Daily Archives: 09/15/2012

God Save Us

(Community Matters) “After 9/11, the neocons captured one Republican president who was naïve about the world. Now, amid contagious Arab rage sparked on the 11th anniversary of 9/11, they have captured another would-be Republican president and vice president, both jejeune about the world.”

These days, I’m too often inclined to think of Maureen Dowd’s columns as gratuitously bitchy, though she’s a former favorite. I fear she’s hit this one on the head – Neocons Slither Back

“Cheney, described by Romney as a ‘person of wisdom and judgment.'”

Roberto Santibanez Touring Mexico City

(Community Matters) in the nytimes – tamales, tortas & tacos

Roberto, a long time friend, owns two of our favorite restaurants in NY – Fonda Comida Mexican in Manhattan on Ave B and in Brooklyn on 7th Avenue

NY Sen. Mark Grisanti Wins Primary, Crushing NOM

(Community Matters) Dealing NOM a crushing defeat, New York state Sen. Mark Grisanti, won his party’s primary in the face of the most outrageous anti-gay ads and the full force & furry of the Nat’l Org for Marriage. NOM  had vowed defeat as retribution for his vote supporting the legalization of marriage in NY. That they couldn’t pull off this win even in a Republican primary may thankfully signal the beginning of their end.

Michelle Bachmann’s Crossed Over

(Community Matters) I think she’s irreversibly crossed over to the world of crazy. She appears to believe what she’s saying.

NYT – CBS News Poll

(Community Matters) very insightful summary from Politico below. It’s especially insightful in light of evidence that Pres Obama now wins the majority of confidence in the economy & unemployment, though Gov Romney retains advantage re: handling the deficit – note relative percentages importance.

READING THE VOTERS’ MINDS: The 34-page printout of last night’s New York Times-CBS News poll (taken after the Democratic convention) provides X-ray vision for much of what the candidates are saying on the stump and on the air. Here are a few especially illuminating responses (all of these are from the weighted sample the poll calls “probable electorate”):

–If election held today: Obama/Biden, 46%; Romney/Ryan, 45%

–Add leaners: Obama/Biden, 49%; Romney/Ryan, 46%

–Country going in right direction: 38%; wrong track: 57%

–Most important issue in deciding how to vote: economy: 28%; jobs/unemployment: 13%; health care: 12%; budget deficit: 4%; Medicare/Medicaid: 2%; taxes: 2%

Continue reading

Deepak Chopra on Tensions

(Community Matters) I especially like the tweet

@DeepakChopra: To offend another religion is disgraceful & shameful. To be easily offended is poor self esteem & lack of faith. 

“The one thing you do in any resolution of any conflict is you treat your perceived enemy with respect,” Chopra said. “The rage in Islam is the perception of disrespect and humiliation.”

The Innocence of Muslims

(Community Matters) Just, finally watched  the “movie.” It’s atrociously vulgar and stupid. I think given what we know about tensions and reactions, and its obvious intention to incite anger, we ought to think about it like yelling fire in a crowded theatre – with the knowledge that it’s resulted in deaths & mayhem.

I in no way advocate forgiving violent, illegal reaction to the film. That’s a separate matter. I don’t believe those reacting violently represent most Muslims.  And, I’m confident those who have murdered members of our diplomatic corp will be enjoying the accommodations accorded Osama Bin Ladin.

Huff Post on film’s origins

Pres Obama demanding condemnation by Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood