All Posts Tagged With: "politics"
Schizophrenic Politics – a Penrose Triangle
The observation of politics is a science and an art. The Love/Hate relationships of candidates create that schizophrenic confusion that befuddles ordinary people. The triangles of relationships is unsettling. Obama and McCain challenge each other – but what is the context? We can follow an argument, or debate if you will, along logical lines – […]
26Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
McCain is a Mall Walker – Letterman
Son, David Letterman really took off on John McCain. Is this a sign of things to come? Are the comedians going to make fun of old people, or just John McCain? Does humor have boundaries? Not in this case. McCain has put himself out there – knowing as an experienced politician that all thing are […]
21Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 3 comments | Continued
Declaring Independence from Politics as Usual
Son, This is truly an exciting election. I have said Revolution, and the numbers continue to support that conclusion. Wisconsin is important. This state represents a string of victories for Barack Obama – with a two week break before the next big primaries in Texas and Ohio. But are there any other demographic changes from […]
20Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Declaring Independence from Politics as Usual | Continued
An American Epic – the Election of 2008
Son, Pay attention. Don’t blink. We are watching history unfold. We are seeing voters showing up for Party Primaries in numbers that are unprecedented. The Democratic Party is drawing twice the number the Republicans are drawing. We see a black man, a woman, and aging war hero, and an evangelical Christian minister in the […]
13Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on An American Epic – the Election of 2008 | Continued
Obama and Momentum
Son, Momentum is a buzz word in sports and politics. Obama has won a string of State victories since Super Tuesday. He is winning again today. So what does this mean? Not much. Obama shocked the nation when he won Iowa – took the big momentum into New Hampshire and soundly lost to Hillary […]
13Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Skipjack Politics
Son, The Chesapeake Bay separates the DelMarVa Penninsula from the rest of the world. The folks on the Eastern Shore have always had their own ideas about the world. With the power on independent thought they changed the world. And these folks vote just like the rest of us. In was on the Choptank River […]
12Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Skipjack Politics | Continued
John McCain waffles on issues
Son, Over time every politician has to address his past record. Sometimes they become ‘enlightened’ along the way and change positions. This is not a problem. As issues become more clear – as we sift through the nuances of complex ideologies – sometime we realize that we need to shift our position. Unfortunately, some shift […]
9Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on John McCain waffles on issues | Continued
Romney slams Bob Dole
Son, Mitt Romney is not a very good politician. He has a lot of money and he is intelligent and he is good looking and he was a Governor – but he is not a very good politician. Bob Dole wrote a letter to Rush Limbaugh to ask him to ease up on John McCain. […]
6Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Romney slams Bob Dole | Continued
Evangelicals, Legions of Christ?
Son, The evangelicals of America present themselves as the legions of Christ, marching as to war. Ready to sacrifice for their Lord and Savior. Well, who are evangelicals? Some say the are THE witness for Jehovah. Some say they are Saints of the Latter Days. Others claim they immerse themselves in the water of baptism […]
6Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Evangelicals, Legions of Christ? | Continued
“Yes We Can,” The Mantra of Barack Obama
Son, Supporters of Barack Obama have created this inspiring video. There is a clear demonstration of unity across race, age, gender, and gifted talented people. Barack Obama has inspired America. [wp_youtube]2fZHou18Cdk[/wp_youtube] We must help share this message of hope. This is not just about America – it is about standing up at a time when […]
5Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on “Yes We Can,” The Mantra of Barack Obama | Continued
This American Revolution – 2008
Son, We are in a time of flux. This is a difficult time for statisticians. The Media Pundits are dissecting the election statistics, trying to make sense of demographics and results. Some say Obama is about generational issues. Clinton is about gender. Edwards about populism. Huckabee about evangelism. This is not a time when these […]
5Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Obama responds to the State of the Union
Dad, I am excited about Obama and I believe in his message. I recieve email from his campaign and keep up with his movements and videos on his website. Here se is discussing the State of the Union Address: [wp_youtube]cmNCALGHOC4[/wp_youtube] Bryan. Son, I just listened to Obama’s response. I find him refreshing. While President Bush […]
30Jan2008 | bryan | Comments Off on Obama responds to the State of the Union | Continued
George Wallace Tie – 1968
Son, As I said before, I collect political campaign paraphernalia. Some people have asked to see a picture of my George Wallace tie from the 1968 Presidential election. Here is the tie with a 1988 campaign button for Jesse Jackson. I had to attach them because of the striking contrast. What do you suppose this […]
30Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Supply Side Jesus
Dad, The conversation around here has been meandering through politics, economics, and religion. I thought I might dig into my YouTube favorites for a nice video that could begin to tie it all together for us. Low and behold, I dug up this gem from Al Franken: [wp_youtube]AK7gI5lMB7M[/wp_youtube] Thanks, Al. I needed that. Bryan.
