American muscle over British pluck

Happy Independence Day

Freedom of Speech

The above pictured individual is Florida attorney Jack Thompson. One of the most controversial lawyers in the state, Thompson has burnished a reputation as a fighter against obscenity, violent lyrics, and shoot-em up video games. A born again Christian based in Coral Gables, Thompson is a strong advocate for morality laws designed to protect our decency. His prominence stems from his notorious campaign against Luther Campbell and 2 Live Crew's 1989 "As Nasty As They Wanna Be." Due to his disgust at the raunchy lyrics, and his belief the album violated obscenity laws, Thompson wrote a letter requesting an investigation by then State Attorney, Janet Reno. For some reason, Reno declined to take action. For one, she most likely has some distaste for Thompson. In 1988 when they ran against each other for State Attorney, Thompson handed her a note at a public event asking her to note whether she was homo, bi, or heterosexual. Reno put her hand on his shoulder and said, ""I'm only interested in virile men. That’s why I'm not attracted to you." Thompson then went to the police to file a complaint for battery.

Most likely Reno decided not to press on, not because of her personal animosity for Thompson, but rather her belief that the work of 2 Live Crew might be in poor taste, but was not "obscene." Emboldened rather than defeated, Thompson personally sent copies of the album and lyrics to the Broward County Sheriff's Office. A judge agreed and obscenity prosecutions got under way in South Florida. Eventually overturned in Federal Court, the proceedings rocketed 2 Live Crew to international stardom. Thompson then embarked on an eternal quest to rid the US of every dirty rap song and GTA series video game. The video game industry has been his main target, perhaps not without some merit to his claims. Lately though, the news for Thompson has been bad as he struggles to keep his bar license. Embroiled with the Bar Association for much of his career, he tells of story of ideological suppression, they claim 27 violations of personal misconduct, enough to warrant a 10 year license suspension. After decades of seeking to suppress freedom of speech, Thompson now stands to lose his pedestal, perhaps in part to his vociferous Christian zealotry. His message might bother some, but he is constitutionally justified in his battle;"I enjoy doing what I do and I think I've got a First Amendment right to annoy people and participate in the public square in the cultural war."

No Cold War in the Desert

This week we will celebrate the 4th of July. For America it is a chance to celebrate our independence and marvel at our progress. Our nation sits at the brink of a historical presidential election, one with individuals considered 3/5 of citizen for the first 100 years of independence. However despite the warm feelings of refreshed democracy, certain troubling events lay on the horizon. Being inextricably tied to Israeli foreign policy, the rumblings between Tehran and Jerusalem spell trouble for the United States. Last week Israel flexed and preened for the world with a large scale air force exercise. Iran isn't backing down, which puts the US amidst the proverbial rock and a hard spot. The animosity between the two countries is palpable and certain to rock the political boat. The US election would be viewed through a different perspective by many if the US were being drawn into another Middle Eastern dispute. Perhaps some would be assuaged by McCain's assured ability to be Commander in Chief. Others might be sickened by the cycle of warfare and seek a new approach to diplomacy. One thing is guaranteed, this election will be unique and unpredictable, just like the Middle East.

Touchy Topics in South Carolina

Both political parties face sensitive issues in their past, both concerning events that took place in South Carolina. Each must rebuild the burned bridges in order to maintain party unity. In the 2000 Republican primary, McCain took a 19 point New Hampshire win into South Carolina. Expecting to establish rapport with the state's large military population, McCain and his supporters thought South Carolina would be the tidal victory. Instead, Karl Rove engaged in a successful whisper campaign aimed at stirring up prejudicial holdings. McCain was incensed by the smears and according to The Huffington Post, didn't even vote for Bush in 2000. On the other side, this year's Democratic primary election in South Carolina saw the touchy topic of race take center stage. Bill Clinton's glib remark, apparently comparing Obama's SC victory to that of Jessie Jackson in 1984 and 1988, was not taken well by the Obama camp. The heat continued when Bill claimed Obama had played the "race card" on him. Despite these spars, Clinton lends his support to Barack, something each needs to survive. Many considered the endorsement to be tepid due to past squabbles. However, Bill is walking on a slippery slope, and a quiet endorsement might be the best recovery. He must not overshadow his wife, still a potential V.P. candidate, and he must grant Obama the respect his nomination earns him.

An Endorsement Worth Noting

Usually endorsements, especially those by non-politicians are meaningless. Warren Buffett, a long time Democrat has recently endorsed Obama for President. Once a pal of Hillary's, Buffett now throws his considerable influence behind her former foe. Buffett's support should come as no surprise, he has spoken out strongly against the current tax system. Those same tax cuts that McCain now supports. Buffett's enthusiasm for Obama brings credibility to those questioning the feasibility of "change." What does Buffett know? For starters he's the highest regarded investor in the world, and gave us this gem on gold's unproductive valuation; "It gets dug out of the ground in Africa, or someplace. Then we melt it down, dig another hole, bury it again and pay people to stand around guarding it. It has no utility. Anyone watching from Mars would be scratching their head."

Broken Windows

The pictures were taken in Harlem in the late 1980s. Urban despair was evidenced by putrid streets, boarded up buildings and junkie-filled alleys. In 1993 Rudy Giuliani was elected as mayor of NYC via the "tough on crime" platform. Giuliani focused his attack on NYC's rampant crime by implementing the "broken windows" policy. Initially published as an article in Atlantic Monthly in 1982, Broken Windows by James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling was a groundbreaking, yet simple theory on how to cut crimes rates. The theory argues, in order to stem the tide of crime, one must start by fixing the neighborhood's broken windows. By cleaning up the streets, literally, the once putrid community is made palatable. When trash litters the curb, disrespect for the community is endemic. The denizens retreat, leaving the streets empty for the aimless and criminally minded.


Giuliani hired William Bratton as his Commissioner of Police and watched his city establish a new reputation. Now known as quite safe considering its size, NYC was the first large scale application of the broken windows theory. The success of course spawned imitation, with good reason. Once a playground for pimps and panderers, the streets of the city are now often seen at their marketable best. It is naive to think that removing eye sores and beggars is a panacea for criminal activity. Certainly keeping the most mentally ill, the most addicted, and the most desperate off the streets restores civic pride and security. However it only moves much of the hustling crimes indoors and pushes the impoverished elsewhere. The success seen in NYC is hard to gauge, many say the naturally occurring end of the crack epidemic resulted in dropping crime rates more than street clean ups.

The most original, and controversial theory on why NYC's crime rate dropped so drastically was espoused by Stephen Levitt in his book, Freakonomics. Levitt and co-author Stephen Dubner discuss the possibility that the liberalization of abortion laws in the 1980s contributed to the drop in crime. In theory, those in most need of an abortion are least capable of raising a child at that moment in their life. By allowing the young mothers, those struggling with addiction, and others without the needed support system, to get abortions; it is less likely a child with be born into a broken home. Since crimes are most often committed by young males, when their numbers decrease across the board, the crime rate does as well. An addicted and pregnant young lady in 1985 no longer loses control of her child when he grows up as the 90's close.

Couldn't find it on a map

Not one of his finest moments, in a career full of verbal barfs. Still, I must respect the office, the public backlash was certainly due to policy errs, but the volume was feverish in large part due to the emergence of Web 2.0.

Clinton knew how to entertain, and had Boris Yeltsin amused by his skills on the sax. You can only imagine what Bush thought of saying to Putin, "I thought Drago was going to win."

Hippie Discrimination

The news from a Justice Department investigation that intern applicants were screened based on their political ideologies is numbing. The utmost concern is the culture of same-mindedness that has been bred in the Justice Department over the last 8 years. The "resignation" of Alberto Gonzalez revealed the true failure of checks and balances. The issue was not his mass firing, that happens all the time, but rather his acquiescence to the executive branch. The most curious aspect of the report is that it involves the hiring of interns. Not prospective District Attorneys, but rather meek college kids. Perhaps the idea was, in hiring eager to please youngsters, they could count on less inquiring insiders. Anyhow, they broke the law, and the right faces another media talking point. It might be a stretch to compare the idealogical intoxication of the FBI under J. Edgar Hoover to that of the current Justice Department, but the comparisons are telling. Famous for crusading against individuals for the political beliefs above their criminal activities, Hoover sullied his agency's image for years. The Justice Department is the central pivot point between the balance of power between the judiciary and the executive branches. It must remain a meritocracy, to ensure our continued democracy.

What tipped them off?

