George Bush

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On Opinions in the Shorts: Vol. 33

On Woodstock
Last week was the 40th anniversary of the greatest ever celebration of music: Woodstock. I was in high school in 1969, thus lived the era and its music. Woodstock conjures many mental images, but the picture on the album cover of the couple standing and cuddling in a blanket is a classic. Last week NBC had a report on the couple and the photographer 40 years later.

On Pictures to Awe
Many of us appreciate quality photography and the uniqueness that images provide. The image gallery of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is an amazing place. See for yourself.

Another interesting NASA site is Earth Observatory with their Image of the Day. I’ve added both this and the Hubble site to the Potpourri links in the sidebar.

On Albie Pearson
Albie Pearson was the 1958 AL Rookie of the Year and also a member of the original Los Angeles Angels. Given a 9-season career with 3 teams, the rookie award, and a one-time all-star, Pearson is not enshrined in Cooperstown, but he is a hero to many. Now an ordained minister, Pearson took a chance and created a home for needy children:  Father’s Heart Ranch in Desert Hot Springs, CA – a much greater achievement than baseball. Here’s the story.

On Senator Kennedy
First he missed the confirmation vote for a Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and then he didn’t attend his sister’s funeral. Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) must not be doing well. I simply want to say Best Wishes to the senator and his family, and Thank You for your years of service.

On Cheney and Bush
Last week former Vice President Dick Cheney revealed the split he had with President Bush. I can’t recall how months ago, but this story stimulated me to recall a David Brooks column where he mentioned the policy change from Bush-Cheney to Bush-Rice. Thank you David Brooks for preparing the way. Here’s Washington Post article.

On Town Hall Attendees
Listening to the talk hall cranks shows a lost sense of perspective on an important issue. This is not to say that the Democratic perspective is the best – actually far from it. But too many of these people display their ignorance by spouting gibberish. Unfortunately for most of America, Republicans are taking little to no interest in discounting the nonsense and working toward a meaningful solution.

On Bingo the Bee
Let’s end this post with a difficult moment for a mascot. Bingo the Bee does his thing after each homer, but this time … well see for yourself.

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Random Inauguration Day Thoughts

The Ongoing
The George W. Bush presidency is about to end. I watched his last news conference, Larry King interview, and his final address to the nation.

  • He doesn’t seem to second-guess himself much; “Presidents don’t get do-overs.” and stands by his decisions.
  • He seemed disconnect from the feelings of the majority.
  • From the heights of his leadership immediately after the attacks to the continued wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, September 11th will define his presidency.
  • Only time will tell how history will look at the Bush presidency, which to me, is defined so much to 9-11. Current historians are predicting “not well.” Meanwhile, an unofficial news poll showed that 39% of Cincinnatians say the opposite. Check on this column from a Cincinnati Enquirer.
  • Presidents have post-presidency causes they champion, and serving the Katrina region could be a significant contribution.
  • Mr. President, I voted for you once, and disagreed many times, but nonetheless, thank you for serving the country.

The Incoming

  • Intentionally, I’ve posted very little about President Obama. The reason was simple ─ I refused to comment on the president that had served zero days. After today, he’s open game.
  • The amount of change I’ve seen in my lifetime is amazing. I’m proud that we’ve come a long way, but realize there is still a way to go by all.
  • Voters place too much importance of voting for president and too little on congressional seats. We give the president more power and transformational expectations than they actually have.
  • With expectations so high, the many current messes, and a fickle public, this could be a one-term presidency.
  • I continue to be amazed by those who hope President Obama fails.
  • Good luck Mr. President. If you are successful, so are we.