"Glenn Greenwald on Specter's switch" written by Heidi on estrip.org

04/28/09 04:00 - 48ºF - ID#48529

Glenn Greenwald on Specter's switch

(1) The idea that Specter is a "liberal" Republican or even a "moderate" reflects how far to the Right both the GOP and our overall political spectrum has shifted.

Consider Specter's most significant votes over the last eight years, ones cast in favor of such definitive right-wing measures as: the war on Iraq, the Military Commissions Act, Patriot Act renewal, confirmation of virtually every controversial Bush appointee, retroactive telecom immunity, warrantless eavesdropping expansions, and Bush tax cuts (several times). Time and again during the Bush era, Specter stood with Republicans on the most controversial and consequential issues.

Read more at

dcoffee writes at 08:36:45 04/29/09 - Comment #48031: The 2 party system doesn't make sense. There's one reality in the public, and there's another reality in politics. we need about 5 parties. There's too much variety, I shift my position, and that's fine. I do think the Republican Party has moved to the right over the past 30 years, and I think the Democrats have too. Now the Democrats seem to be going back to the 1970's, but still more conservative than most liberal parties in the world. I'm not sure you can declare a 'center' I guess moderate is a good word.

I'm reading an awesome political book right now, it's giving me some historical perspective on this stuff. I just mentioned the book to Jason, I think both of you would like it. It's short, and pretty light reading, for an in depth political philosophy/history book. it's called "The Tyranny of Dead Ideas" pick it up. Maybe after Finals :)

jason writes at 01:21:26 04/29/09 - Comment #48019: Ok. It's back. =) Thanks again!

jason writes at 01:17:18 04/29/09 - Comment #48018: Arg, I lost another comment. Is there a permanent link to the graveyard or something?

jason writes at 01:16:27 04/29/09 - Comment #48017: Therein lies the problem, (e:Heidi). You, me, (e:James), this columnist...all of us agree that the country has experienced a shift to the right over the last few decades. That's where we sit. In today's mainstream environment, Specter is a moderate, not a rabid right winger as the columnist wishes it could be. His argument isn't based on accurately describing things as they are.

But let me entertain the faulty premise concerning Specter for a second just to illustrate one other thing. I'm an asshole for calling someone liberal while not considering all of their nuanced opinions, but if I agree with the GOP 75% and disagree 25%, according to this winner that 25% shouldn't be considered before labeling me, at its kindest, a right winger. Apparently this guy should be applauded for his effort, but I say it takes some cheek. He doesn't want these complex discussions.

I am in the middle as it exists today. I'm very much like Specter. I understand perfectly well where the dividing lines exist. You'll hear me refer to "real liberals" to differentiate between people at The Nation and people in the American center. I don't feel the need to use every PC, liberal-endorsed moniker when I'm commenting and writing on an informal blog, especially when people on my "side" have never been given the same courtesy (to put it beyond lightly).

About liberals being "bad" - I don't think they're "bad" by default. I don't use "liberal" as a pejorative. I don't think any of you on e-strip are bad, and I don't believe I've given anyone a reason to think I feel that way. You're all aces in my book. Now, does this mean that I have to capitulate and love everything Liberals do? Of course not. One thing I will promise you all is that no matter how much I disagree, I'm not going to come on here and start misusing terms and using inflammatory rhetoric meant to provoke and cultivate hatred. I think the country has seen enough of that.

heidi writes at 11:20:05 04/29/09 - Comment #48015: Why does it matter to be accurate in describing the political spectrum? I think that in the conversations we've had here, that's one of the issues that comes up repeatedly. I'm often frustrated because it seems that you & (e:josh) like to say essentially that anyone left of you is "liberal" (and therefore bad) without recognizing the spectrum that exists from right of center to left of center, liberal, progressive, socialist and anarchist (recognizing the gaps there, too)... So my point is that by discussing and being accurate in these descriptiosn, we can have better, more complex, more reality-grounded discussions. I fully recognize the spectrum within the "right" and certainly wouldn't lump you in with Rush Limbaugh even tho you're both to the right of me.

jason writes at 09:03:02 04/29/09 - Comment #48005: Let's say for the sake of argument it's true that the nation has shifted to the right. In that case, why gripe about where we are, and where people are slotted in terms of left, center, and right? Specter was a moderate Republican. Now he's a moderate Democrat. What he "is" or "should be" based on the feelings of people like this guy and Bob Scheer, who for some reason feel they are the center, is sort of pointless.

james writes at 07:09:53 04/28/09 - Comment #47999: ya, I have to disagree Carolinian. The right has not moved to the right and the left has not moved to the left creating a void in the middle. Rather, the whole spectrum has shifted right over the years.

Leiberman is considered leaning to the right because he is Hawkish, he did not support the Democratic nominee for President, lost the Democrat primary, was a speaker at the Republican National Convention for his buddy McCain. He is a case of sleeping with dogs and getting fleas... and no, that is not a reference to MIchelle Bachmann. HEY YO!!!

heidi writes at 06:26:21 04/28/09 - Comment #47998: Maybe the political shift rightward would be better illustrated by looking at Nixon:

:::link::: particularly the Family Assistance plan, Clean Air Act, EpA, revenue sharing between state, local gov'ts and the feds...

To say that folks on the left would consider FDR a Republican is mindboggling. Let's review some of the basic facts about FDR's presidency: Civil Works Administration, public Works Admnistration, established diplomatic relations with USSR, takeover of steel mills, "4 Freedoms" :::link:::

Lieberman is a conservative DEMOCRAT, not a conservative, and now no longer a Democrat.

(My shift-p, which should result in a capital p, seems to have been remapped to launch windows media player. ew. how do i change it back?)

carolinian writes at 05:14:15 04/28/09 - Comment #47990: That Joe Lieberman is considered a conservative by the left also illustrates how far to the left the left has travelled. By the standard's of today's left, FDR and JFK would be considered republicans. It's like there's a polarization to either extreme.

james writes at 04:18:44 04/28/09 - Comment #47987: I love Glenn, but I think he is being a bit unfair. There is a utilitarian element involved with Specter switching that we wouldn't get otherwise for two more years. I am willing to live with a blue-dog for a little while longer.

And no shit the spectrum has shifted way far to the right in this country. A center-left man is elected to the white house and people are screaming that he is a socialist.

jason writes at 04:14:29 04/28/09 - Comment #47986: Interesting article Heidi. The ink on his registration card ain't even wet yet and people are already starting in with the arguments for unceremoniously booting him on his ass as soon as it's convenient.

Permalink: Glenn_Greenwald_on_Specter_s_switch.html
Words: 108
Location: Buffalo, NY

04/27/09 03:12 - 79ºF - ID#48517

I love dandelions!

The dandelions at UB North today looked like they were cultivated.

Permalink: I_love_dandelions_.html
Words: 15
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: pets

04/24/09 04:47 - 75ºF - ID#48491

Office chicks

Every office needs hot young chicks, right? ;-)

I visited my office last weekend to work on the skatepark project with Jill & Kelly. Nisha wasn't allowed at the office this weekend because of its new residents - and she had liked the bunnies too much when they were visiting. They had a rooster in a crate outside, but he slipped out when Shane was trying to feed him and has taken up residence across the road near a pile of corn intended to feed deer and turkey. (Why did the chicken cross the road?) The possum's gone ((e:heidi,47567)). The eastern box turtle is still in its tank.

Permalink: Office_chicks.html
Words: 117
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: music

04/22/09 05:51 - 40ºF - ID#48475

Ya get a nickel back...

when you put a $1.25 on the bar for a beer at the Bear Ass in Blossburg.

A and I went to the Dead show at HSBC last night - stayed out dancing until nearly 4am at Nietzsche's :-) (Of course the property maintenance people decided 9:06 this morning was a good time to check out the water damage from Monday's rain.)

We went to Pearl Street for dinner. We shared the sampler - I liked the Sabre's Edge double IPA and he liked the Lighthouse and Raspberry Stout:

Cute bear cookies available in Shakedown

I'm so pleased to have finally gotten a picture of the Peacemaker first aid bus.

And the show was great!

I tweeted the set list (but this is just a copy from the email I get with the set list the morning after every show)

The Dead (Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart,
Bill Kreutzmann, Warren Haynes and Jeff Chimenti)
HSBC Arena, Buffalo NY
Tuesday April 21, 2009

Promised Land
They Love Each Other
Mama Tried
Loser
Smokestack Lightning ->
Stella Blue
It's All Over Now
Big River

Playing In The Band ->
Me And Bobby McGee
Loose Lucy
Ramble On Rose ->
Drums ->
Space ->
Maggie's Farm ->
Eyes Of The World ->
Playing In The Band (reprise)

Donor Rap
Truckin'

tinypliny writes at 06:30:05 04/23/09 - Comment #47864: Wow. Are you a certifiable deadhead? :)

heidi writes at 10:31:03 04/22/09 - Comment #47832: (e:Tinypliny) - yes, they do have a huge cult following, even 14 years after Jerry died. :::link::: An ex of mine had over 1300 hours of live Dead, plus Phish, Jerry Garcia Band, and other related projects. My first show was 6/6/92 at (what was then known as) Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, NY.

Last night I sat next to a kid who was at his first show. I had some balloons in my pocket and blew one up - he got very excited, "I would pay you money for one of those!" I handed it to him and he said, "I don't know if I can get the knot out of it." I asked him why he'd want to do that and he looked embarrassed so I said, "There's no nitrous in it. I just blew it up in front of you."

(e:Drew) I hear the owners are nudists. There is also a stuffed back end of a black bear on the wall next to the bar.

tinypliny writes at 09:54:50 04/22/09 - Comment #47831: The Grateful Dead? Do they really have such a huge cult following?

james writes at 09:36:54 04/22/09 - Comment #47830: I am the dumbest man alive, no really, hear me out on this one.

I heard "The Dead" were coming to town for a few weeks now, and I kept wondering who they were. Seeing those bears I suddenly realize it wasn't The Dead, it was THE Dead. Doh

drew writes at 08:06:04 04/22/09 - Comment #47829: If there was a Bear Ass bar around here it would definitely be a gay bar.

tinypliny writes at 07:41:24 04/22/09 - Comment #47825: Wow - that looks like a weirdly blue milky way.

metalpeter writes at 06:43:03 04/22/09 - Comment #47823: When I first saw the Blog Name I thought it was about a Different Band. They Picked that as there name cause when they worked at a Coffee shop everything ended up 95 so they would all ways say here is your nickle back. Glad you had fun. Staying up having fun till 4am is all ways a good time when it can be done.

jenks writes at 05:59:11 04/22/09 - Comment #47821: how did I have no clue there was a Dead show last night- yet it seems that 95% of my friends were there?

Permalink: Ya_get_a_nickel_back_.html
Words: 233
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: politics

04/20/09 09:47 - 47ºF - ID#48459

Partnership for the Public Good event

I can't make it to this, but thought some folks here might be interested...

--
I've been working so hard at writing this month's report & putting
together the panel, that I didn't really consider advertising. Anyway,
if you have some free time tomorrow afternoon (4-5.30) by 237 Main St
- 12th floor tomorrow, it's the April forum for the Partnership for
the Public Good. It's going to be on the downtown Erie Canal Harbor
development project, & reps from the development authority will be
there to face the firing squad.

Steve Marshall.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Erie Canal Harbor Development
How Will the Community Benefit?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
with panelists:
Julie Barrett O'Neill, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper
Amy Kedron, Buffalo First
Lou Jean Fleron, Cornell ILR

moderated by:
Aaron Bartley; People United for Sustainable Housing - Buffalo

and featuring a presentation by:
Matt Davison, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation spokesman
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Can a developed Erie Canal Harbor help to improve our local economic
conditions, bridge social divides, and better our own impression and
the national reputation of our city; while embracing aesthetic design,
providing a home for local entrepreneurs, providing quality
employment, and without damaging the riverfront environment?
To what other goals should such this project aspire? What can be
learned from the waterfront projects of other cities that have come
before?

Join our panel in discussing the Erie Canal Harbor Development
project.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PPG Tuesday Forums are free & open to the public.

A companion report will be available at the event, and at

Permalink: Partnership_for_the_Public_Good_event.html
Words: 249
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: tourism

04/19/09 11:37 - 48ºF - ID#48442

What is...

that red-roofed, round building that sits out in the river south of the Peace Bridge? (see map)

Thanks!

Permalink: What_is_.html
Words: 34
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: politics

04/09/09 05:08 - 49ºF - ID#48336

News stuff, a picture from e:Jim's party

Patterson to submit bill allowing same-sex marriage

I'm kinda fascinated by this new feature at Crooks & Liars - it's clips of old video - Three Mile Island as it was happening, for example, mixed in with clips from concerts at the Hollywood Bowl.

Here's one of Reagan on Meet the Press in 1974:

With commentary:

While I was waiting for (e:PMT) to pick me up to go to (e:Jim)'s party, I noticed that the bush next to the front steps of my building is a forsythia!