Dunreith’s Letter to her mother Helen Kelly

Dunreith and her mother in late July, shortly before she wrote the letter.

Dunreith sent the following letter to Helen in late July.  She read the letter during Monday’s memorial service.

7/29/2011

Dear Mom,

I am on the plane en route to Boston for the Digital Media Innovation Symposium.  The plane was very delayed but I will still have time for a quick visit with Ed before I need to be at Facing History. Wish I had time to head down the pike to see you while I am here.

Helen Kelly Photo Gallery

RIP, Helen Kelly

My mother-in-law Helen Kelly died last Tuesday in her eightieth year.

We all knew this moment was coming, and somehow it still is hard to fully accept that it’s here.

helen C. Kelly, born Helena Chmielewski, my elegant, intelligent, strong, endlessly giving mother-in-law, died at home and surrounded by family as she wished,

79 years old, or, as she liked to say, in her eightieth year.

Dan Middleton’s Political Punditry, September 20

Today, I am struck by a good news story.

As of 12:01 this morning, the policy of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is officially over. 

Though some thought President Obama dilatory in honoring his campaign promise, in the end, he fulfilled that promise in a clever, lasting way. Rather than use his power as Commander-in-Chief to issue an executive order compelling all branches of the military to retain rather than fire gay LGBT personnel, (an order which could be rescinded in the future), he got it codified in Congress after securing the support of the Pentagon. Securing the blessing of Mike Mullen and Robert Gates was crucial in overcoming (mostly Republican) opposition in Congress. It was a strategy that required consensus building with the military establishment and a careful, lengthy review which showed that overwhelming majorities in the various services were not interested that one of there own is gay.

I am a bit uneasy about technology enabling people to document their private lives for public viewing, but this youtube video of an anonymous soldier in Germany taking advantage of his new freedom to be a gay man in uniform by informing his father about his sexual orientation was very moving. I recommend it, despite its voyeuristic aspect.

 

Dan Middleton’s Political Punditry, September 19: Part II of a Two-Part Series

Yesterday, I ended my note with a question. Given the Republican strategy to halt Congress from doing any meaningful work coupled with their deliberate repetition of lies about President Obama’s record (lies which are promulgated by a compliant and/or complicit media), can the president create a counter narrative which aggressively shows voters what specifically Republicans care about? Of course.

How? The economy has stalled; we are in a jobs emergency which is deep and perhaps irreversible. The Congress will do nothing, so the president addresses them, and is no more Mr. Nice Guy/let’s work together, but direct and forceful. He presents a 447 billion American Jobs Act which is stimulative and sensible and paid for. 31 million watch, and all polling shows more people favor the plan then oppose, and once they are told about what is in the bill, the numbers are even better. For example: from the Times/CBS poll,

Cut payroll taxesGood idea 56%, bad idea 30%

State aid to prevent public-sector layoffs
Good idea 52%, bad idea 40%

Infrastructure investments
Good idea 80%, bad idea 16%

Small business tax cuts
Good idea 81%, bad idea 14%

So the American Jobs Act is one bookend. 

Later this Fall, the Congress is mandated by law to reduce the deficit by 3 trillion dollars (one trillion has already been agreed to). Republicans want to only slash grievous wounds into the social safety net, education, and scientific research without asking for any additional tax revenue. Because life is hard enough for guys like this: 

“By the time I feed my family, I have maybe $400,000 left over,” - Rep. John Fleming (R-LA), in an interview on MSNBC, on why as a small business owner he can’t afford a tax increase.

So the president comes out today, and outlines not only his expectations for the cuts (Krugman! please try, for once, to breathe easy: no cuts to Social Security, no raising of the retirement age for Medicare), but most importantly, the president demands forcefully that a trillion dollars in tax increases (mainly by letting the disastrous Bush tax cuts finally expire, and closing a myriad of loopholes, like the one which allows billionaire hedge fund managers pay a 15% rate, and a millionaire tax–the “Buffet Tax”–which would affect only 440,000 U.S households) MUST be included or he will VETO the whole damned thing.

Do yourself a favor, and watch or read his remarks. Impassioned, some of it off the cuff:

“I am ready, I am eager, to work with Democrats and Republicans to reform the tax code to make it simpler, make it fairer, and make America more competitive. But any reform plan will have to raise revenue to help close our deficit. That has to be part of the formula. And any reform should follow another simple principle: Middle-class families shouldn’t pay higher taxes than millionaires and billionaires. That’s pretty straightforward. It’s hard to argue against that. Warren Buffett’s secretary shouldn’t pay a higher tax rate than Warren Buffett. There is no justification for it.