Baby Steps

Once buoyed by the Puritanical roots of early America, the dawn of the 20th century saw a populace disregarding the sumptuary laws of the land. With a scarlet letter no longer guaranteed to reign in the promiscuous female, many feared the tarnishing of the Eve complex. In 1910 Congress passed the White Slave Traffic Act, later known as the Mann Act. Aimed at curbing prostitution, its primary enforcement tool was banning interstate transport of females for "immoral purposes." The legislative title of the Act only underscores its racist intentions early on. Over time the Mann Act was used primarily to prosecute men for engaging with underage girls. Over the last 98 years laws have been tightened to ensure the safety of our youngest in a growing world. One thing that doesn't seem to be considered is adding small punishments to deter girls. This is by no means an attempt to assign blame under the law, but rather an angle towards providing awareness for their own safety. Statutory rape laws are tricky business, on one hand they must be strict to protect the most vulnerable, however they must be fair in order to be most effective. One of the unspoken issues facing underage sex is the biological reality it faces. It's undisputed that girls mature physically at an early stage than boys, creating a dating gap that only closes post-college. 15 year old boys are not a pleasant sight by and large, and lack the coveted car keys of a high school senior. Less certain, but arguable is a sort of flipped Oedipus complex. Comforted by a father while young, it seems natural that a girl would be attracted to one a few years her senior. Yet despite these hurdles, the law must protect the young from the realities their minds are not ready to handle. The struggle is keeping the law from being misapplied, while giving it the strength and enforceability to function. A different angle would be providing a deterrent system, applied softly through the juvenile court system, to the young girls that end up on the victim side of an underage sex prosecution. This idea would only work for the small percentage of victims that fall into the 16 year old dating a 19 year old scenario. By installing an educationally and support minded program, these girls could learn from their mistake and take control of their future. A major aid would be giving them sex education, not the watered down version, but the more applicable and helpful approach. By assigning them a counselor, they could be schooled in the pratfalls of young pregnancies and the impending impact of missed school. This mandated system would be a probation in name only, but more specifically a life skills course for those at the precipice of adulthood. However, this would involve overturning over 100 years of common law tradition. In Regina v. Tyrell from the Queens Bench in 1894, the court held that in underage sex prosecutions, the unwitting girl could not be held liable as an accomplice, or accessory to the criminal act. Reasoning that since the statute was enacted with protecting young girls in mind, logically they cannot be convicted as a party to the crime. This educational program is hardly attempting to link girls as aiders or abetters, but the holding is deeply entrenched in American jurisprudence, making any changes unlikely. But if the law is designed to protect to the fullest extent personal autonomy allows, applying a deterrence for petty acts of age misrepresentation and false identification would serve to awaken girls to the serious consequences of their natural amorous.

Seduced by Jeff

Indian Giver

The term "indian giver" is widely known as a derisive description another's practice of giving, and taking back. Wrongly associated with the sly indian deceiving the foolhardy white man, alas the true definition confirms the racist tinge of the oft repeated tome. Beginning in the 19th century, English immigrants to the New World began placing the word, "indian" in phrases. An "Indian" summer, was a not a summer at all, but rather a warm day on the eve of a fall cold front. Similarly, "Indian" giver denoted one who was not bestowing a gift but rather a revocable grant. Therefore, in historical terms, it was the white man who was the "Indian" giver. Federal diplomacy gave a trail of broken treaties and empty promises to the dismayed Native Americans.

Geronimo, Apache Indian. According to Wikipedia: In 1918, certain remains of Geronimo, buried at Ft. Still, Oklahoma, were stolen in a grave robbery. Three members of the Yale secret society of Skull and Bones served as Army volunteers at Fort Sill during World War I; one of those three members was Prescott Bush, father of the forty-first President of the United States George H. W. Bush and grandfather of George W. Bush. Likely coincidental, and possibly braggadocio, but creeeepy.

Sitting Bull, Lakota Sioux

Blackfoot Indian

The above map illustrates the population density of the US in 2008. Given the sparsely occupied Dakotas and Southwest, once cannot help but wonder what a government policy other than extermination would have looked like today. A policy of incorporation, somehow without assimilation, would have placed us in a current state of utopia. Imagine industry building in the 1900's tempered by an appreciation for Mother Earth. Taking cues from the self-sustaining Native Americans, perhaps our current levels of consumption and waste would be manageable instead of insurmountable. Think groceries are too expensive? News last month of new tribe found in Brazil confirms the continuing sustainability of the hunter-gather civilization.

