’s as if Hannibal Lecter were directing the scenes – the theatricality of violence. Utter impunity – you’ve bought the police. The women in Juarez who were murdered, we now know it was completely about recreational violence by the police. The Zetas came from Mexican special forces and are particularly violent.

Double standards. American journalists – like being in Baghdad, must be a spy and a journalist. There are lookouts everywhere – taxis, at taquerias, in hotels.

What’s happening in Mexico is scaring that country for a very long time. All about business, about marketshare and access to US points of entry. Though, worried about authority and rule of law completely dissolving.

Organized crime in Mexico is endemic and growing everywhere. Extortion of business is the norm – “or they will cut your bartenders head off.” Now, it is not just the cartels, but start up gangs are terrorizing the population. Is Mexico a failed state? John doesn’t think it is. 14th largest economy in the country. They deliver mail, run elections, educate children. But, there are failed cities. Spilling over? It is in Hamilton but not in El Paso.

Eugene thinks Pres Obama ought to send black helicopters & special forces to teach the Falcon Lake gangs a lesson – never, ever cross this line.

Posted from my blackberry

(Community Matters)

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