“It is wrong that in the United States of America, a teacher or a nurse or a construction worker who earns $50,000 should pay higher tax rates than somebody pulling in $50 million. Anybody who says we can’t change the tax code to correct that, anyone who has signed some pledge to protect every single tax loophole so long as they live, they should be called out. They should have to defend that unfairness — explain why somebody who’s making $50 million a year in the financial markets should be paying 15 percent on their taxes, when a teacher making $50,000 a year is paying more than that — paying a higher rate. They ought to have to answer for it. And if they’re pledged to keep that kind of unfairness in place, they should remember, the last time I checked the only pledge that really matters is the pledge we take to uphold the Constitution.

“Now, we’re already hearing the usual defenders of these kinds of loopholes saying this is just ‘class warfare.’ I reject the idea that asking a hedge fund manager to pay the same tax rate as a plumber or a teacher is class warfare. I think it’s just the right the thing to do…. All I’m saying is that those who have done well, including me, should pay our fair share in taxes to contribute to the nation that made our success possible. We shouldn’t get a better deal than ordinary families get.”

So there is the other bookend. Jobs at one end and balanced deficit reduction at the other, with the very powerful veto threat hovering unless taxes are raised, something that is overwhelmingly popularwith the electorate.

President Obama’s position on these bookended economic issues is sound intellectually, morally, and politically. The president has lost the thread of a narrative during parts of his presidency, which is a fair criticism. But I have been studying this guy for a few years, and regardless of what Maureen Dowd snarls, he is not an egghead wimp in man jeans; he has a vision of how to heal a traumatized nation, and now that he has established a clear, easy to understand, chasm-wide difference between him and the opposition, he will be relentless in letting people know that he will defend the social compact, despite all efforts by Republicans to destroy it.

Dan Middleton’s Political Punditry, September 18: Part 1 of a Two-Part Series

I have been taking note of the anxious tone of some whom I speak to as they contemplate the 2012 election. “Could Barack Obama really lose to Rick Perry? (which would be an unfathomable disaster) or Mitt Romney? (not much better, considering he will say anything and stand for nothing to curry favor in exchange for power. How desperate is he to impress the right wing? When asked who he would pick as a vice president, he cited Dick Cheney as a fine example, describing him as a man of “wisdom and judgement”).

I remain optimistic, though I admit on some days I fret, because as has been the case since President Obama took office, the roiling storm clouds lingering after the Era of Bush have given way to sporadic sunlight, but have failed to entirely disperse, with more clouds now gathering.

The darkest clouds are coming from Europe, where the 17 members of the Eurozone are in disarray about how to preserve the viability of the Euro currency and the European banking system. Eurozone members are nearing insolvency (Greece), suffering badly (Ireland), or on the verge of crisis, (Portugal, Spain, and Italy). A meeting on Friday in Poland did not go well, with the issues of how, how much, and when to give more money to Greece to prevent their default and exit from the Eurozone left undetermined, though we should know something by the middle of October. Does this matter to economic growth in the U.S.? While it is true that our banks are significantly less exposed to Eurozone debt than the French and German banks, a serious disruption of the European banking system would aggravate already non-existent European growth and high unemployment. In a global economy, no country is an island, and we all could ill-afford the trauma of another banking crisis like 2008, but with the potential to be much worse. So as you follow the news, keep on eye on Europe.

Friday’s comprehensive New Times/CBS News poll concurs with other polling, which provide a mixture of worry (President Obama disapproval number is high, and people are very pessimistic about the future) and hope (the President’s approval number is about 45%, which is not bad, all things considered, the GOP is very unpopular, and the Republican candidates for president are tepidly supported within their own party). Furthermore, in the hope department, one of the president’s top advisors, David Axlerod, put out this detailed memo showing Democratic support for the president remains very strong, particularly with Hispanics who decisively favor President Obama over Perry or Romney. This will be crucially important in Nevada, New Mexico, and Colorado.

Since taking over the House, the Republican plan to unseat the president has been two-fold. First, render the Congress useless by blocking anything proposed by the president and the Democrats, thereby increasing cynicism and pessimism among the electorate, even if it meansincurring the wrath of the voters. This makes a well-liked president seem ineffectual in times of great hardship for some and considerable challenge for most, thus his job approval rating falls, and people lose hope, turn their backs on politics, and don’t vote. Because there are fewer Republicans than Democrats, suppressing turnout has always been a tactic used to gain power. Sadly, this first part of the strategy has been quite successful.