If the true definition of "Indian" giver is to grant a false gift, then Jeffrey Amherst is to Indian giving as Benedict Arnold is to backstabbing. Officer in the British Army and a prominent soldier, Amherst earned his stripes in the French and Indian War from 1756 to 1763. One of the most controversial, and still discussed incidents in US-Native American relations involved Amherst in 1763. Though the story is murky, many claim that through a series of letters, Amherst discussed having William Trent, then commander of Fort Pitt give the Indians blankets infected from the local small pox hospital. A week later a small pox breakout was confirmed at Fort Dix, yet the culprit was never clearly established. Some dispute it ever occurred, but not Howard Zinn.

Prep School Kids

Though different in so many ways, John McCain and Barak Obama each share the connection of private education. In 1971, Barry enrolled in the 5th grade at the Punahou School in Honolulu. Staying until graduation in 1979, Obama also learned some skillz, in addition to his studies. In comparison, John McCain enrolled at The Episcopal School in Alexandria, Virginia as a freshman in 1951. Somewhat predictably he was a grappler, excelling by the time he graduated in 1954. The differences between, and features of each school, shed volumes about the essence of the race we are facing. Each is a monument to success, annually churning out the brightest and best read students. Punahou is enormous for private school standards, 3,700 students makes it the largest independent school in the US. Founded July 11, 1842, Punahou has grown into a sports colossus, amassing 322 state titles, the most in the country. Known for providing a diverse education, Punahou has spawned notable alumni in every field. McCain's alma mater, The Episcopal school was founded in 1839, as the first high school in Virginia. Still a boarding school-only student body, approximately 435 boys and girls walk the hallowed historical grounds. Used as Union Hospital during the Civil War, the school was forced to close for the only time. Both schools are honored as National Historic Landmarks, a testament to their endurance and achievement. In terms of PG-rated-fun appropriate for the grade school Barry and John, think of Finding Nemo, versus It's A Wonderful Life. Both are classics, yet each retains its unique brand and style of entertainment.

McCain bottom left above. Two below, The Episcopal School inside and outside.


Obama using the glass, and his lush alma mater.

The Bubba Vote

With the historical field set for the 2008 Presidential election, the plain old vanilla, white male voter takes center stage. For the first time in American history, the white male voter will have the choice to vote for one of a different ethnicity. Every election from 1789 to 2004 featured a white male as every major party's nominee. An astonishing run of power consolidation, last century's Nelson Mandela in South Africa, and Margaret Thatcher in Great Britain, make the US brand of democracy appear less open. While JFK's Catholicism was largely a non-issue in 1960, one wonders if Obama's race will pass with similar acceptance. According to recent statistics, the US population breakdown by race is roughly, 80% Caucasian, 13% African-American, and 14.5% Latino. Some are saying that Obama can afford to lose the white male vote by up to 12 points. Barry O has the young, the minority, and liberal votes locked up, gathering the Bubba vote will be more difficult. His strategy should center on his passion for the working poor. Obama must make Bubba realize his economic purgatory will only continue with McCain's economic plan; one that suspiciously seems to have been snagged from the current administration's Xerox machine. The policy battle is winnable, but Obama also faces a cultural wall. Blue collar voters naturally identify with McCain's military service, a loyalty that runs through generations of families. Obama is a compelling figure in fractured times, his candidacy is a testament to our progress. However his true widespread appeal is hard to gauge, TV is entirely catered to, and dispositive of youth culture. Obama's pop appeal is not enough to catapult him to the White House. He will have to earn those blue collar votes with economic policy applied by elbow grease. Once we tighten up our growing rich-poor gap, our standard of living will increase.

Manny mooned her

The news this week that Curt Schilling is likely done of course fuels instant Hall of Fame speculation. Durable and peerless in the playoffs, Schilling should be enshrined. Curt's playoff record of 11-2 with 3 rings ranks him among the recent best. His report card lacks a Cy Young, and 216 career wins is a C+ in HOF class. However, one cannot deny he was the difference in Arizona and Boston. The class of 2013 might have three peers that outshine him, Clemens, Maddux and Pedro seem likely to retire this year, but that should only push Schilling back a ballot. Love his intensity or despise his smugness, Schilling was the big game pitcher you could count on. Grinding through innings while miserly allowing runs in the Steroid era is something you can be proud of, in addition to his honest talk.