28Jan2008 | bryan | 2 comments | Continued
Racism, just another campaign challenge
Son, The media is in a big toot about Racism. Bill Clinton dismissed Obama’s victory in South Carolina by stating that Jesse Jackson won there in 1984 and 1988. The implication was that Barack Obama is just another black man. The media interprets this as an attempt to minimize Obama by Clinton. Well duh! What […]
28Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Racism, just another campaign challenge | Continued
McCain on Immigration – I like him (video)
Son, I like John McCain. I think he is an honest and practical man. Unfortunately the Republican Party is so irrational that the fringe party base makes it difficult for a man like McCain to win the nomination. I write about immigration from the perspective of humanity rather than economics – and that is how […]
27Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on McCain on Immigration – I like him (video) | Continued
Race is perception – why it matters in politics
Son, I am a baby boomer – that generation of people that outnumber the rest of you folks. We grew up with civil rights and anti-war protesting and counter culture movements. Today we are skeptical about those who wish to claim the mantle of leadership for cultural change. Race is always important. We loved Martin […]
26Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Race is perception – why it matters in politics | Continued
Irvin Rosenfeld on Medical Marijuana
Son, In an effort to present more information I offer this video from Irvin Rosenfeld testifying on the medical benefits of using Marijuana. Mr. Rosenfeld has some multiple congenital bone disease. This issue is one that has been taken out of the court of reason and placed in the court of politics. As anyone who […]
25Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Irvin Rosenfeld on Medical Marijuana | Continued
Bill Clinton Supports Hillary
Son, Are you surprised? Is anyone surprised? What are the other spouses doing? But this is Bill Clinton – former President of the United States. Traditionally former presidents have not taken a position until their party nominee is selected – but this is just another example of the historical ramifications of a former First Lady […]
21Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Bill Clinton Supports Hillary | Continued
MIke Huckabee and Tom Cruise – kindred spirits
Son, Thankfully, you and I do not always agree. You are a Christian man, I live in Missouri. We are similar in that each of us is passionate about our beliefs. Having beliefs and being passionate about them is something that I admire in people. The simple boundary is this, if I want you to […]
19Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on MIke Huckabee and Tom Cruise – kindred spirits | Continued
following Jesus and the political process
Dad, Our discussion about Matthew 25 and politicians brings up a dillemma that I have wrestled with for some time. Should a follower of Jesus run for political office? Certainly, there is merit in being involved in the poklitical process and instigating change is a big job, but the teachings of Jesus are specifically about […]
19Jan2008 | bryan | Comments Off on following Jesus and the political process | Continued
Violations of our Constitution – Revolution
Son, We have written a number of times about our Founding Fathers, and their intent for this great country. Today finds our country again at the threshold of revolution. But American Revolution has come to mean that we have an election and the people decide in a peaceful manner what direction the country should take. […]
18Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Charles Rangel on Hardball, 1-15-08
Son, Something exciting is happening in America. Chris Matthews has Congressman Charles Rangel on his show and they are being civil.. Rangel is beside himself with joy over the prospects of an African-American President. As should we all. Rangel, “We’ve had some terrible political setbacks and …I just hope that Barack Obama is a different […]
16Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Charles Rangel on Hardball, 1-15-08 | Continued
Struggling with winter blues, 1-15-08
Son, I am struggling with the winter blues. Generally I enjoy the changing of the seasons. My perennial flower gardens are one of the great joys of my life – I know spring has arrived when the Hostas first peek out from under the warm blanket of mulch. Summer brings grandchildren baseball games, grilled hamburgers, […]
15Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Struggling with winter blues, 1-15-08 | Continued
Huckabee, Morning Joe, and Matthew 25
Son, Mike Huckabee is a theologian running for President. It happens. He is an educated Christian Minister, well versed in theology. He is a former Governor, well versed in legislative and executive business. He is well spoken, charming, energetic, and has a healthy sense of humor. But my take is that his ambition overrides his […]
14Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Huckabee, Morning Joe, and Matthew 25 | Continued
Trash Talk – the elixir of life
Son, Trash talk is the elixir of life, the stimulus of humanity, the foreplay of debate, a ceremonial dance before the big event. Trash Talk is the spirit of politics, sports, scientific innovation, and even religion. Minus Trash Talk, nothing is left. Did you ever notice two boxers at their weigh-in. One might think it […]
13Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Trash Talk – the elixir of life | Continued
The value of political polls
Son, I have had my own telephone for about forty years. I all that time I have been contacted about two times by political pollsters. I either live in the wrong neighborhood or they don’t care about my demographic. Either way, they have not created many problems for me personally – except when they miscalled […]
12Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The value of political polls | Continued
Responding to Pollsters
Son, I have had my own telephone for about forty years. I all that time I have been contacted about two times by political pollsters. I either live in the wrong neighborhood or they don’t care about my demographic. Either way, they have not created many problems for me personally – except when they miscalled […]
12Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Responding to Pollsters | Continued
Republican Debate – 1-10-08
Son, Who are these guys? Where did they come from? John McCain is the only legitimate candidate in this field. Fred Thompson is campaigning for vice-president, hoping to return the position to one of ceremony and afternoon naps. Mike Huckabee is seeking the office of Witty Spiritualist. Rudy Giuliani hopes to be Chief Bomb Sniffer. […]
11Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Political endorsement, any value?
Son, There is an old axiom in local politics, “When someone or some group endorses you, you get all of their enemies and none of their friends.” Who knows? We do know that politicians actively seek endorsements. Readers – what do you think – are endorsements valuable? Dad
11Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Political endorsement, any value? | Continued
Clinton and Obama expose Media Bigots
Son, This election is probably shaping up to one of the most important ever for understanding our ‘good old boy media.’ All of those old men are harping on race and feminism. It is as if they cannot grasp issues of charisma, or hope, or ideas, or anything of substance. Pat Buchanan was just on […]
9Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Clinton and Obama expose Media Bigots | Continued
Hey Hillary – You go Girl!
Son, It is a great night for Democrats. The pollsters and pundits, including me, guessed wrong on New Hampshire. Hillary Clinton has pulled off a win that leaves the Democratic Party in a healthy position to continue this race. John Edwards is saying that he will continue through the convention. Barack Obama has great strength. […]
9Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Hey Hillary – You go Girl! | Continued
Bambi Obama
Son, Barack Obama has been anointed. Personally I am happy for him and for our country. But when a super star rises and the people rally – objective politics is endangered. Who wants to shoot Bambi? Dad An afterthought – I wrote the above post with on a whim. It had already been posted when […]
8Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Bambi Obama | Continued
General Mood versus Individual Issues
Son, Statistics rule. The current political campaign for President highlights this truth. All of us pundits have been somewhat befuddled. But not as befuddled as the candidates themselves. Hillary Clinton has the most exhaustive list of issues and answers to the issues – yet she is struggling for support. Romney has taken traditional and well […]
7Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on General Mood versus Individual Issues | Continued
Representing US to the World
Son, We live in a Republic. Our government represents us. Taxes, infrastructure, social justice, law, common defense – all of that traditional stuff. Stuff that is defined in the preamble to our constitution. But we live today in a global community. Someone has to represent us to the world. That someone is the President. […]
6Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Representing US to the World | Continued
New Hampshire Gender Factor
Son, I don’t believe it. Not this time. Not in 2008. The pundits are trying to analyze the prospects of the candidates in terms of old ideas. Statistically, which means historically, demographics help predict outcomes. Not this time. Tim Russert was on NBC News tonight – preaching the same old stuff. “…New Hampshire has […]
5Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on New Hampshire Gender Factor | Continued
Obama – the time has come
Son. The time has come for change in America. The genie is out of the bottle. The magic is in the air. Fresh breezes are blowing. Spring will see new life. How many ways can this be said. Barack Obama has sent a message to the White House. Barack Obama has sent a message to […]
4Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Obama – the time has come | Continued
Why Iowa Matters
Son, Politics – No one likes to lose. Worse – if we back a loser then we become the loser in the game of influence. Backing the winner translates into bragging rights, then influence, then power, then more bragging rights. It is the fundamental flaw of our electoral process. Caucuses are inherently unfair, or should […]
3Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Politics of Fear
Son, Fear is an interesting word. The word can be used on both sides of any given argument. And it is. Barack Obama is hot after the word today. “We cannot continue the politics of fear.” Another fellow once said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” I use the word – […]
2Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Politics of Fear | Continued
Ron Paul – the Physician Metaphor
Son, Ron Paul is a physician, a doctor, a M. D. Some folks think that qualifies him to be President. He is obviously very intelligent and very well educated. I suspect he knows a thing or two about health care issues. His physician experience is as a flight surgeon in the U. S. Air Force […]
29Dec2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Iowa – Caucus Country
Dad, Before I moved to Iowa, I would have said that corn was the number one thing that I think of when someone mentions the state. I now realize that Kansas has more corn than Iowa and that the caucus is more a defining characteristic of Iowa than the agriculture. I had never had the […]
29Dec2007 | bryan | 1 comment | Continued
Media Hosts Fail in Presidential Debates
Son, Is our inept Media driving foreign policy? Do we rely on celebrity Media Hosts to define important issues? I hope not. Because the Media Hosts are so infatuated with themselves that they are not aware of a big world and real issues that have real consequences. I hearken back to the Democratic Debate. Time […]
28Dec2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Media Hosts Fail in Presidential Debates | Continued
Fear Must Not Choose a President
Son, When Benizir Bhutto was assassinated the entire world reacted. When the planes struck on 9/11 our government reacted. We Americans are again afraid. The moment we heard of the assassination all of us took two steps to the political right. Decisions made out of fear are not generally good decisions. But fear cannot be […]
28Dec2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Fear Must Not Choose a President | Continued
Obama – do the same thing
Son, Barack Obama is on a toot. He is using an old line from self-help programs. Yesterday he said, “You keep doing the same thing expecting different results.” Some people call that the essence of insanity – I have a slightly different take on the old saying. Real insanity is in doing the same thing, […]
27Dec2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Obama – do the same thing | Continued
Challenging Sacred Cows of Politics
Son, I am one who attacks Sacred Cows. In that way Ron Paul and I are alike. There is something about the Ron Paul approach that unsettles me. It seems that he quotes obscure sources – fringe sources – sources of questionable repute. Are these sources questionable because they challenge old ideas or because they […]
27Dec2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Challenging Sacred Cows of Politics | Continued
The politics of admitting mistakes
Son, Several candidates for President have long histories. Many of them have run for other offices like Senator, or Governor, or Mayor. In the process of seeking those offices they necessarily catered to the limited population of their respective ambitions. Romney and Giuliani were pro-choice. Giuliani has been married three times. Huckabee raised taxes. Clinton […]
4Dec2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The politics of admitting mistakes | Continued
Chris Matthews on Morning Joe
Son, Chris Matthews has lost complete touch with reality. Matthews is the host of the MSNBC program Hardball. They call it Hardball because Matthews is supposed to be asking the hard questions. That was probably true – a couple of years ago. On Morning Joe this morning, MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough, Joe and Matthews were talking […]
29Nov2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Chris Matthews on Morning Joe | Continued
Oprah and Barack – transcending race
Son, A curious phenomenon is taking place. Oprah Winfrey is going on the stump for Barack Obama. So what? It is not unusual for celebrities to endorse candidates for political office. But this phenomenon is unusual, for several reasons. Oprah does not normally do this. Oprah has been on television for 25 years and has […]
26Nov2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Oprah and Barack – transcending race | Continued
Cronyism – It Never Works
Son, Good Old Boys, buddies, cronies, buds – terms of endearment. Harry Truman had a bunch of cronies. He gave some of them jobs in the White House. Not important jobs, just a paycheck to hang around and play poker at night. The important jobs of Vice President, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Defense […]
26Nov2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Cronyism – It Never Works | Continued
Proud to be an American!
Son, I wear my patriotism with pride. I am embarrassed by the representation of our American Republic by our current Presidential Administration. The current flavor of our Government is not what the Founding Fathers had in mind. The Second Amendment is not more important than the First Amendment, or the Fourth or the Fifth – […]
18Sep2007 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Proud to be an American! | Continued