The second part of the strategy is simply to lie about the president’s record. Much to the disaster of humankind, Adolf Hitler was right when he said, ”The great masses will more easily fall victim to a big lie than to a small one.” Of course, I do not equate American politicians to Hitler. That would be a hyperbolic obscenity; however, the propaganda technique of telling the big lie repeatedly through Fox television and hundreds of talk radio stations featuring lying haters like Rush Limbaugh can make a difference. For example, the Recovery Act, known as the stimulus, didn’t work. This is nonsense. At its height, Recovery Act funds were supporting up to 3.6 million jobs. In June of this year, Recovery Act funding was still supporting up to 2.9 million jobs; it certainly prevented the country from slipping into a depression. The principle reason why our economy is stalling is the continued loss of public sector jobs at the state level as the stimulus money is running out, and Republican governors who cut taxes and spending which is economic lunacy in times of trouble. Yet, many people believe that the lie that the Recovery Act was a waste of money, because the economy is still struggling, forgetting that our economic collapse was far worse than anyone could know at the time.

So the GOP will just lie and lie and lie. “We know things are not getting better, but he made them worse.” It is the He made It Worse Strategy, which for very good reasons, will backfire. The president is no fool, and when he goes head to head with a Perry or Romney who will be trying the mendacious “you made it worse” claptrap, President Obama will ask voters to consider this list compiled by Steve Benen: among other things

* American job creation is better now than when Bush left office.                                                                                                                     *American economic growth is better now than when Bush left office.

* Al Qaeda is dramatically weaker now than when Bush left office.

* The American automotive industry is vastly stronger now than when Bush left office.

* The struggle for equality of the LGBT community is vastly better now than when Bush left office.

* The U.S. health care system is better and more accessible than when Bush left office.

* The federal budget deficit is better now than when Bush left office.

* The major Wall Street indexes and corporate profits are better now than when Bush left office.

* International respect for the United States is better now than when Bush left office.

But will the President fight the lies, and present a compelling narrative for his ideas rather than only rely on facts? Yes. I’ll explain how tomorrow.

Gearing Up for the Dart Society Fundraiser

So I’ve put in some solid mileage this weekend in preparation for next Saturday’s fundraising bike ride for the Dart Society.

The purpose of the ride is to raise awareness about, and funds for, Dart Society Reports, our new magazine.

Yesterday I went down the course that will make up the bulk of next week’s route.

Specifically, I rode about 4.5 miles down the Lakefront Trail, and then pumped on down to the South Shore Cultural Center, 18 miles away.

As compared to the last time I did this ride, when I was drenched in rain shortly after getting, the weather was cool but dry, with very little wind in either direction.

As a result, the experience was qualitatively different, especially on the return.

I remember vividly huddling under the entrance to the cultural center with Justin and Maya and talking with Dunreith, who told me the ride home from Wilson was “horrible.”

Indeed it was.

It took me more than two hours to return to the head of the trail.

Yesterday was completely different.

I got myself juiced with a coupon-purchased venti mocha frappuccino at the Starbucks on 71st Street, and, fueled by caffeine and sugar, mounted my steed an headed back.

As opposed to last October 2, when I rode a lot of the time in 12th gear, I was cruising along in 21st or 22nd gear.

I made the 22.5 mile trip home in just over 90 minutes-a time that actually was faster than the trip time down.

My legs felt strong on what was the second-longest ride I’ve ever done, and I felt that I had earned the more than copious amounts of mouthwatering and stomach chicharones, carnitas and chicken tacos I consumed at Hoy design head Rodolfo Jimenez’s house and washed down with Tecate and Sol beer.

Rodolfo’s wife Carmen prepared the meal with care and skill, and I felt ready enough to do the century next week, even as I imagine I’ll be very tired next Sunday.

I’ll keep you posted and appreciate any support you can offer in the meantime.

 

Eight Days Until the Dart Society Fundraiser

I'll be riding my bike to raise money for more issues of Dart Society Reports.

The countdown’s on, people.

In eight short days, I’ll pack my back pack, get on my bike and start to ride.

The goal: to ride 100 miles.

The purpose: to raise awareness about, and money for, Dart Society Reports, our new magazine that we launched in August.

Happy Birthday, M. David Lee III!

Scooter Lee turns 46 today.

Some days just get ingrained in your head.

I’m not talking about dates like Christmas or New Year’s Eve or even 9/11, but rather dates with personal meaning.

You know what I mean.

Days with personal meaning.

Dan Middleton’s Political Punditry, September 14

The media will try to play up the win of a Republican in a traditional Blue New York congressional district (the ninth) as a referendum on President Obama and a portend for a general election 14 months away. 

Don’t believe the hype. 

Remember, at this point in the 2012 election it is in the media’s interest to do their best to create the illusion of a tight race whether there is one or not. Nate Silver was one of the most accurate polling numbers wonk in the 2008 election cycle. He offers this reassuring analysis:

“First, there are the local issues — Barack Obama’s positioning toward Israel, Mr. Weprin’s endorsement of a plan to build a mosque and Muslim cultural center in Lower Manhattan, and possibly gay marriage — that will resonate more in Queens than they will in the rest of the country.While all Congressional districts have their quirks, New York’s Ninth is especially unusual.