Sideline Misogyny

The life of female sideline reporter is a constant pursuit of credibility. Often covering games they never played themselves, few earn respect of their male fan base. Sadly much of this bias is unfair, though at times warranted. The Maxim era of sideline reporters has detracted from the strides made by the likes of Lesley Visser. The first female sideline reporter to cover the Super Bowl, the first to work MNF; Visser was the Billie Jean King of TV football. Hailed for her professionalism and expertise, she was enshrined at the NFL Hall of Fame. However despite Visser and other accomplished female sideline reporters, these ladies constantly battle a Bobby Riggs minded culture in their profession. Lately the derision and objectification of female sideline reporters appears prevalent. Scorn from Andy Rooney aged grumps seemed generational and likely to pass, yet at times Gen X jocks breathe new life into yesteryears attitudes. Not confined to crotchety fans, it seems that athletes have become increasingly brazen in their sexism. At times merely flirting, the exchange seems part of the show. However often it borders on disrespect and annoyance. Part of the problem is the parties involved. Athletes are used to female adulation since puberty and do not often encounter the professionally minded exchange. In their defense, these female reporters are flat out gorgeous leaving nature to explain their uncontrollable missives.

The current gold standard in female sideline reporting is ESPN's Erin Andrews. Universally hailed for her beauty, and predictably under appreciated for her talent. Informed, concise, and friendly, Andrews proves her merit with every broadcast. Despite her sports acumen, it is her beauty than likely accounts for her rapid internet adulation. At times it appears that she struggles with this mantle, yet interviews thus far have revealed a remarkably humble and well adjusted woman. Her tolerance is tested due to unique ecosystem of professional sports. The sports world is predictably ruled by jocks. Of course female sideline reporters have to cover athletes, and the ex-athletes that manage them, but they also have to work alongside ex athletes in the media. Interjecting a beautiful and well spoken female into the sports world and not expecting sexism is blissful ignorance. But for every stride made by an Erin Andrews, each time an up and coming hopeful appears on the cover of Maxim, everyone takes two steps back. The most visible of these Maxim chicks is Jillian Barberie. On FOX NFL Sunday since 2000, Jillian has not been shy about her contribution to the sports world.

Herein lies the rub. For every lingerie model moonlighting as a reporter, a legit lady like Erin Andrews faces more grief. It's like when you see a woman with a huge boob job. Since she paid for them, and got them that big to show off, you feel no guilt staring them down. As long as aspiring wannabes shed their blouses for Maxim, FHM, and the like, the objectification will seem excused and endurable. Other issues that go undiscussed on mainstream broadcasts, are certainly talked about in locker rooms and clubhouses. When female reporters engage in relations with the players they cover, the veil of professionalism is irreparably pierced. Though certainly not the first, the story in 2005 that Fox Sports reporter Carolyn Hughes had an affair with Derek Lowe was a blow to the legitimacy of female reporters. Soldier on Erin Andrews and the other talented and professional female sideline reporters. Despite the detractions by your peers, the discerning public will be able to separate those with only pretty faces, from those backing up their looks with knowledge and respectability. The yo-yo of respect for female reporters is not unlike the pendulum of public perception that faces jocks. Though largely the image of the athlete takes a hit whenever one of their co-workers runs afoul of the law, the informed sports fan can discern good guy from bad. That same audience knows when a woman knows her stuff, and when she's just fronting. Hopefully the jocks can begin to treat Erin Andrews less as eye candy and keep the randy remarks to themselves. Spare the good ones, we want Erin to stick around.

Rick's new favorite color is yellow.

What's my line?

Facebook Fools

There you are peering into the glow of the computer screen looking to add some hotties to your friend list. Suddenly you come across the babe you've been looking for and feebly click the request button. To your delight your request is accepted and the ogling begins. Perhaps you've scored a hottie, or possibly you've been duped by a clever viral marketing scheme.