Roughly 40 percent of voters in the Ninth District are Jewish, 20 times the rate in the country as a whole. Moreover, and perhaps more important, many of those voters are Orthodox Jews [often Republicans], who often have starkly different political viewpoints than Reform or secular Jews [often Democrats], and who are extremely rare in the United States outside a few spots in the New York region.

There’s also the fact that the district was already behaving unusually in 2008. Despite having a 37-point edge in party registration, Mr. Obama won the election by only 11 points there — barely better than the seven-point edge he had nationwide. I doubt that there was any district in the country, perhaps outside a few remnants of the “Solid South,” where so many enrolled Democrats voted against Mr. Obama.”

Nonetheless, given the fact that the U.S. and world economy is slowing down considerably, and of particular worry, the Eurozone is under serious duress, sadly, the re-election of Barack Obama is not a given. 

But I remain optimistic. 

This year, primary voters in the Republican Party will be very motivated to turn out, and because these voters are the most conservative, often evangelical Southerners, they will nominate Perry over Bachmann (they might prefer Bachmann because she is a true believer, but go for Perry because he is more electable) . They didn’t like Romney in 2008, and I find it quite unlikely they will like him now, even though he is the only candidate who may have a chance at beating the President. Given that I expect Perry to be the nominee, the good news is according to Public Policy Polling (a reliable polling outfit), President Obama now leads Perry 52% to 41%, double from what it was three weeks ago.

The economic damage caused by the housing bubble bursting which lead to what we now was a shocking -8.9% decline in Gross Domestic Product in the last four months of 2008 cannot be overstated. The poor are suffering badly, and with the middle class still digging out from years and years of accumulated household debt or underwater with their mortgages, it is no wonder that in the absence of government intervention, i.e.; pay roll tax cuts, investment in infrastructure and direct aid to the states to keep public employees employed, we have no hope having sustained growth.

Another issue to consider: a good friend directed me to this radio broadcast which I highly recommend. For those who can’t listen to the whole thing nor read the transcript, I’ll provide you with a telling anecdote:

Caller Richard from Essex, New York I work in higher education, but I think that what is happening where I work is a reflection of this economy. I’m an adjunct faculty and teach more than the load of a full-time faculty member. And I get $2,500 a course. So, I teach eight courses, while a full-time faculty member teaches six. I earn less than half the lowest paid lectureship.

Tom Ashbrook What does that mean in terms of what you take home, Richard?

Richard I take home $20,000 per year, which puts me below the poverty level. I have a family of four. People may say that this is a part-time job, but…I work] 60-80 hours per week…I require food stamps for my family. I require heat subsidy and subsidy for day care for my five-year old. It’s a desperate situation.

In other words, too many workers are working in low wage jobs with few or no benefits (these workers constitute the bulk of Rick Perry’s “Texas Miracle” of “low” unemployment). Without broad based economic growth, workers will have little bargaining power with employers, and wages will remain lower than they would be in a more robust economy.

31 million people watched President Obama forcefully present his American Jobs Act, daring the Republicans to reject a sensible, balanced, much needed dose of stimulus to the economy as well as immediate aid to the unemployed.

An antithesis model to the American Jobs Act is in the U.K., where the approach of Prime Minister Cameron’s coalition government to their 2008 housing bubble/banking bust has been to cut government spending, growth has predictably slowed as unemployment, especially in the public sector, has increased markedly.

So, President Obama must continue to push the American Jobs Act as hard as he can, and remind people that if the Republicans insist on austerity and no tax raises for the wealthy, then the choice in November, 2012 will be clear. What does the public think of all this? It seems that people are receiving President Obama’s vision quite well, with more work to do explaining the contents of the bill. Quoting Steve Benen:

“President Obama’s disapproval ratings may be high, but in a new CNN/ORC International poll, more Americans say they trust him on economic matters more than they do Republicans in Congress.

‘By a 43-35 percent margin, a plurality of Americans approve of the economic program Obama outlined in his speech to Congress last week, but more than one in five don’t have any view at all of the jobs bill,’ says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland.The survey released on Wednesday shows that although a lot of Americans are still unsure what’s in the president’s new jobs bill, they like most of the major proposals offered in the plan that was sent to Congress Monday.

And on the American Jobs Act, a plurality support the White House’s plan, but the more important results show strong support for individual 

provisions of the plan: clear majorities of Americans support cutting the payroll tax (65% support), providing state aid to protect jobs for teachers and 

first responders (74%), and investing in infrastructure (64%).

The CNN poll is largely consistent with two other recent national polls — surveys from National Journal and NBC/WSJ — that found “despite all the

disapproval and pessimism, Americans approve of the actual fiscal policies Obama is proposing.”

Republicans oppose all of these ideas.