Still Ticking

Yesterday the first live footage of Fidel Castro in over 5 months was released. Seen slightly more gaunt that the still images released in January, Fidel still seemed to have the fire in a discussion over energy policies with Venezuela's Hugo Chavez. In related news, Elian Gonzalez, the former posterboy for Cuban exile frustrations has recently joined the Communist Party in Cuba. Possibly a pawn, or perhaps a loyal Cuban, Elian incites strong feelings on both sides of the debate.

GOP Deja Vu

It must seem like a recurring nightmare for the Republican Party. The GOP proffers a slightly out of touch candidate, facing an up and coming Democratic opponent. Instead of facing off one-on-one, the GOP candidate is forced to deal with a Texan distraction. In 1992 George H. Bush was the incumbent candidate facing a young Bill Clinton. Much to his dismay, Ross Perot announced his 3rd party candidacy and began sucking votes away from President Bush. Blamed by many for Bush's failed attempt at a second term, the reality is less clear. Certainly Perot drained some support from Bush, but also took votes away from Clinton. The more likely culprit for the Republican loss was a flagging economy and broken promises on taxes. Fast forward to 2008, McCain has locked up the nomination, but also faces a distraction from Texas. The announcement this week that Ron Paul plans on running a parallel convention was likely met with disdain from the McCain camp. Ron Paul's convention will be held on the same weekend as the GOP convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, in the same town. This same party competition does not likely bode well for McCain. Big eared, big mouths have spelled trouble for the GOP before, and likely will again.

Political Tricks and Cancer Sticks

Once considered the epitome of "cool," cigarette smoking has become a social taboo in American culture. No longer excused as simply a habit, smoking is viewed by many with disgust. While little should be made of Obama's occasional Camel Light, it is one blot on his otherwise appealing persona. Before the GOP loyalists jump all over Obama for spouting about change while retaining an old school addiction, one should remember that McCain used to light up in his youth. The picture below shows McCain shortly after his release from Hanoi in the presence of a pack of squares. With cancer scares abound, it is safe to say McCain likely kicked the habit a long time ago. The same cannot be said about Obama, despite attempting to quit, he still lights up when the urge strikes. One would assume that two tobacco tokers would take it easy on the tobacco industry, not so, according to the pundits. While the tobacco preferences of each candidate is meaningless in scope of their campaigns, Obama should be concerned with pictures showing his huffing habit. Easily painted as symbolic of moral turpitude, a pack of Nicorette should be Obama's right hand man until November 4 rolls around.

Petulance ain't Pretty

When did this pouty-faced look become the customary pose for digital camera toting tweens? The now ubiquitous expression is seen as the "sexy" look for those seeking eternal coolness on social networking sites. Most often accompanied by a tilted peace sign, the pouty face is a sure sign that one deserves immortal mockery, most excellently shown here. Where did it come from, when, and who's to blame? Tracking the source of the MySpace pout is nearly impossible, but one can be certain the Native American shown below is not to blame.
Instead, the blame for this unfortunate trend in self-expression lies at the feet of several unrelated occurrences. MySpace, smile averse celebs, and Botox all deserve condemnation for this era of pouting. Tracking the dawn of this age of flirty frowning is easy, with some conviction it seems that 2003 was the beginning of the end for the pearly whites. Launched in August of 2003, MySpace ushered in a new era of self-expression. Now able to preen and pose like their favorite celebs, teens found fun in posting pictures of themselves mimicking the stars.

What's harder to ascertain is when did celebs begin embracing the unhappy look as hip? Certainly the "too cool to smile" look has existed for eons, James Dean showed us that not every star was going to worship the camera. But recently it appears that the pouty look is no longer the exception, but the norm. One can possibly pin the turning of the tide to 2003, the year Paris Hilton was introduced to middle America via "The Simple Life." Once confined to East Coast media, Paris now reached every network-watching teen with her petulant frown.

The final straw for the ear-to-ear grin was the emergence of Botox. Approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in 2002, the following year saw legions seeking lips that looked like boobs. The full and pouty lip became a coveted symbol of sexiness for celebs with bird lips. Unfortunately this pouty look has been mimicked a thousand times over by Guido poseurs and mall-rat teens. No longer unique or fresh, hopefully the feigned frown will disappear as celebs find a new look to embellish. Sadly this is what it has come to, I must hope for celeb culture to move on, in order to gain any respite from the utter stupidity seen below.